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For the year ended 28 February 2019 Annual report BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund

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Page 1: Annual report - BlackRock

For the year ended 28 February 2019

Annual reportBlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund

Page 2: Annual report - BlackRock

1 BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund 2

Contents

General Information 2

About the Fund 3

Investment Objective & Policy 3

Fund Managers 3

Significant Events 4

Risk and Reward Profile 4

Performance Table 5

Classification of Investments 6

Investment Report 7

Performance Record 9

Distribution Tables 11

Report on Remuneration 12

Portfolio Statement 18

Statement of Total Return 101

Statement of Change in Net Assets Attributable to Unitholders 101

Balance Sheet 102

Notes to Financial Statements 103

Statement of Manager’s Responsibilities 125

Statement of the Trustee’s Responsibilities in Respect of the Fund and Report of the Trustee to the Unitholders of the Fund for the Year Ended 28 February 2019

126

Independent Auditor’s Report 127

Supplementary Information 130

General Information

Manager & Registrar BlackRock Fund Managers Limited12 Throgmorton Avenue, London EC2N 2DL

Member of The Investment Association and authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”).

Directors of the ManagerG D Bamping* C L Carter M B Cook (appointed 2 May 2018) W I Cullen* R A Damm (resigned 31 December 2018) R A R Hayes A M Lawrence L E Watkins (appointed 16 May 2018, resigned 1 March 2019) M T Zemek*

* Non-executive Director.

Trustee* & CustodianThe Bank of New York Mellon (International) Limited One Canada Square, London E14 5AL

Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the FCA and the Prudential Regulation Authority.

* On 18 June 2018 the Trustee changed from BNY Mellon Trust & Depositary (UK) Limited to The Bank of New York Mellon (International) Limited.

Investment ManagerBlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited12 Throgmorton Avenue, London EC2N 2DL

Authorised and regulated by the FCA.

Investment Advisers BlackRock (Singapore) Limited#18-01 20 Anson Road, Singapore, 079912

Regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.

BlackRock Financial Management, Inc55 East 52nd Street, New York, NY 10055, United States

Regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

BlackRock Institutional Trust Company N.A400 Howard Street, San Francisco CA 94105, United States

Regulated by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.

BlackRock Asset Management North Asia Limited16/F Champion Tower, Three Garden Road, Central, Hong Kong

Regulated by the Securities and Futures Commission.

BlackRock Investment Management (Australia) LimitedLevel 26, 101 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Securities Lending AgentBlackRock Advisors (UK) Limited12 Throgmorton Avenue, London EC2N 2DL

Authorised and regulated by the FCA.

AuditorErnst & Young LLPAtria One, 144 Morrison Street, Edinburgh EH3 8EX

BlackRock’s proxy voting agent is ISS (Institutional Shareholder Services).

This Report relates to the packaged products of and is issued by:BlackRock Fund Managers Limited12 Throgmorton Avenue, London EC2N 2DLTelephone: 020 7743 3000Dealing and Investor Services: 0800 44 55 22blackrock.co.uk

For your protection, telephone calls are usually recorded.

Page 3: Annual report - BlackRock

3 BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund 4

BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund (the “Fund”) is a UCITS scheme under the COLL Sourcebook. The Fund was established on 30 September 2011 and was authorised by the FCA on 26 September 2011. The Fund’s FCA product reference number is 565741.

Investment Objective & Policy

The Fund seeks to achieve a positive absolute return for investors regardless of market movements and as such the Fund will not be managed against any fixed income benchmark. The Fund will seek to achieve this investment objective by taking long positions and using derivatives to take synthetic long and synthetic short investment positions.

The Fund will be managed with the aim of delivering absolute (more than zero) returns on a 12 month basis in any market conditions. However, an absolute return is not guaranteed over a 12 month or any period and the Fund may experience periods of negative return. The Fund’s capital is at risk.

The Fund primarily aims to gain investment exposure to fixed income, fixed income related securities and money market instruments issued by, or giving exposure to, companies, governments, government agencies and supranationals worldwide. In order to gain this exposure the Fund invests primarily in derivatives, fixed income transferable securities, fixed income related securities, money market instruments, deposits, cash and near cash. The Fund may also invest in other transferable securities and units in collective investment schemes.

In order to achieve the investment objective and policy the Fund will use a variety of investment strategies and instruments. In particular, the Fund will utilise strategies including the active management of interest rates and the flexible management of sector and currency exposures.

Fund Managers

As at 28 February 2019, the Fund Managers of the Fund are Ian Winship and Andreas Doerrenhaus.

About the Fund

Changes in the Directors of the ManagerM B Cook was appointed as a Director effective 2 May 2018. L E Watkins was appointed as a Director effective 16 May 2018, and resigned as a Director effective 1 March 2019. R A Damm resigned as a Director effective 31 December 2018.

Changes to the TrusteeOn 18 June 2018 the Trustee changed from BNY Mellon Trust & Depositary (UK) Limited to The Bank of New York Mellon (International) Limited.

Syndicate Credit FacilityIn April 2018, the Fund entered into a credit facility with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (“JPMorgan”) whereby JPMorgan, together with other syndicated lenders, made a USD 1,400 million credit facility available to the Fund and the other syndicated funds. This credit facility may be utilised by the Fund and the other syndicated funds for temporary funding purposes, including, without limitation, the funding of investor redemptions. Any interest and commitment fees in relation to drawdowns from such credit facility are borne out of the net assets of the relevant syndicated Fund. As at 28 February 2019, the Fund did not have any outstanding amounts from such credit facility. The credit facility was not used during the period from 1 March 2018 to 28 February 2019.

Risk and Reward Profile

Lower riskTypically lower rewards

Higher riskTypically higher rewards

Unit Class

P Accumulation 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

D Accumulation 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

X Accumulation 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

• The risk indicator was calculated incorporating historical data and may not be a reliable indication of the future risk profile of the Fund.

• The risk category shown is not guaranteed and may change over time.

• The lowest category does not mean risk free.

• The use of derivatives will impact the value of the Fund and may expose the Fund to a higher degree of risk. Derivatives are highly sensitive to changes in the value of the asset on which they are based and can increase the size of losses and gains, resulting in greater fluctuations in the value of the Fund. The impact to the Fund can be greater where derivatives are used in an extensive or complex way.

For more information on this, please see the Fund’s Key Investor Information Documents (“KIIDs”), which are available at www.blackrock.com.

Significant Events

Page 4: Annual report - BlackRock

5 BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund 6

For the year to 28.2.2019

For the three years to 28.2.2019

For the five years to 28.2.2019

TOTAL RETURN (with net income reinvested)

Class D Accumulation Units

BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund -0.8% +5.0% +4.2%

3 month Sterling LIBOR†# +0.8% +1.6% +2.8%

All Fund figures quoted are based on bid-to-bid dealing prices (the price at which units are sold) and are calculated net of fees. Performance returns are cumulative. All returns are in Sterling.† The Fund is not managed in reference to an Index. For purely reference purposes we are showing the 3 month Sterling LIBOR as an indicator of the general return on cash

investments over the period. # Figures from Datastream.

All financial investments involve an element of risk. Therefore, the value of your investment and the income from it will vary and the return of your initial investment amount cannot be guaranteed. Changes in exchange rates may cause the value of an investment to fluctuate. Past performance is not a guide to future performance and should not be the sole factor of consideration when selecting a product.

Performance Table Classification of Investments

The following charts provide an analysis of the portfolio weightings as at 28 February 2019 and 28 February 2018 by their respective asset types.

28 February 2019

Euro Denominated Fixed Rate Corporate Bonds 10.36%

Euro Denominated Fixed Rate Government Bonds 4.26%

Euro Denominated Variable Rate Corporate Bonds 6.21%

UK Sterling Denominated Fixed Rate Corporate Bonds 6.53%

UK Sterling Denominated Fixed Rate Government Bonds 0.61%

UK Sterling Denominated Variable Rate Corporate Bonds 16.17%

US Dollar Denominated Fixed Rate Corporate Bonds 23.76%

US Dollar Denominated Fixed Rate Government Bonds 3.60%

US Dollar Denominated Variable Rate Corporate Bonds 2.01%

US Dollar Denominated Variable Rate Government Bonds 0.02%

Short Term Money Market Funds 4.02%

Other 22.45%

28 February 2018

Euro Denominated Fixed Rate Corporate Bonds 13.11%

Euro Denominated Fixed Rate Government Bonds 2.56%

Euro Denominated Variable Rate Corporate Bonds 8.18%

UK Sterling Denominated Fixed Rate Corporate Bonds 8.47%

UK Sterling Denominated Fixed Rate Government Bonds 0.09%

UK Sterling Denominated Variable Rate Corporate Bonds 19.22%

US Dollar Denominated Fixed Rate Corporate Bonds 24.60%

US Dollar Denominated Fixed Rate Government Bonds 6.70%

US Dollar Denominated Variable Rate Corporate Bonds 3.67%

US Dollar Denominated Variable Rate Government Bonds 0.04%

Short Term Money Market Funds 6.27%

Other 7.09%

Page 5: Annual report - BlackRock

7 BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund 8

OutlookWe expect US growth to slow as the economic cycle moves into the late stage. Meanwhile, the Fed has appeared to pause for at least the first half of 2019, with the potential for one rate rise in the second half of the year.

In Europe, we do not expect the ECB to raise rates in 2019. This view is supported by the recent shift in tone from some of the traditionally less accommodative ECB members to acknowledge downside risks. We expect ongoing monetary policy support and fiscal stimulus to underpin Europe’s economy, while resilience in China should limit the synchronised slowdown in emerging market growth.

In the UK, the Brexit process has been delayed by a further six months, with a new deadline of 31 October 2019. Further delays are possible, but the UK will not formally leave the EU until the European Parliament is seated after the May elections.

March 2019

Summary of Performance over the YearRegrettably, the Fund returned -0.8%* over the year to 28 February 2019. Over the six-month period to 28 February 2019, the Fund returned 0.1%*.

The Fund is managed on an absolute return basis and not relative to any benchmark. For reference purposes, the 3-month sterling LIBOR returned 0.77% for the year to 28 February 2019 and 0.42% for the six-month period to 28 February 2019.

Market ReviewGovernment-bond yields were generally lower over the period. In the US, the 10-year Treasury yield fell from 2.86% at the end of February 2018 to 2.64% by the end of the review period. This trend was also evident in Germany, where the yield on the 10-year benchmark bund (bonds issued by Germany’s Federal government) fell from 0.65% to 0.10% over the 12-month period. The US Federal Reserve (Fed) increased interest rates four times, while the European Central Bank (ECB) ceased its asset-purchase programme, which had included bonds. Reflecting this, spreads on US investment-grade (BBB-rated and above) bonds widened from 1.28% to 1.70% over the year, as measured by the Option-Adjusted Spread of the ICE BofA Merrill Lynch US Corporate BBB index.

Fund Performance and ActivityThe Fund’s negative return was driven by positions in global corporate bonds, emerging market sovereign bonds and certain global government bonds. Spreads (the difference in yield between government and corporate bonds with similar maturities) widened over the period, indicating a dip in investor sentiment, and short-dated investment grade bonds from the US, Europe and Asia detracted. Meanwhile, emerging market sovereign bonds – particularly in Latin America – also came under pressure, as idiosyncratic market events caused concerns. Owning US Treasuries detracted from returns – despite yields falling towards the end of the year – as the Fed increased interest rates four times.

Contributors to performance included relative-value strategies (techniques that focus on price gaps between similar investments) across global developed bond markets, and investments in US municipal bonds, US mortgages and asset-backed securities.

As the year progressed, we positioned the portfolio more defensively by reducing our exposure to spread assets – which included global corporate bonds and emerging market sovereign bonds – and looked to global government bonds to diversify portfolio risk. The Fund’s duration (a measure of an investment’s sensitivity to changes in interest rates) remained nimble over the period, reducing and increasing to potentially earn positive returns on global interest-rate fluctuations.

Investment Report

* Performance figures quoted are based on bid-to-bid dealing prices (the price at which units are sold). Performance is calculated net of fees and reported for the Fund’s class D Accumulation Units.

Page 6: Annual report - BlackRock

9 BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund 10

Comparative Table

X Accumulation Units

For the year to 28.2.2019

For the year to 28.2.2018

For the year to 28.2.2017

Pence per unit Pence per unit Pence per unit

Change in net assets per unit

Opening net asset value per unit 116.0 112.6 108.4

Return before operating charges (0.25) 3.42 4.41

Operating charges (0.05) (0.03) (0.07)

Return after operating charges (0.30) 3.39 4.34

Distributions (2.60) (2.40) (2.17)#

Retained distributions on accumulation units 2.60 2.40 2.06*

Closing net asset value per unit 115.7 116.0 112.6

After direct transaction costs of (0.04) (0.06) (0.04)

Performance

Return after charges1 (0.26)% 3.01% 4.00%

Other information

Closing net asset value (£000’s) 2,222,539 1,460,750 838,565

Closing number of units 1,920,944,279 1,259,428,292 744,524,821

Operating charges2 0.04% 0.03% 0.06%

Direct transaction costs3 0.03% 0.05% 0.04%

Prices Pence per unit Pence per unit Pence per unit

Highest offer unit price 116.5 116.9 113.0

Lowest bid unit price 114.3 112.5 108.5

1 The return after charges figures are based on the net asset value reported for financial statements purposes and are not the same as the performance returns figures quoted in the Performance Table and the Investment Report which are based on bid-to-bid dealing prices (the price at which units are sold).

2 Operating charges are annualised and exclude portfolio trade-related costs, except costs paid to the custodian/trustee and entry/exit charges paid to an underlying collective investment scheme (if any).

3 Direct transaction costs are annualised and principally comprise commissions and taxes, attributable to the Fund’s purchase and sale of equity, debt instruments and collective investment schemes. See note 15 for further details.

# With effect from 1 September 2016, the Fund moved to a gross pricing basis. All interest distributions paid after 6 April 2017 were made gross, i.e., without the deduction of income tax.

* Difference relates to 20% income tax withheld on distributions in accordance with HMRC.

Comparative Table

P Accumulation Units D Accumulation Units

For the year to 28.2.2019

For the year to 28.2.2018

For the year to 28.2.2017

For the year to 28.2.2019

For the year to 28.2.2018

For the year to 28.2.2017

Pence per unit Pence per unit Pence per unit Pence per unit Pence per unit Pence per unit

Change in net assets per unit

Opening net asset value per unit 109.4 107.3 104.3 112.2 109.6 106.0

Return before operating charges (0.25) 3.27 4.26 (0.22) 3.29 4.31

Operating charges (1.18) (1.19) (1.18) (0.65) (0.67) (0.66)

Return after operating charges (1.43) 2.08 3.08 (0.87) 2.62 3.65

Distributions (1.31) (1.14) (1.02)# (1.90) (1.72) (1.55)#

Retained distributions onaccumulation units 1.31 1.14 0.97* 1.90 1.72 1.48*

Closing net asset value per unit 108.0 109.4 107.3 111.3 112.2 109.6

After direct transaction costs of (0.04) (0.06) (0.04) (0.04) (0.06) (0.04)

Performance

Return after charges1 (1.31)% 1.93% 2.95% (0.78)% 2.39% 3.44%

Other information

Closing net asset value (£000’s) 3,321 2,751 1,133 133,553 131,274 82,327

Closing number of units 3,076,441 2,514,960 1,055,598 119,958,341 116,976,025 75,131,185

Operating charges2 1.09% 1.10% 1.11% 0.58% 0.60% 0.61%

Direct transaction costs3 0.03% 0.05% 0.04% 0.03% 0.05% 0.04%

Prices Pence per unit Pence per unit Pence per unit Pence per unit Pence per unit Pence per unit

Highest offer unit price 115.2 115.8 113.2 112.6 113.1 110.0

Lowest bid unit price 106.9 107.0 104.3 110.1 109.3 106.0

1 The return after charges figures are based on the net asset value reported for financial statements purposes and are not the same as the performance returns figures quoted in the Performance Table and the Investment Report which are based on bid-to-bid dealing prices (the price at which units are sold).

2 Operating charges are annualised and exclude portfolio trade-related costs, except costs paid to the custodian/trustee and entry/exit charges paid to an underlying collective investment scheme (if any).

3 Direct transaction costs are annualised and principally comprise commissions and taxes, attributable to the Fund’s purchase and sale of equity, debt instruments and collective investment schemes. See note 15 for further details.

# With effect from 1 September 2016, the Fund moved to a gross pricing basis. All interest distributions paid after 6 April 2017 were made gross, i.e., without the deduction of income tax.

* Difference relates to 20% income tax withheld on distributions in accordance with HMRC.

Performance Record

Page 7: Annual report - BlackRock

11 BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund 12

Final Distribution in Pence per UnitGroup 1 – Units purchased prior to 1 September 2018Group 2 – Units purchased 1 September 2018 to 28 February 2019

P AccumulationUnits

D AccumulationUnits

X AccumulationUnits

Group 1 Group 2 Group 1 Group 2 Group 1 Group 2

Gross revenue 1.1052 0.1961 1.6080 0.6143 2.2034 0.8270

Equalisation† – 0.9091 – 0.9937 – 1.3764

Distribution paid 30.4.2019 1.1052 1.1052 1.6080 1.6080 2.2034 2.2034

Distribution paid 30.4.2018 0.9361 0.9361 1.4150 1.4150 1.9786 1.9786

Interim Distribution in Pence per UnitGroup 1 – Units purchased prior to 1 March 2018 Group 2 – Units purchased 1 March 2018 to 31 August 2018

P AccumulationUnits

D AccumulationUnits

X AccumulationUnits

Group 1 Group 2 Group 1 Group 2 Group 1 Group 2

Gross revenue 0.2000 0.0000 0.2924 0.0000 0.4005 0.0000

Equalisation† – 0.2000 – 0.2924 – 0.4005

Distribution paid 31.10.2018 0.2000 0.2000 0.2924 0.2924 0.4005 0.4005

Distribution paid 31.10.2017 0.2000 0.2000 0.3014 0.3014 0.4189 0.4189

† Equalisation applies only to units purchased during the distribution period (Group 2 units). It is the average amount of revenue included in the purchase price of all Group 2 units and is refunded to holders of these units as a return of capital. Being capital, it is not liable to income tax but must be deducted from the cost of units for capital gains tax purposes.

Distribution Tables for the year ended 28 February 2019

The below disclosures are made in respect of the remuneration policies of the BlackRock group (“BlackRock”), as they apply to BlackRock Fund Managers Limited (the “Manager”). The disclosures are made in accordance with the Directive 2009/65/EC on the coordination of laws, regulations and administrative provisions relating to undertakings for collective investment in transferable securities (“UCITS”), as amended, including in particular by Directive 2014/91/EU of the European Parliament and of the council of 23 July 2014, (the “Directive”), the “Guidelines on sound remuneration policies under the UCITS Directive and AIFMD” issued by the European Securities and Markets Authority, the Financial Conduct Authority Handbook SYSC 19E: The UCITS Remuneration Code (the “UCITS Remuneration Code”), and COLL 4.5.7 R(7).

BlackRock’s UCITS Remuneration Policy (the “UCITS Remuneration Policy”) will apply to the EEA entities within the BlackRock group authorised as a manager of alternative investment funds in accordance with the Directive, and will ensure compliance with the requirements of Article 14b of the Directive and the UCITS Remuneration Code.

The Manager has adopted the UCITS Remuneration Policy, a summary of which is set out below.

Remuneration Governance BlackRock’s remuneration governance in EMEA operates as a tiered structure which includes: (a) the Management Development and Compensation Committee (“MDCC”) (which is the global, independent remuneration committee for BlackRock, Inc. and all of its subsidiaries, including the Manager); and (b) the Manager’s board of directors (the “Manager’s Board”). These bodies are responsible for the determination of BlackRock’s remuneration policies.

(a) MDCC The MDCC’s purposes include:

• providing oversight of:

– BlackRock’s executive compensation programmes;

– BlackRock’s employee benefit plans; and

– such other compensation plans as may be established by BlackRock from time to time for which the MDCC is deemed as administrator;

• reviewing and discussing the compensation discussion and analysis included in the BlackRock, Inc. annual proxy statement with management and approving the MDCC’s report for inclusion in the proxy statement;

• reviewing, assessing and making reports and recommendations to the BlackRock, Inc. board of directors (the “BlackRock, Inc. Board”) as appropriate on BlackRock’s talent development and succession planning, with the emphasis on performance and succession at the highest management levels; and

• in accordance with applicable UK and European regulations and guidance, to act as the Remuneration Committee for BlackRock’s EMEA regulated entities.

The MDCC directly retains its own independent compensation consultant, Semler Brossy Consulting Group LLC, who has no relationship with BlackRock, Inc. or the BlackRock, Inc. Board that would interfere with its ability to provide independent advice to the MDCC on compensation matters.

Report on Remuneration

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13 BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund 14

The BlackRock, Inc. Board has determined that all of the members of the MDCC are “independent” within the meaning of the listing standards of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), which requires each meet a “non-employee director” standard.

The MDCC held 10 meetings during 2018. The MDCC charter is available on BlackRock, Inc.’s website (www.blackrock.com).

Through its regular reviews, the MDCC continues to be satisfied with the principles of BlackRock’s compensation policy and approach.

(b) The Manager’s Board The Manager’s Board has the task of supervising and providing oversight of the UCITS Remuneration Policy as it applies to the Manager and its Identified Staff.

The Manager’s Board (through independent review by the relevant control functions) remains satisfied with the implementation of the UCITS Remuneration Policy as it applies to the Manager and its Identified Staff.

Decision-making process Remuneration decisions for employees are made once annually in January following the end of the performance year. This timing allows full-year financial results to be considered along with other non-financial goals and objectives. Although the framework for remuneration decision-making is tied to financial performance, significant discretion is used to determine individual variable remuneration based on achievement of strategic and operating results and other considerations such as management and leadership capabilities.

No set formulas are established and no fixed benchmarks are used in determining annual incentive awards. In determining specific individual remuneration amounts, a number of factors are considered including non-financial goals and objectives and overall financial and investment performance. These results are viewed in the aggregate without any specific weighting, and there is no direct correlation between any particular performance measure and the resulting annual incentive award. The variable remuneration awarded to any individual(s) for a particular performance year may also be zero.

Annual incentive awards are paid from a bonus pool.

The size of the projected bonus pool, including cash and equity awards, is reviewed throughout the year by the MDCC and the final total bonus pool is approved after year-end. As part of this review, the MDCC receives actual and projected financial information over the course of the year as well as final year-end information. The financial information that the MDCC receives and considers includes the current year projected income statement and other financial measures compared with prior year results and the current year budget. The MDCC additionally reviews other metrics of BlackRock’s financial performance (e.g., net inflows of AUM and investment performance) as well as information regarding market conditions and competitive compensation levels.

The MDCC regularly considers management’s recommendation as to the percentage of preincentive operating income that will be accrued and reflected as a compensation expense throughout the year for the cash portion of the total annual bonus pool (the “accrual rate”). The accrual rate of the cash portion of the total annual bonus pool may be modified by the MDCC during the year based on its review of the financial information described above. The MDCC does not apply any particular weighting or formula to the information it considers when determining the size of the total bonus pool or the accruals made for the cash portion of the total bonus pool.

Following the end of the performance year, the MDCC approves the final bonus pool amount.

As part of the year-end review process the Enterprise Risk and Regulatory Compliance departments report to the MDCC on any activities, incidents or events that warrant consideration in making compensation decisions.

Individuals are not involved in setting their own remuneration.

Control functionsEach of the control functions (Enterprise Risk, Legal & Compliance, and Internal Audit) has its own organisational structure which is independent of the business units. The head of each control function is either a member of the Global Executive Committee (“GEC”), the global management committee, or has a reporting obligation to the board of directors of BlackRock Group Limited, the parent company of all of BlackRock’s EMEA regulated entities, including the Manager.

Functional bonus pools are determined with reference to the performance of each individual function. The remuneration of the senior members of control functions is directly overseen by the MDCC.

Link between pay and performance There is a clear and well defined pay-for-performance philosophy and compensation programmes which are designed to meet the following key objectives as detailed below:

• appropriately balance BlackRock’s financial results between shareholders and employees;

• attract, retain and motivate employees capable of making significant contributions to the long-term success of the business;

• align the interests of senior employees with those of shareholders by awarding BlackRock Inc.’s stock as a significant part of both annual and long-term incentive awards;

• control fixed costs by ensuring that compensation expense varies with profitability;

• link a significant portion of an employee’s total compensation to the financial and operational performance of the business as well as its common stock performance;

• discourage excessive risk-taking; and

• ensure that client interests are not negatively impacted by remuneration awarded on a short-term, mid-term and/or long-term basis.

Report on Remuneration continued

Page 9: Annual report - BlackRock

15 BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund 16

Driving a high-performance culture is dependent on the ability to measure performance against objectives, values and behaviours in a clear and consistent way. Managers use a 5-point rating scale to provide an overall assessment of an employee’s performance, and employees also provide a self-evaluation. The overall, final rating is reconciled during each employee’s performance appraisal. Employees are assessed on the manner in which performance is attained as well as the absolute performance itself.

In keeping with the pay-for-performance philosophy, ratings are used to differentiate and reward individual performance – but don’t pre-determine compensation outcomes. Compensation decisions remain discretionary and are made as part of the year-end compensation process.

When setting remuneration levels other factors are considered, as well as individual performance, which may include:

• the performance of the Manager, the funds managed by the Manager and/or the relevant functional department;

• factors relevant to an employee individually; relationships with clients and colleagues; teamwork; skills; any conduct issues; and, subject to any applicable policy, the impact that any relevant leave of absence may have on contribution to the business);

• the management of risk within the risk profiles appropriate for BlackRock’s clients;

• strategic business needs, including intentions regarding retention;

• market intelligence; and

• criticality to business.

A primary product tool is risk management and, while employees are compensated for strong performance in their management of client assets, they are required to manage risk within the risk profiles appropriate for their clients. Therefore, employees are not rewarded for engaging in high-risk transactions outside of established parameters. Remuneration practices do not provide undue incentives for short-term planning or short-term financial rewards, do not reward unreasonable risk and provide a reasonable balance between the many and substantial risks inherent within the business of investment management, risk management and advisory services.

BlackRock operates a total compensation model for remuneration which includes a base salary, which is contractual, and a discretionary bonus scheme.

BlackRock operates an annual discretionary bonus scheme. Although all employees are eligible to be considered for a discretionary bonus, there is no contractual obligation to make any award to an employee under its discretionary bonus scheme. In exercising discretion to award a discretionary bonus, the factors listed above (under the heading “Link between pay and performance”) may be taken into account in addition to any other matters which become relevant to the exercise of discretion in the course of the performance year.

Discretionary bonus awards for all employees, including executive officers, are subject to a guideline that determines the portion paid in cash and the portion paid in BlackRock, Inc. stock and subject to additional vesting/clawback conditions. Stock awards are subject to further performance adjustment through variation in BlackRock, Inc.’s share price over the vesting period. As total annual compensation increases, a greater portion is deferred into stock. The MDCC adopted this approach in 2006 to substantially increase the retention value and shareholder alignment of the compensation package for eligible employees, including the executive officers. The portion deferred into stock vests into three equal instalments over the three years following grant.

Supplementary to the annual discretionary bonus as described above, equity awards from the “Partner Plan” and “Targeted Equity Award Plan” are made to select senior leaders to provide greater linkage with future business results. The long-term incentive awards have been established individually to provide meaningful incentive for continued performance over a multi-year period recognising the scope of the individual’s role, business expertise and leadership skills.

Selected senior leaders are eligible to receive performance-adjusted equity-based awards from the “BlackRock Performance Incentive Plan” (“BPIP”). Awards made from the BPIP have a three-year performance period based on a measurement of As Adjusted Operating Margin1 and Organic Revenue Growth2. Determination of pay-out will be made based on the firm’s achievement relative to target financial results at the conclusion of the performance period. The maximum number of shares that can be earned is 165% of the award in those situations where both metrics achieve pre-determined financial targets. No shares will be earned where the firm’s financial performance in both of the above metrics is below a pre-determined performance threshold. These metrics have been selected as key measures of shareholder value which endure across market cycles.

A limited number of investment professionals have a portion of their annual discretionary bonus (as described above) awarded as deferred cash that notionally tracks investment in selected products managed by the employee. The intention of these awards is to align investment professionals with the investment returns of the products they manage through the deferral of compensation into those products. Clients and external evaluators have increasingly viewed more favourably those products where key investors have “skin in the game” through significant personal investments.

Identified StaffThe UCITS Remuneration Policy sets out the process that will be applied to identify staff as Identified Staff, being categories of staff of the Manager, including senior management, risk takers, control functions and any employee receiving total remuneration that takes them into the same remuneration bracket as senior management and risk takers, whose professional activities have a material impact on the risk profiles of the Manager or of the funds it manages.

The list of Identified Staff will be subject to regular review, being formally reviewed in the event of, but not limited to:

• organisational changes;

• new business initiatives;

• changes in significant influence function lists;

• changes in role responsibilities; and

• revised regulatory direction.

1 As Adjusted Operating Margin: As reported in BlackRock’s external filings, reflects adjusted Operating Income divided by Total Revenue net of distribution and servicing expenses and amortisation of deferred sales commissions.

2 Organic Revenue Growth: Equal to net new base fees plus net new Aladdin revenue generated in the year (in dollars).

Report on Remuneration continued

Page 10: Annual report - BlackRock

17 BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund 18

Quantitative Remuneration DisclosureThe Manager is required under UCITS to make quantitative disclosures of remuneration. These disclosures are made in line with BlackRock’s interpretation of currently available regulatory guidance on quantitative remuneration disclosures. As market or regulatory practice develops BlackRock may consider it appropriate to make changes to the way in which quantitative remuneration disclosures are calculated. Where such changes are made, this may result in disclosures in relation to a fund not being comparable to the disclosures made in the prior year, or in relation to other BlackRock fund disclosures in that same year.

Disclosures are provided in relation to (a) the staff of the Manager; (b) staff who are senior management; and (c) staff who have the ability to materially affect the risk profile of the Fund, including individuals who, although not directly employed by the Manager, are assigned by their employer to carry out services directly for the Manager.

All individuals included in the aggregated figures disclosed are rewarded in line with BlackRock’s remuneration policy for their responsibilities across the relevant BlackRock business area. As all individuals have a number of areas of responsibilities, only the portion of remuneration for those individuals’ services attributable to the Fund is included in the aggregate figures disclosed.

Members of staff and senior management of the Manager typically provide both UCITS and non-UCITS related services in respect of multiple funds, clients and functions of the Manager and across the broader BlackRock group. Therefore, the figures disclosed are a sum of each individual’s portion of remuneration attributable to the Manager according to an objective apportionment methodology which acknowledges the multiple-service nature of the Manager. Accordingly the figures are not representative of any individual’s actual remuneration or their remuneration structure.

The amount of the total remuneration awarded by the Manager to its staff which has been attributed to the Manager’s UCITS-related business in respect of the Manager’s financial year ending 31 December 2018 is GBP 20.5 million. This figure is comprised of fixed remuneration of GBP 1.5 million and variable remuneration of GBP 19.0 million. There were a total of 59 beneficiaries of the remuneration described above.

The amount of the aggregate remuneration awarded by the Manager, which has been attributed to the Manager’s UCITS-related business in respect of the Manager’s financial year ending 31 December 2018, to its senior management was GBP 0.6 million, and to other members of its staff whose actions have a material impact on the risk profile of the Manager’s UCITS-related business was GBP 19.9 million.

BONDS – 78.62%; 28.2.2018 88.99%

Argentine Peso Denominated Fixed Rate Government Bonds – 0.00%; 28.2.2018 0.10%

Argentine Peso Denominated Variable Rate Corporate Bonds – 0.01%; 28.2.2018 0.03% ARS 14,006,000 Banco Hipotecario 39.0833% Floating Rate Bonds 7/11/2022 262 0.01

Argentine Peso Denominated Variable Rate Government Bonds – 0.02%; 28.2.2018 0.02% ARS 1,738,000 Argentina (Republic) 0% Floating Rate Bonds 11/3/2019 37 0.00 ARS 4,344,000 Argentina (Republic) 0% Floating Rate Bonds 1/3/2020 85 0.01 ARS 7,330,000 Argentina (Republic) 0% Floating Rate Bonds 6/3/2020 207 0.01

329 0.02

Australian Dollar Denominated Variable Rate Corporate Bonds – 0.00%; 28.2.2018 0.01% AU$139,066 Torrens Trust 2.925% Floating Rate Notes 12/4/2044 74 0.00

Chinese Yuan Renminbi Fixed Rate Corporate Bonds – 0.02%; 28.2.2018 0.03% CNY 4,000,000 China Railway Construction 1.5% Bonds 21/12/2021 457 0.02

Colombian Peso Fixed Rate Government Bonds – 0.12%; 28.2.2018 0.00% COP 3,554,500,000 Colombia (Government) 7% Bonds 30/6/2032 866 0.04 COP 7,806,000,000 Colombia (Government) 7.5% Bonds 26/8/2026 2,029 0.08

2,895 0.12

Eqyptian Pound Fixed Rate Government Bonds – 0.14%; 28.2.2018 0.00% EGP 41,500,000 Egypt (Government) 0% Bonds 2/4/2019 1,749 0.08 EGP 5,250,000 Egypt (Government) 0% Bonds 27/8/2019 207 0.01 EGP 8,025,000 Egypt (Government) 0% Bonds 5/11/2019 307 0.01 EGP 8,750,000 Egypt (Government) 0% Treasury Bills 5/3/2019 374 0.02 EGP 8,025,000 Egypt (Government) 0% Bonds 30/7/2019 320 0.01 EGP 8,025,000 Egypt (Government) 0% Bonds 20/8/2019 317 0.01

3,274 0.14

Euro Denominated Fixed Rate Corporate Bonds – 10.36%; 28.2.2018 13.11% €10,860,000 Abbott Ireland Financing 0% Bonds 27/9/2020 9,307 0.39 €5,000,000 AbbVie 0.375% Bonds 18/11/2019 4,305 0.18 €5,500,000 ABN AMRO Bank 2.125% European Medium Term Notes

26/11/2020 4,901 0.21 €2,200,000 ABN AMRO Bank 4.75% Perpetual Bonds 1,796 0.08 €1,000,000 Alliander 4.5% European Medium Term Notes 17/12/2019 889 0.04 €2,200,000 Amadeus Capital Markets 0.125% European Medium Term

Notes 6/10/2020 1,888 0.08 €700,000 Assicurazioni Generali 4.125% Senior Subordinated European

Medium Term Notes 4/5/2026 638 0.03 €10,000,000 AT&T 1.875% Guaranteed Senior Notes 4/12/2020 8,808 0.37 €1,100,000 Banco de Sabadell 5.625% European Medium Term Notes

6/5/2026Ø 982 0.04 €800,000 Banco de Sabadell 6.5% Perpetual Bonds 645 0.03 €200,000 Banco Santander 6.25% Perpetual Bonds 176 0.01

Holding or Market % of Nominal Value Total Net Value Investment £000’s Assets

Portfolio Statement at 28 February 2019

Report on Remuneration continued

Page 11: Annual report - BlackRock

Portfolio Statement continued

Holding or Market % of Nominal Value Total Net Value Investment £000’s Assets

Holding or Market % of Nominal Value Total Net Value Investment £000’s Assets

19 BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund 20

€1,700,000 Bankia 3.75% European Medium Term Notes 15/2/2029 1,463 0.06 €155,000 Barclays 6.625% Guaranteed Subordinated European

Medium Term Bonds 30/3/2022 152 0.01 €4,100,000 BAT International Finance 3.625% Guaranteed European

Medium Term Notes 9/11/2021 3,801 0.16 €4,600,000 BAWAG 5% Perpetual Bonds 3,711 0.16 €800,000 BBVA 8.875% Perpetual Bonds 772 0.03 €11,600,000 Bertelsmann 0.25% European Medium Term Notes

26/5/2021 9,995 0.42 €715,000 BHP Billiton Finance 4.75% Bonds 22/4/2076 662 0.03 €8,300,000 BMW Finance 0.5% European Medium Term Notes

21/1/2020 7,163 0.30 €6,000,000 BMW Finance 1.625% European Medium Term Notes

17/7/2019 5,183 0.22 €5,770,000 British Telecommunications 0.625% European Medium

Term Notes 10/3/2021 4,987 0.21 €1,400,000 CaixaBank 2.25% European Medium Term Notes 17/4/2030 1,128 0.05 €3,400,000 CaixaBank 6.75% Perpetual Bonds 3,044 0.13 €675,000 Channel Link Enterprises Finance 1.761% Bonds 30/6/2050 574 0.02 €450,000 Channel Link Enterprises Finance 2.706% Bonds 30/6/2050 389 0.02 €400,000 Chengdu Xingcheng Investment 2.5% Bonds 20/3/2021 320 0.01 €725,000 Chubb 2.5% Bonds 15/3/2038 633 0.03 €5,000,000 Citigroup 0.5% European Medium Term Notes 29/1/2022 4,294 0.18 €5,600,000 Coca-Cola Finance 2.375% Guaranteed European

Medium Term Notes 18/6/2020 4,917 0.21 €12,750,000 Commerzbank 6.375% Subordinated European Medium

Term Notes 22/3/2019 10,976 0.47 €13,000,000 Cooperatieve Rabobank 4.125% European Medium Term

Notes 14/1/2020 11,573 0.49 €600,000 Cooperatieve Rabobank 4.625% Perpetual Bonds 526 0.02 €5,500,000 Crédit Agricole 2.375% European Medium Term Notes

27/11/2020 4,922 0.21 €900,000 Credit Mutuel Arkea 1.875% European Medium Term

Notes 25/10/2029 723 0.03 €500,000 Credit Mutuel Arkea 3.5% European Medium Term

Notes 9/2/2029 450 0.02 €6,000,000 Credit Suisse 0.375% European Medium Term Notes

11/4/2019 5,152 0.22 €5,720,000 Credit Suisse 1.125% Bonds 15/9/2020 4,995 0.21 €3,450,000 Credit Suisse London 4.75% Guaranteed Senior

European Medium Term Notes 5/8/2019 3,023 0.13 €1,000,000 Deutsche Pfandbriefbank 5.75% Perpetual Bonds 839 0.04 €5,800,000 Deutsche Telekom International Finance 0.375%

European Medium Term Notes 30/10/2021 5,002 0.21 €500,000 Dong Energy 3% Subordinated Perpetual Bonds 441 0.02 €1,900,000 EDP – Energias de Portugal 4.496% Bonds 30/4/2079 1,689 0.07

€1,200,000 Engie 3.25% Perpetual Bonds 1,058 0.04 €100,000 ENGIE 3.875% Perpetual Subordinated Variable Rate

Notes 90 0.00 €1,600,000 Erste Bank 8.875% Perpetual European Medium Term

Notes 1,583 0.07 €5,434,000 European Financial Stability Facility 0.4% European

Medium Term Notes 17/2/2025 4,730 0.20 €2,000,000 General Electric 2.125% Bonds 17/5/2037 1,491 0.06 €5,800,000 HSBC France 0.2% Bonds 4/9/2021 4,992 0.21 €350,000 Huarong Universe Investment 1.625% Bonds 5/12/2022 275 0.01 €2,700,000 Iberdrola International 3.25% Perpetual Bonds 2,359 0.10 €2,500,000 IKB Deutsche Industriebank 4% Bonds 31/1/2028 2,006 0.09 €2,800,000 Imperial Brands Finance 2.125% Bonds 12/2/2027 2,368 0.10 €5,770,000 ING Bank 0.7% European Medium Term Notes 16/4/2020 4,995 0.21 €1,500,000 ING Bank 1.25% Senior Notes 13/12/2019 1,301 0.06 €2,240,000 International Business Machines 0.875% European

Medium Term Notes 31/1/2025 1,934 0.08 €1,870,000 International Business Machines 1.25% Bonds 29/1/2027 1,617 0.07 €2,170,000 International Business Machines 1.75% Bonds 31/1/2031 1,869 0.08 €5,820,000 International Flavors & Fragrances 0.5% Bonds 25/9/2021 5,014 0.21 €260,000 Intesa Sanpaolo 1.75% Bonds 20/3/2028 208 0.01 €1,550,000 Intesa Sanpaolo 7% Perpetual European Medium Term

Notes 1,377 0.06 €4,400,000 Intesa Sanpaolo 7.75% Bonds 29/7/2049 4,022 0.17 €5,000,000 Philip Morris International 1.75% Senior Bonds 19/3/2020 4,369 0.19 €5,620,000 Prologis 1.375% Bonds 13/5/2021 4,938 0.21 €1,400,000 Raiffeisen Bank International 0.25% Bonds 5/7/2021 1,200 0.05 €1,000,000 Raiffeisen Bank International 6.125% Perpetual Bonds 878 0.04 €1,000,000 Repsol International Finance 3.875% Perpetual Bonds 896 0.04 €5,310,000 RWE Finance 1.875% Guaranteed European Medium

Term Notes 30/1/2020 4,638 0.20 €5,000,000 Santander 4% European Medium Term Notes 24/1/2020 4,450 0.19 €5,000,000 Santander Consumer Finance 0.75% Bonds 3/4/2019 4,294 0.18 €8,000,000 Sky 1.5% European Medium Term Notes 15/9/2021 7,065 0.30 €5,700,000 Societe Generale 0.75% European Medium Term Notes

19/2/2021 4,965 0.21 €1,110,539 TAGUS – Sociedade de Titularizacao de Creditos

SA/Volta IV 2.423% Asset Backed Bonds 12/2/2021 967 0.04 €969,264 TAGUS-Sociedade de Titularizacao de Creditos

SA/Volta V 0.85% Asset Backed Bonds 12/2/2022 829 0.04 €5,400,000 Telefonica Emisiones 4.71% European Medium Term

Notes 20/1/2020 4,829 0.20 €800,000 Teleperformance 1.875% Bonds 2/7/2025 692 0.03 €105,000 TOTAL 2.708% Perpetual European Medium Term Notes 94 0.00 €5,860,000 UBS 0.125% European Medium Term Notes 5/11/2021 5,016 0.21

Page 12: Annual report - BlackRock

Portfolio Statement continued

Holding or Market % of Nominal Value Total Net Value Investment £000’s Assets

Holding or Market % of Nominal Value Total Net Value Investment £000’s Assets

21 BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund 22

€1,000,000 Commerzbank 0.435% Floating Rate European Medium Term Notes 8/3/2022 855 0.04

€2,500,000 Deutsche Bank 0.242% Floating Rate European Medium Term Notes 15/4/2019 2,145 0.09

€1,400,000 Deutsche Pfandbriefbank 0.442% Floating Rate European Medium Term Notes 14/2/2020 1,202 0.05

€4,200,000 DVB Bank 0.592% Floating Rate European Medium Term Notes 10/2/2020 3,613 0.15

€12,216,687 FACT Master 0.132% Floating Rate Asset Backed Bonds 20/11/2025 10,485 0.44

€1,150,000 FCE Bank 0.669% Floating Rate European Medium Term Notes 17/9/2019 987 0.04

€1,900,000 FCT Noria 2018-1 0.432% Floating Rate Asset Backed Bonds 25/6/2038 1,622 0.07

€1,600,000 FCT Noria 2018-1 0.882% Floating Rate Asset Backed Bonds 25/6/2038 1,369 0.06

€200,000 FCT Noria 2018-1 1.132% Floating Rate Asset Backed Bonds 25/6/2038 171 0.01

€200,000 FCT Noria 2018-1 2.282% Floating Rate Asset Backed Bonds 25/6/2038 171 0.01

€3,300,000 Goldman Sachs 0.139% Floating Rate Notes 16/12/2020 2,833 0.12 €2,425,000 Goldman Sachs 0.315% Floating Rate European Medium

Term Notes 9/9/2022 2,072 0.09 €1,950,000 Goldman Sachs 0.393% Floating Rate European Medium

Term Notes 29/4/2019 1,675 0.07 €2,900,000 Goldman Sachs 0.443% Floating Rate European Medium

Term Notes 29/10/2019 2,497 0.11 €3,075,000 HSBC 0.39% Floating Rate European Medium Term Notes

27/9/2022 2,642 0.11 €6,950,000 HSBC 0.584% Floating Rate European Medium Term

Notes 4/12/2021 6,004 0.25 €2,075,000 Industrial & Commercial Bank of China Dubai DIFC 0.29%

FRN 23/5/2020 1,781 0.08 €4,000,000 Industrial & Commercial Bank of China London 0.188%

Floating Rate Notes 14/6/2021 3,428 0.15 €5,000,000 ING Bank 0.11% Floating Rate European Medium Term

Notes 26/11/2021 4,312 0.18 €5,100,000 Morgan Stanley 0.072% Floating Rate European Medium

Term Notes 9/11/2021 4,364 0.18 €1,275,000 Mylan 0.19% Floating Rate Bonds 24/5/2020 1,090 0.05 €4,075,000 National Express 0.092% Floating Rate European Medium

Term Notes 15/5/2020 3,488 0.15 €285,000 NatWest Markets 3.625% Subordinated Floating Rate

European Medium Term Notes 25/3/2024 245 0.01

€1,450,000 UniCredit 4.875% European Medium Term Notes 20/2/2029 1,257 0.05

€1,184,000 UniCredit 6.625% Perpetual Bonds 981 0.04 €1,050,000 UniCredit 9.25% Perpetual Bonds 995 0.04 €4,500,000 United Technologies 1.125% Bonds 15/12/2021 3,947 0.17 €5,730,000 Vodafone 1% European Medium Term Notes 11/9/2020 4,971 0.21 €1,100,000 Volkswagen International Finance 2.7% Perpetual Bonds 923 0.04

244,317 10.36

Euro Denominated Fixed Rate Government Bonds – 4.26%; 28.2.2018 2.56% €100,000 Cyprus (Government) 4.625% Notes 3/2/2020 89 0.00 €160,000 Cyprus (Government) 4.75% Notes 25/6/2019 139 0.01 €298,000 Egypt (Government) 4.75% Bonds 16/4/2026 246 0.01 €11,930,000 France (Government) 0.1% Bonds 1/3/2028 11,069 0.47 €5,530,000 France (Government) 1.5% Bonds 25/5/2050 4,617 0.20 €18,402,000 France (Government) 1.85% Bonds 25/7/2027 21,473 0.91 €7,940,000 France (Government) 2% Government OAT Bonds

25/5/2048 7,540 0.32 €95,000 Greece (Republic) 3.375% Bonds 15/2/2025 82 0.00 €7,360,000 Greece (Republic) 3.45% Bonds 2/4/2024 6,475 0.27 €232,245 Greece (Republic) 3.75% Bonds 30/1/2028 200 0.01 €243,029 Greece (Republic) 3.9% Bonds 30/1/2033 200 0.01 €827,470 Greece (Republic) 4% Bonds 30/1/2037 660 0.03 €3,268,204 Greece (Republic) 4.2% Bonds 30/1/2042 2,609 0.11 €10,389,000 Ireland (Republic) 1.3% Bonds 15/5/2033 9,020 0.38 €400,000 Italy (Republic) 0.1% Bonds 15/4/2019 343 0.01 €20,955,000 Italy (Republic) 1.3% Bonds 15/5/2028 17,669 0.75 €15,068,000 Italy (Republic) 1.65% Bonds 23/4/2020 13,129 0.56 €6,800,000 Italy (Republic) 2.7% Bonds 1/3/2047 4,963 0.21

100,523 4.26

Euro Denominated Variable Rate Corporate Bonds – 6.21%; 28.2.2018 8.18% €6,100,000 Allergan Funding 0.042% Floating Rate Bonds 15/11/2020 5,209 0.22 €5,600,000 Amadeus IT 0.139% Floating Rate European Medium

Term Notes 18/3/2022 4,800 0.20 €600,000 Assicurazioni Generali 7.75% Subordinated Floating Rate

European Medium Term Bonds 12/12/2042 610 0.03 €5,750,000 AT&T 0.092% Floating Rate Bonds 3/8/2020 4,935 0.21 €5,275,000 Bank of America 0.49% Floating Rate European Medium

Term Notes 7/2/2022 4,553 0.19 €4,250,000 Bank of China Paris 0.162% Floating Rate Bonds

22/11/2020 3,638 0.15 €1,325,000 Bank of China Luxembourg 0.362% Floating Rate

European Medium Term Notes 20/4/2020 1,138 0.05 €3,000,000 Bankia 4% Subordinated Floating Rate Notes 22/5/2024 2,594 0.11 €3,400,000 Bayer Capital .24% Floating Rate Notes 26/6/2022 2,917 0.12

Page 13: Annual report - BlackRock

Portfolio Statement continued

Holding or Market % of Nominal Value Total Net Value Investment £000’s Assets

Holding or Market % of Nominal Value Total Net Value Investment £000’s Assets

23 BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund 24

€6,600,000 Volkswagen Leasing 0.141% Floating Rate European Medium Term Notes 6/7/2021 5,615 0.24

€6,225,000 Westpac Banking 0.184% Floating Rate Bonds 4/12/2020 5,372 0.23 €4,500,000 Wizink Master Credit Cards FT 0.083% Floating Rate Asset

Backed Bonds 26/12/2031 3,861 0.16

146,582 6.21

Hong Kong Dollar Denominated Fixed Rate Corporate Bonds – 0.00%; 28.2.2018 0.04%

Indian Rupee Denominated Fixed Rate Corporate Bonds – 0.10%; 28.2.2018 0.16% INR 234,900,000 Indiabulls Housing Finance 8.567% Bonds 15/10/2019 2,452 0.10

Indonesian Rupiah Denominated Fixed Rate Corporate Bonds – 0.02%; 28.2.2018 0.03% IDR 2,660,000,000 PT Jasa Marga Persero 7.5% Bonds 11/12/2020 136 0.01 IDR 5,340,000,000 Wijaya Karya Persero Tbk PT 7.7% Bonds 31/1/2021 271 0.01

407 0.02

Indonesian Rupiah Denominated Fixed Rate Government Bonds – 0.71%; 28.2.2018 0.15% IDR 155,956,000,000 Indonesia (Government) 6.125% Bonds 15/5/2028 7,421 0.31 IDR 3,783,000,000 Indonesia (Government) 6.625% Bonds 15/5/2033 176 0.01 IDR 38,000,000,000 Indonesia (Government) 7.5% Bonds 15/5/2038 1,876 0.08 IDR 68,140,000,000 Indonesia (Government) 8.25% Bonds 15/5/2029 3,751 0.16 IDR 25,332,000,000 Indonesia (Government) 8.375% Bonds 15/3/2034 1,381 0.06 IDR 40,954,000,000 Indonesia (Government) 8.375% Bonds 15/4/2039 2,201 0.09

16,806 0.71

Japanese Yen Denominated Fixed Rate Corporate Bonds – 0.01%; 28.2.2018 0.03% JPY 40,000,000 Iwatani 0% Bonds 22/10/2020 276 0.01

Japanese Yen Denominated Fixed Rate Government Bonds – 1.07%; 28.2.2018 0.00% JPY 3,571,900,000 Japan (Government) 0.1% Bonds 10/3/2028 25,309 1.07

Malaysian Ringgit Denominated Fixed Rate Government Bonds – 0.00%; 28.2.2018 0.25%

Mexican Peso Denominated Fixed Rate Government Bonds – 0.54%; 28.2.2018 0.09% MXN 140,000,000 Mexico (Government) 6.5% Bonds 10/6/2021 5,315 0.22 MXN 144,645,400 Mexico (Government) 7.5% Bonds 3/6/2027 5,460 0.23 MXN 18,486,600 Mexico (Government) 7.75% Bonds 23/11/2034 677 0.03 MXN 16,000,000 Mexico (Government) 8.5% Bonds 18/11/2038 620 0.03 MXN 17,000,000 Mexico (Government) 10% Bonds 20/11/2036 750 0.03

12,822 0.54

New Zealand Dollar Denominated Fixed Rate Government Bonds – 0.00%; 28.2.2018 0.03%

Nigerian Naira Denominated Fixed Rate Government Bonds – 0.02%; 28.2.2018 0.00% NGN 45,605,000 Nigeria (Government) 0% Bonds 2/5/2019 92 0.01 NGN 45,604,000 Nigeria (Government) 0% Bonds 4/7/2019 90 0.00 NGN 91,208,000 Nigeria (Government) 0% Bonds 15/8/2019 176 0.01

358 0.02

€105,441 Newgate Funding 1.271% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 1/12/2050 82 0.00

€455,000 Paragon 0.049% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Securities 15/9/2039 322 0.01

€65,701 Paragon 0.172% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Securities 15/11/2038 52 0.00

€58,445 Paragon Mortgages 0.172% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 15/10/2041 46 0.00

€33,867 Paragon Mortgages 0.229% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 15/6/2041 27 0.00

€180,000 Paragon Mortgages Floating Rate 15/1/2039 141 0.01 €1,890,000 Paragon Mortgages No 10 0.009% Floating Rate Mortgage

Backed Bonds 15/6/2041 1,543 0.07 €4,365,076 Paragon Mortgages NO 22 0.189% Floating Rate Mortgage

Backed Bonds 15/9/2042 3,738 0.16 €1,425,000 RCI Banque 0.234% Floating Rate European Medium Term

Notes 5/12/2019 1,224 0.05 €2,050,000 RCI Banque 0.342% Floating Rate European Medium Term

Notes 12/4/2021 1,749 0.07 €1,800,000 Santander Consumer Finance 0.465% Floating Rate

European Medium Term Notes 9/9/2019 1,545 0.07 €7,400,000 Societe Generale 0.062% Floating Rate European Medium

Term Notes 14/1/2021 6,370 0.27 €2,100,000 SpareBank 1 SMN 0.192% Floating Rate European Medium

Term Notes 9/11/2020 1,807 0.08 €100,000 SRF 2017-1 Fondo de Titulizacion 1.594% Floating Rate

Mortgage Backed Bonds 26/4/2063 87 0.00 €3,200,000 Sunrise .084% Floating Rate Notes 27/7/2042 2,730 0.12 €7,075,000 Takeda Pharmaceutical 0.242% Floating Rate Bonds

21/11/2020 6,051 0.26 €6,300,000 Takeda Pharmaceutical 0.792% Floating Rate Bonds

21/11/2022 5,465 0.23 €68,932 Taurus 2016-2 3.75% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed

Bonds 3/1/2027 59 0.00 €108,072 Taurus 2016-2 DEU DAC 2.85% Floating Rate Mortgage

Backed Bonds 3/1/2027 93 0.00 €440,000 Taurus 2018-1 IT 1% Floating Rate Notes 18/5/2030 372 0.02 €105,000 Taurus 2018-1 IT 1.25% Floating Rate Notes 18/5/2030 88 0.00 €1,700,000 Telefonica Europe 4.2% Variable Rate Subordinated

Perpetual Bonds 1,497 0.06 €705,000 Total 2.25% European Medium Term Notes Perpetual 620 0.03 €3,875,000 UBS Funding Switzerland 0.389% Floating Rate Bonds

20/9/2022 3,318 0.14 €3,800,000 Volkswagen Financial Services 0.042% Floating Rate

European Medium Term Notes 11/10/2019 3,263 0.14

Page 14: Annual report - BlackRock

Portfolio Statement continued

Holding or Market % of Nominal Value Total Net Value Investment £000’s Assets

Holding or Market % of Nominal Value Total Net Value Investment £000’s Assets

25 BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund 26

£5,340,000 British Telecommunications 5.75% Guaranteed Senior Bonds 7/12/2028 6,559 0.28

£879,000 BUPA Finance 5% Bonds 8/12/2026 949 0.04 £4,384,000 Centrica 4.375% European Medium Term Bonds 13/3/2029 4,901 0.21 £2,650,000 Chancellor Masters and Scholars of the University of

Oxford 2.544% Bonds 8/12/2117 2,448 0.10 £325,000 Channel Link Enterprises Finance 3.043% Bonds 30/6/2050 320 0.01 £4,335,000 Council Of Europe Development Bank 0.625% European

Medium Term Notes 15/6/2022 4,245 0.18 £100,000 CPUK Finance 4.25% Bonds 28/2/2047 99 0.00 £2,800,000 Deutsche Bank 3.875% Bonds 12/2/2024 2,792 0.12 £2,000,000 Deutsche Telekom International Finance 7.625%

Guaranteed Bonds 15/6/2030 2,885 0.12 £4,000,000 Dexia Credit Local 1.125% European Medium Term Notes

15/6/2022 3,953 0.17 £2,600,000 Dexia Credit Local 1.625% European Medium Term Notes

8/12/2023 2,599 0.11 £2,382,447 Dignity 3.5456% Asset Backed Bonds 31/12/2034 2,486 0.11 £4,650,000 E.ON International Finance 6% Guaranteed European

Medium Term Bonds 30/10/2019 4,786 0.20 £6,410,000 Enel Finance International 5.625% Guaranteed European

Medium Term Bonds 14/8/2024 7,328 0.31 £350,000 Enel Finance International 5.75% Guaranteed European

Medium Term Bonds 14/9/2040 438 0.02 £2,550,000 Enel Società per Azioni 6.25% Guaranteed Senior

European Medium Term Bonds 20/6/2019 2,585 0.11 £2,125,000 FCE Bank 2.727% European Medium Term Notes 3/6/2022 2,078 0.09 £6,345,000 GKN 6.75% Bonds 28/10/2019 6,523 0.28 £356,800 Greene King Finance 4.0643% Bonds 15/3/2035 375 0.02 £3,105,000 HSBC 2.175% Bonds 27/6/2023 3,113 0.13 £2,215,000 HSBC 2.256% European Medium Term Notes 13/11/2026 2,155 0.09 £2,900,000 ING Groep 3% European Medium Term Notes 18/2/2026 2,925 0.12 £2,476,000 Innogy Finance 6.25% Guaranteed European Medium

Term Bonds 3/6/2030 3,234 0.14 £4,109,000 LCR Finance 4.5% Bonds 7/12/2028 5,174 0.22 £1,693,000 Legal & General 5.125% Bonds 14/11/2048 1,753 0.07 £404,000 Lloyds Bank 7.625% Guaranteed Subordinated European

Medium Term Bonds 22/4/2025 509 0.02 £5,939,543 Motor 1.3% Asset Backed Bonds 25/11/2025 5,909 0.25 £136,000 Motor 2016-1 3.75% Asset Backed Bonds 25/11/2025 137 0.01 £103,000 Motor 4.25% Asset Backed Bonds 25/11/2025 103 0.01 £105,000 Motor 5.25% Asset Backed Bonds 25/11/2025 104 0.01 £3,000,000 NRW Bank 1% European Medium Term Notes 15/6/2022 2,968 0.13 £4,127,000 Oesterreichische Kontrollbank 0.75% European Medium

Term Notes 7/3/2022 4,061 0.17 £1,215,000 Prs Finance 1.75% Bonds 24/11/2026 1,223 0.05

Philippine Peso Denominated Fixed Rate Government Bonds – 0.14%; 28.2.2018 0.00% PHP 210,000,000 Philippines (Government) 6.25% Bonds 14/1/2036 3,199 0.14

Russian Ruble Denominated Fixed Rate Government Bonds – 0.00%; 28.2.2018 0.83%

South African Rand Denominated Fixed Rate Government Bonds – 0.37%; 28.2.2018 0.13% ZAR 14,502,000 South Africa (Republic) 8.75% Bonds 31/1/2044 707 0.03 ZAR 149,155,000 South Africa (Republic) 8.75% Bonds 28/2/2048 7,246 0.31 ZAR 14,607,000 South Africa (Republic) 9% Bonds 31/1/2040 732 0.03

8,685 0.37

South Korean Won Denominated Fixed Rate Corporate Bonds – 0.01%; 28.2.2018 0.02% KRW 400,000,000 Kakao 0% Bonds 11/5/2021 270 0.01

South Korean Won Denominated Fixed Rate Government Bonds – 0.00%; 28.2.2018 0.27%

Sri Lankan Rupee Denominated Fixed Rate Government Bonds – 0.20%; 28.2.2018 0.11% LKR 825,000,000 Sri Lanka (Government) 11% Bonds 1/8/2021 3,448 0.15 LKR 307,000,000 Sri Lanka (Government) 11.6% Bonds 15/12/2023 1,304 0.05

4,752 0.20

Swedish Krona Denominated Floating Rate Corporate Bonds – 0.01%; 28.2.2018 0.01% SEK 2,650,000 Bluestep Mortgage Securities NO 4 DAC 1.67% Floating

Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 10/8/2066 217 0.01

Swiss Franc Denominated Fixed Rate Government Bonds – 0.00%; 28.2.2018 0.01% CHF 65,000 Argentina (Republic) 3.375% Bonds 12/10/2020 46 0.00

UK Sterling Denominated Fixed Rate Corporate Bonds – 6.53%; 28.2.2018 8.47% £3,785,000 AA Bond 2.75% Bonds 31/7/2043 3,366 0.14 £1,000,000 ABN AMRO 1% Bonds 30/6/2020 993 0.04 £630,000 Aviva 6.875% Guaranteed Subordinated Floating Rate

European Medium Term Bonds 20/5/2058 756 0.03 £5,300,000 Bank Nederlandse Gemeenten 1% European Medium

Term Notes 17/6/2022 5,244 0.22 £175,000 Bank of Ireland 3.125% European Medium Term Notes

19/9/2027 165 0.01 £2,360,000 Bank of Scotland 9.375% Guaranteed Subordinated

Bonds 15/5/2021 2,705 0.12 £2,585,000 Barclays 3.25% European Medium Term Notes 17/1/2033 2,371 0.10 £1,500,000 Barclays Bank 10% Guaranteed Subordinated European

Medium Term Bonds 21/5/2021 1,726 0.07 £3,200,000 BAT International Finance 4% Guaranteed European

Medium Term Notes 4/9/2026 3,368 0.14 £4,500,000 BAT International Finance 6.375% Guaranteed European

Medium Term Bonds 12/12/2019 4,661 0.20 £2,510,000 BNP Paribas 3.375% European Medium Term Notes

23/1/2026 2,566 0.11 £3,580,000 British Telecommunications 3.125% European Medium

Term Notes 21/11/2031 3,523 0.15

Page 15: Annual report - BlackRock

Portfolio Statement continued

Holding or Market % of Nominal Value Total Net Value Investment £000’s Assets

Holding or Market % of Nominal Value Total Net Value Investment £000’s Assets

27 BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund 28

£6,708,900 Brass NO 6 1.27638% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 16/12/2060 6,653 0.28

£2,978,353 Brass NO 7 1.52356% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 16/10/2059 2,959 0.13

£1,880,253 Bumper 1.26013% Floating Rate Asset Backed Bonds 20/11/2027 1,880 0.08

£800,000 Bumper 1.68013% Floating Rate Asset Backed Bonds 20/11/2027 799 0.03

£4,436,004 Charter Mortgage Funding 2017-1 1.40263% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 12/6/2054 4,413 0.19

£2,789,122 Compartment 1.97888% Floating Rate Asset Backed Bonds 25/3/2025 2,785 0.12

£1,652,515 Compartment Driver UK Five 1.629% Floating Rate Asset Backed Bonds 25/7/2025 1,643 0.07

£10,276,959 Compartment Driver UK Six 1.20888% Floating Rate Asset Backed Bonds 25/2/2026 10,242 0.43

£12,964,000 Delamare Cards MTN Issuer 1.25850% Floating Rate Asset Backed Bonds 19/10/2022 12,888 0.55

£523,074 Duncan Funding 2015-1 1.60638% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 17/12/2062 523 0.02

£1,456,432 Duncan Funding 2016-1 1.69744% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 17/4/2063 1,458 0.06

£2,393,668 E-CARAT 8 1.1085% Floating Rate Asset Backed Bonds 18/3/2024 2,390 0.10

£5,035,000 E-CARAT 8 1.5785% Floating Rate Asset Backed Bonds 8/3/2024 4,994 0.21

£2,307,460 E-CARAT 9 1.1285% Floating Rate Asset Backed Bonds 18/9/2024 2,300 0.10

£1,300,000 Électricité de France 5.875% Perpetual Subordinated Floating Rate European Medium Term Notes 1,292 0.05

£12,722,486 Elvet Mortgages 2018-1 1.67475% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 22/10/2058 12,661 0.54

£2,511,605 Feldspar 1.60638% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 15/9/2045 2,505 0.11

£600,061 Finsbury 1.76875% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 16/8/2058 600 0.03

£103,000 Finsbury 2.66875% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 16/8/2058 103 0.00

£1,995,203 Finsbury Square 2017-1 1.60263% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 12/3/2059 1,992 0.08

£1,191,973 Finsbury Square 2017-1 2.35263% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 12/3/2059 1,192 0.05

£140,997 Finsbury Square 2017-1 2.85263% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 12/3/2059 141 0.01

£7,660,364 Finsbury Square 2017-2 1.58263% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 12/9/2065 7,615 0.32

£1,500,000 Prs Finance 2% Bonds 23/1/2029 1,515 0.06 £922,000 Prudential 5% European Medium Term Notes 20/7/2055 971 0.04 £995,000 Prudential 5.625% Bonds 20/10/2051 1,031 0.04 £4,632,000 Prudential 11.375% Guaranteed Subordinated Floating

Rate European Medium Term Bonds 29/5/2039 4,739 0.20 £2,160,000 Quadgas Finance 3.375% European Medium Term Notes

17/9/2029 2,146 0.09 £3,620,000 Rolls-Royce 6.75% Guaranteed Notes 30/4/2019 3,650 0.15 £3,200,000 Santander UK 2.92% European Medium Term Notes

8/5/2026 3,147 0.13 £1,500,000 Svenska Handelsbanken 3% Senior European Medium

Term Notes 20/11/2020 1,540 0.07 £2,350,000 Telecom Italia 5.875% European Medium Term Notes

19/5/2023Ø 2,438 0.10 £2,939,000 Thames Water Utilities 2.625% Bonds 24/1/2032Ø 2,765 0.12 £1,500,000 Thames Water Utilities Cayman Finance 5.5% Guaranteed

Senior European Medium Term Bonds 11/2/2041 1,964 0.08 £2,285,400 Unique Pub Finance 6.542% Bonds 30/3/2021 2,396 0.10 £1,400,000 Volkswagen International Finance 3.375% Bonds

16/11/2026 1,407 0.06 £1,390,000 Wellcome Trust 2.517% Bonds 7/2/2118 1,285 0.06

154,155 6.53

UK Sterling Denominated Fixed Rate Government Bonds – 0.61%; 28.2.2018 0.09% £1,251,000 Treasury 0.125% Inflation Linked Gilts 10/8/2048 2,098 0.09 £2,560,000 Treasury 0.125% Inflation Linked Gilts 22/11/2056^^ 5,021 0.21 £582,450 Treasury 0.75% Index Linked Gilts 22/11/2047 1,461 0.06 £4,420,606 Treasury 1.625% Gilts 22/10/2071 4,337 0.19 £1,500,000 Treasury 1.75% Gilts 22/1/2049 1,481 0.06

14,398 0.61

UK Sterling Denominated Variable Rate Corporate Bonds – 16.17%; 28.2.2018 19.22% £1,030,000 Aviva 6.125% Floating Rate Bonds 14/11/2036 1,141 0.05 £9,558,712 Azure Finance No 1 1.5301% Floating Rate Asset Backed

Bonds 30/6/2027 9,553 0.40 £5,780,000 Azure Finance No 1 2.2801% Floating Rate Asset Backed

Bonds 30/6/2027 5,779 0.24 £2,395,000 Azure Finance No 1 2.8801% Floating Rate Asset Backed

Bonds 30/6/2027 2,387 0.10 £4,710,000 BAMS CMBS 2018-1 DAC 1.8688% Floating Rate

Mortgage Backed Bonds 17/5/2028 4,649 0.20 £296,000 BAMS CMBS 2018-1 DAC 2.51875% Floating Rate

Mortgage Backed Bonds 17/5/2028 292 0.01 £150,000 BAMS CMBS 2018-1 DAC 2.91875% Floating Rate

Mortgage Backed Bonds 17/5/2028 148 0.01 £7,164,535 Bavarian Sky UK 1 1.10013% Floating Rate Asset Backed

Bonds 20/11/2025 7,147 0.30

Page 16: Annual report - BlackRock

Portfolio Statement continued

Holding or Market % of Nominal Value Total Net Value Investment £000’s Assets

Holding or Market % of Nominal Value Total Net Value Investment £000’s Assets

29 BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund 30

£265,794 Greene King Finance 3.40638% Floating Rate Asset Backed European Medium Term Notes 15/12/2033 261 0.01

£1,660,930 Hawksmoor Mortgages 2016-1 2.25975% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 25/5/2053 1,667 0.07

£785,000 Hawksmoor Mortgages 2016-1 2.45975% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 25/5/2053 787 0.03

£844,000 Holmes Master Issuer 1.28794% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 15/10/2054 830 0.04

£8,284,362 Kenrick NO 3 1.28969% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 11/10/2054 8,184 0.35

£7,300,000 Lanark Master Issuer 1.27925% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 22/12/2069 7,277 0.31

£5,130,000 Lanark Master Issuer 1.27925% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 22/12/2069 5,033 0.21

£255,000 Lanark Master Issuer 1.45925% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 22/12/2054 255 0.01

£6,250,000 Lanark Master Issuer 1.6979% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 22/12/2069 6,254 0.27

£2,113,229 Malt Hill No 2 1.60488% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 27/11/2055 2,101 0.09

£187,000 Mitchells & Butlers Finance 2.78138% Floating Rate Asset Backed Notes 15/9/2034 145 0.01

£100,000 Mitchells & Butlers Finance Asset Backed Floating Rate Note 15/6/2036 70 0.00

£4,841,765 Motor 2017-1 1.179% Floating Rate Asset Backed Bonds 25/9/2024 4,827 0.20

£12,200,000 Newday Funding 2017-1 1.47988% Floating Rate Asset Backed Bonds 15/7/2025 12,202 0.52

£364,000 Newday Funding 2017-1 2.12988% Floating Rate Asset Backed Bonds 15/7/2025 365 0.02

£200,000 Newday Funding 2017-1 2.62988% Floating Rate Asset Backed Bonds 15/7/2025 200 0.01

£200,000 Newday Funding 2017-1 2.97988% Floating Rate Asset Backed Bonds 15/7/2025 201 0.01

£9,899,001 Oat Hill No 1 1.50663% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 25/2/2046 9,851 0.42

£201,870 Paragon Mortgages No. 23 2.02794% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 15/1/2043 202 0.01

£86,059 Paragon Mortgages No. 24 2.42794% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 15/7/2043 86 0.00

£1,770,000 Paragon Mortgages No 25 1.51988% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 15/5/2050 1,736 0.07

£210,000 Paragon Mortgages No 25 1.81988% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 15/5/2050 203 0.01

£7,480,295 Finsbury Square 2018-1 1.55263% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 12/9/2065 7,432 0.31

£106,998 Finsbury Square 2018-1 1.90263% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 12/9/2065 105 0.00

£101,998 Finsbury Square 2018-1 2.20263% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 12/9/2065 100 0.00

£12,025,000 Finsbury Square 2018-2 1.86459% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 12/9/2068 12,000 0.51

£2,705,000 Finsbury Square 2018-2 2.36459% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 12/9/2068 2,674 0.11

£998,000 Finsbury Square 2018-2 3.01459% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 12/9/2068 994 0.04

£365,000 Finsbury Square 2018-2 3.51459% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 12/9/2068 364 0.02

£110,000 Finsbury Square 3.16875% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 16/8/2058 110 0.00

£4,344,970 Friary No 4 1.30488% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 21/1/2050 4,306 0.18

£9,130,498 Gemgarto 2018-1 1.75638% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 16/9/2065 9,039 0.38

£171,960 Gemgarto 2018-1 1.90638% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 16/9/2065 168 0.01

£99,977 Gemgarto 2018-1 2.20638% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 16/9/2065 97 0.00

£599,402 Globaldrive Auto Receivables UK 2016-A 1.20013% Floating Rate Asset Backed Bonds 20/9/2024 599 0.03

£1,595,000 Globaldrive Auto Receivables UK 2017-A 1.53013% Floating Rate Asset Backed Bonds 20/6/2025 1,581 0.07

£2,210,000 Globaldrive Auto Receivables UK 2018-A 1.23013% Floating Rate Asset Backed Bonds 20/6/2026 2,205 0.09

£740,000 Globaldrive Auto Receivables UK 2018-A 1.67013% Floating Rate Asset Backed Bonds 20/6/2026 731 0.03

£189,889 Gosforth Funding 1.25638% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 16/6/2057 190 0.01

£540,047 Gosforth Funding 2016-1 1.46988% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 15/2/2058 540 0.02

£450,977 Gosforth Funding 2016-2 1.72563% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 24/7/2058 451 0.02

£10,200,000 Gosforth Funding 2017-1 1.413% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 19/12/2059 10,073 0.43

£4,564,548 Gosforth Funding 2018-1 1.43925% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 25/8/2060 4,535 0.19

£470,000 Great Hall Morgages 1.206% Floating Rate Notes 18/6/2039 404 0.02

Page 17: Annual report - BlackRock

Portfolio Statement continued

Holding or Market % of Nominal Value Total Net Value Investment £000’s Assets

Holding or Market % of Nominal Value Total Net Value Investment £000’s Assets

31 BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund 32

£1,287,644 Silver Arrow Compartment Silver Arrow UK 2017-1 1.08013% Floating Rate Asset Backed Bonds 20/7/2023 1,287 0.05

£4,442,316 Silver Arrow Compartment Silver Arrow UK 2018-1 1.21013% Floating Rate Asset Backed Bonds 20/6/2024 4,437 0.19

£7,140,000 Silverstone Master Issuer 1.29744% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 21/1/2070 6,982 0.30

£233,000 Spirit Issuer 3.60506% Floating Rate Senior Notes 28/12/2031 226 0.01

£1,449,944 Stanlington No 1 1.90263% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 12/6/2046 1,450 0.06

£4,366,077 Taurus 2017-2 UK DAC 1.71875% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 17/11/2027 4,293 0.18

£258,988 Taurus 2017-2 UK DAC 2.26875% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 17/11/2027 256 0.01

£126,026 Taurus 2017-2 UK DAC 2.71875% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 17/11/2027 125 0.01

£6,069,950 Tolkien Funding Sukuk NO 1 1.72488% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 20/7/2052 6,049 0.26

£3,359,117 Towd Point Mortgage 1.70863% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 20/5/2045 3,353 0.14

£1,098,119 Tower Bridge Funding No.1 1.90838% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 20/3/2056 1,097 0.05

£473,177 Turbo Finance 6 1.48013% Floating Rate Asset Backed Bonds 20/2/2023 473 0.02

£1,100,000 Turbo Finance 6 2.13013% Floating Rate Asset Backed Bonds 20/2/2023 1,109 0.05

£1,549,722 Turbo Finance 7 1.33013% Floating Rate Asset Backed Bonds 20/6/2023 1,549 0.07

£4,100,000 Turbo Finance 7 2.23013% Floating Rate Asset Backed Bonds 20/6/2023 4,098 0.17

£9,132,140 Turbo Finance 8 1.38013% Floating Rate Asset Backed Bonds 20/2/2026 9,124 0.39

£165,000 Turbo Finance 8 2.68013% Floating Rate Asset Backed Bonds 20/2/2026 164 0.01

£6,918,571 Twin Bridges 2018-1 1.78263% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 12/9/2050 6,862 0.29

£920,000 Twin Bridges 2018-1 2.15263% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 12/9/2050 903 0.04

£1,923,000 Twin Bridges 2018-1 2.65263% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 12/9/2050 1,907 0.08

£1,108,000 Twin Bridges 2018-1 2.95263% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 12/9/2050 1,103 0.05

£8,700,000 Warwick Finance Residential Mortgages 2.10994% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 21/9/2049 8,655 0.37

£165,000 Paragon Mortgages No 25 2.16988% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 15/5/2050 159 0.01

£2,480,000 PCL Funding II 1.47988% Floating Rate Asset Backed Bonds 15/6/2022 2,473 0.10

£682,000 PCL Funding II 2.47988% Floating Rate Asset Backed Bonds 15/6/2022 682 0.03

£490,000 PCL Funding II 2.97988% Floating Rate Asset Backed Bonds 15/6/2022 491 0.02

£16,386,000 PCL Funding III 1.37988% Floating Rate Asset Backed Bonds 15/6/2023 16,241 0.69

£101,000 PCL Funding III 2.12988% Floating Rate Asset Backed Bonds 15/6/2023 98 0.00

£1,412,388 Residential Mortgage Securities 29 1.85838% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 20/12/2046 1,403 0.06

£523,000 Residential Mortgage Securities 29 2.30838% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 20/12/2046 520 0.02

£137,000 Residential Mortgage Securities 29 2.60838% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 20/12/2046 136 0.01

£5,560,910 Residential Mortgage Securities 30 1.70838% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 20/3/2050 5,524 0.23

£460,000 Residential Mortgage Securities 30 2.15838% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 20/3/2050 454 0.02

£100,000 Residential Mortgage Securities 30 2.60838% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 20/3/2050 99 0.00

£15,881,000 Residential Mortgage Securities 31 2.12151% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 20/9/2065 15,849 0.67

£195,000 Residential Mortgage Securities 31 2.92151% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 20/9/2065 195 0.01

£4,170,903 Ripon Mortgages 1.65863% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 20/8/2056 4,129 0.18

£115,000 Ripon Mortgages 2.05863% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 20/8/2056 114 0.00

£10,420,000 Ripon Mortgages 2.05863% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 20/8/2056 10,363 0.44

£3,337,000 Ripon Mortgages 2.35863% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 20/8/2056 3,319 0.14

£2,912,594 RMAC 1.07263% Floating Rate Collaterised Mortgage Obligations 12/6/2044 2,693 0.11

£3,990,000 RMAC NO 2 1.8288% Floating Rate Collaterised Mortgage Obligations 12/6/2046 3,965 0.17

£410,000 RMAC NO 2 2.3088% Floating Rate Collaterised Mortgage Obligations 12/6/2046 403 0.02

£112,000 RMAC NO 2 2.7088% Floating Rate Collaterised Mortgage Obligations 12/6/2046 110 0.00

Page 18: Annual report - BlackRock

Portfolio Statement continued

Holding or Market % of Nominal Value Total Net Value Investment £000’s Assets

Holding or Market % of Nominal Value Total Net Value Investment £000’s Assets

33 BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund 34

$75,000 American Electric Power 2.95% Senior Bonds 15/12/2022 56 0.00 $50,000 American Express 2.2% Bonds 30/10/2020 37 0.00 $155,000 American Express 2.5% Bonds 1/8/2022 114 0.01 $200,000 American Express Credit 2.25% Medium Term Notes

5/5/2021 148 0.01 $254,000 American Express Credit Account Master Trust 3.18%

Asset Backed Bonds 15/4/2024 193 0.01 $10,000 American Municipal Power 6.449% Bonds 15/2/2044 10 0.00 $44,110 AmeriCredit Automobile Receivables Trust 2017-1 1.87%

Asset Backed Bonds 18/8/2021 33 0.00 $330,000 AmeriCredit Automobile Receivables Trust 2017-2 1.98%

Asset Backed Bonds 20/12/2021 247 0.01 $320,000 AmeriCredit Automobile Receivables Trust 2017-4 2.04%

Asset Backed Bonds 18/7/2022 239 0.01 $710,000 Americredit Automobile Receivables Trust 2018-3 3.38%

Asset Backed Bonds 18/7/2023 539 0.02 $9,000,000 Anadarko Petroleum 0% Bonds 10/10/2036 2,873 0.12 $300,000 Analog Devices 2.5% Bonds 5/12/2021 221 0.01 $80,000 Andeavor Logistics Finance 3.5% Bonds 1/12/2022 60 0.00 $75,000 Aon 2.8% Bonds 15/3/2021 56 0.00 $22,000 Apache 3.625% Bonds 1/2/2021 17 0.00 $5,500,000 Ares Capital 3.5% Bonds 10/2/2023 3,921 0.17 $3,000,000 Ares Capital 4.25% Bonds 1/3/2025 2,139 0.09 $248,867 ARI Fleet Lease Trust 2017-A 1.91% Asset Backed Bonds

15/4/2026 186 0.01 $1,200,000 Asahi Mutual Life Insurance 6.5% Perpetual Bonds 883 0.04 $600,000 Asciano Finance 4.75% European Medium Term Notes

22/3/2028 432 0.02 $24,000,000 AT&T 0% Bonds 27/11/2022 15,913 0.68 $925,000 AT&T 3.8% Bonds 15/3/2022 706 0.03 $125,000 Aviation Capital 2.875% Bonds 20/1/2022 92 0.00 $25,000 AXA Equitable 3.9% Bonds 20/4/2023 19 0.00 $581,000 Axtel 6.38% Bonds 14/11/2024 424 0.02 $224,000 Axtel 6.38% Bonds 14/11/2024 163 0.01 $42,969 B2R Mortgage Trust 2015-1 2.524% Asset Backed Bonds

15/5/2048 32 0.00 $1,100,000 BA Credit Card Trust 1.84% Asset Backed Bonds 17/1/2023 816 0.04 $2,000,000 BA Credit Card Trust 2.7% Asset Backed Bonds 17/7/2023 1,502 0.06 $470,000 BA Credit Card Trust 3% Asset Backed Bonds 15/9/2023 355 0.02 $220,000 BA Credit Card Trust 3.1% Asset Backed Bonds 15/12/2023 167 0.01 $5,000,000 BAE Systems 2.85% Bonds 15/12/2020 3,727 0.16 $200,000 Baidu 2.875% Bonds 6/7/2022 147 0.01 $375,000 Baidu 3.875% Bonds 29/9/2023 284 0.01 $235,000 Baker Hughes Co-Obligor 2.773% Bonds 15/12/2022 174 0.01 $203,000 Banco Mercantil del Norte 6.875% Perpetual Bonds 150 0.01 $255,000 Bancolombia 5.95% Senior Notes 3/6/2021 200 0.01

£3,116,084 Warwick Finance Residential Mortgages 2.40994% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 21/9/2049 3,131 0.13

£5,313,000 Warwick Finance Residential Mortgages No Two 2.50994% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 21/9/2049 5,286 0.22

£600,000 Warwick Finance Residential Mortgages No Two 2.70994% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 21/9/2049 598 0.03

£1,080,000 Westfield Stratford City Finance 1.77675% Asset Backed Bonds 4/11/2024 1,080 0.05

381,576 16.17

US Dollar Denominated CP Bonds – 1.58%; 28.2.2018 0.00% $8,400,000 Astrazeneca 0% Commercial Paper 23/7/2019 6,245 0.26 $26,980,000 Boston Scientific 0% Commercial Paper 22/4/2019 20,196 0.86 $440,000 Ford Motors 0% Commercial Paper 8/4/2019 330 0.01 $2,800,000 Ford Motors 0% Commercial Paper 9/4/2019 2,097 0.09 $6,160,000 Glencore 0% Commercial Paper 29/4/2019 4,609 0.20 $5,000,000 Smithfield Foods 0% Commercial Paper 23/4/2019 3,741 0.16

37,218 1.58

US Dollar Denominated Fixed Rate Corporate Bonds – 23.76%; 28.2.2018 24.60% $800,000 Abbott Laboratories 2.9% Bonds 30/11/2021 601 0.03 $200,000 AbbVie 2.9% Senior Notes 6/11/2022 148 0.01 $690,000 AbbVie 3.375% Bonds 14/11/2021 520 0.02 $200,000 Abu Dhabi National EnergyPJSC 3.625% Bonds 12/1/2023 151 0.01 $75,000 Actavis 3.25% Bonds 1/10/2022 56 0.00 $1,236,000 Actavis Funding 3.45% Bonds 15/3/2022 925 0.04 $200,000 Adani Ports & Special Economic Zone 4% Bonds 30/7/2027 138 0.01 $257,000 Adani Transmission 4% Bonds 3/8/2026 173 0.01 $1,270,000 AerCap Global Aviation Trust 4.5% Bonds 15/5/2021 967 0.04 $200,000 Agile s 6.875% Perpetual Bonds 141 0.01 $30,000 AHS Hospital 5.024% Bonds 1/7/2045 25 0.00 $5,000 AIG Global Funding 1.95% Bonds 18/10/2019 4 0.00 $4,006,128 Air Canada 2015-1 Class B Pass Through Trust 3.875%

Bonds 15/3/2023 2,939 0.13 $150,000 Air Lease 2.625% Bonds 1/7/2022 109 0.01 $375,000 Altria 3.49% Bonds 14/2/2022 284 0.01 $90,000 Altria 4.4% Bonds 14/2/2026 68 0.00 $6,330,000 Altria 4.8% Bonds 14/2/2029 4,729 0.20 $3,263,670 American Airlines 2015-2 Class B Pass Through Trust

4.4% Bonds 22/3/2025 2,444 0.10 $1,968,000 American Airlines 2016-2 Class B Pass Through Trust

4.375% Bonds 15/6/2024 1,473 0.06 $6,290,154 American Airlines 2016-3 Class B Pass Through Trust

3.75% Bonds 15/10/2025 4,590 0.20 $4,747 American Airlines 2017-2 Class B Pass Through Trust

3.7% Bonds 15/10/2025 3 0.00 $165,000 American Electric Power 2.15% Bonds 13/11/2020 122 0.01

Page 19: Annual report - BlackRock

Portfolio Statement continued

Holding or Market % of Nominal Value Total Net Value Investment £000’s Assets

Holding or Market % of Nominal Value Total Net Value Investment £000’s Assets

35 BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund 36

$3,075,000 Buckeye Partners 3.95% Bonds 1/12/2026 2,156 0.09 $780,000 Buckeye Partners 4.15% Bonds 1/7/2023 583 0.03 $6,490,000 Buckeye Partners 4.875% Guaranteed Senior Bonds

1/2/2021 4,965 0.21 $40,000 Buckeye Tobacco Settlement Financing Authority 5.875%

Bonds 1/6/2047 28 0.00 $85,000 CA 3.6% Bonds 15/8/2022 63 0.00 $600,000 Caiyun International Investment 3.125% Bonds 12/7/2019 444 0.02 $55,000 California Health Facilities Financing Authority 5% Bonds

15/8/2033 48 0.00 $710,000 California Health Facilities Financing Authority 5% Bonds

15/8/2047 586 0.03 $650,000 California Municipal Finance Authority 5% Bonds 1/2/2028 573 0.03 $650,000 California Pollution Control Financing Authority 5% Bond

21/11/2045 508 0.02 $100,000 California State Public Works Board 8.361% Bonds

1/10/2034 109 0.01 $640,000 Capital Auto Receivables Asset Trust 2018-2 3.27%

Asset Backed Bonds 20/6/2023 483 0.02 $250,000 Capital One Bank USA 2.3% Bonds 5/6/2019 188 0.01 $75,000 Capital One Financial 3.05% Bonds 9/3/2022 56 0.00 $500,000 Capital One Financial 3.45% Bonds 30/4/2021 377 0.02 $1,730,000 Capital One Multi-Asset Execution Trust 2% Asset Backed

Bonds 17/1/2023 1,291 0.06 $435,000 Capital One Multi-Asset Execution Trust 2.43% Asset

Backed Bonds 15/1/2025 324 0.01 $610,000 CarMax Auto Owner Trust 2018-2 2.98% Asset Backed

Bonds 17/1/2023 460 0.02 $1,000,000 CarMax Auto Owner Trust 2018-4 3.36% Asset Backed

Bonds 15/9/2023 762 0.03 $50,000 Caterpillar Financial Services 3.15% Bonds 7/9/2021 38 0.00 $115,000 Catholic Health Initiatives 4.35% Bonds 1/11/2042 78 0.00 $715,000 CCTI 2017 3.625% Bonds 8/8/2022 515 0.02 $3,017,000 CCUBS Commercial Mortgage Trust 2017-C1 3.544%

Mortgage Backed Bonds 15/11/2050 2,254 0.10 $535,000 CDBL Funding 1 3.5% European Medium Term Notes

24/10/2027 373 0.02 $85,000 CenterPoint Energy 2.5% Bonds 1/9/2022 62 0.00 $75,000 CenterPoint Energy 3.6% Bonds 1/11/2021 57 0.00 $1,200,000 Central China Real Estate 6.875% Bonds 23/10/2020 899 0.04 $780,000 Central China Real Estate 7.325% Bonds 27/1/2020 589 0.03 $8,972,371 CFCRE Commercial Mortgage Trust 2016-C4 1.728122%

Mortgage Backed Bonds 10/5/2058 636 0.03 $665,000 CFLD Cayman Investment 8.625% Bonds 28/2/2021 503 0.02 $405,000 CGBAM Commercial Mortgage Trust 2015-SMRT 2.808%

Bonds 10/4/2028 304 0.01

$170,000 Bank of America 2.369% Bonds 21/7/2021 126 0.01 $945,000 Bank of America 2.503% Medium Term Notes 21/10/2022 695 0.03 $55,000 Bank of America 2.738% Bonds 23/1/2022 41 0.00 $770,000 Bank of America 2.881% Bonds 24/4/2023 572 0.03 $205,000 Bank of America 3.3% Senior Bonds 11/1/2023 155 0.01 $1,500,000 Bank of America 3.95% Medium Term Notes 21/4/2025 1,125 0.05 $100,000 Bank of America 5.49% Subordinated Bonds 15/3/2019 75 0.00 $1,300,000 Bank of East Asia 5.5% Perpetual European Medium

Term Notes 972 0.04 $200,000 Bank of East Asia 5.625% Perpetual Bonds 148 0.01 $525,000 Bank of Ireland 4.125% European Medium Term Notes

19/9/2027 367 0.02 $200,000 Banque Federative du Credit Mutuel 2.7% Bonds

20/7/2022 147 0.01 $1,300,000 Baoxin Auto Finance I 5.625% Perpetual Bonds 865 0.04 $690,000 Baoxin Auto Finance I 7.9% Bonds 9/2/2020 519 0.02 $300,000 Barclays 3.684% Bonds 10/1/2023 223 0.01 $1,675,000 Barclays 4.338% Bonds 16/5/2024 1,252 0.05 $450,000 BAT Capital 2.764% Bonds 15/8/2022 329 0.01 $25,000 BAT International Finance 3.25% Bonds 7/6/2022 19 0.00 $145,000 Bausch Health Cos 5.75% Bonds 15/8/2027 110 0.01 $2,000,000 Baxter International 2.6% Bonds 15/8/2026 1,402 0.06 $195,000 Bay Area Toll Authority 6.918% Bonds 1/4/2040 197 0.01 $85,000 Bay Area Toll Authority 7.043% Bonds 1/4/2050 93 0.00 $200,000 Bayer US Finance 2.375% Bonds 8/10/2019 150 0.01 $115,000 Baylor Scott & White 4.185% Bonds 15/11/2045 85 0.00 $95,000 BB&T 2.625% Medium Term Notes 29/6/2020 71 0.00 $150,000 BB&T 2.75% Bonds 1/4/2022 112 0.01 $65,000 BB&T 3.2% Bonds 3/9/2021 49 0.00 $241,475 Bear Stearns Commercial Mortgage Securities

Trust 2005-PWR10 5.589435% Bonds 11/12/2040 187 0.01 $165,000 Becton Dickinson 2.404% Bonds 5/6/2020 123 0.01 $410,000 Beijing Environment 5.3% Bonds 18/10/2021 308 0.01 $50,000 Berkshire Hathaway Energy 2.375% Bonds 15/1/2021 37 0.00 $720,000 BHP Billiton Finance 6.25% Bonds 19/10/2075 559 0.02 $685,000 Bi Hai 6.25% Bonds 5/3/2022 517 0.02 $200,000 Binhai Investment 4.45% Bonds 30/11/2020 144 0.01 $1,730,000 BMW Vehicle Owner Trust 2016-A 1.37% Asset Backed

Bonds 27/12/2022 1,283 0.06 $300,000 BNP Paribas 7.375% Perpetual Bonds 238 0.01 $2,000,000 Boston Scientific 3.85% Bonds 15/5/2025 1,524 0.07 $560,000 BP Capital Markets 3.561% Guaranteed Bonds 1/11/2021 427 0.02 $70,000 BP Capital Markets America 3.79% Bonds 6/2/2024 54 0.00 $61,000 Broadcom Cayman Finance 3% Bonds 15/1/2022 45 0.00 $1,780,000 Broadcom Cayman Finance 3.125% Bonds 15/1/2025 1,241 0.05 $1,855,000 Broadcom Cayman Finance 3.625% Bonds 15/1/2024 1,353 0.06

Page 20: Annual report - BlackRock

Portfolio Statement continued

Holding or Market % of Nominal Value Total Net Value Investment £000’s Assets

Holding or Market % of Nominal Value Total Net Value Investment £000’s Assets

37 BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund 38

$599,999 Citigroup Commercial Mortgage Trust 2014-GC19 3.552% Bonds 10/3/2047 458 0.02

$14,288,094 Citigroup Commercial Mortgage Trust 2015-GC27 1.3766436% Bonds 10/2/2048 677 0.03

$3,450,000 Citigroup Commercial Mortgage Trust 2015-GC27 3.137% Bonds 10/2/2048 2,580 0.11

$2,085,000 Citigroup Commercial Mortgage Trust 2015-GC33 3.778% Bonds 10/9/2058 1,608 0.07

$1,748,163 Citigroup Commercial Mortgage Trust 2015-P1 0.957% Mortgage Backed Bonds 15/9/2048 51 0.00

$1,300,000 Citigroup Commercial Mortgage Trust 2016-P5 2.841% Mortgage Backed Bonds 10/10/2049 966 0.04

$1,150,000 Citizens Bank 2.25% Bonds 30/10/2020 852 0.04 $250,000 Citizens Bank 3.25% Bonds 14/2/2022 188 0.01 $710,000 City of Austin TX Water & Wastewater System Revenue 5%

Bonds 15/11/2043 588 0.02 $20,000 City of Colorado Springs CO Utilities System Revenue 5%

Bonds 15/11/2042 17 0.00 $175,000 City of Dallas TX Waterworks & Sewer System Revenue 5%

Bonds 1/10/2031 154 0.01 $20,000 City of Riverside CA Electric Revenue 7.605% Bonds

1/10/2040 22 0.00 $175,000 City of San Francisco CA Public Utilities Commission

Water Revenue 5% Bonds 1/11/2030 154 0.01 $300,000 CMHI Finance 5.% Bonds 6/8/2028 235 0.01 $389,000 CNAC HK Finbridge 4.125% Bonds 14/3/2021 294 0.01 $930,000 CNAC HK Finbridge 4.625% Bonds 14/3/2023 715 0.03 $380,000 CNAC HK Finbridge 4.875% Bonds 14/3/2025 296 0.01 $200,000 CNAC HK Finbridge 5.125% Bonds 14/3/2028 157 0.01 $1,097,000 CNAC HK Synbridge 5% Bonds 5/5/2020 831 0.04 $382,988 CNH Equipment Trust 2016-C 1.44% Asset Backed Bonds

15/12/2021 285 0.01 $620,000 CNH Equipment Trust 2017-B 1.86% Asset Backed Bonds

15/9/2022 462 0.02 $320,000 CNH Equipment Trust 2018-B 2.93% Asset Backed Bonds

15/12/2021 241 0.01 $4,000,000 Coach 3% Bonds 15/7/2022 2,916 0.12 $285,000 Colorado Health Facilities Authority 5.25% Bonds 1/2/2031 225 0.01 $570,000 Comcast 3.45% Bonds 1/10/2021 434 0.02 $558,377 COMM 2012-CCRE2 Mortgage Trust 2.752% Mortgage

Backed Bonds 15/8/2045 418 0.02 $195,765 COMM 2012-LC4 Mortgage Trust 3.288% Mortgage

Backed Bonds 10/12/2044 148 0.01 $700,000 COMM 2013-300P Mortgage Trust 4.353% Mortgage

Backed Bonds 10/8/2030 554 0.02

$360,000 Chalco Hong Kong Investment 4.875% Bonds 7/9/2021Ø 273 0.01 $325,000 Chang Development International 3.625% Bonds

20/1/2020 240 0.01 $1,370,000 Charter Communications 4.5% Bonds 1/2/2024 1,053 0.05 $1,340,000 Charter Communications Operating 3.579% Bonds

23/7/2020 1,012 0.04 $460,000 Charter Communications Operating 4.464% Bonds

23/7/2022 355 0.02 $415,000 Chase Issuance Trust 1.49% Asset Backed Bonds

15/7/2022 307 0.01 $905,000 Chase Issuance Trust 1.84% Asset Backed Bonds

15/4/2022 674 0.03 $2,505,000 Cheniere Energy Partners 5.625% Bonds 1/10/2026 1,916 0.08 $330,000 Chesapeake Bay Bridge & Tunnel District 5% Bonds

1/7/2041 281 0.01 $25,000 Chesapeake Bay Bridge & Tunnel District 5% Bonds

1/7/2051 20 0.00 $35,000 Chicago O’Hare International Airport 4.472% Bonds

1/1/2049 27 0.00 $605,000 China Aoyuan 7.95% Bonds 19/2/2023 448 0.02 $1,200,000 China Aoyuan Property 7.5% Bonds 10/5/2021 909 0.04 $550,000 China Cinda Finance 2015 I 4.25% European Medium

Term Notes 23/4/2025 414 0.02 $710,000 China Cinda Finance 2017 I 4.75% European Medium

Term Notes 21/2/2029 540 0.02 $745,000 China Construction Bank 4.25% Bonds 27/2/2029 558 0.02 $250,000 China Evergrande 8.75% Bonds 28/6/2025 168 0.01 $386,000 China Minmetals 3.75% Perpetual Bonds 276 0.01 $580,000 China Reinsurance Finance 3.375% Bonds 9/3/2022 423 0.02 $720,000 China SCE 8.75% Bonds 15/1/2021 555 0.02 $625,000 Chinalco Capital 4.25% Bonds 21/4/2022 456 0.02 $305,000 Chong Hing Bank 3.876% Bonds 26/7/2027 222 0.01 $41,000 CHRISTUS Health 4.341% Bonds 1/7/2028 32 0.00 $1,200,000 CIFI 6.38% Bonds 2/5/2020 904 0.04 $360,000 Cigna 3.4% Bonds 17/9/2021 272 0.01 $920,000 Citibank Credit Card Issuance Trust 1.75% Asset Backed

Bonds 19/11/2021 687 0.03 $555,000 Citibank Credit Card Issuance Trust 1.86% Asset Backed

Bonds 8/8/2022 412 0.02 $1,500,000 Citibank Credit Card Issuance Trust 1.92% Bonds 7/4/2022 1,118 0.05 $1,500,000 Citibank Credit Card Issuance Trust 2.49% Asset Backed

Bonds 20/1/2023 1,123 0.05 $260,000 CITIC 4% European Medium Term Notes 11/1/2028 190 0.01 $95,000 Citigroup 2.5% Bonds 29/7/2019 71 0.00 $300,000 Citigroup 2.75% Bonds 25/4/2022 223 0.01

Page 21: Annual report - BlackRock

Portfolio Statement continued

Holding or Market % of Nominal Value Total Net Value Investment £000’s Assets

Holding or Market % of Nominal Value Total Net Value Investment £000’s Assets

39 BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund 40

$710,000 County of Miami-Dade Aviation Revenue 5% Bonds 1/10/2040 595 0.03

$355,000 Cox Communications 3.25% Senior Notes 15/12/2022 265 0.01 $400,000 Credit Acceptance Auto Loan Trust 2017-1 2.56% Asset

Backed Bonds 15/10/2025 300 0.01 $250,000 Credit Acceptance Auto Loan Trust 2017-2 2.55% Asset

Backed Bonds 17/2/2026 187 0.01 $250,000 Credit Acceptance Auto Loan Trust 2018-2 3.47% Asset

Backed Bonds 17/5/2027 189 0.01 $250,000 Credit Acceptance Auto Loan Trust 2018-3 3.55% Asset

Backed Bonds 15/8/2027 189 0.01 $1,370,000 Credit Agricole 6.875% Perpetual Bonds 1,032 0.04 $300,000 Credit Suisse 3% Bonds 29/10/2021 225 0.01 $570,000 Credit Suisse 3.574% Bonds 9/1/2023 425 0.02 $812,000 Credit Suisse 7.125% Perpetual Bonds 631 0.03 $1,600,000 Credit Suisse 7.25% Perpetual Bonds 1,202 0.05 $1,500,000 Credit Suisse 7.5% Perpetual Bonds 1,156 0.05 $2,750,000 Credit Suisse Funding 3.8% Bonds 15/9/2022 2,076 0.09 $500,000 Credit Suisse Funding Guernsey 3.125% Bonds

10/12/2020 375 0.02 $389,000 Credivalores-Crediservicios 9.75% Bonds 27/7/2022 259 0.01 $380,000 Crown Castle International 2.25% Bonds 1/9/2021 278 0.01 $24,000,323 Csail 2015-C2 Commercial Mortgage Trust 1.028762%

Mortgage Backed Bonds 15/6/2057 678 0.03 $105,000 CSX 3.7% Bonds 30/10/2020 80 0.00 $2,000,000 CVS Health 3.35% Bonds 9/3/2021 1,508 0.06 $460,000 CVS Health 3.5% Bonds 20/7/2022 347 0.02 $777,000 Cydsa 6.25% Bonds 4/10/2027 551 0.02 $245,000 Daimler Finance North America 1.5% Bonds 5/7/2019 183 0.01 $8,484,000 Daimler Finance North America 1.75% Bonds 30/10/2019 6,318 0.27 $660,000 Dallas Area Rapid Transit 5% Bonds 1/12/2041 561 0.02 $650,000 Dallas Area Rapid Transit 5% Bonds 1/12/2046 549 0.02 $2,880,000 Darden Restaurants 3.85% Bonds 1/5/2027 2,093 0.09 $120,000 Delta Air Lines 2.6% Bonds 4/12/2020 89 0.00 $155,000 Delta Air Lines 2.875% Bonds 13/3/2020 116 0.01 $10,526 Delta Air Lines 2012-1 Class B Pass Through Trust 6.875%

Notes 7/11/2020 8 0.00 $130,000 Delta Air Lines 3.625% Bonds 15/3/2022 98 0.01 $1,500,000 Deutsche Bank 2.85% Bonds 10/5/2019 1,126 0.05 $2,580,000 Deutsche Bank 3.125% Bonds 13/1/2021 1,893 0.08 $150,000 Deutsche Bank 4.25% Bonds 4/2/2021 112 0.01 $1,195,000 Deutsche Bank/New York 2.7% Bonds 13/7/2020 881 0.04 $225,000 Devon Energy 3.25% Bonds 15/5/2022 169 0.01 $760,000 Diamond 1 Finance 4.42% Bonds 15/6/2021 581 0.03 $190,000 Diamond 1 Finance 5.45% Bonds 15/6/2023 150 0.01

$4,125,000 COMM 2014-277P Mortgage Trust 3.6113% Mortgage Backed Bonds 10/8/2049 3,174 0.14

$1,299,991 COMM 2014-CCRE15 Mortgage Trust 3.595% Bonds 10/2/2047 992 0.04

$2,000,000 COMM 2014-LC15 Mortgage Trust 4.006% Mortgage Backed Bonds 10/4/2047 1,562 0.07

$320,000 COMM 2015-CCRE22 Mortgage Trust 3.207% Bonds 10/3/2048 243 0.01

$1,350,000 COMM 2015-CCRE23 Mortgage Trust 2.852% Bonds 10/5/2048 1,012 0.04

$1,800,000 COMM 2015-CCRE23 Mortgage Trust 3.6845% Bonds 10/5/2048 1,360 0.06

$350,000 COMM 2015-CCRE25 Mortgage Trust 3.537% Bonds 10/8/2048 267 0.01

$2,695,000 COMM 2015-CCRE25 Mortgage Trust 3.759% Mortgage Backed Bonds 10/8/2048 2,073 0.09

$3,000,000 COMM 2015-CCRE26 Mortgage Trust 3.359% Mortgage Backed Bonds 10/10/2048 2,267 0.10

$215,000 COMM 2015-PC1 Mortgage Trust 3.608% Bonds 10/7/2050 164 0.01 $1,110,000 COMM 2017-COR2 Mortgage Trust 3% Bonds 10/9/2050 705 0.03 $40,000 Commonwealth Financing Authority 3.864% Bonds 1/6/2038 29 0.00 $10,000 Commonwealth Financing Authority 4.144% Bonds 1/6/2038 8 0.00 $125,000 Commonwealth of Massachusetts 5% Bonds 1/7/2026 114 0.01 $330,000 Connecticut State Health & Educational Facilities Authority

5% Bonds 1/7/2045 264 0.01 $330,000 Connecticut State Health & Educational Facilities Authority

5% Bonds 1/7/2045 275 0.01 $420,000 Continental Resources 4.5% Bonds 15/4/2023 322 0.01 $8,242,000 Continental Resources 5% Guaranteed Bonds 15/9/2022 6,235 0.27 $200,000 Contra Costa Community College District 6.504% Bonds

1/8/2034 191 0.01 $294,000 Controladora Mabe de 5.6% Bonds 23/10/2028 220 0.01 $545,873 Core Industrial Trust 2015-TEXW 3.077% Bonds 10/2/2034 411 0.02 $150,000 Corning 4.25% Bonds 15/8/2020 114 0.01 $720,000 County of Clark 5% Bonds 1/6/2043 617 0.03 $10,000 County of Miami-Dade Aviation Revenue 2.504% Bonds

1/10/2024 7 0.00 $10,000 County of Miami-Dade Aviation Revenue 3.354% Bonds

1/10/2029 7 0.00 $20,000 County of Miami-Dade Aviation Revenue 3.454% Bonds

1/10/2030 14 0.00 $20,000 County of Miami-Dade Aviation Revenue 3.504% Bonds

1/10/2031 14 0.00 $20,000 County of Miami-Dade Aviation Revenue 4.062% Bonds

1/10/2031 15 0.00

Page 22: Annual report - BlackRock

Portfolio Statement continued

Holding or Market % of Nominal Value Total Net Value Investment £000’s Assets

Holding or Market % of Nominal Value Total Net Value Investment £000’s Assets

41 BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund 42

$209,998 Fannie Mae Pool 3% Mortgage Backed Bonds 1/9/2027 158 0.01 $630,172 Fannie Mae Pool 3% Mortgage Backed Bonds 1/3/2031 474 0.02 $1,269,825 Fannie Mae Pool 3% Mortgage Backed Bonds 1/2/2032 955 0.04 $449,448 Fannie Mae Pool 3.5% Mortgage Backed Bonds 1/10/2026 342 0.01 $344,849 Fannie Mae REMICS 3% Mortgage Backed Bonds

25/12/2045 259 0.01 $200,000 Fantasia 7.375% Bonds 4/10/2021 130 0.01 $510,000 Fantasia 8.38% Bonds 8/3/2021Ø 347 0.01 $279,665 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation 3% Mortgage

Backed Bonds 1/3/2030 211 0.01 $93,780 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation REMICS 3%

Mortgage Backed Bonds 15/6/2042 70 0.00 $172,511 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation REMICS 3%

Mortgage Backed Bonds 15/8/2043 129 0.01 $131,254 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation REMICS 3%

Mortgage Backed Bonds 15/2/2044 99 0.00 $85,933 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation REMICS 3.5%

Mortgage Backed Bonds 15/10/2035 66 0.00 $110,368 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation REMICS 3.5%

Mortgage Backed Bonds 15/8/2041 84 0.00 $157,629 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation REMICS 3.5%

Mortgage Backed Bonds 15/7/2043 120 0.01 $83,071 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation REMICS 3.5%

Mortgage Backed Bonds 15/9/2043 63 0.00 $153,401 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation REMICS 3.75%

Mortgage Backed Bonds 15/10/2042 118 0.01 $150,679 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool 2.5% Bonds

1/12/2027 112 0.00 $133,327 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool 2.5% Bonds

1/8/2029 99 0.00 $372,026 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool 2.5% Bonds

1/4/2032 275 0.01 $83,515 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool 2.5%

Mortgage Backed Bonds 1/3/2030 62 0.00 $280,850 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool 2.5%

Mortgage Backed Bonds 1/4/2030 208 0.01 $43,357 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool 3% Bonds

1/6/2028 33 0.00 $4,157,101 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool 3% Bonds

1/2/2034 3,124 0.13 $605,692 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool 3% Mortgage

Backed Bonds 1/5/2030 455 0.02 $142,858 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool 3.5% Bonds

1/4/2029 109 0.00 $286,545 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool 3.5%

Mortgage Backed Bonds 1/3/2030 219 0.01

$1,385,000 Diamondback Energy 4.75% Bonds 1/11/2024 1,055 0.05 $3,119,000 Diamondback Energy 5.375% Bonds 31/5/2025 2,424 0.10 $400,000 Digicel Two 9.125% Bonds 1/4/2024 105 0.01 $80,000 Dignity Health 2.637% Bonds 1/11/2019 60 0.00 $155,000 Discovery Communications 2.2% Bonds 20/9/2019 116 0.01 $1,400,000 Discovery Communications 2.8% Bonds 15/6/2020 1,043 0.05 $230,000 Discovery Communications 3.3% Bonds 15/5/2022 172 0.01 $290,000 District of Columbia 5% Bonds 1/4/2042 265 0.01 $70,000 Dominion Energy 2.579% Bonds 1/7/2020 52 0.00 $60,000 Dow Chemical 4.25% Senior Notes 15/11/2020 46 0.00 $55,000 DowDuPont 4.205% Bonds 15/11/2023 43 0.00 $700,000 Drive Auto Receivables Trust 2018-5 3.34% Asset Backed

Bonds 15/10/2022 529 0.02 $75,000 DTE Energy 3.7% Bonds 1/8/2023 57 0.00 $500,000 Duke Energy 2.4% Bonds 15/8/2022 366 0.02 $65,000 Duke University 3.299% Bonds 1/10/2046 44 0.00 $1,200,000 Easy Tactic 8.625% Bonds 27/2/2024 890 0.04 $1,100,000 Easy Tactic 8.875% Bonds 27/9/2021Ø 852 0.04 $1,085,000 Easy Tactic 9.125% Bonds 28/7/2022 841 0.04 $1,025,000 EFG International Guernsey 5% Bonds 5/4/2027Ø 747 0.03 $389,000 Eldorado Intl. Finance 8.625% Bonds 16/6/2021 303 0.01 $5,000 Enbridge 2.9% Bonds 15/7/2022 4 0.00 $95,000 Enbridge Energy Partners 5.2% Bonds 15/3/2020 73 0.00 $140,000 Encana 3.9% Senior Notes 15/11/2021 106 0.00 $400,000 Energizer 5.5% Bonds 15/6/2025 294 0.01 $18,586,000 Energy Transfer Equity 7.5% Bonds 15/10/2020 14,792 0.63 $725,000 Energy Transfer Partners 3.6% Senior Notes 1/2/2023 543 0.02 $135,000 Energy Transfer Partners 4.15% Senior Notes 1/10/2020 103 0.00 $330,000 Enterprise Fleet Financing 2.04% Asset Backed Bonds

22/2/2022 246 0.01 $91,580 Enterprise Fleet Financing 2.13% Asset Backed Bonds

20/7/2022 69 0.00 $715,456 Enterprise Fleet Financing 2.13% Asset Backed Bonds

22/5/2023 534 0.02 $100,000 Enterprise Fleet Financing 2.22% Asset Backed Bonds

20/1/2023 74 0.00 $580,000 Enterprise Fleet Financing 2018-3 3.38% Asset Backed

Bonds 20/5/2024 438 0.02 $200,000 Enterprise Products 3.35% Bonds 15/3/2023 151 0.01 $95,000 EOG Resources 2.45% Bonds 1/4/2020 71 0.00 $3,775,000 EQM Midstream Partners LP 4.75% Bonds 15/7/2023 2,859 0.12 $161,767 Eterna Capital Pte 8% Bonds 11/12/2022 101 0.00 $200,000 Exelon 2.85% Bonds 15/6/2020 150 0.01 $80,000 Exelon Generation 5.2% Guaranteed Senior Bonds

1/10/2019 61 0.00 $151,264 Fannie Mae Pool 2.5% Mortgage Backed Bonds 1/12/2027 112 0.00

Page 23: Annual report - BlackRock

Portfolio Statement continued

Holding or Market % of Nominal Value Total Net Value Investment £000’s Assets

Holding or Market % of Nominal Value Total Net Value Investment £000’s Assets

43 BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund 44

$200,000 Ford Motor Credit 2.459% Bonds 27/3/2020 148 0.01 $390,000 Ford Motor Credit 3.157% Bonds 4/8/2020 290 0.01 $1,015,000 Ford Motor Credit 3.2% Bonds 15/1/2021 752 0.03 $1,139,000 Ford Motor Credit 3.336% Bonds 18/3/2021 840 0.04 $2,345,000 Ford Motor Credit 3.813% Bonds 12/10/2021 1,741 0.07 $200,000 Ford Motor Credit 4.14% Bonds 15/2/2023 145 0.01 $2,875,000 Ford Motor Credit 4.389% Bonds 1/8/2026 1,974 0.08 $4,130,000 Ford Motor Credit 5.75% Bonds 1/2/2021 3,191 0.14 $379,438 Four Times Square Trust Commercial Mortgage

Pass-Through Certificates Series 200 5.401% Mortgage Backed Bonds 13/12/2028 296 0.01

$506,756 Freddie Mac REMICS 4% Mortgage Backed Bonds 15/4/2054 396 0.02

$378,000 Frontera Energy 9.7% Bonds 25/6/2023 290 0.01 $475,000 Fufeng 5.875% Bonds 28/8/2021 362 0.02 $225,000 Future Land Development 5% Bonds 16/2/2020 167 0.01 $1,200,000 Future Land Development 7.5% Bonds 22/1/2021 916 0.04 $210,000 FWD 5.5% Perpetual Bonds 142 0.01 $240,000 GCL New Energy 7.1% Bonds 30/1/2021 159 0.01 $240,000 GE Capital International Funding Unlimited 2.342% Bonds

15/11/2020 177 0.01 $418,000 Generacion Mediterranea 9.625% Bonds 27/7/2023 286 0.01 $250,000 General Motors Financial 3.2% Bonds 6/7/2021 186 0.01 $125,000 General Motors Financial 3.25% Bonds 5/1/2023 92 0.00 $500,000 General Motors Financial 3.7% Bonds 24/11/2020 378 0.02 $75,000 General Motors Financial 4.15% Bonds 19/6/2023 56 0.00 $155,000 General Motors Financial 4.2% Bonds 1/3/2021 118 0.01 $5,290,000 General Motors Financial 4.2% Bonds 6/11/2021 4,023 0.17 $2,000,000 General Motors Financial 4.375% Bonds 25/9/2021 1,528 0.06 $82,000 George Washington 4.126% 15/9/2048 62 0.00 $40,000 Gilead Sciences 2.5% Bonds 1/9/2023 29 0.00 $320,000 Global Prime Capital 7.25% Bonds 26/4/2021 247 0.01 $255,000 GLP Capital 4.375% Bonds 15/4/2021 193 0.01 $11,959,000 GLP Capital 4.875% Bonds 1/11/2020 9,124 0.39 $4,500,000 GLP Capital 5.375% Bonds 1/11/2023 3,510 0.15 $1,200,000 GLP Capital 5.375% Bonds 15/4/2026 934 0.04 $725,000 GLP China 4.974% European Medium Term Notes

26/2/2024 548 0.02 $4,805,000 GLP Financing 5.25% Bonds 1/6/2025 3,735 0.16 $205,000 Gohl Capital 4.25% Bonds 24/1/2027 149 0.01 $755,000 Gol Finance 7% Bonds 31/1/2025 541 0.02 $415,000 Golden Wheel Tiandi 7% Bonds 18/1/2021 279 0.01 $2,860,000 Goldman Sachs 2.55% Bonds 23/10/2019 2,143 0.09 $5,500,000 Goldman Sachs 2.91% Bonds 24/7/2023 4,046 0.17 $590,000 Goldman Sachs 3% Bonds 26/4/2022 440 0.02 $1,500,000 Goldman Sachs 3.75% Bonds 25/2/2026 1,114 0.05

$2,785 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool 4% Bonds 1/9/2025 2 0.00

$719 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool 4% Bonds 1/4/2026 1 0.00

$11,466 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool 4% Bonds 1/5/2026 9 0.00

$40,948 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool 4% Bonds 1/9/2026 32 0.00

$2,160 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool 4% Bonds 1/2/2027 2 0.00

$222,181 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool 4% Bonds 1/3/2027 172 0.01

$4,456 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool 4% Bonds 1/5/2027 3 0.00

$1,681 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool 4% Bonds 1/8/2027 1 0.00

$1,543 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool 4% Bonds 1/2/2029 1 0.00

$1,279 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool 4% Bonds 1/3/2031 1 0.00

$70,323 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool 4% Bonds 1/3/2031 54 0.00

$1,487 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool 4% Mortgage Backed Bonds 1/1/2027 1 0.00

$2,027 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool 4% Mortgage Backed Bonds 1/1/2027 2 0.00

$1,366,492 Federal National Mortgage Association REMICS 2.5% Mortgage Backed Bonds 25/4/2031 1,013 0.04

$71,257,391 Federal National Mortgage Association-Aces 0.13052% Mortgage Backed Bonds 25/8/2024 338 0.01

$10,042,690 Federal National Mortgage Association-Aces 2.2090% Mortgage Backed Bonds 25/1/2022 218 0.01

$7,362,221 Federal National Mortgage Association-Aces 2.630022% Mortgage Backed Bonds 25/1/2039 421 0.02

$1,238,693 FHLMC Multifamily Structured Pass Through Certificates 0.97477% Mortgage Backed Bonds 25/1/2026 49 0.00

$200,000 Fifth Third Bank/Cincinnati 2.2% Bonds 30/10/2020 148 0.01 $300,000 First Data 5.75% Bonds 15/1/2024 233 0.01 $60,000 FirstEnergy 2.85% Bonds 15/7/2022 44 0.00 $145,000 Fiserv 3.8% Bonds 1/10/2023 109 0.00 $460,000 Ford Credit Auto Owner Trust 2018-B 3.24% Asset Backed

Bonds 15/4/2023 349 0.01 $285,000 Ford Credit Floorplan Master Owner Trust A 2.39% Asset

Backed Bonds 15/8/2022 213 0.01 $275,000 Ford Motor Credit 2.262% Bonds 28/3/2019 207 0.01 $2,500,000 Ford Motor Credit 2.343% Bonds 2/11/2020 1,828 0.08

Page 24: Annual report - BlackRock

Portfolio Statement continued

Holding or Market % of Nominal Value Total Net Value Investment £000’s Assets

Holding or Market % of Nominal Value Total Net Value Investment £000’s Assets

45 BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund 46

$1,500,000 HSBC 3.4% Bonds 8/3/2021 1,134 0.05 $1,500,000 HSBC 4.25% Subordinated Notes 14/3/2024 1,141 0.05 $200,000 Huayi Finance 4.% Bonds 2/12/2019 147 0.01 $230,000 Hubei Science & Technology Investment Hong Kong

4.375% Bonds 5/3/2021 168 0.01 $770,000 Huntington Bancshares 2.3% Bonds 14/1/2022 566 0.02 $5,036,000 Huntington Ingalls Industries 5% Bonds 15/11/2025 3,861 0.16 $150,000 Hyundai Capital America 1.75% Bonds 27/9/2019 112 0.00 $10,000 Hyundai Capital America 2.5% Bonds 18/3/2019 8 0.00 $130,000 Hyundai Capital America 2.55% Bonds 3/4/2020 97 0.00 $100,000 Hyundai Floorplan Master Owner Trust Series 2016-1 1.81%

Asset Backed Bonds 15/3/2021 75 0.00 $240,000 IBM Credit 3.45% Bonds 30/11/2020 182 0.01 $500,000 IBM Credit 3.6% Bonds 30/11/2021 382 0.02 $3,000,000 IHS Markit 4.125% Bonds 1/8/2023 2,262 0.10 $2,000,000 IMT Trust 2017-APTS 3.478% Mortgage Backed Bonds

15/6/2034 1,517 0.06 $700,000 IMT Trust 2017-APTS 3.4966% Mortgage Backed Bonds

15/6/2034 522 0.02 $650,000 Indonesia Asahan Aluminium Persero 5.23% Bonds

15/11/2021 504 0.02 $1,250,000 Indonesia Asahan Aluminium Persero 5.71% Bonds

15/11/2023 991 0.04 $325,000 Indonesia Asahan Aluminium Persero 6.53% Bonds

15/11/2028 268 0.01 $300,000 Industrial & Commercial Bank of China Asia 4.25%

Perpetual Bonds 221 0.01 $350,000 ING Groep 4.7% European Medium Term Notes 22/3/2028 263 0.01 $2,260,000 ING Groep 6.75% Perpetual Bonds 1,695 0.07 $339,000 Inkia Energy 5.875% Bonds 9/11/2027 245 0.01 $750,000 Intercontinental Exchange 3.75% Bonds 1/12/2025 578 0.02 $500,000 International Game Technology 6.25% Bonds 15/2/2022 396 0.02 $195,000 International Lease Finance 5.875% Bonds 1/4/2019 147 0.01 $6,000,000 Interpublic 3.75% Guaranteed Senior Bonds 15/2/2023 4,494 0.19 $70,000 Interpublic of Cos 3.5% Bonds 1/10/2020 53 0.00 $25,000 Interpublic of Cos 3.75% Bonds 1/10/2021 19 0.00 $200,000 Itau Unibanco 6.125% Perpetual Bonds 148 0.01 $311,000 Itau Unibanco 6.5% Perpetual Bonds 232 0.01 $60,000 J.P. Morgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust

2018-WPT 4.2475% Bonds 5/7/2033 47 0.00 $600,000 JGC Ventures 10.75% Bonds 30/8/2021Ø 480 0.02 $400,000 Jingrui 9.45% Bonds 23/4/2021 275 0.01 $95,000 JobsOhio Beverage System 3.985% Bonds 1/1/2029 74 0.00 $320,000 John Deere Owner Trust 2017-B 1.82% Asset Backed

Bonds 15/10/2021 239 0.01 $600,000 JP Morgan Chase 4.5% Senior Bonds 24/1/2022 469 0.02

$9,042,868 Government National Mortgage Association 0.65262% Mortgage Backed Bonds 16/12/2058 400 0.02

$21,487,642 Government National Mortgage Association 0.677% Mortgage Backed Bonds 16/4/2057 975 0.04

$38,728,675 Government National Mortgage Association 0.71794% Mortgage Backed Bonds 16/2/2059 1,905 0.08

$5,723,167 Government National Mortgage Association 0.72208% Mortgage Backed Bonds 16/11/2057 275 0.01

$1,065,000 GRACE 2014-GRCE Mortgage Trust 3.3687% Mortgage Backed Bonds 10/6/2028 806 0.03

$200,000 Grant County Public Utility District No 2 4.584% Bonds 1/1/2040 158 0.01

$325,000 Greenko Dutch 5.25% Bonds 24/7/2024 230 0.01 $250,000 Greenko Investment 4.875% Bonds 16/8/2023 177 0.01 $300,000 Greenland Global Investment 6.75% European Medium

Term Notes 22/5/2019 226 0.01 $605,000 Grupo KUO 5.75% Bonds 7/7/2027 441 0.02 $61,840,167 GS Mortgage Securities II 0.85256% Mortgage Backed

Bonds 10/5/2050 1,627 0.07 $392,558 GS Mortgage Securities II 2.706% Mortgage Backed

Bonds 10/12/2027 294 0.01 $1,300,000 GS Mortgage Securities Trust 2011-GC5 3.707% Bonds

10/8/2044 989 0.04 $390,000 GS Mortgage Securities Trust 2012-ALOHA 3.551%

Mortgage Backed Bonds 10/4/2034 298 0.01 $200,000 Guangxi Financial Investment 5.75% Bonds 23/1/2021 141 0.01 $85,000 Harley-Davidson Financial Services 2.15% Bonds 26/2/2020 63 0.00 $5,000 Hartford Financial Services 5.125% Bonds 15/4/2022 4 0.00 $2,400,000 HCA 5.875% Bonds 15/3/2022 1,915 0.08 $85,000 Health & Educational Facilities Authority of the State of

Missouri 3.086% Bonds 15/9/2051 54 0.00 $300,000 HeSteel Hong Kong 4.25% Bonds 7/4/2020 223 0.01 $200,000 Heungkuk Life Insurance 4.475% Bonds 9/11/2047 139 0.01 $403,000 Hidrovias International Finance SARL 5.95% Bonds

24/1/2025 282 0.01 $200,000 Hilong 7.25% Bonds 22/6/2020 146 0.01 $306,000 Hindustan Petroleum 4% Bonds 12/7/2027 219 0.01 $395,632 Honda Auto Receivables 2016-4 Owner Trust 1.21% Asset

Backed Bonds 18/12/2020 295 0.01 $540,000 Honda Auto Receivables 2017-3 Owner Trust 1.79% Asset

Backed Bonds 20/9/2021 402 0.02 $790,000 Honda Auto Receivables 2018-4 Owner Trust 3.16% Asset

Backed Bonds 17/1/2023 597 0.03 $1,000,000 Hospitality Properties Trust 4.5% Bonds 15/3/2025 726 0.03 $375,000 HPHT Finance 17 2.75% Bonds 11/9/2022 272 0.01 $460,000 HSBC 3.262% Bonds 13/3/2023 343 0.01

Page 25: Annual report - BlackRock

Portfolio Statement continued

Holding or Market % of Nominal Value Total Net Value Investment £000’s Assets

Holding or Market % of Nominal Value Total Net Value Investment £000’s Assets

47 BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund 48

$1,500,000 Lear 3.8% Bonds 15/9/2027 1,052 0.04 $600,000 Lloyds Bank 2.4% Bonds 17/3/2020 448 0.02 $575,000 LLPL Capital Pte 6.875% Bonds 4/2/2039 445 0.02 $213,000 LLPL Capital Pte 6.875% Bonds 4/2/2039 165 0.01 $505,000 Logan Property 7.5% Bonds 25/8/2022 378 0.02 $940,000 Logan Property 8.75% Bonds 12/12/2020Ø 733 0.03 $335,000 Longfor Properties 4.5% Bonds 16/1/2028Ø 238 0.01 $30,000 Los Angeles Community College District 6.6% Bonds

1/8/2042 31 0.00 $180,000 Los Angeles Department of Water & Power 6.603% Bonds

1/7/2050 194 0.01 $645,000 Los Angeles Department of Water 5% Bonds 1/7/2048 555 0.02 $7,925,000 LSTAR Commercial Mortgage Trust 2016-4 2.579% Bonds

10/3/2049 5,817 0.25 $140,594 LSTAR Commercial Mortgage Trust 2017-5 2.417% Bonds

10/3/2050 105 0.00 $392,000 Macquarie 3.189% Bonds 28/11/2023 287 0.01 $1,000,000 Marathon Petroleum 4.75% Bonds 15/12/2023 782 0.03 $300,000 Marfrig Europe 8% Bonds 8/6/2023 234 0.01 $45,000 Marriott International 2.875% Bonds 1/3/2021 34 0.00 $5,750,000 Marsh & McLennan 3.75% Bonds 14/3/2026 4,356 0.18 $130,000 Maryland Economic Development 5% Bonds 31/3/2041 105 0.00 $710,000 Maryland Stadium Authority 5% Bonds 1/5/2041 597 0.03 $170,000 Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority 5% Bonds

1/7/2043 145 0.01 $255,000 Massachusetts Clean Water Trust 5% Bonds 1/2/2025 227 0.01 $650,000 Massachusetts Clean Water Trust 5% Bonds 1/2/2035 555 0.02 $320,000 Massachusetts Development Finance Agency 5% Bonds

1/7/2047 265 0.01 $175,000 Massachusetts Water Resources Authority 5% Bonds

1/8/2040 149 0.01 $1,600,000 Mastercard 2.95% Bonds 21/11/2026 1,181 0.05 $825,000 Mastercard 3.5% Bonds 26/2/2028 629 0.03 $1,500,000 McDonald’s 3.7% Medium Term Notes 30/1/2026 1,136 0.05 $600,000 Medco Straits Services 8.5% Bonds 17/8/2022Ø 469 0.02 $21,000 Mercy Health 4.302% Bonds 1/7/2028 16 0.00 $690,000 Mesquite Independent School District 5% Bonds 15/8/2042 583 0.02 $750,000 Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority 4% Bonds

1/7/2025 636 0.03 $250,000 Metropolitan Government Nashville & Davidson County

Health & Educational Facs Bd 5% Bonds 1/7/2046 205 0.01 $150,000 Metropolitan Life Global Funding I 2% Bonds 14/4/2020 112 0.00 $650,000 Metropolitan Transportation Authority 5% Bonds

15/11/2042 555 0.02 $115,000 Metropolitan Transportation Authority 6.687% Bonds

15/11/2040 112 0.00

$111,970 JP Morgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust 2012-C6 3.5074% Mortgage Backed Bonds 15/5/2045 85 0.00

$963,084 JP Morgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust 2016-JP4 0.750384% Mortgage Backed Bonds 15/12/2049 27 0.00

$403,465 JP Morgan Mortgage Trust 2016-2 2.78454% Mortgage Backed Bonds 25/6/2046 301 0.01

$218,276 JP Morgan Mortgage Trust 2017-3 3% Mortgage Backed Bonds 25/8/2047 161 0.01

$537,942 JP Morgan Mortgage Trust 2017-4 3% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 25/11/2048 400 0.02

$2,928,669 JPMBB Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust 2014-C22 0.86353% Mortgage Backed Bonds 15/9/2047 83 0.00

$85,000 JPMBB Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust 2014-C23 3.657% Mortgage Backed Bonds 15/9/2047 65 0.00

$50,000 JPMBB Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust 2014-C26 3.2884% Mortgage Backed Bonds 15/1/2048 38 0.00

$1,010,000 JPMBB Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust 2015-C31 3.0079% Mortgage Backed Bonds 15/8/2048 759 0.03

$3,000,000 JPMorgan Chase 2.55% Bonds 1/3/2021 2,235 0.09 $670,000 JPMorgan Chase 2.295% Medium Term Notes 15/8/2021 494 0.02 $560,000 JPMorgan Chase 3.09% Bonds 26/4/2021 421 0.02 $1,440,000 JPMorgan Chase Bank 2.604% Bonds 1/2/2021 1,078 0.05 $600,000 JT International Financial Services 3.875% European

Medium Term Notes 28/9/2028Ø 453 0.02 $2,500,000 Juniper Networks 4.5% Senior Notes 15/3/2024 1,927 0.08 $78,000 Kaiser Foundation Hospitals 3.5% Bonds 1/4/2022 59 0.00 $9,000 Kaiser Foundation Hospitals 4.15% Bonds 1/5/2047 7 0.00 $1,100,000 KDB Life Insurance 7.5% Bonds 21/5/2048 802 0.03 $525,000 Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority 5.25%

Bonds 1/6/2050 415 0.02 $4,610,000 Keurig Dr Pepper 4.057% Bonds 25/5/2023 3,506 0.15 $1,500,000 Keurig Dr Pepper 4.597% Bonds 25/5/2028 1,139 0.05 $500,000 Keysight Technologies 4.6% Bonds 6/4/2027 378 0.02 $360,000 Kinder Morgan 3.15% Bonds 15/1/2023 268 0.01 $115,000 Kinder Morgan 5% Bonds 15/2/2021 89 0.00 $35,000 Kinder Morgan Energy Partners LP 4.15% Bonds 1/2/2024 27 0.00 $400,000 King Talent Management 5.6% Perpetual Bonds 255 0.01 $619,000 Klabin Finance 4.875% Bonds 19/9/2027 443 0.02 $150,000 KLA-Tencor 4.125% Bonds 1/11/2021 115 0.00 $4,040,000 L3 Technologies 3.85% Bonds 15/12/2026 3,014 0.13 $380,000 Lam Research 2.8% Bonds 15/6/2021 284 0.01 $645,000 Lam Research 4.875% Bonds 15/3/2049 486 0.02 $72,000 Largo Resources 9.25% Bonds 1/6/2021 57 0.00 $480,000 Latam Finance 7% Bonds 1/3/2026 362 0.02 $300,000 Leader Goal International 4.25% Perpetual European

Medium Term Notes 219 0.01

Page 26: Annual report - BlackRock

Portfolio Statement continued

Holding or Market % of Nominal Value Total Net Value Investment £000’s Assets

Holding or Market % of Nominal Value Total Net Value Investment £000’s Assets

49 BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund 50

$75,000 New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund Authority 6.104% Bonds 15/12/2028 58 0.00

$750,000 New York City Housing Development 4.125% Bonds 1/5/2058 568 0.02

$1,000,000 New York City Housing Development 4.2% Bonds 1/11/2044 763 0.03

$290,000 New York City Transitional Finance Authority Building Aid Revenue 5% Bonds 15/7/2040 244 0.01

$80,000 New York City Transitional Finance Authority Future Tax Secured Revenue 3.05% Bonds 1/5/2027 58 0.00

$90,000 New York City Transitional Finance Authority Future Tax Secured Revenue 3.55% Bonds 1/5/2025 68 0.00

$35,000 New York City Transitional Finance Authority Future Tax Secured Revenue 3.9% Bonds 1/8/2031 27 0.00

$270,000 New York City Transitional Finance Authority Future Tax Secured Revenue 5% Bonds 1/8/2031 237 0.01

$1,210,000 New York City Water & Sewer System 5% Bonds 15/6/2047 1,025 0.04 $125,000 New York City Water & Sewer System 5.75% Bonds

15/6/2041 119 0.01 $330,000 New York Convention Center Development 5% Bonds

15/11/2040 281 0.01 $330,000 New York Convention Center Development 5% Bonds

15/11/2046 279 0.01 $40,000 New York State Dormitory Authority 5% Bonds 15/2/2036 35 0.00 $20,000 New York State Dormitory Authority 5% Bonds 15/2/2038 17 0.00 $20,000 New York State Dormitory Authority 5% Bonds 15/2/2039 17 0.00 $40,000 New York State Dormitory Authority 5% Bonds 15/2/2041 34 0.00 $360,000 New York State Dormitory Authority 5% Bonds 15/3/2041 311 0.01 $50,000 New York State Dormitory Authority 5% Bonds 15/2/2042 43 0.00 $360,000 New York State Dormitory Authority 5% Bonds 15/3/2042 310 0.01 $360,000 New York State Dormitory Authority 5% Bonds 15/3/2043 309 0.01 $40,000 New York State Urban Development 2.86% Bonds

15/3/2024 30 0.00 $65,000 New York State Urban Development 3.12% Bonds

15/3/2025 49 0.00 $55,000 New York State Urban Development 3.25% Bonds

15/3/2025 41 0.00 $85,000 New York State Urban Development 3.32% Bonds

15/3/2029 62 0.00 $105,000 New York State Urban Development 3.35% Bonds

15/3/2026 79 0.00 $350,000 New York Transportation Development 5% Bonds

1/7/2046 279 0.01 $730,000 New York Transportation Development 5.25% Bonds

1/1/2050 587 0.02

$100,000 Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Dulles Toll Road Revenue 7.462% Bonds 1/10/2046 108 0.00

$160,000 Metropolitan Water District of Southern California 5% Bonds 1/7/2031 142 0.01

$360,000 Miami-Dade County Educational Facilities Authority 5% Bonds 1/4/2048 302 0.01

$160,000 Michigan Finance Authority 5% Bonds 15/11/2041 130 0.01 $760,000 Michigan Finance Authority 5% Bonds 1/12/2047 612 0.03 $710,000 Michigan State Housing Development Authority 3.8%

Bonds 1/10/2038 531 0.02 $410,982 Mill City Mortgage Loan Trust 2016-1 2.5% Mortgage

Backed Bonds 25/4/2057 303 0.01 $260,000 Millicom International Cellular 6.625% Bonds 15/10/2026 202 0.01 $300,000 Minejesa Capital 4.625% Bonds 10/8/2030 212 0.01 $650,000 Mississippi Hospital Equipment & Facilities Authority 5%

Bonds 1/9/2046 523 0.02 $200,000 Mitsubishi 2.95% Bonds 1/3/2021 150 0.01 $390,000 Mitsubishi UFJ Financial 3.218% Bonds 7/3/2022 293 0.01 $35,000 Mitsubishi UFJ Financial 3.535% Bonds 26/7/2021 27 0.00 $1,475,000 Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance 4.95% Perpetual Bonds 1,114 0.05 $200,000 Mizuho Bank 2.65% Bonds 25/9/2019 150 0.01 $80,000 Morgan Stanley 2.375% Bonds 23/7/2019 60 0.00 $2,060,000 Morgan Stanley 2.5% Bonds 21/4/2021 1,528 0.06 $570,000 Morgan Stanley 2.75% Bonds 19/5/2022 422 0.02 $2,430,000 Morgan Stanley 3.125% Medium Term Notes 27/7/2026 1,743 0.07 $250,000 Morgan Stanley Bank of America Merrill Lynch Trust

2014 C19 3.326% Mortgage Backed Bonds 15/12/2047 190 0.01 $18,670,888 Morgan Stanley Bank of America Merrill Lynch Trust

2014-C17 1.18916% 15/8/2047 496 0.02 $468,735 Morgan Stanley Bank of America Merrill Lynch Trust

2014-C18 3.194% Mortgage Backed Bonds 15/10/2047 352 0.01 $580,000 Morgan Stanley Capital I Trust 2014-CPT 3.35% Mortgage

Backed Bonds 13/7/2029 440 0.02 $1,000,000 Motorola Solutions 4.6% Bonds 23/2/2028 733 0.03 $65,000 MPLX LP 3.375% Bonds 15/3/2023 49 0.00 $29,000 Mylan 2.5% Bonds 6/7/2019 22 0.00 $3,180,000 National Fuel Gas 3.95% Bonds 15/9/2027 2,227 0.09 $800,000 NatWest Markets 8.625% Perpetual Bonds 641 0.03 $300,000 Navient 6.125% Medium Term Notes 25/3/2024 220 0.01 $163,410 Navient Private Education Loan Trust 2014-A 2.74% Asset

Backed Bonds 15/2/2029 122 0.01 $1,209,182 Navient Private Education Refi Loan Trust 2018-C 3.01%

Asset Backed Bonds 16/6/2042 910 0.04 $120,000 NBCUniversal Media 2.875% Guaranteed Bonds 15/1/2023 90 0.00 $30,000 New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund Authority 5% Bonds

15/6/2029 25 0.00

Page 27: Annual report - BlackRock

Portfolio Statement continued

Holding or Market % of Nominal Value Total Net Value Investment £000’s Assets

Holding or Market % of Nominal Value Total Net Value Investment £000’s Assets

51 BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund 52

$447,000 Petroleos Mexicanos 6.375% Bond 4/2/2021 345 0.01 $218,000 Petroleos Mexicanos 6.75% Bonds 21/9/2047 143 0.01 $1,382,000 Petroleos Mexicanos 6.875% Bonds 4/8/2026 1,035 0.04 $100,000 PFS Financing 1.87% Asset Backed Bonds 15/10/2021 75 0.00 $465,000 PFS Financing 3.52% Asset Backed Bonds 16/10/2023 353 0.01 $118,000 Pioneer Natural Resources 3.45% Bonds 15/1/2021 89 0.00 $14,590,000 Plains All American Pipeline Finance 5.75% Bonds

15/1/2020 11,197 0.47 $500,000 Poly Real Estate Finance 4.75% Bonds 17/9/2023 382 0.02 $15,000 Port Authority of New York & New Jersey 4.458% Bonds

1/10/2062 12 0.00 $10,000 Port Authority of New York & New Jersey 4.96% Bonds

1/8/2046 9 0.00 $660,000 Port Authority of New York & New Jersey 5% Bonds

15/10/2041 562 0.02 $340,000 Port Authority of New York & New Jersey 5% Bonds

15/11/2047 285 0.01 $1,500,000 Port of Portland OR Airport Revenue 5% Bonds 1/7/2047 1,241 0.05 $700,000 Port of Seattle WA 5.25% Bonds 1/5/2042 597 0.03 $200,000 Poseidon Finance 1 0% Bonds 1/2/2025 145 0.01 $603,000 Power Finance 3.75% European Medium Term Notes

6/12/2027 400 0.02 $1,800,000 Powerlong Real Estate 5.95% Bonds 19/7/2020 1,333 0.06 $615,000 Prime Bloom 6.95% Bonds 5/7/2022 354 0.02 $2,372,379 Progress Residential 2017-SFR1 Trust 2.768% Asset

Backed Bonds 17/8/2034 1,736 0.07 $292,000 Promerica Financial 9.7% Bonds 14/5/2024 222 0.01 $54,000 Providence St Joseph Health Obligated 3.93% Bonds

1/10/2048 38 0.00 $325,000 PTTEP Treasury Center 4.6% Perpetual Bonds 235 0.01 $500,000 Public Power Generation Agency 5% Bonds 1/1/2035 420 0.02 $516,000 Puma International Financing 5% Bonds 24/1/2026Ø 332 0.01 $70,000 QEP Resources 5.625% Bonds 1/3/2026 49 0.00 $775,000 QIIB Senior Sukuk 4.264% Bonds 5/3/2024 586 0.02 $2,500,000 QUALCOMM 3.45% Bonds 20/5/2025 1,849 0.08 $400,000 Rabobank 2.75% Bonds 10/1/2022 298 0.01 $250,000 Regency Energy Partners 5.75% Bonds 1/9/2020 193 0.01 $115,000 Regents of the University of California Medical Center

Pooled Revenue 6.583% Bonds 15/5/2049 115 0.00 $620,000 RKPF Overseas 2019 A 7.875% Bonds 1/2/2023 473 0.02 $240,000 Rock International Investment 6.625% Bonds 27/3/2020 136 0.01 $570,000 Ronshine China 10.5% Bonds 1/3/2022 428 0.02 $395,000 Ronshine China 11.25% Bonds 22/8/2021 304 0.01 $1,000,000 Royal Caribbean Cruises 3.7% Bonds 15/3/2028 704 0.03 $330,000 Royal Oak Hospital Finance Authority 5% Bonds 1/9/2039 268 0.01 $434,000 Rumo Luxembourg Sarl 5.875% Bonds 18/1/2025 332 0.01

$185,961 NewResidential Mortgage Loan Trust 2018-1 4% Asset Backed Bonds 25/12/2057 142 0.01

$6,534,000 NGPL Pipe 4.375% Bonds 15/8/2022 4,973 0.21 $925,000 Nissan Auto Receivables 2017-A Owner Trust 2.11% Asset

Backed Bonds 15/5/2023 687 0.03 $690,000 Nissan Auto Receivables 2017-B Owner Trust 1.95% Asset

Backed Bonds 16/10/2023 511 0.02 $600,000 Nissan Auto Receivables 2018-C Owner Trust 3.22% Asset

Backed Bonds 15/6/2023 455 0.02 $210,000 Nordea Bank 2.25% Bonds 27/5/2021 155 0.01 $200,000 North Carolina Department of Transportation 5% Bonds

30/6/2054 157 0.01 $4,700,000 NXP 4.63% Bonds 15/6/2022 3,603 0.15 $8,349,000 NXP Funding 4.125% Bonds 1/6/2021 6,310 0.27 $100,000 Ochsner Clinic Foundation 5.897% Bonds 15/5/2045 91 0.00 $192,200 Odebrecht Drilling Norbe VIII/IX 6.35% Bonds 1/12/2021 139 0.01 $181,981 Odebrecht Offshore Drilling Finance 6.72% Bonds

1/12/2022 128 0.01 $31,000 Odebrecht Oil & Gas Finance 0% Perpetual Bonds^ – 0.00 $504,000 Oi 10% Bonds 27/7/2025 401 0.02 $250,000 Oil and Gas BSCC 7.5% Bonds 25/10/2027 197 0.01 $955,000 Oil India 5.125% Bonds 4/2/2029 736 0.03 $1,030,000 Oman Sovereign Sukuk 5.932% Bonds 31/10/2025 773 0.03 $1,000,000 Omega Healthcare Investors 4.75% Bonds 15/1/2028 754 0.03 $350,000 OneMain Direct Auto Receivables Trust 2018-1 3.43%

Asset Backed Bonds 16/12/2024 264 0.01 $2,500,000 ONEOK Partners 4.9% Bonds 15/3/2025 1,949 0.08 $115,000 Orange County Local Transportation Authority 6.908%

Bonds 15/2/2041 114 0.00 $389,000 Orazul Energy Egenor S en C por A 5.625% Bonds

28/4/2027 275 0.01 $60,000 Oregon School Boards Association 4.759% Bonds

30/6/2028 48 0.00 $85,000 Oregon School Boards Association 5.49% Bonds

30/6/2023 71 0.00 $615,000 Overseas Chinese Town Asia 4.3% Perpetual Bonds 454 0.02 $405,000 Park Aerospace 5.25% Bonds 15/8/2022 311 0.01 $11,000 Partners Healthcare System 3.443% Bonds 1/7/2021 8 0.00 $20,000 Peace Health 4.787% Bonds 15/11/2048 16 0.00 $200,000 Pearl III 9.5% Bonds 11/12/2022 114 0.00 $710,000 Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission 5% Bonds 1/12/2048 605 0.03 $1,365,000 Penske Truck Leasing 3.3% Bonds 1/4/2021 1,024 0.04 $85,000 Pepperdine University 3.948% Bonds 1/12/2057 62 0.00 $473,000 Petrobras Global Finance 7.375% Bonds 17/1/2027 390 0.02 $1,852,000 Petroleos Mexicanos 5.625% Bonds 23/1/2046Ø 1,107 0.05 $235,000 Petroleos Mexicanos 6% Bonds 5/3/2020 180 0.01

Page 28: Annual report - BlackRock

Portfolio Statement continued

Holding or Market % of Nominal Value Total Net Value Investment £000’s Assets

Holding or Market % of Nominal Value Total Net Value Investment £000’s Assets

53 BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund 54

$975,000 Shire Acquisitions Investments Ireland 1.9% Bonds 23/9/2019 728 0.03

$590,000 Shire Acquisitions Investments Ireland 2.4% Bonds 23/9/2021 433 0.02

$774,521 SMB Private Education Loan Trust 2015-B 2.98% Asset Backed Bonds 15/7/2027 582 0.02

$1,031,850 SMB Private Education Loan Trust 2015-C 2.75% Asset Backed Bonds 15/7/2027 772 0.03

$163,004 SMB Private Education Loan Trust 2016-A 2.7% Asset Backed Bonds 15/5/2031 121 0.01

$477,804 SMB Private Education Loan Trust 2016-C 2.34% Asset Backed Bonds 15/9/2034 351 0.02

$170,866 SoFi Professional Loan Program 2015-d 2.72% Asset Backed Bonds 27/10/2036 127 0.01

$94,349 SoFi Professional Loan Program 2016-C 2.36% Asset Backed Bonds 27/12/2032 70 0.00

$148,961 SoFi Professional Loan Program 2017-A 1.55% Asset Backed Bonds 26/3/2040 111 0.00

$290,000 SoFi Professional Loan Program 2017-A 2.4% Asset Backed Bonds 26/3/2040 213 0.01

$108,430 Sofi Professional Loan Program 2017-C 1.75% Asset Backed Bonds 25/7/2040 81 0.00

$1,214,356 SoFi Professional Loan Program 2017-E 1.86% Asset Backed Bonds 26/11/2040 903 0.04

$140,000 Sofi Professional Loan Program 2018-A 2.95% Asset Backed Bonds 25/2/2042 104 0.00

$1,000,000 Sofi Professional Loan Program 2018-C Trust 3.59% Asset Backed Bonds 25/1/2048 760 0.03

$546,832 Sofi Professional Loan Program 2018-D Trust 3.12% Asset Backed Bonds 25/2/2048 412 0.02

$132,000 South Carolina Public Service Authority 2.388% Bonds 1/12/2023 95 0.00

$50,000 South Carolina Public Service Authority 3.722% Bonds 1/12/2023 38 0.00

$82,000 South Carolina Public Service Authority 6.454% Bonds 1/1/2050 80 0.00

$500,000 South Jersey Port 5% Bonds 1/1/2048 402 0.02 $100,000 Southern Baptist Hospital of Florida 4.857% Bonds

15/7/2045 81 0.00 $140,000 Spectra Energy 4.75% Senior Notes 15/3/2024 110 0.01 $1,000,000 SPIC Luxembourg Latin America Renewable Energy

InvestmentSarl 4.65% Bonds 30/10/2023 765 0.03 $40,973 Springleaf Funding Trust 2015-A 3.16% Asset Backed

Bonds 15/11/2024 31 0.00

$297,000 Rural Electrification 4.625% European Medium Term Notes 22/3/2028 218 0.01

$500,000 Ryder System 2.25% Bonds 1/9/2021 365 0.02 $40,000 Ryder System 2.875% Medium Term Notes 1/9/2020 30 0.00 $80,000 Ryder System 3.75% Bonds 9/6/2023 61 0.00 $104,000 S&P Global 2.95% Bonds 22/1/2027 74 0.00 $319,000 SABIC Capital II 4% Bonds 10/10/2023 243 0.01 $3,910,000 Sabine Pass Liquefaction 5.625% Bonds 15/4/2023 3,132 0.13 $1,500,000 Sabine Pass Liquefaction 5.625% Bonds 1/3/2025 1,216 0.05 $690,000 Salt Lake City Airport Revenue 5% Bonds 1/7/2047 574 0.02 $60,000 Salt River Project Agricultural Improvement & Power

District 5% Bonds 1/12/2045 50 0.00 $214,000 Samarco Mineracao 5.375% Bonds 26/9/2024 100 0.00 $690,000 San Antonio Water System 5% Bonds 15/5/2039 577 0.02 $60,000 San Francisco City & County Airport Comm-San Francisco

International Airport 5% Bonds 1/5/2046 50 0.00 $150,000 San Jose Redevelopment Agency Successor Agency

2.958% Bonds 1/8/2024 112 0.00 $90,000 San Jose Redevelopment Agency Successor Agency

3.125% Bonds 1/8/2028 66 0.00 $75,000 San Jose Redevelopment Agency Successor Agency

3.25% Bonds 1/8/2029 55 0.00 $195,447 Santander Drive Auto Receivables Trust 2017-3 1.87%

Asset Backed Bonds 15/6/2021 147 0.01 $120,000 Santander Drive Auto Receivables Trust 2018-1 2.32%

Asset Backed Bonds 16/8/2021 90 0.00 $320,000 Santander Drive Auto Receivables Trust 2018-5 3.19%

Asset Backed Bonds 15/3/2022 241 0.01 $230,000 Santander UK 3.373% Bonds 5/1/2024 167 0.01 $120,000 Santander USA 3.7% Bonds 28/3/2022 90 0.00 $205,000 Santander USA 4.45% Bonds 3/12/2021 157 0.01 $250,000 Santos Finance 4.125% European Medium Term Notes

14/9/2027 174 0.01 $1,200,000 Scenery Journey 11% Bonds 6/11/2020 930 0.04 $750,000 Seagate HDD Cayman 4.25% Bonds 1/3/2022 563 0.02 $130,000 Sempra Energy 1.625% Bonds 7/10/2019 97 0.00 $193,850 Sequoia Mortgage Trust 2017-CH1 3.5% Mortgage

Backed Bonds 25/8/2047 144 0.01 $184,532 Sequoia Mortgage Trust 2017-CH2 4% Mortgage

Backed Bonds 25/12/2047 140 0.01 $200,000 Shandong Iron And Steel Xinheng International 6.5%

Bonds 14/6/2021 143 0.01 $120,000 Sherwin-Williams 2.75% Bonds 1/6/2022 89 0.00 $1,200,000 Shimao Property 6.375% Bonds 15/10/2021 928 0.04 $600,000 Shinhan Financial 5.875% Perpetual Bonds 458 0.02

Page 29: Annual report - BlackRock

Portfolio Statement continued

Holding or Market % of Nominal Value Total Net Value Investment £000’s Assets

Holding or Market % of Nominal Value Total Net Value Investment £000’s Assets

55 BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund 56

$3,720,000 Tesoro Logistics 5.25% Bonds 15/1/2025 2,848 0.12 $70,000 Tesoro Logistics 6.25% Bonds 15/10/2022 54 0.00 $23,000,000 Teva Pharmaceutical Finance Netherlands III 1.7% Bonds

19/7/2019 17,124 0.73 $7,200,000 Teva Pharmaceutical Finance Netherlands III 2.2% Bonds

21/7/2021 5,132 0.22 $40,000 Texas A&M University 2.836% Bonds 15/5/2027 29 0.00 $2,300,000 Texas Eastern Transmission 3.5% Bonds 15/1/2028 1,651 0.07 $315,000 Texas Municipal Gas Acquisition & Supply I 6.25% Bonds

15/12/2026 274 0.01 $150,000 Texas Private Activity Bond Surface Transportation 5%

Bonds 31/12/2055 119 0.01 $710,000 Texas Water Development Board 5% Bonds 15/10/2043 613 0.03 $1,200,000 Thaioil Treasury Center 5.375% European Medium Term

Notes 20/11/2048 966 0.04 $55,000 Time Warner 4.7% Guaranteed Bonds 15/1/2021 43 0.00 $5,870,000 Time Warner Cable 8.25% Guaranteed Bonds 1/4/2019 4,432 0.19 $1,000,000 Times China 6.25% Bonds 17/1/2021 744 0.03 $1,200,000 Times China 7.625% Bonds 21/2/2022 904 0.04 $200,000 Times Property 6.25% Bonds 23/1/2020 150 0.01 $75,000 Tobacco Settlement Finance Authority 7.467% Bonds

1/6/2047 55 0.00 $72,000 Toledo Hospital 5.75% Bonds 15/11/2038 58 0.00 $20,000 Total System Services 3.75% Senior Notes 1/6/2023 15 0.00 $65,000 Total System Services 4% Bonds 1/6/2023 49 0.00 $239,842 Towd Point Mortgage Trust 2016-3 2.25% Mortgage Backed

Bonds 25/4/2056 177 0.01 $725,000 Toyota Auto Receivables 2017-D Owner Trust 1.93% Asset

Backed Bonds 18/1/2022 540 0.02 $310,000 Toyota Auto Receivables 2018-A Owner Trust 2.35% Asset

Backed Bonds 16/5/2022 232 0.01 $130,000 TransCanada Pipelines 3.75% Senior Notes 16/10/2023 100 0.00 $2,921,000 Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line 7.85% Bonds 1/2/2026 2,702 0.12 $300,000 Transportadora de Gas Internacional 5.55% Bonds

1/11/2028 237 0.01 $53,000 Trinity Health 4.125% Bonds 1/12/2045 38 0.00 $680,000 TSASC 5% Bonds 1/6/2041 542 0.02 $1,455,000 UBS 7.125% Perpetual Bonds 1,111 0.05 $1,050,000 UBS Funding Switzerland 3% Bonds 15/4/2021 786 0.03 $526,416 UBS-Barclays Commercial Mortgage Trust 2012-C2 3.058%

Bonds 10/5/2063 396 0.02 $378,794 UBS-Barclays Commercial Mortgage Trust 2012-C4 2.4589%

Bonds 10/12/2045 283 0.01 $5,930,000 UniCredit 6.572% Bonds 14/1/2022 4,570 0.19 $203,000 Unifin Financiera 7.25% Bonds 27/9/2023 148 0.01

$15,965,125 Sprint Spectrum 3.36% Bonds 20/3/2023 11,923 0.51 $4,740,000 Sprint SpectrumIII 4.738% Bonds 20/3/2025 3,568 0.15 $129,000 SSM Health Care 3.688% Bonds 1/6/2023 99 0.00 $300,000 SSMS Plantation Pte 7.75% Bonds 23/1/2023 213 0.01 $30,000 State of California 7.3% Bonds 1/10/2039 32 0.00 $115,000 State of California 7.5% Bonds 1/4/2034 122 0.01 $115,000 State of California 7.55% Bonds 1/4/2039 127 0.01 $90,000 State of Connecticut 3.31% Bonds 15/1/2026 66 0.00 $1,000,000 State of Georgia 5% Bonds 1/7/2026 914 0.04 $20,000 State of Illinois 5% Bonds 1/5/2020 15 0.00 $20,000 State of Illinois 5% Bonds 1/11/2022 16 0.00 $20,000 State of Illinois 5% Bonds 1/12/2024 16 0.00 $60,000 State of Illinois 5% Bonds 1/11/2025 49 0.00 $330,000 State of Ohio 5% Bonds 15/3/2032 280 0.01 $1,000,000 State of South Carolina 5% Bonds 1/10/2022 840 0.04 $5,000 State of Washington 5% Bonds 1/8/2030 4 0.00 $170,000 State of Washington 5% Bonds 1/8/2040 146 0.01 $535,000 State of Washington 5% Bonds 1/8/2040 451 0.02 $170,000 State of Washington 5% Bonds 1/8/2041 146 0.01 $30,000 State of Wisconsin 3.154% Bonds 1/5/2027 22 0.00 $275,000 State of Wisconsin 5% Bonds 1/5/2032 238 0.01 $145,000 State of Wisconsin 5% Bonds 1/5/2033 125 0.01 $245,000 State of Wisconsin 5% Bonds 1/5/2034 211 0.01 $300,000 Steel Dynamics 5.5% Bonds 1/10/2024 231 0.01 $321,848 Stoneway Capital 10% Bonds 1/3/2027 239 0.01 $925,072 Stoneway Capital 10% Bonds 1/3/2027 686 0.03 $1,800,000 Studio City Finance 7.25% Bonds 11/2/2024 1,370 0.06 $250,000 Sumitomo Mitsui Banking 3.2% Bonds 18/7/2022 188 0.01 $370,000 Sumitomo Mitsui Financial 2.846% Bonds 11/1/2022 275 0.01 $200,000 Sunac China 6.875% Bonds 8/8/2020 150 0.01 $885,000 Sunac China 8.375% Bonds 15/1/2021 676 0.03 $300,000 Sunac China 8.63% Bonds 27/7/2020 230 0.01 $40,000 Sunoco Logistics Partners Operations LP 5.5% Bonds

15/2/2020 31 0.00 $170,000 SunTrust Banks 2.7% Bonds 27/1/2022 127 0.01 $169,000 Sutter Health 3.695% Bonds 15/8/2028 128 0.01 $530,000 Suzano Austria 6% Bonds 15/1/2029 421 0.02 $1,510,000 Svenska Handelsbanken 3.35% Bonds 24/5/2021 1,143 0.05 $225,000 Synchrony Credit Card Master Note Trust 2015-1

Mortgage 2.37% Bonds 15/3/2023 168 0.01 $1,000,000 TD Ameritrade 3.3% Bonds 1/4/2027 735 0.03 $135,000 Teck Resources 8.5% Bonds 1/6/2024 109 0.01 $1,800,000 Telecom Italia 5.303% Bonds 30/5/2024 1,323 0.06 $215,000 Teleflex 4.625% Bonds 15/11/2027 161 0.01 $30,000 Teleflex 4.875% Bonds 1/6/2026 23 0.00

Page 30: Annual report - BlackRock

Portfolio Statement continued

Holding or Market % of Nominal Value Total Net Value Investment £000’s Assets

Holding or Market % of Nominal Value Total Net Value Investment £000’s Assets

57 BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund 58

$5,500,000 VMware 2.95% Bonds 21/8/2022 4,049 0.17 $515,000 VNDO 2013-PENN Mortgage Trust 3.808% Mortgage

Backed Bonds 13/12/2029 392 0.02 $3,785,000 Volkswagen of America Finance 4% Bonds 12/11/2021 2,879 0.12 $420,000 Walgreens Boots Alliance 3.3% Bonds 18/11/2021 317 0.01 $80,000 Walgreens Boots Alliance 3.8% Bonds 18/11/2024 60 0.00 $110,000 WEC Energy 3.375% Bonds 15/6/2021 83 0.00 $465,000 Weichai International Hong Kong Energy 3.75% Perpetual

Bonds 328 0.01 $50,000 WellPoint 3.125% Guaranteed Bonds 15/5/2022 38 0.00 $70,000 Wells Fargo 2.5% Bonds 4/3/2021 52 0.00 $102,000 Wells Fargo 2.6% Bonds 22/7/2020 76 0.00 $570,000 Wells Fargo 2.625% Medium Term Notes 22/7/2022 421 0.02 $50,000 Wells Fargo 3.069% Bonds 24/1/2023 37 0.00 $165,000 Wells Fargo 3.75% Bonds 24/1/2024 126 0.01 $2,695,000 Wells Fargo Commercial Mortgage Trust 2015-C31 3.695%

Mortgage Backed Bonds 15/11/2048 2,065 0.09 $724,000 Wells Fargo Commercial Mortgage Trust 2016-C32 3.324%

Mortgage Backed Bonds 15/1/2059 549 0.02 $25,544,627 Wells Fargo Commercial Mortgage Trust 2017-C41

1.230464% Mortgage Backed Bonds 15/11/2050 1,575 0.07 $384,842 Wells Fargo Commercial Mortgage Trust 2018-C47

3.409% Mortgage Backed Bonds 15/9/2061 292 0.01 $8,230,000 Western Gas Partners 5.375% Guaranteed Senior

Bonds 1/6/2021 6,376 0.27 $965,000 Westpac Banking 3.15% Bonds 16/1/2024 729 0.03 $338,920 WFRBS Commercial Mortgage Trust 2014-C20 3.723%

Mortgage Backed Bonds 15/5/2047 261 0.01 $1,500,000 WFRBS Commercial Mortgage Trust 2014-C21 3.678%

Mortgage Backed Bonds 15/8/2047 1,152 0.05 $625,000 Williams Partners 3.7% Senior Notes 15/1/2023 470 0.02 $75,000 Williams Partners 4% Bonds 15/11/2021 57 0.00 $75,000 Willis North America 3.6% Bonds 15/5/2024 56 0.00 $575,000 Wing Lung Bank 3.75% European Medium Term Notes

22/11/2027 417 0.02 $320,000 Wisconsin Health & Educational Facilities Authority 5%

Bonds 15/12/2044 257 0.01 $600,000 Woori Bank 5.125% European Medium Term Notes

6/8/2028 469 0.02 $85,000 WRK 3.75% Bonds 15/3/2025 63 0.00 $130,000 Xerox 3.5% Bonds 20/8/2020 96 0.00 $200,000 Xinyuan Real Estate 9.875% Bonds 19/3/2020 138 0.01 $1,000,000 Yancoal International Resources Development 5.75%

Perpetual Bonds 752 0.03

$335,000 Union Life Insurance 3% Bonds 19/9/2021 217 0.01 $135,000 Union Pacific 2.95% Bonds 1/3/2022 101 0.00 $100,000 Union Pacific 2.95% Senior Bonds 15/1/2023 75 0.00 $1,642,176 United Airlines 2016-1 Class B Pass Through Trust 3.65%

Bonds 1/7/2026 1,191 0.05 $250,000 United Overseas Bank 2.88% European Medium Term

Notes 8/3/2027 182 0.01 $535,000 United Overseas Bank 3.875% Perpetual European

Medium Term Notes 379 0.02 $150,000 United Technologies 3.35% Bonds 16/8/2021 114 0.01 $35,000 University of California 3.063% Bonds 1/7/2025 26 0.00 $40,000 University of California 4.601% Bonds 15/5/2031 32 0.00 $40,000 University of Delaware 4.221% Bonds 1/11/2058 31 0.00 $10,000 University of Houston 5% Bonds 15/2/2033 9 0.00 $20,000 University of Houston 5% Bonds 15/2/2034 17 0.00 $20,000 University of Houston 5% Bonds 15/2/2035 17 0.00 $30,000 University of Houston 5% Bonds 15/2/2036 26 0.00 $55,000 University of Notre Dame du Lac 3.394% Bonds

15/2/2048 39 0.00 $20,000 University of Oregon 5% Bonds 1/4/2046 17 0.00 $42,000 University of Southern California 3.028% Bonds 1/10/2039 29 0.00 $500,000 University of Vermont & State Agricultural College 5%

Bonds 1/10/2043 423 0.02 $700,000 UPL 4.5% Bonds 8/3/2028 494 0.02 $93,926 US Airways 2012-2 Class B Pass Through Trust 6.75%

Bonds 3/12/2022 74 0.00 $268,974 US Airways 2013-1 Class B Pass Through Trust 5.375%

Bonds 15/11/2021 207 0.01 $343,000 Vale Overseas 4.375% Bonds 11/1/2022 257 0.01 $395,000 Valeant Pharmaceuticals International 5.5% Bonds

1/11/2025 300 0.01 $500,000 Vanke Real Estate Hong Kong 3.975% European Medium

Term Notes 9/11/2027 356 0.02 $265,000 Vantiv Issuer 4.375% Bonds 15/11/2025 192 0.01 $400,000 Vedanta Resources 7.125% Bonds 31/5/2023 285 0.01 $2,400,000 VeriSign 4.625% Bonds 1/5/2023 1,830 0.08 $1,450,000 VeriSign 5.25% Bonds 1/4/2025 1,132 0.05 $79,000 Verizon Communications 5.15% Senior Notes 15/9/2023 65 0.00 $4,000,000 Viacom 3.875% Bonds 15/12/2021 3,021 0.13 $20,345 Virgin Australia 2013-1B Trust 6% Bonds 23/4/2022 16 0.00 $60,000 Virginia Electric & Power 5% Bonds 30/6/2019 45 0.00 $40,000 Visa 2.75% Bonds 15/9/2027 29 0.00 $200,000 VLL International 5.75% European Medium Term Notes

28/11/2024 144 0.01

Page 31: Annual report - BlackRock

Portfolio Statement continued

Holding or Market % of Nominal Value Total Net Value Investment £000’s Assets

Holding or Market % of Nominal Value Total Net Value Investment £000’s Assets

59 BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund 60

$20,005,000 US Treasury 0.375% Bonds 15/1/2027 15,250 0.65 $9,245,000 US Treasury 1% Inflation Indexed Bonds 15/2/2048 6,898 0.29 $3,740,000 US Treasury 3.375% Bonds 15/11/2048 2,988 0.13 $5,600,000 Vietnam (Government) 4.8% International Senior Notes

19/11/2024 4,402 0.19

84,909 3.60

US Dollar Denominated Variable Rate Corporate Bonds – 2.01%; 28.2.2018 3.67% $480,000 American Express Credit Account Master Trust 2.82875%

Floating Rate Asset Backed Bonds 15/12/2025 358 0.02 $79,000 Apache 3.25% Senior Bonds 15/4/2022 59 0.00 $134,818 Apidos 3.741% Floating Rate Asset Backed Bonds

19/1/2025 101 0.00 $2,610,000 Arbor Realty Commercial Real Estate Notes 2016-FL1

4.1888% Floating Rate Asset Backed Bonds 15/9/2026 1,977 0.08 $3,538,070 AREIT 2018-CRE1 Trust 3.33875% Floating Rate Mortgage

Backed Bonds 14/2/2035 2,641 0.11 $2,580,000 Atrium Hotel Portfolio Trust 2017-ATRM 5.53875% Floating

Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 15/12/2036 1,928 0.08 $87,706 Bancorp Commercial Mortgage 2018-CRE3 Trust 3.33875%

Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 15/1/2033 65 0.00 $530,000 BMW Floorplan Master Owner Trust 2.80875% Floating

Rate Asset Backed Bonds 15/5/2023 398 0.02 $850,000 BOC Aviation 3.94663% Floating Rate European Medium

Term Notes 26/9/2023 638 0.03 $15,369 BSPRT 2017-FL2 Issuer 3.30875% Floating Rate Mortgage

Backed Bonds 15/10/2034 12 0.00 $320,000 BSPRT 2018-FL3 Issuer 3.53875% Floating Rate Asset

Backed Bonds 15/3/2028 239 0.01 $269,566 BX Commercial Mortgage Trust 2018-IND 3.23875%

Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 15/11/2035 202 0.01 $65,000 Capital One Financial 3.45775% Floating Rate Bonds

12/5/2020 49 0.00 $480,000 Capital One Multi-Asset Execution Trust 2.83875%

Floating Rate Asset Backed Bonds 16/3/2026 359 0.02 $500,000 Carlyle Global Market Strategies CLO 2013-2 3.67031%

Floating Rate Asset Backed Bonds 18/1/2029 372 0.02 $800,000 CGDBB Commercial Mortgage Trust 2017-BIOC 3.27875%

Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 15/7/2032 601 0.03 $490,000 Chase Issuance Trust 2.68875% Floating Rate Asset

Backed Bonds 17/4/2023 368 0.02 $970,000 Chase Issuance Trust 2.89875% Floating Rate Asset

Backed Bonds 15/5/2021 730 0.03 $359,052 Chesapeake Funding II 2.82875% Floating Rate Asset

Backed Bonds 15/11/2029 268 0.01

$310,000 Yankuang Cayman 4.75% Bonds 30/11/2020 229 0.01 $200,000 Yes Bank IFSC Banking Unit Branch 3.75% European

Medium Term Notes 6/2/2023 141 0.01 $400,000 Yunnan Provincial Investment 3.38% Bonds 1/4/2019 299 0.01 $1,200,000 Yuzhou Properties 8.625% Bonds 23/1/2022 926 0.04 $95,000 Zayo 5.75% Bonds 15/1/2027 69 0.00 $200,000 Zhaohai Investment 4% Bonds 23/7/2020 147 0.01 $655,000 Zhenro Properties 10.5% Bonds 28/6/2020 501 0.02 $1,000,000 Zhenro Properties 12.5% Bonds 2/1/2021 785 0.03

560,488 23.76 US Dollar Denominated Fixed Rate Government Bonds – 3.60%; 28.2.2018 6.70% $1,584,000 Argentina (Republic) 4.625% Bonds 11/1/2023 1,012 0.04 $4,990,000 Argentina (Republic) 5.625% Bonds 26/1/2022 3,376 0.14 $5,942,000 Argentina (Republic) 6.875% Bonds 22/4/2021 4,250 0.18 $907,000 Argentina (Republic) 7.625% International Bonds

22/4/2046 553 0.02 $730,000 Argentina (Republic) 8% Bonds 8/10/2020 555 0.02 $746,000 Argentina (Republic) 8.75% International Bonds 7/5/2024 552 0.02 $229,000 Egypt (Government) 5.577% Bonds 21/2/2023 171 0.01 $352,000 Egypt (Government) 6.125% International Bonds

31/1/2022 268 0.01 $740,000 Egypt (Government) 6.875% International Bonds

30/4/2040 496 0.02 $387,000 Egypt (Government) 7.6003% Bonds 1/3/2029 297 0.01 $1,955,000 Egypt (Government) 7.6003% Bonds 1/3/2029 1,499 0.06 $466,000 Egypt (Government) 8.7002% Bonds 1/3/2049 362 0.02 $1,775,000 Egypt (Government) 8.7002% Bonds 1/3/2049 1,374 0.06 $875,000 Indonesia Government International Bond 5.35% Bonds

11/2/2049 704 0.03 $300,000 Maldives (Government) 7% Bonds 7/6/2022 211 0.01 $1,180,000 Mexico (Government) 5.75% Bonds 12/10/2010 876 0.04 $412,000 Nigeria (Government) 9.248% Bonds 21/1/2049 343 0.01 $1,650,000 Perusahaan Penerbit SBSN Indonesia III 4.45% European

Medium Term Notes 20/2/2029 1,242 0.05 $214,000 Province of Alberta Canada 3.35% Bonds 1/11/2023 164 0.01 $715,000 Province of Ontario Canada 3.4% Bonds 17/10/2023 550 0.02 $2,607,000 Saudi Arabia (Kingdom) 4.375% Bonds 16/4/2029 1,998 0.09 $3,702,000 Saudi Arabia (Kingdom) 4.375% International Bonds

16/4/2029 2,843 0.12 $1,510,000 Saudi Arabia (Kingdom) 5.25% Bonds 16/1/2050 1,188 0.05 $300,000 Sri Lanka (Government) 5.75% Bonds 18/1/2022Ø 222 0.01 $1,500,000 US Treasury 0% Bonds 12/3/2019 1,127 0.05 $10,000,000 US Treasury 0% Bonds 16/4/2019 7,494 0.32 $10,000,000 US Treasury 0% Bonds 16/5/2019 7,479 0.32 $18,154,000 US Treasury 0.25% Index-Linked Notes 15/1/2025 14,165 0.60

Page 32: Annual report - BlackRock

Portfolio Statement continued

Holding or Market % of Nominal Value Total Net Value Investment £000’s Assets

Holding or Market % of Nominal Value Total Net Value Investment £000’s Assets

61 BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund 62

$178,031 Gosforth Funding 2018-1 3.101% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 25/8/2060 133 0.01

$199,790 GPMT 2018-FL1 3.38113% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 21/11/2035 149 0.01

$340,000 Great Wolf Trust 2017-WOLF 3.48875% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 15/9/2034 255 0.01

$600,000 Greenland Global Investment 7.6716% Floating Rate European Medium Term Notes 26/9/2021Ø 445 0.02

$350,000 Greystone Commercial Real Estate Notes 2017-FL1 4.03875% Floating Rate Asset Backed Bonds 15/3/2027 262 0.01

$605,000 GS Mortgage Securities Trust 2018-FBLU 3.43038% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 15/11/2035 454 0.02

$219,000 Holmes Master Issuer 3.20731% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 15/10/2054 164 0.01

$270,000 Hospitality 2017-HIT Mortgage Trust 3.36263% FRN Bonds 8/5/2030 202 0.01

$300,000 JPMorgan Chase 3.41069% Floating Rate Bonds 18/6/2022 226 0.01

$6,250,640 Lanark Master Issuer 3.0834% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 22/12/2069 4,685 0.20

$812,835 LMREC 2016-CRE2 4.206% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 24/11/2031 614 0.03

$357,304 Madison Park Funding XII 4.021% Floating Rate Asset Backed Bonds 20/7/2026 269 0.01

$1,670,000 Mercedes-Benz Master Owner Trust 2017-B 2.90875% Floating Rate Asset Backed Bonds 16/5/2022 1,257 0.05

$780,000 Mercedes-Benz Master Owner Trust 2018-BA 2.82875% Floating Rate Asset Backed Bonds 15/5/2023 586 0.02

$819,058 Morgan Stanley Bank of America Merrill Lynch Trust 2013-C10 3.48875% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 15/7/2046 596 0.03

$60,000 Morgan Stanley Capital I Trust 2018-BOP 3.33875% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 15/8/2033 45 0.00

$110,000 Natixis Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust 2018-FL1 3.45894% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 15/6/2035 82 0.00

$344,558 Navient Private Education Loan Trust 2018-B 2.83875% Floating Rate Asset Backed Bonds 15/12/2059 259 0.01

$892,234 Navient Private Education Refi Loan Trust 2018-D 2.78875% Floating Rate Asset Backed Bonds 15/12/2059 670 0.03

$695,000 Neuberger Berman 3.58731% Floating Rate Asset Backed Bonds 15/1/2028 517 0.02

$600,000 Neuberger Berman 3.6373% Floating Rate Notes 15/1/2028 447 0.02

$412,377 Chesapeake Funding II 2.93875% Floating Rate Asset Backed Bonds 15/5/2029 310 0.01

$246,101 Chesapeake Funding II 3.48875% Floating Rate Asset Backed Bonds 15/6/2028 185 0.01

$37,048 Chesapeake Funding II 3.6388% Floating Rate Asset Backed Bonds 15/3/2028 28 0.00

$685,000 Citibank Credit Card Issuance Trust 2.88263% Floating Rate Asset Backed Bonds 8/8/2024 515 0.02

$225,000 Citigroup Commercial Mortgage Trust 2015-SHP2 3.76875% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 15/7/2027 169 0.01

$800,000 CLNS Trust 2017-IKPR 3.31688% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 11/6/2032 599 0.03

$1,875,000 CLNS Trust 2017-IKPR 6.01688% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 11/6/2032 1,415 0.06

$480,000 COMM 2014-PAT Mortgage Trust 3.2979% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 13/8/2027 361 0.01

$1,000,000 COMM 2014-TWC Mortgage Trust 3.3479% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 13/2/2032 752 0.03

$375,607 Commercial Mortgage Trust 14-TWC 0.9516% Floating Rate Collateralised Mortgage Obligation 12/5/2048 11 0.00

$900,000 Credit Suisse 7.5% Perpetual Subordinated Floating Rate Notes 723 0.03

$570,000 Dryden Senior Loan Fund 3.68731% Floating Rate Asset Backed Bonds 15/10/2027 426 0.02

$600,785 Energy Resources 8% Floating Rate Bonds 30/9/2022Ø 423 0.02 $4,281 Fannie Mae Connecticut Avenue Securities 3.4399%

Floating Rate Notes 25/5/2024 3 0.00 $298,000 Far East Horizon 4.8076% Floating Rate European Medium

Term Notes 3/7/2021 223 0.01 $415,585 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation 2.673%

Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 1/7/2045 312 0.01 $176,515 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Structured

Agency Credit Risk Debt Notes 3.03988% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 25/4/2030 132 0.01

$277,609 Federal National Mortgage Association Connecticut Avenue Securities 3.33988% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 25/11/2029 209 0.01

$457,726 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool 2.886% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 1/7/2044 346 0.01

$44,811 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool 3.798% Floating Rate Notes 1/12/2040 35 0.00

$520,000 General Mills 3.31894% Floating Rate Bonds 16/4/2021 389 0.02 $3,140,843 Gosforth Funding 2017-1 3.27363% Floating Rate

Mortgage Backed Bonds 19/12/2059 2,356 0.10

Page 33: Annual report - BlackRock

Portfolio Statement continued

Holding or Market % of Nominal Value Total Net Value Investment £000’s Assets

Holding or Market % of Nominal Value Total Net Value Investment £000’s Assets

63 BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund 64

$1,285,000 SMB Private Education Loan Trust 2018-C 3.23875% Floating Rate Asset Backed Bonds 15/11/2035 961 0.04

$97,476 SoFi Professional Loan Program 2015-A 1.6899% Floating Rate Asset Backed Bonds 25/3/2033 74 0.00

$955,352 SoFi Professional Loan Program 2015-B 1.5399% Floating Rate Asset Backed Bonds 25/4/2035 725 0.03

$153,174 SoFi Professional Loan Program 2016-D 3.43988% Floating Rate Asset Backed Bonds 25/1/2039 116 0.00

$310,000 Symphony 3.66731% Floating Rate Asset Backed Bonds 15/4/2028 231 0.01

$635,000 Tarjeta Naranja 40.625% Floating Rate Bonds 11/4/2022 191 0.01 $400,000 TCI-Flatiron 2016-1 4.32344% Floating Rate Asset Backed

Bonds 17/7/2028 301 0.01 $265,302 Tharaldson Hotel Portfolio Trust 2018-THPT 3.26225%

Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 11/11/2034 198 0.01 $270,000 Tryon Park 3.67731% Floating Rate Asset Backed Bonds

15/4/2029 201 0.01 $300,000 United Technologies 3.1% Senior Notes 1/6/2022 225 0.01 $370,000 Waldorf Astoria Boca Raton Trust 2016-BOCA 3.8387%

Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 15/6/2029 278 0.01 $420,000 Wells Fargo Commercial Mortgage Trust 2018-BXI

4.645563% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 15/12/2036 315 0.01

$965,000 WFRBS Commercial Mortgage Trust 2013-UBS1 4.079% Mortgage Backed Bonds 15/3/2046 756 0.03

$300,000 Yamaguchi Financial 2.3216% Floating Rate Bonds 26/3/2020 221 0.01

47,279 2.01

US Dollar Denominated Variable Rate Government Bonds – 0.02%; 28.2.2018 0.04% $675,000 Export Import Bank of Thailand 3.54363% Floating Rate

European Medium Term Notes 20/11/2023 508 0.02

COLLECTIVE INVESTMENT SCHEMES – 4.87%; 28.2.2018 0.00%

Exchange Traded Funds – 4.87%; 28.2.2018 0.00% 1,340,000 iShares EUR Ultrashort Bond UCITS ETF 114,962 4.87

EQUITIES – 0.00%; 28.2.2018 0.01%

Indonesia – 0.00%; 28.2.2018 0.01%

$1,510,000 Nissan Master Owner Trust Receivables 2.80875% Floating Rate Asset Backed Bonds 17/10/2022 1,135 0.05

$775,000 Nissan Master Owner Trust Receivables 2.91875% Floating Rate Asset Backed Bonds 18/4/2022 583 0.02

$500,000 Oaktree 2015-1 3.631% Floating Rate Asset Backed Bonds 20/10/2027 373 0.02

$500,000 OCP 2015-10 3.58475% Floating Rate Asset Backed Bonds 26/10/2027 373 0.02

$268,506 Paragon Mortgages 2.9673% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 15/1/2039 184 0.01

$1,804,022 Paragon Mortgages No 13 2.96731% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 15/1/2039 1,267 0.05

$500,000 PFS Financing 2.88875% Floating Rate Asset Backed Bonds 15/2/2022 375 0.02

$510,000 PFS Financing 2.95875% Floating Rate Asset Backed Bonds 15/10/2021 383 0.02

$480,000 PFS Financing 2.96875% Floating Rate Asset Backed Bonds 15/4/2022 361 0.02

$300,000 PFS Financing 3.06875% Floating Rate Asset Backed Bonds 15/3/2021 225 0.01

$1,409,889 RAIT 2017-FL7 Trust 3.43875% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 15/6/2037 1,058 0.04

$27,925 Resource Capital 2017-CRE5 3.28875% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 15/7/2034 21 0.00

$887,000 Royal Bank of Scotland 4.1537% Floating Rate Bonds 15/5/2023 656 0.03

$252,148 SLIDE 2018-FUN 3.38875% Floating Rate Mortgage Backed Bonds 15/6/2031 189 0.01

$94,950 SLM Private Education Loan Trust 2011-C 5.7387% Floating Rate Asset Backed Bonds 17/10/2044 72 0.00

$40,716 SLM Student Loan Trust Floating Rate Notes 25/6/2027 31 0.00 $121,393 SMB Private Education Loan Trust 2016-B 3.9387%

Floating Rate Asset Backed Bonds 17/2/2032 93 0.00 $3,356 SMB Private Education Loan Trust 2017-A 2.93875%

Floating Rate Asset Backed Bonds 17/6/2024 2 0.00 $881,000 SMB Private Education Loan Trust 2017-A 3.38875%

Floating Rate Asset Backed Bonds 15/9/2034 663 0.03 $439,204 SMB Private Education Loan Trust 2018-A 2.83875%

Floating Rate Asset Backed Bonds 16/3/2026 330 0.01 $350,000 SMB Private Education Loan Trust 2018-B 3.20875%

Floating Rate Asset Backed Bonds 15/1/2037 261 0.01 $329,272 SMB Private Education Loan Trust 2018-C 2.78875%

Floating Rate Asset Backed Bonds 15/9/2025 247 0.01

Page 34: Annual report - BlackRock

Portfolio Statement continued

Holding or Underlying Market % of Nominal Exposure – Derivatives Value Total Net Value Investment £000’s £000’s Assets

Holding or Underlying Market % of Nominal Exposure – Derivatives Value Total Net Value Investment £000’s £000’s Assets

65 BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund 66

4,450,000 BNP Paribas (Heineken) 1% 20/12/2023 3,927 (140) 0.00 380,000 BNP Paribas (International Paper) 1%

20/12/2023 314 (6) 0.00 (550,000) BNP Paribas (National Grid) 1% 20/12/2023 491 14 0.00 3,217,000 BNP Paribas (Philippines (Republic Of)) 1%

20/12/2023 3,390 (47) 0.00 (200,000) BNP Paribas (Rio Tinto) 1% 20/12/2023 155 3 0.00 (100,000) BNP Paribas (Safeway) 1% 20/12/2021 86 2 0.00 2,800,000 BNP Paribas (Santander International Debt) 1%

20/12/2023 2,512 51 0.00 (120,000) BNP Paribas (Securitas) 1% 20/9/2019^ 102 – 0.00 640,000 BNP Paribas (Standard Chartered Bank) 1%

20/12/2020 557 (9) 0.00 (110,000) BNP Paribas (Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson)

1% 20/6/2022 95 1 0.00 1,250,000 BNP Paribas (Turkey (Government)) 1%

20/12/2023 1,280 78 0.00 3,250,000 BNP Paribas (Tyson Foods ) 1% 20/12/2023 2,538 (41) 0.00 638,000 BNP Paribas (United Mexican States Government)

0% 20/12/2023 – 4 0.00 1,938,000 BNP Paribas (United Mexican States Government)

1% 20/12/2023 1,439 13 0.00 1,130,000 Citibank (Airbus) 1% 20/12/2023 1,061 (35) 0.00 (75,000) Citibank (BP Capital Markets America) 1%

20/12/2023 64 2 0.00 1,782,000 Citibank (BP) 1% 20/12/2023 1,527 (46) 0.00 6,295,000 Citibank (Carlsberg Breweries) 1% 20/12/2023 6,078 (184) (0.01) 2,991,000 Citibank (Colombia (Republic of)) 1%

20/12/2023^ 3,418 – 0.00 180,000 Citibank (Compagnie De Saint-Gobain) 1%

20/12/2023 158 (3) 0.00 2,100,450 Citibank (Heidelberg Cement) 5% 20/12/2023 1,898 (375) (0.02) 9,475,000 Citibank (Heineken) 1% 20/12/2023 8,361 (298) (0.01) 1,300,000 Citibank (Philippines (Republic Of)) 1%

20/12/2023 1,370 (19) 0.00 220,000 Citibank (Renault) 1% 20/12/2023 198 1 0.00 (390,000) Citibank (Safeway) 1% 20/12/2021 334 9 0.00 450,000 Citibank (Sanofi-Aventis) 1% 20/12/2023 395 (14) 0.00 1,742,000 Citibank (South Africa (Republic of)) 0%

20/12/2023 – 40 0.00 1,742,000 Citibank (South Africa (Republic of)) 1%

20/12/2023 1,331 40 0.00 3,637,725 Citibank (Turkey (Government)) 1% 20/12/2023 3,726 228 0.01 200,000 Citibank (TVN Finance) 5% 20/12/2020 187 (16) 0.00 10,399,959 Citibank (United Mexican States Government)

1% 20/12/2023 7,719 62 0.00

DERIVATIVES – 1.71%; 28.2.2018 2.73%

Credit Default Swaps – (0.46)%; 28.2.2018 (0.04)% 200,000 Bank of America Merrill Lynch (Adecco) 1%

20/12/2023 180 (4) 0.00 1,180,000 Bank of America Merrill Lynch (Airbus) 1%

20/12/2023 1,108 (36) 0.00 357,000 Bank of America Merrill Lynch (Colombia

(Republic of)) 1% 20/12/2023^ 408 – 0.00 (40,000) Bank of America Merrill Lynch

(Energias de Portugal) 5% 20/12/2021 34 5 0.00 170,400,500 Bank of America Merrill Lynch (iTraxx) 1%

20/12/2023 135,186 (2,639) (0.11) 8,976,800 Bank of America Merrill Lynch (iTraxx) 5%

20/12/2023 7,238 (518) (0.02) (400,000) Bank of America Merrill Lynch (Naturgy Energy)

1% 20/12/2023 357 8 0.00 40,000 Bank of America Merrill Lynch (Scandinavian

Airlines System) 5% 20/6/2019 35 (1) 0.00 (300,000) Bank of America Merrill Lynch (Wendel) 5%

20/12/2022 271 45 0.00 10,800,000 Barclays Bank (Brazil (Federative Republic of))

1% 20/12/2023 8,172 172 0.01 (500,000) Barclays Bank (China (Republic Of)) 1%

20/9/2020 496 6 0.00 1,216,000 Barclays Bank (Colombia (Republic of)) 1%

20/12/2023^ 1,390 – 0.00 1,230,000 Barclays Bank (Enel) 1% 20/12/2023 1,288 (10) 0.00 550,000 Barclays Bank (International Paper) 1%

20/12/2023 455 (9) 0.00 (256,000) Barclays Bank (Kingfisher) 1% 20/6/2022 219 3 0.00 19,822,159 Barclays Bank (Mitsubishi) 1% 20/12/2020 136 (2) 0.00 (675,000) Barclays Bank (Nestlé) 1% 20/12/2023 578 25 0.00 250,000 Barclays Bank (PostNL) 1% 20/12/2023 210 (3) 0.00 10,390,690 Barclays Bank (Sumitomo) 1% 20/12/2020 71 (1) 0.00 (100,000) Barclays Bank (Technip) 1% 20/12/2021 90 2 0.00 1,285,000 Barclays Bank (United Mexican States

Government) 1% 20/12/2023 953 8 0.00 (750,000) Barclays Bank (Vinci) 1% 20/12/2023 666 21 0.00 1,020,000 Barclays Bank (Volkswagen) 1% 20/12/2023 873 (1) 0.00 1,150,000 BNP Paribas (BP Capital Markets America) 1%

20/12/2023 985 (29) 0.00 14,335,000 BNP Paribas (Carlsberg Breweries) 1%

20/12/2023 13,314 (421) (0.02) 911,889 BNP Paribas (Colombia (Republic of)) 1%

20/12/2023^ 1,042 – 0.00

Page 35: Annual report - BlackRock

Portfolio Statement continued

Holding or Underlying Market % of Nominal Exposure – Derivatives Value Total Net Value Investment £000’s £000’s Assets

Holding or Underlying Market % of Nominal Exposure – Derivatives Value Total Net Value Investment £000’s £000’s Assets

67 BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund 68

12,218,964 Goldman Sachs International (Mitsubishi) 1% 20/12/2020 84 (1) 0.00

36,656,892 Goldman Sachs International (Mitsui & Co.) 1% 20/12/2020 252 (4) 0.00

(75,000) Goldman Sachs International (Rentokil Initial) 1% 20/12/2021 65 1 0.00

60,000 Goldman Sachs International (Scandinavian Airlines System) 5% 20/3/2019 52 (1) 0.00

3,491,000 Goldman Sachs International (South Africa (Republic of)) 1% 20/12/2023 2,668 79 0.00

300,000 Goldman Sachs International (Standard Chartered Bank) 1% 20/12/2020 261 (4) 0.00

82,000 Goldman Sachs International (Sudzucker International Finance) 1% 20/12/2020 71 (1) 0.00

307,000 Goldman Sachs International (Suedzucker) 1% 20/12/2020 266 (4) 0.00

(180,000) Goldman Sachs International (Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson) 1% 20/6/2022 156 2 0.00

2,416,275 Goldman Sachs International (Turkey (Government)) 1% 20/12/2023 2,475 152 0.01

2,950,000 Goldman Sachs International (Weyerhaeuser) 1% 20/12/2023 2,454 (56) 0.00

5,535,539 HSBC Bank (Brazil (Federative Republic of)) 1% 20/12/2023 4,189 90 0.01

1,400,000 JP Morgan Chase Bank (Australia & New Zealand Banking) 1% 20/12/2020 1,070 (17) 0.00

2,730,000 JP Morgan Chase Bank (Aviva) 1% 20/12/2023 2,588 4 0.00 1,000,000 JP Morgan Chase Bank (Commonwealth Bank

of Australia) 1% 20/12/2020 764 (12) 0.00 195,000 JP Morgan Chase Bank

(Compagnie De Saint-Gobain) 1% 20/12/2023 171 (4) 0.00 2,690,000 JP Morgan Chase Bank (Conagra) 1%

20/12/2023 2,285 21 0.00 2,690,000 JP Morgan Chase Bank (General Mills ) 1%

20/12/2023 2,022 (32) 0.00 (2,340,000) JP Morgan Chase Bank (Intesa Sanpaolo) 1%

20/12/2023 2,411 (203) (0.01) (250,000) JP Morgan Chase Bank (J Sainsbury) 1%

20/6/2022 215 2 0.00 141,000 JP Morgan Chase Bank (Melia Hotels International)

5% 20/6/2022 141 (20) 0.00 400,000 JP Morgan Chase Bank (National Australia Bank)

1% 20/12/2020 306 (5) 0.00 180,000 JP Morgan Chase Bank (Renault) 1%

20/12/2023 162 1 0.00

400,000 Citibank (Westpac Banking) 1% 20/12/2020 306 (5) 0.00 3,190,000 Credit Suisse International (Arrow Electronics)

1% 20/12/2023 2,457 (35) 0.00 (40,000) Credit Suisse International (Beni Stabili) 5%

20/6/2022 34 6 0.00 51,000 Credit Suisse International (Cerved Technologies)

5% 20/12/2020 45 (2) 0.00 (4,290,000) Credit Suisse International (CMBX) 2%

17/9/2058 3,225 (5) 0.00 (141,000) Credit Suisse International (International Game

Technology) 5% 20/12/2021 132 15 0.00 158,296,680 Credit Suisse International (iTraxx) 1%

20/12/2023 136,765 (2,776) (0.12) 70,000 Credit Suisse International (Scandinavian

Airlines System) 5% 20/6/2019 62 (1) 0.00 50,000 Credit Suisse International (Stena) 5%

20/12/2021 40 (2) 0.00 607,000 Deutsche Bank (Colombia (Republic of)) 1%

20/12/2023^ 694 – 0.00 1,500,000 Deutsche Bank (Turkey (Government)) 1%

20/12/2023 1,536 94 0.00 692,000 Deutsche Bank (United Mexican States

Government) 1% 20/12/2023 514 4 0.00 780,000 Goldman Sachs International (Airbus) 1%

20/12/2023 732 (24) 0.00 2,273,000 Goldman Sachs International (Brazil (Federative

Republic of)) 1% 20/12/2023 1,720 37 0.00 (100,000) Goldman Sachs International (Capgemini) 1%

20/12/2021 86 2 0.00 446,000 Goldman Sachs International (Cerved

Technologies) 5% 20/12/2020 397 (14) 0.00 (500,000) Goldman Sachs International (China

(Republic Of)) 1% 20/9/2020 496 6 0.00 (475,000) Goldman Sachs International (Diageo) 1%

20/12/2023 407 17 0.00 (100,000) Goldman Sachs International

(Energias de Portugal) 5% 20/12/2021 86 12 0.00 (80,000) Goldman Sachs International

(Infineon Technologies) 5% 20/3/2019 68 1 0.00 50,000,000 Goldman Sachs International (Itochu) 1%

20/12/2020 344 (5) 0.00 (825,000) Goldman Sachs International (iTraxx) 1%

20/12/2020 620 10 0.00 45,284,734 Goldman Sachs International (iTraxx) 5%

20/12/2023 42,940 (4,203) (0.18)

Page 36: Annual report - BlackRock

Portfolio Statement continued

Holding or Underlying Market % of Nominal Exposure – Derivatives Value Total Net Value Investment £000’s £000’s Assets

Holding or Underlying Market % of Nominal Exposure – Derivatives Value Total Net Value Investment £000’s £000’s Assets

69 BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund 70

Currency Swaps – 0.00%; 28.2.2018 (0.01)%

Forward Currency Contracts – 2.11%; 28.2.2018 (0.63)% ARS 90,000,705 Argentine peso vs US dollar 3,257 (1) 0.00 AU$240,000 Australian dollar vs Canadian dollar 260 (3) 0.00 AU$1,590,000 Australian dollar vs Japanese yen^ 1,707 – 0.00 AU$950,000 Australian dollar vs New Zealand dollar 1,030 (11) 0.00 AU$1,660,000 Australian dollar vs UK sterling 891 (35) 0.00 AU$10,515,500 Australian dollar vs US dollar 11,331 (47) 0.00 BRL 48,237,719 Brazilian real vs US dollar 19,396 6 0.00 CA$229,640 Canadian dollar vs Australian dollar 260 2 0.00 CA$233,380 Canadian dollar vs New Zealand dollar^ 267 – 0.00 CA$4,880,000 Canadian dollar vs UK sterling 2,786 (61) 0.00 CA$1,530,256 Canadian dollar vs US dollar 1,737 10 0.00 CLP 345,957,500 Chilean peso vs US dollar 799 2 0.00 CNY 144,490,000 Chinese yuan vs US dollar 32,260 215 0.01 COP 8,153,371,000 Columbian peso vs US dollar 3,956 31 0.00 EGP 3,937,943 Egyptian Pound vs US dollar 330 2 0.00 €410,000 Euro vs New Zealand dollar 701 3 0.00 €150,000 Euro vs Norwegian krone 259 (1) 0.00 €150,000 Euro vs Swedish krona 255 2 0.00 €6,229,238 Euro vs UK sterling 5,349 (117) 0.00 €196,000 Euro vs US dollar 335 1 0.00 IDR 108,927,129,856 Indonesian rupiah vs US dollar 11,603 (14) 0.00 ¥124,327,203 Japanese yen vs Australian dollar 1,697 (10) 0.00 ¥38,072,758 Japanese yen vs US dollar 514 3 0.00 MXN 74,587,116 Mexican peso vs US dollar 5,797 3 0.00 TRY 7,938,388 New Turkish lira vs US dollar 2,227 3 0.00 NZD 1,000,396 New Zealand dollar vs Australian dollar 1,024 4 0.00 NZD 260,000 New Zealand dollar vs Canadian dollar 269 (2) 0.00 NOK 1,449,340 Norwegian krone vs Euro 257 (1) 0.00 NOK 1,443,172 Norwegian krone vs Swiss franc 256 (1) 0.00 RUB 101,224,548 Russian ruble vs US dollar 2,299 12 0.00 SGD 820,000 Singapore dollar vs UK sterling 457 (14) 0.00 ZAR 101,496,769 South African rand vs US dollar 10,815 48 0.00 KRW 6,745,000,000 South Korean won vs US dollar 9,016 9 0.00 SEK 143,154,863 Swedish krona vs Euro 23,451 26 0.00 CHF 170,000 Swiss franc vs Norwegian krone 260 (2) 0.00 £9,655,968 UK sterling vs Australian dollar 9,251 406 0.02 £1,922,491 UK sterling vs Canadian dollar 1,878 44 0.00 £652,979,061 UK sterling vs Euro 624,434 28,545 1.21 £348,609 UK sterling vs Hong Kong dollar 334 15 0.00 £1,364,252 UK sterling vs Indonesian rupiah 1,365 (1) 0.00 £28,007,920 UK sterling vs Japanese yen 26,932 1,076 0.04 £10,113,042 UK sterling vs Mexican peso 10,030 83 0.00

(100,000) JP Morgan Chase Bank (Smurfit Kappa Acquisitions) 5% 20/12/2022 90 15 0.00

1,890,000 JP Morgan Chase Bank (South Africa (Republic of)) 1% 20/12/2023 1,444 43 0.00

10,548,523 JP Morgan Chase Bank (Sumitomo) 1% 20/12/2020 73 (1) 0.00

(275,000) JP Morgan Chase Bank (Swedish Match) 1% 20/6/2022 236 6 0.00

(130,000) JP Morgan Chase Bank (Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson) 1% 20/6/2022 112 2 0.00

1,210,000 JP Morgan Chase Bank (Turkey (Government)) 1% 20/12/2023 1,239 76 0.00

2,580,000 JP Morgan Chase Bank (Unicredit) 1% 20/12/2023 1,989 219 0.01

425,000 JP Morgan Chase Bank (Veolia Environnement) 1% 20/12/2023 369 (12) 0.00

(650,000) JP Morgan Chase Bank (Vivendi) 1% 20/12/2023 577 16 0.00

1,690,000 Morgan Stanley International (Anglo American Capital) 5% 20/6/2024 1,745 (285) (0.01)

838,000 Morgan Stanley International (BP) 1% 20/12/2023 718 (21) 0.00

6,700,000 Morgan Stanley International (Canadian Natural Resources ) 1% 20/12/2023 5,047 (58) 0.00

871,000 Morgan Stanley International (Heidelberg Cement) 5% 20/12/2023 787 (155) (0.01)

(5,340,000) Morgan Stanley International (iTraxx) 1% 20/12/2023 4,572 69 0.00

580,000 Morgan Stanley International (Philippines (Republic Of)) 1% 20/12/2023 611 (8) 0.00

3,775,000 Morgan Stanley International (South Africa (Republic of)) 1% 20/12/2023 2,884 86 0.00

120,000 Morgan Stanley International (Standard Chartered Bank) 1% 20/12/2020 104 (2) 0.00

1,406,400 Morgan Stanley International (Turkey (Government)) 1% 20/12/2023 1,441 88 0.01

244,000 Morgan Stanley International (United Mexican States Government) 1% 20/12/2023 181 2 0.00

(275,000) Société Générale (J Sainsbury) 1% 20/6/2022 236 2 0.00 (275,000) Société Générale (Kering) 1% 20/12/2023 236 8 0.00 (125,000) Société Générale (LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis

Vuitton) 1% 20/12/2023 110 4 0.00 (200,000) Société Générale (Technip) 1% 20/12/2021 182 4 0.00

474,283 (10,846) (0.46)

Page 37: Annual report - BlackRock

Portfolio Statement continued

Holding or Underlying Market % of Nominal Exposure – Derivatives Value Total Net Value Investment £000’s £000’s Assets

Holding or Underlying Market % of Nominal Exposure – Derivatives Value Total Net Value Investment £000’s £000’s Assets

71 BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund 72

(568) US 2 Year Note (CBT) June 2019 89,020 17 0.00 (752) US 5 Year Note (CBT) June 2019 63,134 74 0.00 (520) US Long Bond (CBT) June 2019 56,480 31 0.00 (107) US Ultra Bond (CBT) June 2019 14,758 50 0.00

3,599,144 1,243 0.05

Inflation Swaps – 0.06%; 28.2.2018 0.03% 6,235,000 Credit Suisse International (Euro) 1.294%

16/1/2029 5,357 (31) 0.00 2,393,500 Credit Suisse International (UK sterling) 0%

vs Variable 15/12/2028 – (64) 0.00 12,746,000 Credit Suisse International (UK sterling) 3.32%

15/3/2028 12,588 (121) (0.01) 18,210,000 Credit Suisse International (UK sterling) 3.348%

16/9/2023 18,223 23 0.00 3,325,000 Credit Suisse International (UK sterling) 3.366%

vs Variable 15/2/2028 3,316 (10) 0.00 3,376,000 Credit Suisse International (UK sterling) 3.421%

15/3/2048 3,320 16 0.00 6,002,000 Credit Suisse International (UK sterling) 3.422%

15/11/2027 6,004 6 0.00 18,049,000 Credit Suisse International (UK sterling) 3.427%

16/10/2023 18,215 145 0.01 5,874,000 Credit Suisse International (UK sterling) 3.43%

vs Variable 15/11/2027 5,881 11 0.00 5,120,000 Credit Suisse International (UK sterling) 3.44%

vs Variable 15/7/2027 5,121 21 0.00 8,285,000 Credit Suisse International (UK sterling) 3.471%

17/10/2028 8,350 58 0.00 879,000 Credit Suisse International (UK sterling) 3.509%

vs Variable 15/11/2047 904 (31) 0.00 1,491,000 Credit Suisse International (UK sterling) 3.535%

vs Variable 15/2/2048 1,566 (80) 0.00 21,295,000 Credit Suisse International (UK sterling) 3.561%

16/11/2023 21,560 271 0.01 10,675,000 Credit Suisse International (UK sterling) 3.607%

16/12/2023 10,831 163 0.01 2,387,500 Credit Suisse International (UK sterling) 3.61%

16/12/2023 2,423 (37) 0.00 2,400,000 Credit Suisse International (UK sterling) 3.63%

16/12/2023 2,438 (40) 0.00 2,393,500 Credit Suisse International (UK sterling) 3.64%

16/12/2023 2,433 (41) 0.00 2,387,500 Credit Suisse International (UK sterling) 3.64%

16/12/2028 2,444 59 0.00 2,394,000 Credit Suisse International (UK sterling) 3.645%

16/12/2023 2,434 (42) 0.00

£500,883 UK sterling vs Singapore dollar 485 16 0.00 £9,657,208 UK sterling vs South African rand 9,406 251 0.01 £1,179,470 UK sterling vs Swedish krona 1,107 73 0.00 £808,584,455 UK sterling vs US dollar 788,958 19,627 0.83 $1,345,356 US dollar vs Argentine peso 2,013 4 0.00 $6,789,111 US dollar vs Australian dollar 10,161 38 0.00 $9,462,738 US dollar vs Brazilian real 14,219 5 0.00 $1,150,000 US dollar vs Canadian dollar 1,734 (6) 0.00 $2,065,000 US dollar vs Chilean peso 3,123 (20) 0.00 $556,337 US dollar vs Chinese yuan renminbi 841 (5) 0.00 $4,463,077 US dollar vs Columbian peso 6,742 (57) 0.00 $1,391,455 US dollar vs Euro 2,100 (11) 0.00 $3,356,077 US dollar vs Indian rupee 5,040 2 0.00 $22,959,183 US dollar vs Indonesian rupiah 34,613 (127) (0.01) $651,822 US dollar vs Japanese yen^ 979 – 0.00 $2,470,870 US dollar vs South Korean won 3,715 (2) 0.00 $10,793,379 US dollar vs Mexican peso 16,231 (41) 0.00 $2,839,000 US dollar vs New Turkish lira 4,274 (8) 0.00 $3,804,963 US dollar vs Philippines peso 5,786 (69) 0.00 $1,522,000 US dollar vs Russian ruble^ 2,287 – 0.00 $7,129,596 US dollar vs South African rand 10,631 53 0.00 $125,599 US dollar vs Swiss franc 189 (1) 0.00 $2,100,000 US dollar vs UK sterling 1,577 (76) 0.00

1,757,543 49,876 2.11

Futures – 0.05%; 28.2.2018 0.03% 450 90-Day Euro$ September 2019^ 338,320 – 0.00 (547) 90-Day Euro$ September 2020 411,247 (19) 0.00 493 90-Day Euro$ December 2020 370,649 38 0.00 (493) 90-Day Euro$ March 2021 370,649 (620) (0.03) (303) 90-Day Sterling September 2019 333,000 2 0.00 302 90-Day Sterling September 2020 332,500 (6) 0.00 303 Australia 3 Year Bond March 2019 18,270 70 0.00 849 Australia 10 Year Bond March 2019 61,311 1,390 0.06 (1,246) Canada 10 Year Bond June 2019 96,529 132 0.01 (61) Euro Buxl 30 Year Bond March 2019 9,611 44 0.00 1,135 Euro-Bobl March 2019 155,662 (102) 0.00 (59) Euro-BTP March 2019 10,759 (566) (0.02) (2,582) Euro-Bund March 2019 310,924 (1,058) (0.05) 459 Euro-Oat March 2019 21,336 276 0.01 2,057 Euro-Schatz March 2019 196,906 (79) 0.00 (31) Japan 10 Year Note (OSE) March 2019 31,978 (100) 0.00 (1,274) Long Gilt June 2019 162,018 1,627 0.07 (631) Short Euro-BTP March 2019 60,124 (190) (0.01) (167) South Korea 10 Year Bond March 2019 14,189 (4) 0.00 857 US 10 Year Note (CBT) June 2019 59,161 236 0.01 (109) US 10 Year Ultra Bond June 2019^ 10,609 – 0.00

Page 38: Annual report - BlackRock

Portfolio Statement continued

Holding or Underlying Market % of Nominal Exposure – Derivatives Value Total Net Value Investment £000’s £000’s Assets

Holding or Underlying Market % of Nominal Exposure – Derivatives Value Total Net Value Investment £000’s £000’s Assets

73 BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund 74

10,145,000 Bank of America Merrill Lynch (US dollar) 2.477% vs Variable 4/2/2022 7,621 7 0.00

10,145,000 Bank of America Merrill Lynch (US dollar) 2.478% vs Variable 4/2/2022 7,621 7 0.00

5,035,000 Bank of America Merrill Lynch (US dollar) 2.489% vs Variable 24/2/2022 3,784 4 0.00

5,080,000 Bank of America Merrill Lynch (US dollar) 2.499% vs Variable 11/2/2022 3,818 5 0.00

5,047,500 Bank of America Merrill Lynch (US dollar) 2.502% vs Variable 4/2/2022 3,794 5 0.00

16,315,000 Bank of America Merrill Lynch (US dollar) 2.528% vs Variable 6/1/2022 12,266 21 0.00

8,600,000 Bank of America Merrill Lynch (US dollar) 2.563% vs Variable 13/2/2024 – 18 0.00

177,800,000 Bank of America Merrill Lynch (US dollar) 2.576% vs Variable 15/3/2021 133,642 (125) (0.01)

262,480,000 Bank of America Merrill Lynch (US dollar) 2.577% vs Variable 11/1/2023 197,465 (244) (0.01)

256,610,000 Bank of America Merrill Lynch (US dollar) 2.582% vs Variable 12/1/2022 193,135 334 0.01

10,000,000 Bank of America Merrill Lynch (US dollar) 2.611% vs Variable 18/2/2021 7,522 (12) 0.00

4,955,000 Bank of America Merrill Lynch (US dollar) 2.646% vs Variable 28/1/2022 3,734 (15) 0.00

4,460,000 Bank of America Merrill Lynch (US dollar) 2.687% vs Variable 13/2/2029 – (8) 0.00

2,230,000 Bank of America Merrill Lynch (US dollar) 2.701% vs Variable 14/2/2029 – 6 0.00

20,550,000 Bank of America Merrill Lynch (US dollar) 2.704% vs Variable 23/12/2021 15,501 74 0.00

146,190,000 Bank of America Merrill Lynch (US dollar) 2.722% vs Variable 22/12/2021 110,171 340 0.01

149,560,000 Bank of America Merrill Lynch (US dollar) 2.744% vs Variable 21/12/2022 112,693 (316) (0.01)

7,460,000 Bank of America Merrill Lynch (US dollar) 2.83% vs Variable 15/2/2036 5,588 25 0.00

4,600,000 Bank of America Merrill Lynch (US dollar) 2.88% vs Variable 31/1/2049 3,461 (40) 0.00

22,760,000 Bank of America Merrill Lynch (US dollar) 2.893% vs Variable 31/1/2029 17,110 43 0.00

19,030,000 Bank of America Merrill Lynch (US dollar) 2.958% vs Variable 24/3/2022 14,431 (145) (0.01)

24,810,000 Citibank (Brazilian real) 8.53% vs Variable 2/1/2023 5,067 100 0.00

45,130,000 Citibank (Chinese yuan) 2.93% vs Variable 20/3/2024 5,066 8 0.00

7,181,000 Credit Suisse International (UK sterling) 3.655% 16/12/2028 4,909 192 0.01

27,415,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 2.208% 29/10/2023 20,900 329 0.01

6,235,000 Goldman Sachs International (Euro) 1.29% 16/1/2029 5,355 (29) 0.00

16,180,000 Goldman Sachs International (UK sterling) 3.473% 16/9/2023 16,301 131 0.00

9,490,000 Goldman Sachs International (UK sterling) 3.595% 16/11/2028 9,665 184 0.01

10,675,000 Goldman Sachs International (UK sterling) 3.612% 16/12/2023 10,834 167 0.01

2,400,000 Goldman Sachs International (UK sterling) 3.65% 16/12/2028 2,460 63 0.00

203,832 1,313 0.06

Interest Rate Swaps – (0.10)%; 28.2.2018 0.09% 89,770,000 Bank of America Merrill Lynch (Chinese yuan)

2.86% vs Variable 20/3/2024 10,045 48 0.00 47,400,000 Bank of America Merrill Lynch (Chinese yuan)

2.898% vs Variable 19/6/2024 5,304 25 0.00 89,430,000 Bank of America Merrill Lynch (Euro) 0% vs

Variable 9/4/2021 76,538 31 0.00 8,430,000 Bank of America Merrill Lynch (Euro) 0% vs

Variable 13/2/2022 7,210 (5) 0.00 3,890,000 Bank of America Merrill Lynch (Euro) 0.025%

vs Variable 7/2/2022^ 3,330 – 0.00 134,650,000 Bank of America Merrill Lynch (Euro) 0.319%

vs Variable 23/2/2023 115,220 (46) 0.00 37,300,000 Bank of America Merrill Lynch (Japanese yen)

0.355% vs Variable 4/2/2034^ 252 – 0.00 22,289,600,000 Bank of America Merrill Lynch (South Korean

won) 1.982% vs Variable 20/3/2024 15,060 (161) (0.01) 5,351,666,319 Bank of America Merrill Lynch (South Korean

won) 2.042% vs Variable 20/3/2024 3,626 (49) 0.00 4,560,000 Bank of America Merrill Lynch (Swedish krona)

1.293% vs Variable 15/2/2029 382 11 0.00 8,545,000 Bank of America Merrill Lynch (US dollar) 0%

vs Variable 5/12/2024 – (131) (0.01) 1,190,000 Bank of America Merrill Lynch (US dollar) 0%

vs Variable 15/5/2044 – 2 0.00 15,135,000 Bank of America Merrill Lynch (US dollar)

2.453% vs Variable 7/1/2022 11,363 3 0.00 12,500,000 Bank of America Merrill Lynch (US dollar)

2.473% vs Variable 7/1/2025 9,354 10 0.00 5,080,000 Bank of America Merrill Lynch (US dollar)

2.474% vs Variable 11/2/2022 3,816 3 0.00

Page 39: Annual report - BlackRock

Portfolio Statement continued

Holding or Underlying Market % of Nominal Exposure – Derivatives Value Total Net Value Investment £000’s £000’s Assets

Holding or Underlying Market % of Nominal Exposure – Derivatives Value Total Net Value Investment £000’s £000’s Assets

75 BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund 76

367,104,844 Credit Suisse International (Euro) 0% vs Variable 7/3/2021 314,234 (26) 0.00

92,955,000 Credit Suisse International (Euro) 0% vs Variable 7/3/2024 – 4 0.00

27,604,008 Credit Suisse International (Euro) 0% vs Variable 7/3/2029 – 2 0.00

28,250,000 Credit Suisse International (Euro) 0.122% vs Variable 7/3/2024 24,125 (50) 0.00

52,490,000 Credit Suisse International (Euro) 0.138% vs Variable 7/3/2024 44,862 (56) 0.00

105,553,267 Credit Suisse International (Euro) 0.139% vs Variable 7/3/2024 90,218 107 0.00

15,830,000 Credit Suisse International (Euro) 0.143% vs Variable 18/6/2021 13,617 (65) 0.00

4,270,000 Credit Suisse International (Euro) 0.144% vs Variable 20/3/2024 3,649 5 0.00

53,522,676 Credit Suisse International (Euro) 0.171% vs Variable 7/3/2024 45,820 (19) 0.00

47,878,850 Credit Suisse International (Euro) 0.188% vs Variable 7/3/2024 41,023 (52) 0.00

52,270,000 Credit Suisse International (Euro) 0.216% vs Variable 7/3/2024 44,849 (121) (0.01)

28,520,000 Credit Suisse International (Euro) 0.234% vs Variable 7/3/2024 24,493 (88) 0.00

38,969,436 Credit Suisse International (Euro) 0.236% vs Variable 7/3/2024 33,469 (123) (0.01)

2,825,000 Credit Suisse International (Euro) 0.364% vs Variable 21/12/2022 2,427 8 0.00

18,400,000 Credit Suisse International (Euro) 0.42% vs Variable 17/12/2022 15,818 (70) 0.00

38,295,435 Credit Suisse International (Euro) 0.43% vs Variable 7/10/2022 33,367 (590) (0.03)

41,010,000 Credit Suisse International (Euro) 0.565% vs Variable 15/2/2028 34,926 (142) (0.01)

5,721,000 Credit Suisse International (Euro) 0.594% vs Variable 17/2/2025 4,992 (98) 0.00

2,710,000 Credit Suisse International (Euro) 0.632% vs Variable 13/2/2029 2,306 11 0.00

21,680,000 Credit Suisse International (Euro) 0.635% vs Variable 7/3/2029 18,430 100 0.00

2,660,000 Credit Suisse International (Euro) 0.647% vs Variable 12/2/2029 2,267 7 0.00

2,510,000 Credit Suisse International (Euro) 0.651% vs Variable 19/2/2029 2,139 6 0.00

3,140,000 Credit Suisse International (Euro) 0.651% vs Variable 27/2/2029 2,675 9 0.00

44,620,000 Citibank (Chinese yuan) 2.96% vs Variable 19/6/2024 5,007 9 0.00

4,335,840,768 Citibank (South Korean won) 2.025% vs Variable 20/3/2024 2,935 (37) 0.00

6,097,470,000 Citibank (South Korean won) 2.145% vs Variable 20/3/2024 4,151 (76) 0.00

22,960,000 Credit Suisse International (Australian dollar) 2.004% vs Variable 20/3/2024 12,278 (8) 0.00

8,820,000 Credit Suisse International (Australian dollar) 2.415% vs Variable 20/3/2024 4,810 89 0.00

4,625,000 Credit Suisse International (Australian dollar) 2.588% vs Variable 20/3/2024 2,543 67 0.00

7,505,000 Credit Suisse International (Australian dollar) 2.592% vs Variable 20/3/2024 4,127 110 0.00

1,790,000 Credit Suisse International (Canadian dollar) 2.182% vs Variable 20/3/2024 1,020 (1) 0.00

10,300,000 Credit Suisse International (Canadian dollar) 2.232% vs Variable 20/3/2024 5,881 8 0.00

8,110,000 Credit Suisse International (Canadian dollar) 2.24% vs Variable 20/3/2024 4,632 8 0.00

7,660,000 Credit Suisse International (Canadian dollar) 2.242% vs Variable 20/3/2024 4,376 8 0.00

10,290,000 Credit Suisse International (Canadian dollar) 2.365% vs Variable 20/3/2024 5,912 45 0.00

28,610,000 Credit Suisse International (Euro) 0% vs Variable 12/11/2020 24,527 32 0.00

144,230,000 Credit Suisse International (Euro) 0% vs Variable 11/12/2020 123,473 40 0.00

42,020,000 Credit Suisse International (Euro) 0% vs Variable 7/2/2021 35,971 (1) 0.00

39,590,000 Credit Suisse International (Euro) 0% vs Variable 8/2/2021^ 33,892 – 0.00

27,340,000 Credit Suisse International (Euro) 0% vs Variable 11/2/2021 23,406 1 0.00

39,910,000 Credit Suisse International (Euro) 0% vs Variable 12/2/2021 34,159 (7) 0.00

27,250,000 Credit Suisse International (Euro) 0% vs Variable 13/2/2021 23,321 (6) 0.00

26,640,000 Credit Suisse International (Euro) 0% vs Variable 15/2/2021 22,800 (6) 0.00

13,920,000 Credit Suisse International (Euro) 0% vs Variable 18/2/2021 11,914 (2) 0.00

25,160,000 Credit Suisse International (Euro) 0% vs Variable 19/2/2021 21,535 (4) 0.00

47,210,000 Credit Suisse International (Euro) 0% vs Variable 27/2/2021 40,406 (7) 0.00

Page 40: Annual report - BlackRock

Portfolio Statement continued

Holding or Underlying Market % of Nominal Exposure – Derivatives Value Total Net Value Investment £000’s £000’s Assets

Holding or Underlying Market % of Nominal Exposure – Derivatives Value Total Net Value Investment £000’s £000’s Assets

77 BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund 78

5,520,000 Credit Suisse International (Euro) 1.231% vs Variable 7/3/2049 4,641 (63) 0.00

5,120,000 Credit Suisse International (Euro) 1.233% vs Variable 7/3/2049 4,308 (55) 0.00

6,050,000 Credit Suisse International (Euro) 1.241% vs Variable 7/3/2049 5,101 (55) 0.00

10,020,000 Credit Suisse International (Euro) 1.247% vs Variable 7/3/2049 8,462 (78) 0.00

1,180,000 Credit Suisse International (Euro) 1.37% vs Variable 20/2/2029 1,077 (69) 0.00

4,230,000 Credit Suisse International (Euro) 1.38% vs Variable 22/2/2029 3,865 (250) (0.01)

4,700,000 Credit Suisse International (Euro) 1.396% vs Variable 7/3/2049 4,124 (119) (0.01)

1,240,000 Credit Suisse International (Euro) 1.397% vs Variable 4/7/2044 1,088 30 0.00

1,150,000 Credit Suisse International (Euro) 1.415% vs Variable 4/7/2044 1,013 32 0.00

50,790,000 Credit Suisse International (Euro) 1.45% vs Variable 7/3/2049 45,170 (1,898) (0.08)

4,610,000 Credit Suisse International (Euro) 1.472% vs Variable 7/3/2049 4,123 (196) (0.01)

43,340,000 Credit Suisse International (Hong Kong dollar) 2.158% vs Variable 20/3/2024 4,137 16 0.00

39,910,000 Credit Suisse International (Hong Kong dollar) 2.382% vs Variable 20/3/2024 3,850 (26) 0.00

106,220,000 Credit Suisse International (Hong Kong dollar) 2.385% vs Variable 20/3/2024 10,248 (71) 0.00

34,580,000 Credit Suisse International (Hong Kong dollar) 2.947% vs Variable 20/3/2024 3,424 (111) 0.00

42,360,000 Credit Suisse International (Hong Kong dollar) 3.06% vs Variable 20/3/2024 4,216 (158) (0.01)

112,000,000 Credit Suisse International (Japanese yen) 0% vs Variable 13/2/2024^ 757 – 0.00

1,245,500,000 Credit Suisse International (Japanese yen) 0.102% vs Variable 24/7/2023 8,461 47 0.00

1,245,500,000 Credit Suisse International (Japanese yen) 0.105% vs Variable 24/7/2023 8,462 48 0.00

1,304,000,000 Credit Suisse International (Japanese yen) 0.135% vs Variable 22/1/2023 8,867 58 0.00

1,244,000,000 Credit Suisse International (Japanese yen) 0.14% vs Variable 20/9/2023 8,470 66 0.00

43,000,000 Credit Suisse International (Japanese yen) 0.14% vs Variable 13/2/2029 290 1 0.00

489,000,000 Credit Suisse International (Japanese yen) 0.146% vs Variable 9/8/2023 3,328 25 0.00

55,750,000 Credit Suisse International (Euro) 0.658% vs Variable 7/3/2029 47,501 151 0.01

13,491,984 Credit Suisse International (Euro) 0.659% vs Variable 7/3/2029 10,972 (35) 0.00

2,810,000 Credit Suisse International (Euro) 0.66% vs Variable 18/2/2029 2,397 5 0.00

2,730,000 Credit Suisse International (Euro) 0.666% vs Variable 15/2/2029 2,330 3 0.00

39,540,000 Credit Suisse International (Euro) 0.667% vs Variable 7/3/2029 33,719 75 0.00

2,800,000 Credit Suisse International (Euro) 0.685% vs Variable 11/2/2029 2,395 (2) 0.00

2,650,000 Credit Suisse International (Euro) 0.697% vs Variable 8/2/2029 2,270 (5) 0.00

8,310,000 Credit Suisse International (Euro) 0.713% vs Variable 7/2/2029 7,129 (27) 0.00

17,730,000 Credit Suisse International (Euro) 0.723% vs Variable 7/3/2029 15,204 50 0.00

12,160,000 Credit Suisse International (Euro) 0.727% vs Variable 7/3/2029 10,432 39 0.00

14,260,000 Credit Suisse International (Euro) 0.755% vs Variable 7/3/2029 12,267 79 0.00

24,622,800 Credit Suisse International (Euro) 0.782% vs Variable 7/3/2029 21,237 192 0.01

13,910,000 Credit Suisse International (Euro) 0.792% vs Variable 7/3/2029 12,010 121 0.01

38,910,000 Credit Suisse International (Euro) 0.819% vs Variable 7/3/2029 33,681 426 0.02

23,480,000 Credit Suisse International (Euro) 0.828% vs Variable 7/3/2029 20,343 275 0.01

35,017,987 Credit Suisse International (Euro) 0.833% vs Variable 7/3/2029 30,354 425 0.02

12,853,000 Credit Suisse International (Euro) 0.847% vs Variable 7/3/2029 8,446 172 0.01

1,000,000 Credit Suisse International (Euro) 0.888% vs Variable 17/12/2028 875 (20) 0.00

11,955,000 Credit Suisse International (Euro) 0.895% vs Variable 16/8/2027 10,555 334 0.01

129,710,000 Credit Suisse International (Euro) 0.918% vs Variable 7/3/2029 113,365 2,509 0.11

13,090,000 Credit Suisse International (Euro) 0.93% vs Variable 7/3/2029 11,454 267 0.01

10,561,184 Credit Suisse International (Euro) 1.047% vs Variable 15/2/2027 9,442 411 0.02

8,540,000 Credit Suisse International (Euro) 1.208% vs Variable 7/3/2049 7,139 (139) (0.01)

Page 41: Annual report - BlackRock

Portfolio Statement continued

Holding or Underlying Market % of Nominal Exposure – Derivatives Value Total Net Value Investment £000’s £000’s Assets

Holding or Underlying Market % of Nominal Exposure – Derivatives Value Total Net Value Investment £000’s £000’s Assets

79 BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund 80

32,261,560 Credit Suisse International (Mexican peso) 8.22% vs Variable 23/1/2024 1,267 9 0.00

75,297,440 Credit Suisse International (Mexican peso) 8.39% vs Variable 18/1/2024 2,978 42 0.00

117,300,000 Credit Suisse International (Mexican peso) 8.505% vs Variable 13/3/2024 4,662 89 0.00

285,380,000 Credit Suisse International (Mexican peso) 8.598% vs Variable 13/3/2024 11,385 259 0.01

309,480,000 Credit Suisse International (Mexican peso) 9% vs Variable 13/3/2024 12,547 482 0.02

24,800,000 Credit Suisse International (Polish zloty) 2.075% vs Variable 19/6/2024 4,919 (14) 0.00

58,120,000 Credit Suisse International (Polish zloty) 2.08% vs Variable 18/9/2024 11,510 (53) 0.00

24,560,000 Credit Suisse International (Polish zloty) 2.145% vs Variable 19/6/2024 4,888 2 0.00

12,120,000 Credit Suisse International (Singapore dollar) 1.913% vs Variable 20/3/2024 6,691 51 0.00

9,615,900 Credit Suisse International (Singapore dollar) 1.96% vs Variable 20/3/2024 5,321 28 0.00

10,280,000 Credit Suisse International (Singapore dollar) 1.965% vs Variable 20/3/2024 5,690 29 0.00

4,844,100 Credit Suisse International (Singapore dollar) 1.995% vs Variable 20/3/2024 2,685 10 0.00

10,830,000 Credit Suisse International (Singapore dollar) 2.019% vs Variable 20/3/2024 6,010 15 0.00

7,220,000 Credit Suisse International (Singapore dollar) 2.029% vs Variable 20/3/2024 4,009 8 0.00

9,470,000 Credit Suisse International (Singapore dollar) 2.03% vs Variable 20/3/2024 5,258 10 0.00

12,020,000 Credit Suisse International (Singapore dollar) 2.095% vs Variable 20/3/2024 6,695 (7) 0.00

1,170,000 Credit Suisse International (Singapore dollar) 2.341% vs Variable 20/3/2024 660 (8) 0.00

8,050,000 Credit Suisse International (Singapore dollar) 2.422% vs Variable 20/3/2024 4,556 (75) 0.00

3,450,000 Credit Suisse International (Singapore dollar) 2.43% vs Variable 20/3/2024 1,953 (33) 0.00

1,343,100 Credit Suisse International (Singapore dollar) 2.485% vs Variable 20/3/2024 762 (15) 0.00

1,427,349 Credit Suisse International (Singapore dollar) 2.495% vs Variable 20/3/2024 811 (16) 0.00

5,369,551 Credit Suisse International (Singapore dollar) 2.51% vs Variable 20/3/2024 3,051 (63) 0.00

387,640,000 Credit Suisse International (South African rand) 7.772% vs Variable 18/9/2024 20,876 172 0.01

659,000,000 Credit Suisse International (Japanese yen) 0.149% vs Variable 17/10/2023 4,489 37 0.00

455,000,000 Credit Suisse International (Japanese yen) 0.167% vs Variable 20/3/2024 3,101 (27) 0.00

175,000,000 Credit Suisse International (Japanese yen) 0.192% vs Variable 4/1/2029 1,187 (4) 0.00

2,430,000,000 Credit Suisse International (Japanese yen) 0.219% vs Variable 11/12/2028 16,539 (107) 0.00

624,000,000 Credit Suisse International (Japanese yen) 0.285% vs Variable 24/7/2028 4,277 (58) 0.00

624,000,000 Credit Suisse International (Japanese yen) 0.29% vs Variable 24/7/2028 4,279 (60) 0.00

102,400,000 Credit Suisse International (Japanese yen) 0.336% vs Variable 8/2/2034 691 2 0.00

607,000,000 Credit Suisse International (Japanese yen) 0.353% vs Variable 20/9/2028 4,191 (87) 0.00

549,000,000 Credit Suisse International (Japanese yen) 0.355% vs Variable 22/1/2028 3,790 (79) 0.00

160,300,000 Credit Suisse International (Japanese yen) 0.363% vs Variable 31/7/2028 1,107 23 0.00

324,000,000 Credit Suisse International (Japanese yen) 0.364% vs Variable 17/10/2028 2,239 (48) 0.00

184,620,000 Credit Suisse International (Japanese yen) 0.366% vs Variable 29/1/2028 1,276 28 0.00

243,000,000 Credit Suisse International (Japanese yen) 0.384% vs Variable 9/8/2028 1,681 (38) 0.00

75,000,000 Credit Suisse International (Japanese yen) 0.617% vs Variable 14/12/2038 519 (11) 0.00

100,000,000 Credit Suisse International (Japanese yen) 0.657% vs Variable 6/12/2038 697 (20) 0.00

157,280,000 Credit Suisse International (Mexican peso) 8.09% vs Variable 13/3/2024 6,147 14 0.00

104,420,000 Credit Suisse International (Mexican peso) 8.105% vs Variable 13/3/2024 4,083 12 0.00

39,513,513 Credit Suisse International (Mexican peso) 8.125% vs Variable 2/2/2024 1,546 5 0.00

28,399,546 Credit Suisse International (Mexican peso) 8.135% vs Variable 5/2/2024 1,105 4 0.00

11,354,748 Credit Suisse International (Mexican peso) 8.165% vs Variable 2/2/2024 445 2 0.00

84,140,000 Credit Suisse International (Mexican peso) 8.19% vs Variable 13/3/2024 3,302 21 0.00

50,000,000 Credit Suisse International (Mexican peso) 8.206% vs Variable 7/10/2020^ 1,950 – 0.00

116,435,000 Credit Suisse International (Mexican peso) 8.217% vs Variable 7/10/2020 4,543 1 0.00

Page 42: Annual report - BlackRock

Portfolio Statement continued

Holding or Underlying Market % of Nominal Exposure – Derivatives Value Total Net Value Investment £000’s £000’s Assets

Holding or Underlying Market % of Nominal Exposure – Derivatives Value Total Net Value Investment £000’s £000’s Assets

81 BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund 82

11,250,000 Credit Suisse International (UK sterling) 1.051% vs Variable 8/2/2021 11,236 15 0.00

2,913,000 Credit Suisse International (UK sterling) 1.064% vs Variable 15/6/2022 2,898 14 0.00

5,274,000 Credit Suisse International (UK sterling) 1.078% vs Variable 17/6/2022 5,250 22 0.00

12,100,000 Credit Suisse International (UK sterling) 1.079% vs Variable 7/2/2021 12,091 9 0.00

35,980,000 Credit Suisse International (UK sterling) 1.099% vs Variable 6/2/2021 35,966 15 0.00

61,540,000 Credit Suisse International (UK sterling) 1.111% vs Variable 5/2/2021 61,530 12 0.00

5,775,000 Credit Suisse International (UK sterling) 1.123% vs Variable 8/6/2027 5,627 (134) (0.01)

24,190,000 Credit Suisse International (UK sterling) 1.131% vs Variable 10/1/2021 24,198 (8) 0.00

23,310,000 Credit Suisse International (UK sterling) 1.152% vs Variable 11/1/2021 23,327 (17) 0.00

25,970,000 Credit Suisse International (UK sterling) 1.192% vs Variable 7/3/2024 25,812 136 0.01

24,160,000 Credit Suisse International (UK sterling) 1.195% vs Variable 7/3/2024 24,017 (123) (0.01)

8,010,000 Credit Suisse International (UK sterling) 1.227% vs Variable 20/3/2024 7,973 30 0.00

23,820,000 Credit Suisse International (UK sterling) 1.235% vs Variable 7/3/2024 23,725 75 0.00

26,310,000 Credit Suisse International (UK sterling) 1.308% vs Variable 7/3/2024 26,299 11 0.00

41,656,544 Credit Suisse International (UK sterling) 1.321% vs Variable 7/3/2024 41,665 43 0.00

2,440,000 Credit Suisse International (UK sterling) 1.34% vs Variable 15/2/2029 2,403 (32) 0.00

2,440,000 Credit Suisse International (UK sterling) 1.342% vs Variable 11/2/2029 2,403 (31) 0.00

5,420,000 Credit Suisse International (UK sterling) 1.347% vs Variable 20/3/2024 5,427 (11) 0.00

2,350,000 Credit Suisse International (UK sterling) 1.352% vs Variable 8/2/2029 2,317 (28) 0.00

2,450,000 Credit Suisse International (UK sterling) 1.353% vs Variable 19/2/2029 2,415 (29) 0.00

2,490,000 Credit Suisse International (UK sterling) 1.358% vs Variable 13/2/2029 2,456 (28) 0.00

13,740,000 Credit Suisse International (UK sterling) 1.362% vs Variable 7/3/2029 13,552 (154) (0.01)

6,820,000 Credit Suisse International (UK sterling) 1.376% vs Variable 15/5/2058 6,765 (43) 0.00

95,190,000 Credit Suisse International (South African rand) 8.791% vs Variable 20/3/2029 5,353 (276) (0.01)

91,210,000 Credit Suisse International (Swedish krona) 0.41% vs Variable 20/3/2024 7,402 25 0.00

78,060,000 Credit Suisse International (Swedish krona) 0.414% vs Variable 20/3/2024 6,336 20 0.00

47,420,000 Credit Suisse International (Swedish krona) 0.46% vs Variable 20/3/2024 3,858 3 0.00

34,530,000 Credit Suisse International (Swedish krona) 0.525% vs Variable 20/3/2024 2,818 (7) 0.00

92,130,000 Credit Suisse International (Swedish krona) 0.696% vs Variable 20/3/2024 7,583 (82) 0.00

28,910,000 Credit Suisse International (Swedish krona) 0.975% vs Variable 20/3/2029 2,344 (8) 0.00

3,740,000 Credit Suisse International (Swedish krona) 1.012% vs Variable 20/3/2029^ 304 – 0.00

21,940,000 Credit Suisse International (Swedish krona) 1.096% vs Variable 20/3/2029 1,800 15 0.00

30,630,000 Credit Suisse International (Swedish krona) 1.195% vs Variable 20/3/2029 2,537 45 0.00

28,780,000 Credit Suisse International (Swedish krona) 1.212% vs Variable 20/3/2029 2,387 46 0.00

27,330,000 Credit Suisse International (Swedish krona) 1.278% vs Variable 20/3/2029 2,281 58 0.00

19,902,000 Credit Suisse International (UK sterling) 0% vs Variable 7/3/2029 – (170) (0.01)

5,250,000 Credit Suisse International (UK sterling) 0% vs Variable 7/3/2049 – 144 0.01

4,116,000 Credit Suisse International (UK sterling) 0.767% vs Variable 7/9/2022 4,047 67 0.00

2,098,000 Credit Suisse International (UK sterling) 0.776% vs Variable 7/3/2022 2,071 27 0.00

2,099,000 Credit Suisse International (UK sterling) 0.777% vs Variable 7/3/2022 2,072 27 0.00

3,946,000 Credit Suisse International (UK sterling) 0.949% vs Variable 4/7/2022 3,910 35 0.00

24,790,000 Credit Suisse International (UK sterling) 1.034% vs Variable 15/2/2021 24,751 40 0.00

35,890,000 Credit Suisse International (UK sterling) 1.036% vs Variable 19/2/2021 35,833 58 0.00

12,310,000 Credit Suisse International (UK sterling) 1.041% vs Variable 11/2/2021 12,292 18 0.00

59,390,000 Credit Suisse International (UK sterling) 1.044% vs Variable 7/3/2021 59,297 90 0.00

23,580,000 Credit Suisse International (UK sterling) 1.046% vs Variable 13/2/2021 23,548 32 0.00

Page 43: Annual report - BlackRock

Portfolio Statement continued

Holding or Underlying Market % of Nominal Exposure – Derivatives Value Total Net Value Investment £000’s £000’s Assets

Holding or Underlying Market % of Nominal Exposure – Derivatives Value Total Net Value Investment £000’s £000’s Assets

83 BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund 84

40,760,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 2.34% vs Variable 7/1/2022 30,536 (58) 0.00

30,330,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 2.402% vs Variable 7/1/2022 22,749 (16) 0.00

50,970,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 2.44% vs Variable 8/1/2022 38,311 15 0.00

88,350,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 2.469% vs Variable 7/3/2024 66,131 (103) 0.00

18,440,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 2.472% vs Variable 2/3/2022 13,855 (13) 0.00

17,300,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 2.486% vs Variable 8/2/2023 8,871 (15) 0.00

6,535,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 2.489% vs Variable 3/1/2022 4,910 (4) 0.00

51,965,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 2.49% vs Variable 10/1/2023 39,062 (17) 0.00

12,400,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 2.493% vs Variable 20/3/2024 9,292 (4) 0.00

22,000,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 2.514% vs Variable 5/2/2023 16,547 (27) 0.00

16,315,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 2.521% vs Variable 6/1/2022 12,265 19 0.00

34,910,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 2.521% vs Variable 13/2/2022 26,247 (46) 0.00

41,800,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 2.53% vs Variable 7/3/2024 31,378 42 0.00

44,790,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 2.534% vs Variable 7/3/2021 33,627 12 0.00

7,900,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 2.543% vs Variable 16/1/2022 5,942 12 0.00

58,285,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 2.544% vs Variable 15/3/2021 43,786 17 0.00

58,285,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 2.546% vs Variable 15/3/2021 43,788 19 0.00

72,590,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 2.547% vs Variable 7/3/2024 54,534 116 0.00

67,670,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 2.556% vs Variable 7/3/2024 50,859 129 0.01

33,820,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 2.571% vs Variable 18/2/2022 25,452 (69) 0.00

10,080,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 2.576% vs Variable 20/3/2024 7,583 26 0.00

64,090,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 2.578% vs Variable 7/3/2024 48,219 172 0.01

33,265,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 2.579% vs Variable 7/3/2024 25,028 90 0.00

2,470,000 Credit Suisse International (UK sterling) 1.383% vs Variable 7/2/2029 2,442 (22) 0.00

12,220,000 Credit Suisse International (UK sterling) 1.403% vs Variable 7/3/2029 12,100 (90) 0.00

2,440,000 Credit Suisse International (UK sterling) 1.406% vs Variable 6/2/2029 2,418 (16) 0.00

2,390,000 Credit Suisse International (UK sterling) 1.421% vs Variable 10/1/2029 2,373 (11) 0.00

2,600,000 Credit Suisse International (UK sterling) 1.425% vs Variable 8/12/2023 2,617 (19) 0.00

2,440,000 Credit Suisse International (UK sterling) 1.431% vs Variable 11/1/2029 2,425 (9) 0.00

7,670,000 Credit Suisse International (UK sterling) 1.448% vs Variable 5/2/2029 7,631 (21) 0.00

43,313,920 Credit Suisse International (UK sterling) 1.46% vs Variable 7/3/2029 43,123 84 0.00

13,830,000 Credit Suisse International (UK sterling) 1.466% vs Variable 7/3/2029 13,776 20 0.00

3,971,391 Credit Suisse International (UK sterling) 1.495% vs Variable 7/3/2029 3,967 (6) 0.00

2,350,000 Credit Suisse International (UK sterling) 1.505% vs Variable 27/2/2068 2,276 55 0.00

7,345,932 Credit Suisse International (UK sterling) 1.599% vs Variable 7/3/2049 7,251 (52) 0.00

2,616,000 Credit Suisse International (UK sterling) 1.827% vs Variable 2/5/2038 2,616 (5) 0.00

19,674,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 0% vs Variable 8/2/2023 – (24) 0.00

10,860,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 0% vs Variable 16/2/2023 – (16) 0.00

44,260,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 0% vs Variable 7/3/2024 – (583) (0.02)

7,127,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 0% vs Variable 29/11/2024 – (144) (0.01)

8,545,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 0% vs Variable 5/12/2024 – (131) (0.01)

17,970,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 0% vs Variable 13/2/2025 – (2) 0.00

17,120,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 0% vs Variable 18/2/2025 – 62 0.00

21,885,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 0% vs Variable 7/3/2029 – (184) (0.01)

1,200,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 0% vs Variable 15/5/2044 – (64) 0.00

1,380,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 0% vs Variable 7/3/2049 – 87 0.00

Page 44: Annual report - BlackRock

Portfolio Statement continued

Holding or Underlying Market % of Nominal Exposure – Derivatives Value Total Net Value Investment £000’s £000’s Assets

Holding or Underlying Market % of Nominal Exposure – Derivatives Value Total Net Value Investment £000’s £000’s Assets

85 BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund 86

26,877,312 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 2.724% vs Variable 7/3/2029 20,211 114 0.00

9,515,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 2.752% vs Variable 1/4/2021 7,175 29 0.00

25,785,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 2.764% vs Variable 7/3/2029 19,458 177 0.01

5,100,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 2.785% vs Variable 7/3/2029 3,856 42 0.00

6,552,700 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 2.826% vs Variable 17/12/2022 4,958 38 0.00

7,800,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 2.826% vs Variable 7/3/2049^ 5,802 – 0.00

15,160,758 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 2.84% vs Variable 7/3/2049 11,310 33 0.00

12,870,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 2.848% vs Variable 13/12/2024 9,799 (153) (0.01)

10,605,606 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 2.854% vs Variable 7/3/2049 7,935 (46) 0.00

13,530,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 2.861% vs Variable 16/12/2024 10,307 (167) (0.01)

14,850,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 2.865% vs Variable 18/12/2020 11,212 (58) 0.00

47,180,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 2.866% vs Variable 7/3/2024 35,975 (606) (0.03)

400,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 2.871% vs Variable 28/12/2048 300 (3) 0.00

411,060,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 2.875% vs Variable 7/3/2024 313,569 (5,412) (0.23)

10,008,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 2.879% vs Variable 7/3/2049 7,527 (83) 0.00

13,760,300 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 2.884% vs Variable 19/12/2024 10,388 (55) 0.00

400,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 2.886% vs Variable 28/12/2048 301 (4) 0.00

42,430,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 2.896% vs Variable 19/7/2024 32,065 (204) (0.01)

31,620,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 2.909% vs Variable 17/12/2020 23,895 (144) (0.01)

4,900,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 2.909% vs Variable 18/12/2028 3,746 83 0.00

64,300,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 2.917% vs Variable 11/12/2020 48,600 (301) (0.01)

22,360,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 2.927% vs Variable 19/7/2026 16,846 51 0.00

8,170,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 2.941% vs Variable 17/12/2028 6,264 155 0.01

15,920,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 2.583% vs Variable 20/3/2024 11,981 46 0.00

175,210,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 2.606% vs Variable 7/3/2021 131,727 (136) (0.01)

33,130,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 2.606% vs Variable 7/3/2024 24,958 122 0.01

15,960,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 2.612% vs Variable 18/2/2021 12,005 (19) 0.00

16,280,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 2.616% vs Variable 7/3/2024 12,270 (65) 0.00

24,770,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 2.647% vs Variable 9/1/2021 18,625 (20) 0.00

35,900,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 2.657% vs Variable 7/3/2024 27,110 196 0.01

22,810,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 2.66% vs Variable 7/3/2029^ 17,056 – 0.00

80,680,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 2.661% vs Variable 7/3/2021 60,721 (127) 0.00

167,240,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 2.67% vs Variable 7/3/2021 125,889 (284) (0.01)

4,375,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 2.671% vs Variable 19/6/2029^ 3,271 – 0.00

6,562,500 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 2.672% vs Variable 19/6/2029 4,907 1 0.00

12,230,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 2.674% vs Variable 20/3/2024 9,242 74 0.00

6,562,500 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 2.674% vs Variable 19/6/2029 4,908 1 0.00

38,690,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 2.675% vs Variable 7/3/2024 29,241 (237) (0.01)

38,340,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 2.679% vs Variable 7/2/2021 28,854 (58) 0.00

5,860,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 2.684% vs Variable 20/3/2024 4,431 38 0.00

35,640,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 2.685% vs Variable 7/3/2029 26,708 (58) 0.00

35,210,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 2.694% vs Variable 22/1/2021 26,503 (57) 0.00

17,815,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 2.696% vs Variable 7/3/2029 26,523 (42) 0.00

6,320,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 2.698% vs Variable 4/1/2029 4,742 17 0.00

67,074,992 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 2.709% vs Variable 7/3/2029 50,372 (217) (0.01)

86,740,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 2.717% vs Variable 7/3/2021 65,353 (207) (0.01)

Page 45: Annual report - BlackRock

Portfolio Statement continued

Holding or Underlying Market % of Nominal Exposure – Derivatives Value Total Net Value Investment £000’s £000’s Assets

Holding or Underlying Market % of Nominal Exposure – Derivatives Value Total Net Value Investment £000’s £000’s Assets

87 BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund 88

10,050,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 3.049% vs Variable 3/12/2028 7,780 265 0.01

10,320,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 3.062% vs Variable 4/12/2028 7,998 282 0.01

6,450,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 3.064% vs Variable 31/10/2025 4,984 (151) (0.01)

3,750,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 3.09% vs Variable 6/12/2028 2,913 110 0.01

6,820,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 3.104% vs Variable 23/11/2028 5,342 242 0.01

3,530,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 3.111% vs Variable 29/11/2028 2,766 127 0.01

10,320,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 3.114% vs Variable 28/11/2028 8,089 373 0.02

6,530,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 3.135% vs Variable 21/11/2028 5,128 245 0.01

3,300,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 3.147% vs Variable 26/11/2028 2,594 126 0.01

700,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 3.176% vs Variable 13/11/2023 545 20 0.00

10,620,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 3.178% vs Variable 20/11/2028 8,370 429 0.02

5,090,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 3.188% vs Variable 12/10/2024 3,865 (43) 0.00

53,000,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 3.199% vs Variable 9/11/2022 40,107 (280) (0.01)

2,300,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 3.211% vs Variable 15/4/2021 1,750 22 0.00

20,920,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 3.22% vs Variable 13/10/2022 15,946 (183) (0.01)

5,700,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 3.244% vs Variable 10/11/2024 4,332 (51) 0.00

56,200,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 3.248% vs Variable 10/11/2021 42,562 342 0.02

2,710,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 3.255% vs Variable 10/11/2022 2,067 32 0.00

2,300,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 3.26% vs Variable 15/10/2021 1,753 (26) 0.00

2,680,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 3.261% vs Variable 15/10/2026 2,030 17 0.00

3,550,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 3.31% vs Variable 9/11/2048 2,931 (292) (0.01)

3,000,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 3.349% vs Variable 12/11/2026 2,275 22 0.00

18,625,000 Deutsche Bank (Mexican peso) 7.71% vs Variable 5/1/2022 719 (7) 0.00

10,280,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 2.943% vs Variable 11/12/2028 7,884 198 0.01

256,630,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 2.95% vs Variable 7/3/2029 196,839 4,950 0.21

61,780,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 2.953% vs Variable 3/12/2020 46,729 (317) (0.01)

20,180,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 2.955% vs Variable 19/7/2022 15,306 157 0.01

52,160,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 2.957% vs Variable 10/12/2020 39,454 (274) (0.01)

120,820,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 2.96% vs Variable 7/3/2029 92,751 2,411 0.10

1,000,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 2.974% vs Variable 8/12/2048 755 (4) 0.00

978,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 2.976% vs Variable 6/6/2028 753 (21) 0.00

47,120,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 2.978% vs Variable 4/12/2020 35,658 (260) (0.01)

3,570,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 2.978% vs Variable 10/12/2028 2,747 77 0.00

30,910,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 2.981% vs Variable 23/11/2020 23,556 (334) (0.01)

32,630,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 2.985% vs Variable 6/12/2020 24,697 (187) (0.01)

940,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 2.998% vs Variable 29/6/2038 703 1 0.00

62,900,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 3% vs Variable 28/11/2020 47,950 (696) (0.03)

24,240,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 3.01% vs Variable 21/11/2020 18,481 (270) (0.01)

9,332,400 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 3.012% vs Variable 7/3/2049 7,213 (272) (0.01)

31,460,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 3.014% vs Variable 29/11/2020 23,987 (352) (0.01)

49,590,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 3.014% vs Variable 6/12/2020 37,554 (305) (0.01)

1,850,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 3.015% vs Variable 15/2/2053 1,411 31 0.00

7,229,800 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 3.016% vs Variable 17/12/2026 5,452 21 0.00

6,980,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 3.017% vs Variable 6/12/2028 5,388 170 0.01

30,350,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 3.018% vs Variable 26/11/2020 23,143 (342) (0.01)

54,250,000 Credit Suisse International (US dollar) 3.045% vs Variable 7/3/2049 42,212 (1,867) (0.08)

Page 46: Annual report - BlackRock

Portfolio Statement continued

Holding or Underlying Market % of Nominal Exposure – Derivatives Value Total Net Value Investment £000’s £000’s Assets

Holding or Underlying Market % of Nominal Exposure – Derivatives Value Total Net Value Investment £000’s £000’s Assets

89 BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund 90

(796,000) Citibank (US dollar Call South African rand 15/3/2019 Put @ 14.2) 240 (4) 0.00

(1,194,000) Citibank (US dollar Put South African rand 10/4/2019 Call @ 13.15) 52 (2) 0.00

1,593,000 Citibank (US dollar Put South African rand 10/4/2019 Call @ 13.6) 246 9 0.00

1,108,500 Deutsche Bank (Australian dollar Call Japanese yen 5/3/2019 Put @ 75.5) 593 27 0.00

(1,108,500) Deutsche Bank (Australian dollar Call Japanese yen 5/3/2019 Put @ 78) 521 (9) 0.00

468 Euro$ Call Option 14/6/2019 97.75 18,472 44 0.00 857 Euro$ Call Option 17/6/2019 97.75 5,164 8 0.00 (857) Euro$ Call Option 17/6/2019 97.875 4,145 (4) 0.00 857 Euro$ Call Option 16/3/2020 97.75 41,418 145 0.01 (857) Euro$ Call Option 16/3/2020 97.875 32,332 (109) 0.00 345 Euro$ Put Option 12/7/2019 97 3,168 2 0.00 115 Euro$ Put Option 12/7/2019 97.125 1,779 2 0.00 115 Euro$ Put Option 12/7/2019 97.25 4,572 4 0.00 1,145,000 Goldman Sachs International (US dollar Call

Mexican peso 14/3/2019 Put @ 19.25) 495 5 0.00 (1,720,000) Goldman Sachs International (US dollar Call

Mexican peso 14/3/2019 Put @ 19.75) – (2) 0.00 1,522,000 HSBC Bank (US dollar Put South Korean won

15/3/2019 Call @ 1118) 351 4 0.00 1,194,000 JP Morgan Chase Bank (US dollar Call Chilean

peso 4/4/2019 Put @ 660) 360 5 0.00 (1,791,000) JP Morgan Chase Bank (US dollar Call Chilean

peso 4/4/2019 Put @ 678) 203 (2) 0.00 (796,000) JP Morgan Chase Bank (US dollar Call

Colombian peso 27/3/2019 Put @ 3105) 246 (5) 0.00 (740,000) JP Morgan Chase Bank (US dollar Call South

African rand 14/3/2019 Put @ 14) 327 (6) 0.00 1,879,500 JP Morgan Chase Bank (US dollar Call Turkish

lira 21/3/2019 Put @ 5.75) 102 2 0.00 (2,685,000) JP Morgan Chase Bank (US dollar Call Turkish

lira 21/3/2019 Put @ 5.9) 39 (1) 0.00 (1,796,000) JP Morgan Chase Bank (US dollar Put Brazilian

real 1/3/2019 Call @ 3.72) 99 (2) 0.00 2,685,000 JP Morgan Chase Bank (US dollar Put Turkish

lira 21/3/2019 Call @ 5.4) 1,002 33 0.00 740,000 Morgan Stanley International (US dollar Call

South African rand 14/3/2019 Put @ 14) 327 6 0.00 (1,194,000) Morgan Stanley International (US dollar Call

South Korean won 6/3/2019 Put @ 1135)^ 88 – 0.00

2,550,000 Deutsche Bank (Mexican peso) 7.79% vs Variable 31/12/2025 98 (2) 0.00

50,000,000 Deutsche Bank (Mexican peso) 7.9% vs Variable 8/1/2020 1,942 (9) 0.00

8,710,394,400 Deutsche Bank (South Korean won) 2.027% vs Variable 20/3/2024 5,898 (75) 0.00

5,797,638,513 Deutsche Bank (South Korean won) 2.046% vs Variable 20/3/2024 3,929 (53) 0.00

12,326,685,000 Deutsche Bank (South Korean won) 2.13% vs Variable 20/3/2024 8,387 (147) (0.01)

12,326,685,000 Deutsche Bank (South Korean won) 2.135% vs Variable 20/3/2024 8,389 (149) (0.01)

8,743,254,034 Goldman Sachs International (South Korean won) 1.978% vs Variable 20/3/2024 5,906 (62) 0.00

2,389,000 Goldman Sachs International (UK sterling) 1.536% vs Variable 27/3/2048 2,329 47 0.00

43,955,000 JP Morgan Chase Bank (Chinese yuan) 2.765% vs Variable 19/6/2024 4,888 54 0.00

23,900,000 UBS (Euro) 0.177% vs Variable 7/3/2024 20,466 (14) 0.00 34,930,000 UBS (Euro) 0.178% vs Variable 7/3/2024 29,913 (23) 0.00 28,590,000 UBS (Euro) 0.196% vs Variable 7/3/2024 24,507 (42) 0.00 27,690,000 UBS (Euro) 0.21% vs Variable 7/3/2024 23,752 (57) 0.00 61,589,250 UBS (Euro) 0.238% vs Variable 7/3/2024 21,405 (201) (0.01) 54,175,000 UBS (UK sterling) 1.318% vs Variable 7/3/2024 54,180 49 0.00 19,142,000 UBS (UK sterling) 1.388% vs Variable 7/3/2029 18,928 167 0.01 27,910,000 UBS (UK sterling) 1.438% vs Variable 7/3/2029 26,974 112 0.01 7,182,000 UBS (UK sterling) 1.516% vs Variable 7/3/2049 1,868 (197) (0.01) 25,244,142 UBS (US dollar) 2.948% vs Variable 7/3/2029 19,359 483 0.02 25,591,279 UBS (US dollar) 3.156% vs Variable 7/3/2029 16,591 844 0.04 10,810,540 UBS (US dollar) 3.225% vs Variable 7/3/2049 7,604 (678) (0.03)

7,022,980 (2,340) (0.10)

Options – 0.01%; 28.2.2018 0.04% (469,000) Bank of America Merrill Lynch (US dollar Call

Mexican peso 20/3/2019 Put @ 19.3) 185 (3) 0.00 (1,194,000) BNP Paribas (US dollar Call South Korean won

27/3/2019 Put @ 1130) 341 (3) 0.00 1,194,000 BNP Paribas (US dollar Put South Korean won

27/3/2019 Call @ 1110) 189 2 0.00 1,108,500 Citibank (Australian dollar Call Japanese yen

6/3/2019 Put @ 76) 591 23 0.00 (1,108,500) Citibank (Australian dollar Call Japanese yen

6/3/2019 Put @ 78.5) 440 (6) 0.00 (796,000) Citibank (US dollar Call South African rand

10/4/2019 Put @ 13.95) 363 (13) 0.00

Page 47: Annual report - BlackRock

Portfolio Statement continued

Holding or Underlying Market % of Nominal Exposure – Derivatives Value Total Net Value Investment £000’s £000’s Assets

Holding or Underlying Market % of Nominal Exposure – Derivatives Value Total Net Value Investment £000’s £000’s Assets

91 BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund 92

2,770,000 Barclays Bank (Buy 10 Year Right to Pay 29/1/2029 3.083) 802 109 0.00

2,770,000 Barclays Bank (Buy 10 Year Right to Receive 29/1/2029 3.083) 1,281 118 0.01

250,000,000 Barclays Bank (Buy 15 Year Right to Pay 15/5/2020 1.1) 26 1 0.00

125,000,000 Barclays Bank (Buy 15 Year Right to Pay 8/6/2020 0.65) 160 4 0.00

50,000,000 Barclays Bank (Buy 15 Year Right to Pay 14/9/2020 0.66) 75 2 0.00

125,000,000 Barclays Bank (Buy 15 Year Right to Receive 8/6/2020 0.65) 685 29 0.00

50,000,000 Barclays Bank (Buy 15 Year Right to Receive 14/9/2020 0.66) 262 12 0.00

2,680,000 Barclays Bank (Buy 20 Year Right to Pay 9/8/2033 4) 143 50 0.00

7,900,000 Barclays Bank (Buy 30 Year Right to Pay 7/6/2021 3.8) 867 70 0.00

5,513,000 Barclays Bank (Buy 30 Year Right to Pay 13/2/2023 3.35) 1,269 209 0.01

(15,200,000) Barclays Bank (Sell 2 Year Right to Pay 12/3/2019 0.025)^ – – 0.00

(11,200,000) Barclays Bank (Sell 2 Year Right to Pay 2/5/2019 3.2)^ 4 – 0.00

(35,170,000) Barclays Bank (Sell 2 Year Right to Pay 14/6/2019 0.143) 848 (1) 0.00

(47,545,000) Barclays Bank (Sell 2 Year Right to Pay 1/7/2019 2.9) 3,513 (4) 0.00

(19,700,000) Barclays Bank (Sell 2 Year Right to Pay 4/11/2019 2.7) 5,332 (23) 0.00

(28,030,000) Barclays Bank (Sell 2 Year Right to Pay 23/1/2020 0.2) 5,580 (15) 0.00

(70,790,000) Barclays Bank (Sell 2 Year Right to Pay 3/2/2020 3.15) 6,066 (19) 0.00

(34,220,000) Barclays Bank (Sell 2 Year Right to Pay 24/8/2020 3.5) 2,282 (11) 0.00

(22,880,000) Barclays Bank (Sell 2 Year Right to Pay 21/12/2020 0.55) 4,803 (27) 0.00

(46,720,000) Barclays Bank (Sell 2 Year Right to Pay 15/2/2021 0.209) 21,119 (160) (0.01)

(47,545,000) Barclays Bank (Sell 2 Year Right to Receive 1/7/2019 2.1) 3,097 (9) 0.00

(46,720,000) Barclays Bank (Sell 2 Year Right to Receive 15/2/2021 0.209) 18,757 (136) (0.01)

(1,581,750) Morgan Stanley International (US dollar Put Brazilian real 21/3/2019 Call @ 3.66) 191 (5) 0.00

1,055,000 Morgan Stanley International (US dollar Put Brazilian real 21/3/2019 Call @ 3.79) 494 18 0.00

1,194,000 Morgan Stanley International (US dollar Put South Korean won 6/3/2019 Call @ 1110)^ 22 – 0.00

1,200,000 Morgan Stanley International (US dollar Put South Korean won 4/4/2019 Call @ 1105) 160 2 0.00

(1,800,000) Morgan Stanley International (US dollar Put South Korean won 4/4/2019 Put @ 1090^ 76 – 0.00

1,905 Sterling 2 Years Midcurve Put Option 14/6/2019 98 – 6 0.00

119,393 171 0.01

Swaptions – 0.04%; 28.2.2018 (0.10)% 46,100,000 Bank of America Merrill Lynch (Buy 1 Year

Right to Receive 7/11/2019 2.95) 29,109 140 0.01 41,100,000 Bank of America Merrill Lynch (Buy 1 Year

Right to Receive 30/1/2020 2.95) 24,793 156 0.01 1,650,000 Bank of America Merrill Lynch (Buy 10 Year

Right to Pay 8/11/2038 3.256) 287 55 0.00 1,650,000 Bank of America Merrill Lynch (Buy 10 Year

Right to Receive 8/11/2038 3.256) 954 81 0.00 710,000 Bank of America Merrill Lynch (Buy 15 Year

Right to Pay 3/5/2022 3.25) 192 17 0.00 950,000 Bank of America Merrill Lynch (Buy 30 Year

Right to Pay 7/6/2021 3.8) 104 8 0.00 (89,000,000) Bank of America Merrill Lynch (Sell 1 Year

Right to Receive 7/11/2019 2.45) 23,139 (69) 0.00 (61,700,000) Bank of America Merrill Lynch (Sell 1 Year

Right to Receive 30/1/2020 2.45) 18,862 (85) 0.00 (5,000,000) Bank of America Merrill Lynch (Sell 2 Year

Right to Pay 7/11/2019 3.25)^ 190 – 0.00 (35,470,000) Bank of America Merrill Lynch (Sell 2 Year

Right to Pay 17/4/2020 2.944) 6,144 (31) 0.00 (35,470,000) Bank of America Merrill Lynch (Sell 2 Year

Right to Receive 17/4/2020 2.944) 20,523 (298) (0.01) (1,770,000) Bank of America Merrill Lynch (Sell 5 Year

Right to Pay 3/5/2022 3.25) 421 (13) 0.00 (2,010,000) Bank of America Merrill Lynch (Sell 10 Year

Right to Pay 7/6/2021 3.87) 219 (7) 0.00 15,155,000 Barclays Bank (Buy 5 Year Right to Pay

15/2/2021 0.551) 6,696 155 0.01 15,155,000 Barclays Bank (Buy 5 Year Right to Receive

15/2/2021 0.551) 6,152 137 0.01

Page 48: Annual report - BlackRock

Portfolio Statement continued

Holding or Underlying Market % of Nominal Exposure – Derivatives Value Total Net Value Investment £000’s £000’s Assets

Holding or Underlying Market % of Nominal Exposure – Derivatives Value Total Net Value Investment £000’s £000’s Assets

93 BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund 94

(8,950,000) Citibank (Sell 2 Year Right to Pay 14/6/2019 0.143)^ 216 – 0.00

(63,150,000) Citibank (Sell 2 Year Right to Pay 26/2/2020 2.46) 25,202 (190) (0.01)

(10,250,000) Citibank (Sell 2 Year Right to Pay 29/6/2020 3.2) 1,154 (6) 0.00

(39,880,000) Citibank (Sell 2 Year Right to Pay 29/12/2020 3.25) 5,505 (42) 0.00

(63,150,000) Citibank (Sell 2 Year Right to Receive 26/2/2020 2.46) 22,275 (223) (0.01)

(167,000,000) Citibank (Sell 5 Year Right to Pay 21/5/2019 1.75)^ – – 0.00

(167,000,000) Citibank (Sell 5 Year Right to Pay 28/5/2019 1.75)^ – – 0.00

(1,760,000) Citibank (Sell 5 Year Right to Pay 25/6/2019 0.6)^ 59 – 0.00

(1,980,000) Citibank (Sell 5 Year Right to Pay 3/5/2022 3.25) 471 (15) 0.00

(2,270,000) Citibank (Sell 10 Year Right to Pay 19/4/2021 2.15) 146 (5) 0.00

(1,380,000) Citibank (Sell 10 Year Right to Pay 4/5/2021 2) 125 (5) 0.00 (2,250,000) Citibank (Sell 10 Year Right to Pay 7/6/2021

3.87) 245 (8) 0.00 250,000,000 Credit Suisse International (Buy 10 Year Right

to Pay 11/1/2022 1.25) 83 3 0.00 250,000,000 Credit Suisse International (Buy 10 Year Right

to Pay 22/2/2022 1.55) 48 2 0.00 150,000,000 Deutsche Bank (Buy 5 Year Right to Pay

9/7/2019 1.25)^ 1 – 0.00 50,000,000 Deutsche Bank (Buy 5 Year Right to Pay

17/7/2019 1.25)^ – – 0.00 50,000,000 Deutsche Bank (Buy 5 Year Right to Pay

30/7/2019 1.25)^ – – 0.00 50,000,000 Deutsche Bank (Buy 5 Year Right to Pay

6/8/2019 1.25)^ – – 0.00 50,000,000 Deutsche Bank (Buy 5 Year Right to Pay

13/8/2019 1.25)^ – – 0.00 50,000,000 Deutsche Bank (Buy 5 Year Right to Pay

15/8/2019 1.25)^ – – 0.00 50,000,000 Deutsche Bank (Buy 5 Year Right to Pay

28/8/2019 1.25)^ – – 0.00 100,000,000 Deutsche Bank (Buy 5 Year Right to Pay

7/11/2019 1.25)^ 1 – 0.00 6,150,000 Deutsche Bank (Buy 30 Year Right to Pay

7/10/2019 4)^ 76 – 0.00

(6,958,000) Barclays Bank (Sell 5 Year Right to Pay 25/6/2019 0.6) 234 (1) 0.00

(5,400,000) Barclays Bank (Sell 10 Year Right to Pay 4/5/2021 2) 491 (19) 0.00

(16,740,000) Barclays Bank (Sell 10 Year Right to Pay 7/6/2021 3.87) 1,825 (61) 0.00

(250,000,000) Barclays Bank (Sell 15 Year Right to Pay 15/5/2020 2.1)^ – – 0.00

167,000,000 Citibank (Buy 5 Year Right to Pay 21/5/2019 1.25)^ 1 – 0.00

167,000,000 Citibank (Buy 5 Year Right to Pay 28/5/2019 1.25)^ 1 – 0.00

26,140,000 Citibank (Buy 5 Year Right to Pay 26/2/2020 2.521) 10,518 203 0.01

26,140,000 Citibank (Buy 5 Year Right to Receive 26/2/2020 2.521) 9,135 224 0.01

5,230,000 Citibank (Buy 10 Year Right to Pay 22/3/2019 2.7) 2,516 12 0.00

6,700,000 Citibank (Buy 10 Year Right to Pay 7/12/2027 2.738) 2,356 325 0.01

1,000,000 Citibank (Buy 10 Year Right to Pay 14/11/2028 3.435) 245 31 0.00

7,800,000 Citibank (Buy 10 Year Right to Receive 22/3/2019 2.6) 787 13 0.00

5,230,000 Citibank (Buy 10 Year Right to Receive 22/3/2019 2.7) 1,416 25 0.00

6,700,000 Citibank (Buy 10 Year Right to Receive 7/12/2027 2.738) 2,681 225 0.01

1,000,000 Citibank (Buy 10 Year Right to Receive 14/11/2028 3.435) 507 53 0.00

790,000 Citibank (Buy 15 Year Right to Pay 3/5/2022 3.25) 214 19 0.00

680,000 Citibank (Buy 20 Year Right to Pay 9/8/2033 4) 36 13 0.00

1,050,000 Citibank (Buy 30 Year Right to Pay 3/2/2020 4)^ 28 – 0.00

1,060,000 Citibank (Buy 30 Year Right to Pay 7/6/2021 3.8) 116 9 0.00

1,480,000 Citibank (Buy 30 Year Right to Pay 29/1/2024 2.97) 457 101 0.00

1,480,000 Citibank (Buy 30 Year Right to Receive 29/1/2024 2.97) 655 115 0.00

(3,860,000) Citibank (Sell 2 Year Right to Pay 12/3/2019 0.025)^ – – 0.00

Page 49: Annual report - BlackRock

Portfolio Statement continued

Holding or Underlying Market % of Nominal Exposure – Derivatives Value Total Net Value Investment £000’s £000’s Assets

Holding or Underlying Market % of Nominal Exposure – Derivatives Value Total Net Value Investment £000’s £000’s Assets

95 BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund 96

(8,270,000) Deutsche Bank (Sell 10 Year Right to Receive 27/6/2028 3.05) 3,734 (26) 0.00

27,000,000 Goldman Sachs International (Buy 15 Year Right to Pay 14/9/2020 0.66) 41 1 0.00

5,890,000 Goldman Sachs International (Buy 15 Year Right to Pay 3/5/2022 3.25) 1,593 140 0.01

27,000,000 Goldman Sachs International (Buy 15 Year Right to Receive 14/9/2020 0.66) 142 6 0.00

27,100,000 Goldman Sachs International (Buy 20 Year Right to Pay 16/4/2021 0.78) 57 2 0.00

27,100,000 Goldman Sachs International (Buy 20 Year Right to Receive 16/4/2021 0.78) 126 8 0.00

2,600,000 Goldman Sachs International (Buy 30 Year Right to Pay 3/2/2020 4) 69 1 0.00

1,145,000 Goldman Sachs International (Buy 30 Year Right to Pay 26/4/2023 3.112) 324 61 0.00

1,145,000 Goldman Sachs International (Buy 30 Year Right to Receive 26/4/2023 3.112) 537 96 0.00

(25,790,000) Goldman Sachs International (Sell 2 Year Right to Pay 6/9/2019 3.3)^ 334 – 0.00

(24,700,000) Goldman Sachs International (Sell 2 Year Right to Pay 3/1/2020 2.8) 5,414 (24) 0.00

(97,500,000) Goldman Sachs International (Sell 2 Year Right to Pay 8/1/2020 2.59) 33,066 (191) (0.01)

(19,500,000) Goldman Sachs International (Sell 2 Year Right to Pay 5/5/2020 3.15) 2,171 (10) 0.00

(27,200,000) Goldman Sachs International (Sell 2 Year Right to Pay 29/5/2020 3.35) 1,979 (8) 0.00

(27,010,000) Goldman Sachs International (Sell 2 Year Right to Pay 8/6/2020 3.45) 1,580 (6) 0.00

(16,560,000) Goldman Sachs International (Sell 2 Year Right to Pay 15/6/2020 3.35) 1,273 (6) 0.00

(97,500,000) Goldman Sachs International (Sell 2 Year Right to Receive 8/1/2020 2.59) 40,236 (404) (0.02)

(24,000,000) Goldman Sachs International (Sell 5 Year Right to Pay 11/3/2019 1)^ – – 0.00

(14,720,000) Goldman Sachs International (Sell 5 Year Right to Pay 3/5/2022 3.25) 3,503 (112) 0.00

32,640,000 JP Morgan Chase Bank (Buy 1 Year Right to Receive 22/11/2019 1.94) 12,741 49 0.00

166,000,000 JP Morgan Chase Bank (Buy 5 Year Right to Pay 18/6/2019 1.25)^ 1 – 0.00

280,000,000 JP Morgan Chase Bank (Buy 10 Year Right to Pay 16/3/2022 1.6) 52 2 0.00

(115,780,000) Deutsche Bank (Sell 2 Year Right to Pay 12/9/2019 3.35) 1,286 (1) 0.00

(89,100,000) Deutsche Bank (Sell 2 Year Right to Pay 7/11/2019 3.264) 3,179 (6) 0.00

(36,810,000) Deutsche Bank (Sell 2 Year Right to Pay 7/11/2019 3.295) 1,149 (2) 0.00

(21,270,000) Deutsche Bank (Sell 2 Year Right to Pay 7/2/2020 3.2) 1,574 (5) 0.00

(21,310,000) Deutsche Bank (Sell 2 Year Right to Pay 14/2/2020 3.35) 993 (3) 0.00

(35,320,000) Deutsche Bank (Sell 2 Year Right to Pay 14/4/2020 2.877) 7,043 (39) 0.00

(27,300,000) Deutsche Bank (Sell 2 Year Right to Pay 22/5/2020 3.55) 1,149 (4) 0.00

(19,340,000) Deutsche Bank (Sell 2 Year Right to Pay 29/5/2020 2.9) 3,861 (23) 0.00

(31,400,000) Deutsche Bank (Sell 2 Year Right to Receive 7/11/2019 3.264) 22,487 (360) (0.02)

(36,810,000) Deutsche Bank (Sell 2 Year Right to Receive 7/11/2019 3.295) 26,526 (438) (0.02)

(21,270,000) Deutsche Bank (Sell 2 Year Right to Receive 7/2/2020 2.2) 4,872 (42) 0.00

(21,310,000) Deutsche Bank (Sell 2 Year Right to Receive 14/2/2020 2.35) 6,302 (59) 0.00

(35,320,000) Deutsche Bank (Sell 2 Year Right to Receive 14/4/2020 2.877) 19,511 (271) (0.01)

(19,340,000) Deutsche Bank (Sell 2 Year Right to Receive 29/5/2020 2.9) 10,679 (157) (0.01)

(150,000,000) Deutsche Bank (Sell 5 Year Right to Pay 9/7/2019 1.75)^ – – 0.00

(50,000,000) Deutsche Bank (Sell 5 Year Right to Pay 17/7/2019 1.75)^ – – 0.00

(50,000,000) Deutsche Bank (Sell 5 Year Right to Pay 30/7/2019 1.75)^ – – 0.00

(50,000,000) Deutsche Bank (Sell 5 Year Right to Pay 6/8/2019 1.75)^ – – 0.00

(50,000,000) Deutsche Bank (Sell 5 Year Right to Pay 13/8/2019 1.75)^ – – 0.00

(50,000,000) Deutsche Bank (Sell 5 Year Right to Pay 15/8/2019 1.75)^ – – 0.00

(50,000,000) Deutsche Bank (Sell 5 Year Right to Pay 28/8/2019 1.75)^ – – 0.00

(100,000,000) Deutsche Bank (Sell 5 Year Right to Pay 7/11/2019 1.75)^ 1 – 0.00

Page 50: Annual report - BlackRock

Portfolio Statement continued

Holding or Underlying Market % of Nominal Exposure – Derivatives Value Total Net Value Investment £000’s £000’s Assets

Holding or Underlying Market % of Nominal Exposure – Derivatives Value Total Net Value Investment £000’s £000’s Assets

97 BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund 98

(156,307,500) JP Morgan Chase Bank (Sell 2 Year Right to Receive 3/7/2019 2.1) 10,422 (32) 0.00

(81,390,000) JP Morgan Chase Bank (Sell 2 Year Right to Receive 8/7/2019 2.15) 6,906 (24) 0.00

(30,000,000) JP Morgan Chase Bank (Sell 2 Year Right to Receive 15/10/2019 3.25) 21,637 (335) (0.01)

(100,000,000) JP Morgan Chase Bank (Sell 5 Year Right to Pay 4/3/2019 1)^ – – 0.00

(100,000,000) JP Morgan Chase Bank (Sell 5 Year Right to Pay 11/3/2019 1)^ – – 0.00

(166,000,000) JP Morgan Chase Bank (Sell 5 Year Right to Pay 18/6/2019 1.75)^ – – 0.00

(8,900,000) JP Morgan Chase Bank (Sell 10 Year Right to Pay 19/4/2021 2.15) 573 (21) 0.00

137,550,000 Morgan Stanley International (Buy 1 Year Right to Receive 10/1/2020 2.95) 83,550 502 0.02

137,550,000 Morgan Stanley International (Buy 1 Year Right to Receive 21/1/2020 2.95) 83,181 514 0.02

67,570,000 Morgan Stanley International (Buy 1 Year Right to Receive 30/1/2020 2.95) 40,761 256 0.01

126,000,000 Morgan Stanley International (Buy 5 Year Right to Pay 7/11/2019 1.25)^ 2 – 0.00

52,950,000 Morgan Stanley International (Buy 5 Year Right to Pay 27/11/2019 3.09) 6,336 43 0.00

52,950,000 Morgan Stanley International (Buy 5 Year Right to Receive 27/11/2019 3.09) 33,473 1,125 0.05

30,000,000 Morgan Stanley International (Buy 10 Year Right to Pay 11/1/2022 1.25)^ 10 – 0.00

30,000,000 Morgan Stanley International (Buy 10 Year Right to Pay 22/2/2022 1.55)^ 6 – 0.00

30,000,000 Morgan Stanley International (Buy 10 Year Right to Pay 4/4/2022 1.45)^ 8 – 0.00

2,740,000 Morgan Stanley International (Buy 10 Year Right to Pay 11/1/2029 3.037) 812 111 0.00

2,740,000 Morgan Stanley International (Buy 10 Year Right to Receive 11/1/2029 3.037) 1,248 114 0.01

30,000,000 Morgan Stanley International (Buy 15 Year Right to Pay 15/5/2020 1.1)^ 3 – 0.00

50,000,000 Morgan Stanley International (Buy 15 Year Right to Pay 14/9/2020 0.66) 75 2 0.00

750,000 Morgan Stanley International (Buy 15 Year Right to Pay 8/11/2021 0.799)^ 1 – 0.00

50,000,000 Morgan Stanley International (Buy 15 Year Right to Receive 14/9/2020 0.66) 262 12 0.00

250,000,000 JP Morgan Chase Bank (Buy 10 Year Right to Pay 4/4/2022 1.45) 65 3 0.00

2,590,000 JP Morgan Chase Bank (Buy 10 Year Right to Pay 12/4/2027 3) 829 104 0.00

1,995,000 JP Morgan Chase Bank (Buy 10 Year Right to Pay 27/4/2038 2.985) 400 74 0.00

2,530,000 JP Morgan Chase Bank (Buy 10 Year Right to Pay 22/2/2039 2.86) 505 103 0.00

1,995,000 JP Morgan Chase Bank (Buy 10 Year Right to Receive 27/4/2038 2.985) 1,100 81 0.00

2,530,000 JP Morgan Chase Bank (Buy 10 Year Right to Receive 22/2/2039 2.86) 1,397 103 0.00

200,000,000 JP Morgan Chase Bank (Buy 15 Year Right to Pay 15/10/2021 0.85) 279 13 0.00

200,000,000 JP Morgan Chase Bank (Buy 15 Year Right to Receive 15/10/2021 0.85) 1,072 78 0.00

226,200,000 JP Morgan Chase Bank (Buy 20 Year Right to Pay 16/4/2021 0.78) 478 26 0.00

450,000 JP Morgan Chase Bank (Buy 20 Year Right to Pay 8/11/2023 1.073)^ 1 – 0.00

226,200,000 JP Morgan Chase Bank (Buy 20 Year Right to Receive 16/4/2021 0.78) 1,049 69 0.00

450,000 JP Morgan Chase Bank (Buy 20 Year Right to Receive 8/11/2023 1.073)^ 2 – 0.00

(156,307,500) JP Morgan Chase Bank (Sell 2 Year Right to Pay 3/7/2019 2.9) 11,778 (14) 0.00

(81,390,000) JP Morgan Chase Bank (Sell 2 Year Right to Pay 8/7/2019 2.95) 4,580 (5) 0.00

(86,030,000) JP Morgan Chase Bank (Sell 2 Year Right to Pay 15/10/2019 3.25) 2,631 (4) 0.00

(64,000,000) JP Morgan Chase Bank (Sell 2 Year Right to Pay 6/11/2019 2.7) 17,350 (76) 0.00

(50,000,000) JP Morgan Chase Bank (Sell 2 Year Right to Pay 2/1/2020 2.9) 8,431 (32) 0.00

(35,000,000) JP Morgan Chase Bank (Sell 2 Year Right to Pay 21/1/2020 2.85) 6,892 (30) 0.00

(17,000,000) JP Morgan Chase Bank (Sell 2 Year Right to Pay 18/5/2020 3.5) 799 (3) 0.00

(5,300,000) JP Morgan Chase Bank (Sell 2 Year Right to Pay 22/5/2020 3.55) 223 (1) 0.00

(3,800,000) JP Morgan Chase Bank (Sell 2 Year Right to Pay 29/6/2020 3.2) 428 (2) 0.00

(49,130,000) JP Morgan Chase Bank (Sell 2 Year Right to Pay 14/12/2020 0.6) 9,036 (49) 0.00

Page 51: Annual report - BlackRock

Portfolio Statement continued

Holding or Underlying Market % of Nominal Exposure – Derivatives Value Total Net Value Investment £000’s £000’s Assets

Holding or Underlying Market % of Nominal Exposure – Derivatives Value Total Net Value Investment £000’s £000’s Assets

99 BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund 100

Synthetic Caps – 0.00%; 28.2.2018 0.00% 136,600,000 Morgan Stanley International 5-10 year CMS

CAP 0.14% 102,699 74 0.00 192,000,000 Goldman Sachs International 5-30 year CMS

CAP 0.35% 144,350 75 0.00 (192,000,000) Goldman Sachs International 5-30 year CMS

CAP 0.45% 144,350 (30) 0.00

391,399 119 0.00

TBA Mortgage-Backed Securities – 0.00%; 28.2.2018 3.37%

Total Return Swaps – 0.00%; 28.2.2018 (0.05)%

Portfolio of investments 2,010,223 85.20

CASH EQUIVALENTS

Short Term Money Market Funds – 4.02%; 28.2.2018 6.27% 94,750,000 Institutional Cash Series plc – Institutional Sterling

Liquidity Fund* 94,750 4.02

Net other assets 254,440 10.78

Total net assets 2,359,413 100.00

Unless otherwise stated, all securities are either listed on a recognised exchange or traded on an eligible securities market.* Managed by a related party.Ø All or a portion of this investment represents a security on loan, see note 2(b)(vi) for further details. The counterparties for the forward currency contracts are ANZ Bank, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Bank of New York Mellon, Barclays Bank Plc, BNP Paribas Arbitrage SNC, CitiGroup Global Markets Limited, Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Credit Suisse International, Deutsche Bank AG, Goldman Sachs International, HSBC Bank Plc, J.P. Morgan Securities Plc, Morgan Stanley & Co. International Plc, Nomura International Plc, Royal Bank of Canada,Royal Bank of Scotland Plc, Société Générale SA, Standard Chartered, State Street Global Advisors, Toronto Dominion Bank,UBS AG and Westpac Banking Corporation. Underlying exposure has been calculated according to the guidelines issued by the European Securities and Markets Authority (“ESMA”) and represents the market value of an equivalent position in the assets underlying each financial derivative instrument.^ Investments which are less than £500 are rounded to zero.^^ Include pledged investments of £286,000.

750,000 Morgan Stanley International (Buy 15 Year Right to Receive 8/11/2021 0.799)^ 4 – 0.00

(206,325,000) Morgan Stanley International (Sell 1 Year Right to Receive 10/1/2020 2.45) 61,119 (257) (0.01)

(206,325,000) Morgan Stanley International (Sell 1 Year Right to Receive 21/1/2020 2.45) 62,152 (272) (0.01)

(101,355,000) Morgan Stanley International (Sell 1 Year Right to Receive 30/1/2020 2.45) 30,985 (139) (0.01)

(34,818,250) Morgan Stanley International (Sell 2 Year Right to Pay 27/11/2020 3.065) 6,273 (48) 0.00

(34,818,250) Morgan Stanley International (Sell 2 Year Right to Receive 27/11/2020 3.065) 19,904 (367) (0.01)

(126,000,000) Morgan Stanley International (Sell 5 Year Right to Pay 7/11/2019 1.75)^ 1 – 0.00

(30,000,000) Morgan Stanley International (Sell 15 Year Right to Pay 15/5/2020 2.1)^ – – 0.00

27,670,000 Nomura International (Buy 5 Year Right to Pay 14/8/2019 3.05) 2,318 8 0.00

2,730,000 Nomura International (Buy 10 Year Right to Pay 10/1/2029 3.04) 808 110 0.01

18,360,000 Nomura International (Buy 10 Year Right to Receive 14/2/2020 2.65) 5,819 254 0.01

2,730,000 Nomura International (Buy 10 Year Right to Receive 10/1/2029 3.04) 1,245 114 0.01

(166,000,000) Nomura International (Sell 1 Year Right to Receive 16/4/2020 2.45) 56,252 (292) (0.01)

(52,102,500) Nomura International (Sell 2 Year Right to Pay 3/7/2019 2.9) 3,926 (5) 0.00

(31,920,000) Nomura International (Sell 2 Year Right to Pay 26/8/2019 2.7) 8,154 (23) 0.00

(24,000,000) Nomura International (Sell 2 Year Right to Pay 30/12/2019 3.05) 2,538 (8) 0.00

(31,990,000) Nomura International (Sell 2 Year Right to Pay 29/6/2020 3.2) 3,603 (18) 0.00

(26,770,000) Nomura International (Sell 2 Year Right to Pay 21/12/2020 3.05) 5,044 (41) 0.00

(52,102,500) Nomura International (Sell 2 Year Right to Receive 3/7/2019 2.1) 3,474 (11) 0.00

(9,230,000) Nomura International (Sell 5 Year Right to Pay 14/8/2019 2.8) 1,884 (13) 0.00

(27,630,000) Nomura International (Sell 10 Year Right to Receive 14/2/2020 2.25) 4,313 (164) (0.01)

(21,400,000) UBS (Sell 2 Year Right to Pay 21/2/2020 3.35) 1,028 (3) 0.00 (21,400,000) UBS (Sell 2 Year Right to Receive 21/2/2020

2.35) 6,366 (60) 0.00

1,169,968 882 0.04

Page 52: Annual report - BlackRock

101 BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund 102

Notes £000’s

For the year to 28.2.2019

£000’s £000’s

For the year to 28.2.2018

£000’s

Income

Net capital (losses)/gains 3 (48,749) 7,193

Revenue 4 51,890 37,723

Expenses 5 (1,335) (880)

Interest payable and similar charges 6 (7,588) (9,682)

Net revenue before taxation 42,967 27,161

Taxation 7 (49) (64)

Net revenue after taxation 42,918 27,097

Total return before distributions (5,831) 34,290

Distributions 8 (42,953) (27,097)

Change in net assets attributable to unitholders from investment activities (48,784) 7,193

Statement of Change in Net Assets Attributable to Unitholdersfor the year ended 28 February 2019

£000’s

For the year to 28.2.2019

£000’s £000’s

For the year to 28.2.2018

£000’s

Opening net assets attributable to unitholders 1,594,775 922,025

Amounts receivable on issue of units 1,201,593 878,312

Amounts payable on cancellation of units (438,387) (244,103)

763,206 634,209

Change in net assets attributable to unitholders from investment activities (48,784) 7,193

Retained distribution on accumulation units 50,216 31,348

Closing net assets attributable to unitholders 2,359,413 1,594,775

Statement of Total Return for the year ended 28 February 2019

Notes

28.2.2019 £000’s

28.2.2018£000’s

Assets:

Fixed assets

– Investment assets 2,060,181 1,715,553

Current assets

– Debtors 9 20,364 466,745

– Cash and bank balances 10 240,909 73,902

– Cash equivalents 11 94,750 100,000

– Cash collateral posted 21,081 21,948

– Pledged investments 286 1,342

Total assets 2,437,571 2,379,490

Liabilities:

Investment liabilities (50,244) (253,986)

Creditors

– Amounts held at futures clearing houses and brokers (3,280) (5,964)

– Cash collateral payable (2,100) (890)

– Other creditors 12 (22,534) (523,875)

Total liabilities (78,158) (784,715)

Net assets attributable to unitholders 2,359,413 1,594,775

G D Bamping (Director)R A R Hayes (Director)BlackRock Fund Managers Limited2 May 2019

Balance Sheet at 28 February 2019

Page 53: Annual report - BlackRock

BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund 104103 BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund

1. Accounting and Distribution Policies

Accounting Policies

(a) The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice for Authorised Funds (the “SORP”) issued by the Investment Management Association (now known as the Investment Association) in May 2014 and amended in June 2017.

(b) Revenue from fixed interest securities is recognised on an effective interest rate basis.

Accrued interest purchased and sold on interest bearing securities is excluded from the capital cost of these securities and dealt with as part of the revenue of the Fund.

Dividends on quoted ordinary shares and preference shares are recognised when the securities are quoted ex-dividend. Where such securities are not quoted, dividends are recognised when the right to receive payment is established.

All distributions from Collective Investment Schemes (“CIS”) are recognised when the securities are quoted ex-dividend. All distributions from holdings in CIS are treated as revenue with the exception of the equalisation element, which is treated as capital.

All revenue is recognised as a gross amount that takes account of any withholding taxes but excludes any other taxes such as attributable tax credits.

Revenue from securities lending is accounted for net of associated costs and is recognised on an accruals basis.

Returns from bond futures are streamed into revenue and capital components.

Returns from total return swaps in the form of dividends or interest received from the underlying security or index are recognised as revenue. Capital gains on the underlying security or index are treated as capital.

Bank interest is recognised on an accruals basis.

The Fund receives Manager’s charge rebates from BlackRock related investments in the normal course of business. These are recognised on an accruals basis and are treated as revenue, unless it is the policy of the underlying fund to charge its fees to capital, in which case these rebates will be recognised as capital.

(c) All expenses, except those relating to the purchase and sale of investments are charged against revenue. All expenses are recognised on an accruals basis.

(d) Provision for corporation tax is made at the current rate on the excess of taxable revenue over allowable expenses. Provision is made on all material timing differences arising from the different treatment of items for accounting and tax purposes. A deferred tax asset is recognised only to the extent that it is considered more likely than not that there will be taxable profits in the future against which the asset can be offset.

(e) The investments of the Fund have been valued at market values, defined as fair value, which is usually bid value at 12 noon on the last business day of the accounting period. In the case of an investment which is not quoted, listed or dealt in on a recognised market, or in respect of which a listed, traded or dealt price or quotation is not available at the time of valuation, the fair value of such investment shall be estimated with care and in good faith by a competent professional person, body, firm or corporation including the Manager’s pricing committee and such fair value shall be determined on the basis of the probable realisation value of the investment. The Manager shall be entitled to adopt an alternative method of valuing any particular asset if it considers that the methods of valuation set out above do not provide a fair valuation of a particular asset or liability.

Notes to Financial Statements for the year ended 28 February 2019

For Over-the-Counter (“OTC”) derivatives including Credit Default Swaps, Currency Swaps, Forward Currency Contracts, Inflation Swaps, Interest Rate Swaps, OTC Options, Swaptions, Synthetic Caps, Total Return Swaps and Volatility Swaps; fair value is determined based on valuation pricing models which take into account relevant market inputs as well as the time values, liquidity and volatility factors underlying the positions. The fair value of exchange traded and over the counter derivatives represents the price that would be required to close out the contracts at the Balance Sheet date. Amounts due to and from an individual counterparty which falls under a legally enforceable master netting agreement are netted.

Investments in single priced Collective Investment Schemes have been valued at market values, defined as fair value, which is usually the latest available price at the Fund’s 12 noon valuation point on the last business day of the accounting period.

(f) Any transactions in foreign currencies are translated into Sterling at the rates of exchange ruling on the date of any such transaction. Assets and liabilities in foreign currencies are translated into Sterling at the exchange rates ruling at 12 noon on the last business day of the accounting period. Revenue items in foreign currencies are translated into Sterling at the exchange rate when the revenue is received.

(g) Where appropriate, certain permitted financial instruments such as derivatives are used for both efficient portfolio management and for the purpose of achieving the investment objective of the Fund. Where such financial instruments are used to protect or enhance revenue, the revenue and expenses derived therefrom are included in ‘Revenue’ in the Statement of Total Return. Where such financial instruments are used to protect or enhance capital, the gains and losses derived therefrom are included in ‘Net capital (losses)/gains’ in the Statement of Total Return.

Premiums received on written options are treated as capital.

(h) Cash and bank balances consist of deposits held on call with banks and cash held with clearing brokers and counterparties. Cash equivalents are short-term highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash and which are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value.

(i) Cash collateral provided by the Fund is identified on the Balance Sheet as pledged cash collateral and is not included as a component of cash and cash equivalents.

For collateral other than cash provided by the Fund, the party to whom the collateral is provided has the right by contract to sell or repledge the collateral but has an obligation to return equivalent securities to the Fund on maturity or sale of the contract. The Fund classifies these assets on its Balance Sheet separately from other assets and identifies the asset as pledged investments. Such assets are valued consistently with the accounting policies listed above.

Cash collateral provided to the Fund by counterparties is identified in the Balance Sheet as cash collateral payable. The Fund may reinvest this cash collateral and the assets purchased are included in investment assets or cash equivalents on the Balance Sheet.

For collateral received from counterparties other than cash, a disclosure of the collateral provided is made in the notes to the financial statements.

Page 54: Annual report - BlackRock

Notes to Financial Statements continued

BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund 106105 BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund

Distribution Policies

(j) Returns from bond futures recognised as revenue from long positions form part of the distribution. Amounts recognised as revenue from short positions reduce the amounts available for distribution.

(k) The units in the Fund are all accumulation units. All of the net revenue available for distribution at the final accounting period end will be accumulated by the Fund with a transfer from revenue to capital. In order to conduct a controlled dividend flow to unitholders, interim distributions may be made at the Manager’s discretion, up to a maximum of the distributable revenue available for the period. Should expenses and taxation together exceed revenue, there will be no distribution and the shortfall will be met from capital.

(l) The Fund has satisfied the qualifying investments tests as specified in S468L ICTA 1988 at all times throughout their distribution period. As such, any revenue available for distribution will be paid as an interest distribution.

2. Financial Instruments and RisksThe Fund’s investment activities expose it to the various types of risk which are associated with the financial instruments and markets in which it invests. The following information is not intended to be a comprehensive summary of all risks and investors should refer to the Prospectus for a more detailed discussion of the risks inherent in investing in the Fund.

Risk management framework

The Manager has delegated the day-to-day administration of the investment programme to the Investment Manager. The Investment Manager is also responsible for ensuring that the Fund is managed within the terms of its investment guidelines and limits set out in the Prospectus. The Manager reserves to itself the investment performance, product risk monitoring and oversight and the responsibility for the monitoring and oversight of regulatory and operational risk for the Fund.

The Manager has appointed a risk manager who has responsibility for the daily risk management process with assistance from key risk management personnel of the Investment Manager, including members of the BlackRock Risk and Quantitative Analysis Group (“RQA Group”) which is a centralised group which performs an independent risk management function. The RQA Group independently identifies, measures and monitors investment risk. The RQA Group tracks the actual risk management practices being deployed across the different funds. By breaking down the components of the process, the RQA Group has the ability to determine if the appropriate risk management processes are in place for the Fund. This captures the risk management tools employed, how the levels of risk are controlled, ensuring risk/return is considered in portfolio construction and reviewing outcomes.

The principal risk exposure of the Fund is set out as follows:

a) Market riskMarket risk arises mainly from uncertainty about future values of financial instruments influenced by other price, currency and interest rate movements. It represents the potential loss the Fund may suffer through holding market positions in the face of market movements. The Fund is exposed to market risk by virtue of its investments in corporate bonds, government bonds, credit default swaps, interest rate swaps, futures contracts, TBA Mortgage-Backed Securities, forward currency contracts, options and swaptions.

A key metric the RQA Group uses to measure market risk is Value-at-Risk (“VaR”) which encompasses price, currency and interest rate risk. VaR is a statistical risk measure that estimates the potential portfolio loss from adverse market moves in an ordinary market environment. VaR analysis reflects the interdependencies between risk variables, unlike a traditional sensitivity analysis.

The VaR calculations are based on an adjusted historical simulation model with a confidence level of 99%, a holding period of one day and a historical observation period of not less than one year (250 days). A VaR number is defined at a specified probability and a specified time horizon. A 99% one day VaR means that the expectation is that 99% of the time over a one day period the Fund will lose less than this number in percentage terms. Therefore, higher VaR numbers indicate higher risk.

It is noted that the use of the VaR methodology has limitations, namely that the use of historical market data as a basis for estimating future events does not encompass all possible scenarios, particularly those that are of an extreme nature and that the use of a specified confidence level (e.g. 99%) does not take into account losses that occur beyond this level. There is some probability that the loss could be greater than the VaR amounts. These limitations and the nature of the VaR measure mean that the Fund can neither guarantee that losses will not exceed the VaR amounts indicated, nor that losses in excess of the VaR amounts will not occur more frequently.

The one day VaR as at 28 February 2019 and 28 February 2018 based on a 99% confidence level was 0.13% and 0.18% respectively.

i) Market risk arising from foreign currency risk

Exposure to foreign currency risk

Foreign currency risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in foreign exchange rates.

The Fund may invest in securities which may be denominated in currencies other than its reporting currency.

The Fund may also invest in forward currency contracts and thus gain further exposure to foreign currency risk.

The assets and liabilities of the Fund are denominated mainly in Sterling, therefore the Balance Sheet and Statement of Total Return are unlikely to be directly affected by currency movements.

Page 55: Annual report - BlackRock

Notes to Financial Statements continued

BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund 108107 BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund

ii) Market risk arising from other price risk

Exposure to other price risk

Other price risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market prices (other than those arising from interest rate risk or currency risk), whether those changes are caused by factors specific to the individual financial instrument or its issuer, or factors affecting similar financial instruments traded in the market.

The Fund is exposed to other price risk arising from its investments. The exposure of the Fund to other price risk is the market value of the investments held as shown in the portfolio statement of the Fund.

Management of other price risk

The Investment Manager manages the Fund’s other price risk on a daily basis in accordance with the Fund’s investment objective.

By diversifying the portfolio, where this is appropriate and consistent with the Fund’s objectives, the risk that a price change of a particular investment will have a material impact on the Net Asset Value (“NAV”) of the Fund is minimised. The investment concentrations within the portfolio are disclosed in the portfolio statement by investment type.

The other price risk inherent in holdings in CIS is monitored by the Investment Manager by understanding the investment objectives of the underlying funds as well as their internal control policies and regular risk and performance reporting.

iii) Market risk arising from interest rate risk

Exposure to interest rate risk

Interest rate risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market interest rates.

The Fund is exposed to interest rate risk on its cash and bank balances held at The Bank of New York Mellon (International) Limited, amounts held at futures clearing houses and brokers, cash equivalent holdings and its investments in fixed and floating rate interest bearing securities where the value of these securities may fluctuate as a result of a change in interest rates. Cash held on deposit at The Bank of New York Mellon (International) Limited receives/incurs interest at the prevailing daily rate which may be negative depending on the currency in which the cash is held.

The interest rate risk profile of the Fund’s investments as at 28 February 2019 was as follows:

Floating Rate Investments

£000’s

Fixed Rate Investments

£000’s

Non-interest Bearing Investments

£000’sTotal

£000’s

576,827 1,278,016 155,380 2,010,223

The interest rate risk profile of the Fund’s investments as at 28 February 2018 was as follows:

Floating Rate Investments

£000’s

Fixed Rate Investments

£000’s

Non-interest Bearing Investments

£000’sTotal

£000’s

497,250 922,066 43,593 1,462,909

Management of interest rate risk

Interest rate risk exposure is managed by constantly monitoring the position for deviations outside a pre-determined tolerance level and, when necessary, rebalancing back to the original desired parameters.

b) Counterparty credit riskExposure to counterparty credit risk

Counterparty credit risk is the risk that one party to a financial instrument will cause a financial loss for the other party by failing to discharge an obligation.

The Fund is exposed to counterparty credit risk from the parties with which it trades and will bear the risk of settlement default.

Management of counterparty credit risk

Counterparty credit risk is monitored and managed by BlackRock’s RQA Counterparty & Concentration Risk Team. The team is headed by BlackRock’s Chief Counterparty Credit Officer who reports directly to the Global Head of RQA. Credit authority resides with the Chief Counterparty Credit Officer and selected team members to whom specific credit authority has been delegated. As such, counterparty approvals may be granted by the Chief Counterparty Credit Officer or by identified RQA Credit Risk Officers who have been formally delegated authority by the Chief Counterparty Credit Officer as deemed appropriate.

BlackRock’s RQA Counterparty & Concentration Risk Team completes a formal review of each new counterparty, monitors and reviews all approved counterparties on an ongoing basis and maintains an active oversight of counterparty exposures.

The Manager maintains a list of approved counterparties. This list is regularly monitored and revised for changes based on the counterparty’s creditworthiness, market reputation and expectations of future financial performance. Transactions will only be opened with financial intermediaries on the approved counterparties list.

i) Exchange Traded Financial Derivative Instruments

The Fund’s holdings in futures contracts and exchange traded options expose the Fund to counterparty credit risk.

Management of counterparty credit risk related to futures contracts and exchange traded options

The exposure is limited by trading the contracts through a clearing house. The Fund’s exposure to counterparty credit risk on contracts in which it currently has a gain position is reduced by such gains received in cash from the counterparty under the daily mark-to market mechanism on exchange traded futures contracts (variation margin). The Fund’s exposure to credit risk on contracts in which it currently has a loss position is equal to the amount of margin posted to the counterparty which has not been transferred to the exchange under the daily mark-to-market mechanism. The counterparty for futures contracts and exchange traded options is Goldman Sachs International.

Margin is paid or received on futures and exchange traded options to cover any exposure by the counterparty or the Fund to each other. Margin receivable from the Fund’s clearing brokers and various counterparties is included in “Cash and bank balances” on the Balance Sheet. Margin payable to the Fund’s clearing brokers and various counterparties is included in “Amounts held at futures clearing houses and brokers” on the Balance Sheet.

Counterparty exposure has not been disclosed for exchange traded derivatives as the exchange requirements in respect of collateral mean that, in the opinion of the Manager, the counterparty risk is mitigated.

Page 56: Annual report - BlackRock

Notes to Financial Statements continued

BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund 110109 BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund

ii) Over-the-Counter (“OTC”) Financial Derivative Instruments (“FDIs”)

The Fund’s holdings in OTC FDIs expose the Fund to counterparty credit risk.

Counterparty credit risk arises from the failure of the counterparty to perform according to the terms of the contract. The Fund’s exposure to counterparty credit risk is limited to the contracts in which it currently has a gain position reduced by the cash collateral received from the counterparty or to counterparties which have received collateral from the Fund.

All OTC FDIs and total return swaps are entered into by the Fund under an International Swaps and Derivatives Associations, Inc. Master Agreement (“ISDA Master Agreement”) or similar agreement. An ISDA Master Agreement is a bilateral agreement between the Fund and a counterparty that governs OTC FDIs (including total return swaps) entered into by the parties. The parties’ exposures under the ISDA Master Agreement are netted and collateralised together, therefore any collateral disclosures provided are in respect of all OTC FDIs entered into by the Fund under the ISDA Master Agreement, not just total return swaps. All non-cash collateral received/posted by the Fund under the ISDA Master Agreement is transferred bilaterally under a title transfer arrangement.

Cash held as security by the counterparty to derivative contracts is subject to the credit risk of the counterparty.

The carrying value of financial assets together with cash best represents the Fund’s gross maximum exposure to counterparty credit risk at the reporting date, before including the effect of ISDA Master Agreements and close-out netting, which would reduce the overall counterparty credit risk exposure.

The Fund’s maximum exposure to counterparty credit risk from holding forward currency contracts will be equal to the notional amount of the currency and any net unrealised gains or losses as disclosed in the portfolio statement.

Management of counterparty credit risk related to OTC FDIs

For total return swaps held by the Fund, cash movements take place on a daily basis, above a certain threshold for each counterparty. The risk is further mitigated as contracts are reset on a monthly basis (1 year rolling maturity at each monthly reset) with the gain or loss being realised. The Fund is required to maintain the collateral with the counterparties to secure these financial instruments.

Forward currency contracts do not require variation margin and thus the counterparty credit risk is monitored through the BlackRock RQA Counterparty & Concentration Risk Team which monitors the creditworthiness of the counterparty. The counterparties for forward currency contracts are disclosed in the portfolio statement.

The lowest credit rating of any one counterparty as at 28 February 2019 was BBB (28 February 2018: BBB) (Standard & Poor’s rating).

The following tables detail the number of counterparties the Fund is exposed to by OTC FDIs type and the maximum exposure (which is calculated on a net basis) to any one counterparty.

28 February 2019

Counterparty

Credit Default Swaps£000’s

Forwards£000’s

Inflation Swaps£000’s

Interest Rate

Swaps£000’s

OTC Options

£000’sSwaptions

£000’s

Synthetic Caps

£000’s

Total Exposure

£000’s

ANZ Bank – 35 – – – – – 35

Bank of America Merril Lynch (3,140) 581 – (275) (3) (46) – (2,883)

Barclays Bank Plc 211 75 – – – 410 – 696

BNP Paribas Arbitrage SNC (527) 804 – – (1) – – 276

Bank of New York Mellon – 3 – – – – – 3

Citigroup Global Markets Limited (613) 1,913 – 4 7 874 2,185

Credit Suisse AG (2,800) (24) 797 (2,109) – 5 – (4,131)

Deutsche Bank AG 98 86 – (442) 18 (1,436) – (1,676)

Goldman Sachs International (3,998) 728 516 (15) 3 (446) 45 (3,167)

HSBC Bank Plc 90 10,611 – – 4 – – 10,705

J.P. Morgan Securities Plc 99 11,069 – 54 24 77 – 11,323

Morgan Stanley & Co. International Plc (284) (52) – – 21 1,596 74 1,355

Nomura International Plc – 99 – – – (89) – 10

Royal Bank of Canada – 156 – – – – – 156

Royal Bank of Scotland Plc – 674 – – – – – 674

Société Générale SA 18 (18) – – – – – –

Standard Chartered Bank – 79 – – – – – 79

State Street Global Advisors – 7,517 – – – – – 7,517

Toronto-Dominion Bank – 14,976 – – – – – 14,976

UBS AG – 53 – 443 – (63) – 433

Westpac Bank – 511 – – – – – 511

Page 57: Annual report - BlackRock

Notes to Financial Statements continued

BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund 112111 BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund

28 February 2018

Counterparty

Credit Default Swaps£000’s

Currency Swaps £000’s

Forwards£000’s

Inflation Swaps£000’s

Interest Rate

Swaps£000’s

Swaptions£000’s

Total Return Swaps£000’s

Total Exposure

£000’s

Bank of America Merrill Lynch 1,408 – (1,624) – 857 122 – 763

Bank of New York Mellon – – 30 – – – – 30

Barclays Bank Plc (1,122) – (6,880) 50 7 (503) – (8,448)

BNP Paribas Arbitrage (Euroclear) 2 – 101 – (1) – – 102

Citigroup Global Markets Limited (129) – 30 – (55) 556 – 402

Credit Suisse Securities (Europe) Limited 732 – (7) 403 120 18 – 1,266

Deutsche Bank AG 24 – (59) – 58 42 – 65

Goldman Sachs International (712) – (1) – (14) (884) – (1,611)

HSBC Bank Plc (40) – (12) – 199 – – 147

J.P. Morgan Securities Plc (683) (198) (25) – 205 (808) – (1,509)

Morgan Stanley & Co. International Plc (121) – (120) (48) – 4 – (285)

Nomura International Plc – – 1 – 9 – – 10

Royal Bank of Scotland Plc – – (1,136) – – – – (1,136)

Société Générale SA 47 – 76 – – – (781) (658)

Standard Chartered Bank – – (24) – – – – (24)

State Street Global Advisors – – (40) – – – – (40)

Toronto-Dominion Bank – – 401 – – – – 401

UBS AG – – (701) – – (231) – (932)

iii) Trustee and Custodian

The Fund’s Trustee and Custodian is The Bank of New York Mellon (International) Limited (the “Trustee” and “Custodian”).

Substantially all of the investments other than FDIs of the Fund are held by the Custodian at year end. Investments are segregated from the assets of the Custodian, with ownership rights remaining with the Fund. Bankruptcy or insolvency of the Custodian may cause the Fund’s rights with respect to its investments held by the Custodian to be delayed or limited. The maximum exposure to this risk is the total amount of equity and bond investments disclosed in the portfolio statement.

The Fund will be exposed to the credit risk of the Custodian, or any depositary used by the Trustee regarding cash balances held in accounts with same. In the event of insolvency or bankruptcy of the Custodian or any depositary used by the Trustee, the Fund will be treated as a general creditor of the Trustee.

Management of counterparty credit risk related to the Trustee and Custodian

To mitigate the Fund’s credit risk with respect to the Trustee, the Investment Manager of the Fund employs specific procedures to ensure that the Trustee employed is a reputable institution and that the associated credit risk is acceptable to the Fund. The Fund only transacts with counterparties that are regulated entities subject to prudential supervision, or with high credit-ratings assigned by international credit-rating agencies.

The long term credit rating of the parent company of the Trustee and Custodian, The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation, as at 28 February 2019 was A (28 February 2018: A) (Standard & Poor’s rating).

iv) Counterparties

All transactions in listed securities are settled/paid for upon delivery using approved brokers. The risk of default is considered minimal, as delivery of securities sold is only made once the broker has received payment. Payment is made on a purchase once the securities have been received by the broker. The trade will fail if either party fails to meet its obligation.

Counterparty credit risk arising on transactions with brokers relates to transactions awaiting settlement. Risk relating to unsettled transactions is considered small due to the short settlement period involved and the high credit quality of the brokers used.

Management of counterparty credit risk related to Counterparties

The Manager monitors the credit rating and financial position of the brokers used to further mitigate this risk.

v) Debt securities

Issuer credit risk is the default risk of one of the issuers of any securities held by the Fund.

Bonds or other debt securities involve credit risk to the issuer which may be evidenced by the issuer’s credit rating. Securities which are subordinated and/or have a higher credit risk have a greater possibility of default than more highly rated securities. The Fund invests into sovereign debt which exposes the Fund to the risk that the issuer of the bonds may default on interest or principal payments.

Management of counterparty credit risk related to debt securities

To manage this risk the Investment Manager invests in a wide range of securities, subject to the investment objective of the Fund and monitors the credit ratings of the investments as disclosed in the portfolio statement. The ratings of the debt securities are continually monitored by the BlackRock Portfolio Management Group.

The following tables detail the credit rating profile of the debt securities held by the Fund as a percentage of the NAV as at the Balance Sheet date:

28 February 2019

Investment grade%

Non-investment grade%

Not rated%

Total%

65.56 7.23 5.83 78.62

28 February 2018

Investment grade%

Non-investment grade%

Not rated%

Total%

69.24 12.00 7.75 88.99

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Notes to Financial Statements continued

BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund 114113 BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund

vi) Securities lending

The Fund engages in security lending activities which expose the Fund to counterparty credit risk. The maximum exposure to the Fund is equal to the value of the securities loaned.

Securities lending transactions entered into by the Fund are subject to a written legal agreement between the Fund and the Securities Lending Agent, BlackRock Advisors (UK) Limited, a related party to the Fund, and separately between the Securities Lending Agent and the approved borrowing counterparty. Collateral received in exchange for securities lent is transferred under a title transfer arrangement and is delivered to and held in an account with a tri-party collateral manager in the name of The Bank of New York Mellon (International) Limited on behalf of the Fund. Collateral received is segregated from the assets belonging to the Fund’s Trustee or the Lending Agent.

The following table details the value of securities on loan (individually identified in the portfolio statement) and associated collateral received, analysed by borrowing counterparty as at the Balance Sheet date.

Counterparty’s country of establishment

28 February 2019 28 February 2018

Counterparty

Securities on loan £000’s

Collateral received

£000’s

Securities on loan £000’s

Collateral received

£000’s

Barclays Bank Plc UK 764 797 1,224 1,273

BNP Paribas Arbitrage SNC France 1,054 1,101 6,022 6,331

Citigroup Global Markets Limited UK 4,290 4,519 6,875 7,164

Credit Suisse Securities (Europe) Limited

UK 233 258 171 190

Goldman Sachs International UK 1,085 1,130 4,201 4,392

HSBC Bank Plc UK – – 5,281 5,768

J.P. Morgan Securities Plc UK 414 430 415 456

Nomura International Plc UK – – 4,896 5,453

UBS AG Switzerland 828 882 268 328

Total 8,668 9,117 29,353 31,355

At 28 February 2019, collateral received from these borrowing counterparties comprised of 90.16% in debt securities and 9.84% in cash (28 February 2018: 60.27% in debt securities and 39.73% in equity securities).

Non-cash collateral accepted is in the form of sovereign debt rated AA or better from approved governments only, supranational debt obligations rated AAA or better, equity securities and exchange traded funds listed on a recognised exchange.

Management of counterparty credit risk related to securities lending

To mitigate this risk, the Fund receives either cash or securities as collateral equal to a certain percentage in excess of the fair value of the securities loaned. The Investment Manager monitors the fair value of the securities loaned and additional collateral is obtained, if necessary. As at 28 February 2019 and 28 February 2018, all non-cash collateral received consists of securities admitted to or dealt on a recognised exchange.

The Fund also benefits from a borrower default indemnity provided by BlackRock Inc. The indemnity allows for full replacement of securities lent. BlackRock Inc. bears the cost of indemnification against borrower default.

vii) Collateral

The Fund engages in activities which may require collateral to be provided to a counterparty (“collateral posted”) or may hold collateral received (“collateral received”) from a counterparty.

Management of counterparty credit risk related to collateral

The Fund uses collateral received from a counterparty to reduce the credit risk associated with any trading activity the Fund has engaged in.

Cash collateral posted by the Fund is separately identified on the Balance Sheet as cash collateral posted and is not included as a component of cash and cash equivalents. Cash collateral received by the Fund is reflected on the Balance Sheet as cash collateral payable.

As at 28 February 2019, collateral received by the Fund in respect of OTC FDIs was £2,100,000 in the form of cash. Collateral posted by the Fund in respect of OTC FDIs was £21,081,000 in the form of cash and £286,000 in the form of UK government bonds.

As at 28 February 2018, collateral received by the Fund in respect of OTC FDIs was £890,000 in the form of cash. Collateral posted by the Fund in respect of OTC FDIs was £21,948,000 in the form of cash and £1,342,000 in the form of UK government bonds.

c) Liquidity riskExposure to liquidity risk

Liquidity risk is the risk that the Fund will encounter difficulties in meeting its obligations associated with financial liabilities.

Liquidity risk to the Fund arises from the redemption requests of unitholders and the liquidity of the underlying investments the Fund is invested in. The Fund’s unitholders may redeem their units on the close of any daily dealing deadline for cash equal to a proportionate share of the Fund’s NAV. The Fund is therefore potentially exposed to the liquidity risk of meeting the unitholders’ redemptions and may need to sell assets at prevailing market prices to meet liquidity demands.

The Fund is also exposed to the liquidity risk of daily margin calls on derivatives.

All non-derivative financial liabilities including distributions payable held by the Fund as at 28 February 2019 and 28 February 2018, based on contractual maturities, fall due within one to three months.

Management of liquidity risk

Liquidity risk is minimised by holding sufficient liquid investments which can be readily realised to meet liquidity demands.

At times of excessive redemptions the Manager may decide to defer redemptions at any valuation point to the next valuation point where the requested aggregate redemptions exceed 10 per cent of the Fund’s NAV. This will therefore allow the Manager to protect the interests of continuing unitholders by allowing the Manager to match the sale of scheme property to the level of redemptions. This should reduce the impact of dilution on the Fund. All unitholders who have sought to redeem units at any valuation point at which redemptions are deferred will be treated consistently and any redemption requests received in the meantime will not be processed until the redemption requests that have been deferred to the subsequent valuation points have been processed.

The Fund’s liquidity risk is managed on a daily basis by the Investment Manager in accordance with established policies and procedures in place. The portfolio managers review daily forward looking cash reports which project cash obligations. These reports allow them to manage the Fund’s cash obligations.

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Notes to Financial Statements continued

BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund 116115 BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund

d) Valuation of financial instrumentsThe Fund classifies financial instruments measured at fair value using a fair value hierarchy. The fair value hierarchy has the following categories:

Level 1 – Unadjusted quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets

A financial instrument is regarded as quoted in an active market if quoted prices are readily and regularly available and those prices represent actual and regularly occurring market transactions on an arm’s length basis. The Fund does not adjust the quoted price for these instruments.

Level 2 – Valuation techniques using observable inputs other than quoted prices in level 1

This category includes instruments valued using quoted prices in active markets for similar instruments; quoted prices for similar instruments in markets that are considered less than active; or other valuation techniques where all significant inputs are directly or indirectly observable from market data.

Valuation techniques used for non-standardised financial instruments such as OTC derivatives, include the use of comparable recent arm’s length transactions, reference to other instruments that are substantially the same, discounted cash flow analysis, option pricing models and other valuation techniques commonly used by market participants making the maximum use of market inputs and relying as little as possible on entity determined inputs.

Level 3 – Valuation techniques using significant unobservable inputs

This category includes all instruments where the valuation techniques used include inputs not based on market data and these inputs could have a significant impact on the instrument’s valuation.

This category also includes instruments that are valued based on quoted prices for similar instruments where significant entity determined adjustments or assumptions are required to reflect differences between the instruments and instruments for which there is no active market.

The level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement is categorised in its entirety is determined on the basis of the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. For this purpose, the significance of an input is assessed against the fair value measurement in its entirety. If a fair value measurement uses observable inputs that require significant adjustment based on unobservable inputs, that measurement is a level 3 measurement.

Assessing the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgement, considering factors specific to the asset or liability. The determination of what constitutes ‘observable’ inputs requires significant judgement by the Investment Manager. The Investment Manager considers observable inputs to be that market data that is readily available, regularly distributed or updated, reliable and verifiable, not proprietary, and provided by independent sources that are actively involved in the relevant market.

The table below is an analysis of the Fund’s investment assets and investment liabilities measured at fair value at the Balance Sheet date.

Level 1£000’s

Level 2£000’s

Level 3£000’s

Total£000’s

28 February 2019

Investment assets 133,558* 1,926,909 – 2,060,467

Investment liabilities (2,857) (47,387) – (50,244)

28 February 2018

Investment assets 4,379* 1,712,516 – 1,716,895

Investment liabilities (1,640) (252,346) – (253,986)

* Includes pledged investments totalling £286,000 (28 February 2018: £1,342,000). These securities are identified on the portfolio statement.

Securities with a value less than £500 are not disclosed in the table above. These securities are identified on the portfolio statement.

e) Global exposureThe Manager is required by the COLL Sourcebook to employ a risk management process in respect of the Fund which enables it to accurately monitor and manage the global exposure from FDIs.

The Manager uses the Absolute VaR methodology to measure the Fund’s global exposure.

For Absolute VaR, the monthly VaR will not exceed 20% of the Fund’s NAV. Where a VaR calculation is performed using a horizon other than the one month regulatory limit, this 20% limit will be rescaled to reflect the appropriate risk horizon period as directed by the relevant regulatory guidelines. Utilisation refers to the level of risk taken in this context.

The tables below detail the highest, lowest and average utilisation of the VaR limit, expressed as a percentage of the respective absolute VaR regulatory limit.

28 February 2019

Highest utilisation of the VaR limit

Lowest utilisation of the VaR limit

Average utilisation of the VaR limit

5.14% 1.79% 3.24%

28 February 2018

Highest utilisation of the VaR limit

Lowest utilisation of the VaR limit

Average utilisation of the VaR limit

5.14% 2.01% 3.59%

The exposures to FDIs at year end are marked on the portfolio statement.

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Notes to Financial Statements continued

BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund 118117 BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund

f) LeverageThe use of derivatives may expose the Fund to a higher degree of risk. In particular, derivative contracts can be highly volatile and the amount of initial margin is generally small relative to the size of the contract so that transactions may be leveraged in terms of market exposure. A relatively small market movement may have a potentially larger impact on derivatives than on standard bonds or equities. Leveraged derivative positions can therefore increase a fund’s volatility.

The leverage is calculated on a gross exposure basis, by taking the sum of the notional values of the derivatives used by the Fund, without netting, and is expressed as a percentage of the NAV.

The average level of leverage employed by the Fund during the year was 774.38% (28 February 2018: 697.85%).

3. Net Capital (Losses)/Gains

For the year to 28.2.2019

£000’s

For the year to 28.2.2018

£000’s

The net capital (losses)/gains comprise:

Losses on non-derivative securities (26,451) (40,285)

(Losses)/gains on derivative securities (7,315) 52,433

Currency losses (14,830) (4,759)

Custodian transaction costs (153) (196)

Net capital (losses)/gains (48,749) 7,193

4. Revenue

For the year to 28.2.2019

£000’s

For the year to 28.2.2018

£000’s

Interest from overseas fixed interest securities 33,984 26,754

Interest from UK bank deposits 1,741 103

Interest from UK fixed interest securities 9,226 5,215

Interest on balances held at futures clearing houses and brokers 5 4

Interest on collateral 4 –

Manager's charge rebates 83 130

Overseas dividends 1,661 1,620

Returns from bond futures 4,386 3,796

Revenue from short-term money market funds 705 61

Securities lending revenue 95 40

Total revenue 51,890 37,723

5. Expenses

For the year to 28.2.2019

£000’s

For the year to 28.2.2018

£000’s

Payable to the Manager or associates of the Manager:

– Manager’s charge 765 582

– Registrar’s fees 75 56

840 638

Other expenses:

– Audit fee 9 9

– Legal and other professional fees 32 1

– Safe custody fees 218 74

– Trustee’s fees 236 158

495 242

Total expenses 1,335 880

6. Interest Payable and Similar Charges

For the year to 28.2.2019

£000’s

For the year to 28.2.2018

£000’s

Interest on bank overdrafts 124 56

Interest paid on margin deposits 11 57

Returns from short position bond futures 7,453 9,569

Total interest payable and similar charges 7,588 9,682

7. Taxation(a) Analysis of tax charge

For the year to 28.2.2019

£000’s

For the year to 28.2.2018

£000’s

Overseas tax 49 67

Prior year adjustment – (3)

Current tax charge 49 64

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Notes to Financial Statements continued

BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund 120119 BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund

7. Taxation continued

(b) Factors affecting the tax charge

The tax assessed for the year is lower than the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK for an authorised unit trust. The differences are explained below:

For the year to 28.2.2019

£000’s

For the year to 28.2.2018

£000’s

Net revenue before taxation 42,967 27,161

Corporation tax at 20% (28 February 2018: 20%) 8,593 5,432

Effects of:

Movement in excess management expenses 10 13

Overseas tax 49 67

Prior year adjustment – (3)

Relief on overseas tax expensed (10) (13)

Revenue not subject to tax (332) (324)

Tax deductible interest distributions (8,261) (5,108)

Total tax charge [see note 7(a)] 49 64

8. Distributions

For the year to 28.2.2019

£000’s

For the year to 28.2.2018

£000’s

Interim distribution 5,927 4,751

Final distribution 44,289 26,597

50,216 31,348

Add: Amounts deducted on cancellation of units 5,097 2,319

Less: Amounts received on issue of units (12,360) (6,570)

Distributions 42,953 27,097

The distributable amount has been calculated as follows:

Net revenue after taxation 42,918 27,097

Add: Equalisation on conversions 35 –

Distributions 42,953 27,097

Details of the interim and final distributions per unit are set out in the tables on page 11.

9. Debtors

28.2.2019 £000’s

28.2.2018£000’s

Accrued Manager’s charge rebates 22 12

Accrued revenue 12,991 9,586

Amounts receivable for issue of units 252 598

Currency sales awaiting settlement – 1,883

Sales awaiting settlement 7,099 454,666

Total debtors 20,364 466,745

10. Cash and Bank Balances

28.2.2019 £000’s

28.2.2018£000’s

Amount held at futures clearing houses and brokers 34,165 14,594

Cash and bank balances 206,744 59,308

Total cash and bank balances 240,909 73,902

11. Cash Equivalents

28.2.2019 £000’s

28.2.2018£000’s

Investment in short-term money market funds 94,750 100,000

Total cash equivalents 94,750 100,000

12. Other Creditors

28.2.2019 £000’s

28.2.2018£000’s

Accrued Audit fee 9 9

Accrued FCA fee 1 1

Accrued Manager’s charge 176 114

Accrued Registrar’s fee 18 22

Accrued Safe custody fees 51 7

Accrued Trustee’s fee 71 28

Amounts payable for cancellation of units 1,725 191

Currency purchases awaiting settlement 1 1,877

Custody transaction costs – 16

Purchases awaiting settlement 20,482 521,610

Total other creditors 22,534 523,875

Page 62: Annual report - BlackRock

Notes to Financial Statements continued

BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund 122121 BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund

13. Contingent Assets and LiabilitiesThere were no contingent assets or liabilities at the Balance Sheet date (28 February 2018: Nil).

14. Related PartiesParties are considered to be related if one party has the ability to control the other party or exercise significant influence over the other party in making financial or operational decisions.

The following entities were related parties of the Fund during the year ended 28 February 2019:

Manager/Registrar: BlackRock Fund Managers Limited Investment Manager: BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited Investment Advisers: BlackRock (Singapore) Limited, BlackRock Financial Management, Inc,

BlackRock Institutional Trust Company N.A., BlackRock Asset Management North Asia Limited, BlackRock Investment Management (Australia) Limited

Securities lending agent: BlackRock Advisors (UK) Limited

The ultimate holding company of the Manager, Registrar, Investment Manager, Investment Advisers and securities lending agent is BlackRock Inc. (“BlackRock”), a company incorporated in Delaware, USA. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. (“PNC”) is a substantial shareholder in BlackRock Inc. PNC did not provide any services to the Fund during the years ended 28 February 2019 and 28 February 2018.

The Manager acts as either principal or agent for the Trustee in respect of all transactions of units of the Fund. The aggregate monies received through issue and paid through cancellation of units are disclosed in the Statement of Change in Net Assets Attributable to Unitholders and note 8. Any amounts due to or from the Manager at the year end are disclosed in notes 9 and 12. Management fees and registration fees paid to the Manager are shown in note 5. The balances due at the year end in respect of these fees are shown in note 12. Securities lending revenue earned by the Fund is disclosed in note 4.

For holdings in Institutional Cash Series plc (“ICS”), there will be no initial charges or redemption charges payable on investments in the Fund, however, duties and charges may apply. ICS will be subject to fees and expenses which may include fixed management fees, performance fees, administration fees and custodial fees.

The Fund may invest in other CIS, which may or may not be operated and/or managed by an affiliate of the Manager. As an investor in such other CIS, in addition to the fees, costs and expenses payable by a unitholder in the Funds, each unitholder may also indirectly bear a portion of the fees, costs and expenses of the underlying CIS, including management, investment management and administration and other expenses. However, in respect of investments made in any other investment fund whose manager is an affiliate of the Manager, the Fund will invest, where possible, in classes of the underlying funds which are not subject to any management charges. Alternatively, where this is not possible, the Manager will rebate management charges to the Fund. The Fund will not be subject to any preliminary/initial sales fee in respect of investments made in any other investment fund whose manager is an affiliate of the Manager, although it may be subject to duties and charges in respect of subscriptions and redemptions in such investment funds.

The Fund’s investments in other BlackRock related party entities are individually identified in the portfolio statement.

14. Related Parties continued

As at 28 February 2019 and 28 February 2018, none of the unitholders:

(i) are funds managed by the BlackRock Group or are affiliates of BlackRock Inc. or

(ii) are investors, other than those included in (i) above, who held 51% or more of the voting units in issue in the Fund and are as a result, considered to be related parties to the Fund.

15. Portfolio Transaction CostsFor the year ended 28 February 2019

Direct Transaction Costs

Purchases (excluding derivatives)Transaction Value

£000’s Commissions

£000’s %Taxes

£000’s %

Debt instruments 14,361,090 – – – –

Collective investment schemes 813,033 – – – –

Total purchases 15,174,123 – –

Total purchases including transaction costs 15,174,123 –

Direct Transaction Costs

Sales (excluding derivatives)Transaction Value

£000’s Commissions

£000’s %Taxes

£000’s %

Equity instruments 49 – – – –

Debt instruments 14,015,335 – – 6 0.00

Collective investment schemes 695,784 – – – –

Total sales 14,711,168 – 6

Total sales net of transaction costs 14,711,162

Derivative transaction costs 656 –

Total transaction costs 656 6

Total transaction costsas a % of average net assets 0.03% 0.00%

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Notes to Financial Statements continued

BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund 124123 BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund

15. Portfolio Transaction Costs continued

For the year ended 28 February 2018

Direct Transaction Costs

Purchases (excluding derivatives)Transaction Value

£000’s Commissions

£000’s %Taxes

£000’s %

Equity instruments 97 – – – –

Debt instruments 11,351,484 1 0.00 – –

Collective investment schemes 65,987 – – – –

Total purchases 11,417,568 1 –

Total purchases including transaction costs 11,417,569

Direct Transaction Costs

Sales (excluding derivatives)Transaction Value

£000’s Commissions

£000’s %Taxes

£000’s %

Equity instruments 10 – – – –

Debt instruments 10,734,879 1 0.00 61 0.00

Collective investment schemes 64,779 – – – –

Total sales 10,799,668 1 61

Total sales net of transaction costs 10,799,606

Derivative transaction costs 629 –

Total transaction costs 631 61

Total transaction costsas a % of average net assets 0.05% 0.00%

The above analysis covers direct transaction costs incurred by the Fund during the year. However it is important to understand the nature of other transaction costs associated with different investment asset classes and instruments types.

For the Fund’s investment transactions in debt and money market instruments any applicable transaction charges form part of the dealing spread for these instruments. Transactions in money market instruments to manage the Fund’s daily liquidity position are excluded from the analysis.

For the Fund’s investment in collective investment scheme holdings there will potentially be dealing spread costs applicable to purchases and sales. However additionally there are indirect transaction costs incurred in those underlying funds, throughout the holding period for the instruments, which are not separately identifiable and do not form part of the analysis above.

15. Portfolio Transaction Costs continued

During the year the Fund utilised FDIs including credit default swaps, interest rate swaps, futures, options, swaptions and TBA Mortgage-Backed Securities covering different underlying asset classes. The settlement values for opening and closing derivative positions are not comparable to principal values for transactions in direct holding investments and therefore purchase and sale amounts for derivative transactions are not quantified in the analysis above.

Transaction costs for derivatives positions will be either incurred as direct costs or form part of the dealing spread for the instruments. Any direct costs are identified in the analysis above. Dealing spread costs incurred by the Fund vary considerably for the different asset/instrument types depending on a number of factors including transaction value and market sentiment

At the Balance Sheet date the average portfolio dealing spread (difference between bid and offer prices of all investments expressed as a percentage of the offer price value) was 0.26% (28 February 2018: 0.32%).

16. Units in IssueThe movement in units in issue for the year ended 28 February 2019 is as follows:

P Accumulation Units

D Accumulation Units

X Accumulation Units

Balance at the beginning of the year 2,514,960 116,976,025 1,259,428,292

Issued during the year 1,355,493 98,637,857 953,948,702

Cancelled during the year (794,012) (85,080,282) (302,631,271)

Converted during the year – (10,575,259) 10,198,556

Balance at the end of the year 3,076,441 119,958,341 1,920,944,279

Revenue is allocated each day pro rata to the capital value of assets attributable to each class and taxation is computed by reference to the net revenue after expenses attributable to each class. The distribution per unit class is given in the distribution table. All unit classes have the same rights on winding up.

17. Post Balance Sheet EventsThere have been no significant events subsequent to the year end, which, in the opinion of the Manager, may have had an impact on the financial statements for the year ended 28 February 2019.

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125 BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund 126

The Manager is required by the rules of the COLL Sourcebook to prepare the financial statements for each financial year. These financial statements must be prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting standards in the United Kingdom to give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Fund at the year end and of the net revenue and net losses for the year.

The financial statements should comply with the disclosure requirements of the Statement of Recommended Practice (the “SORP”) for Authorised Funds issued by the Investment Management Association (subsequently The Investment Association) and must comply with any relevant provisions of the Trust Deed.

The Manager is responsible for keeping such accounting records as are necessary to enable it to ensure that the financial statements comply with the COLL Sourcebook, the SORP and the Trust Deed.

Statement of Manager’s Responsibilities

The Depositary in its capacity as Trustee of the Fund must ensure that the Fund is managed in accordance with the Financial Conduct Authority’s Collective Investment Schemes Sourcebook, the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, as amended, (together “the Regulations”), the Trust Deed and Prospectus (together “the Scheme documents”) as detailed below.

The Trustee must in the context of its role act honestly, fairly, professionally, independently and in the interests of the Fund and its investors.

The Trustee is responsible for the safekeeping of all the custodial assets and maintaining a record of all other assets of the Fund in accordance with the Regulations.

The Trustee must ensure that:

• the Fund’s cash flows are properly monitored and that cash of the Fund is booked in cash accounts in accordance with the Regulations;

• the sale, issue, repurchase, redemption and cancellation of units are carried out in accordance with the Regulations;

• the value of units of the Fund are calculated in accordance with the Regulations;

• any consideration relating to transactions in the Fund’s assets is remitted to the Fund within the usual time limits

• the Fund’s income is applied in accordance with the Regulations; and

• the instructions of the Authorised Fund Manager (“the AFM”), which is the UCITS Management Company, are carried out (unless they conflict with the Regulations).

The Trustee also has a duty to take reasonable care to ensure that the Fund is managed in accordance with the Regulations and the Scheme documents of the Fund in relation to the investment and borrowing powers applicable to the Fund.

Having carried out such procedures as we considered necessary to discharge our responsibilities as Trustee of the Fund, it is our opinion, based on the information available to us and the explanations provided, that, in all material respects the Fund, acting through the AFM:

(i) has carried out the issue, sale, redemption and cancellation, and calculation of the price of the Fund’s units and the application of the Fund’s income in accordance with the Regulations and the Scheme documents of the Fund; and

(ii) has observed the investment and borrowing powers and restrictions applicable to the Fund in accordance with the Regulations and the Scheme documents of the Fund.

The Bank of New York Mellon London(International) Limited 2 May 2019

Statement of the Trustee’s Responsibilities in Respect of the Fund and Report of the Trustee to the Unitholders of the Fund for the Year Ended 28 February 2019

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127 BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund 128

Independent Auditor’s Report to the Unitholders of BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund (“the Fund”) for the year ended 28 February 2019 which comprise the Statement of Total Return and Statement of Change in Net Assets Attributable to Unitholders together with the Balance Sheet, the accounting policies of the Fund, the related notes and the Distribution Tables. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice) including FRS 102 ‘The Financial Reporting Standard applicable to the UK and Republic of Ireland’.

In our opinion, the financial statements:

• give a true and fair view of the financial position of the Fund as at 28 February 2019 and of the net revenue and the net capital losses on the scheme property of the Fund for the year then ended; and

• have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice including FRS 102 ‘The Financial Reporting standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland’.

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report below. We are independent of the fund in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the ISAs (UK) require us to report to you where:

• the manager’s use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is not appropriate; or

• the manager has not disclosed in the financial statements any identified material uncertainties that may cast significant doubt about the fund’s ability to continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting for a period of at least twelve months from the date when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

Other information

The other information comprises the information included in the annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. The manager is responsible for the other information.

Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in this report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of the other information, we are required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the rules of the Collective Investment Schemes Sourcebook of the Financial Conduct Authority

In our opinion:

• the financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice relating to Authorised Funds, the rules of the Collective Investment Schemes Sourcebook of the Financial Conduct Authority and the Trust Deed;

• the information given in the manager’s report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and

• there is nothing to indicate that proper accounting records have not been kept or that the financial statements are not in agreement with those records.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matter in relation to which the Collective Investment Schemes Sourcebook of the Financial Conduct Authority rules requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

• we have not received all the information and explanations which, to the best of our knowledge and belief, are necessary for the purposes of our audit.

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129 BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund 130

Responsibilities of the manager

As explained more fully in the manager’s responsibilities statement set out on page 125, the manager is responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the manager determines is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the manager is responsible for assessing the fund’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the manager either intends to liquidate the fund or to cease operations, or has no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at https://www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor’s report.

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the unitholders of the fund, as a body, pursuant to Paragraph 4.5.12 of the rules of the Collective Investment Schemes Sourcebook of the Financial Conduct Authority. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the unitholders of the fund those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the fund and the unitholders of the fund as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Ernst & Young LLP EdinburghStatutory Auditor 2 May 2019

Supplementary Information

Efficient Portfolio Management TechniquesThe Manager may, on behalf of each Fund and subject to the conditions and within the limits laid down by the FCA and the Prospectus, employ techniques and instruments relating to transferable securities, including investments in OTC FDIs provided that such techniques and instruments are used for efficient portfolio management purposes or to provide protection against exchange risk or for direct investment purposes, where applicable.

In addition to the investments in OTC FDIs, the Funds may employ other techniques and instruments relating to transferable securities and money market instruments, subject to the conditions set out in the Fund’s Prospectus, as amended from time to time, and the relevant ESMA Guidelines, such as repurchase/reverse repurchase transactions (“repo transactions”) and securities lending.

Securities LendingThe total value of securities on loan as a proportion of the Fund’s NAV and total lendable assets, as at the balance sheet date, is 0.37% and 0.73% respectively. Total lendable assets represents the aggregate value of assets forming part of the Fund’s securities lending programme. This excludes any assets held by the Fund that are not considered lendable due to any market, regulatory, investment or other restriction.

The total income earned from securities lending transactions is split between the relevant Fund and the Securities Lending Agent. The Fund receives 62.5% while the Securities Lending Agent receives 37.5% of such income, with all operational costs borne out of the Securities Lending Agent’s share. Income earned during the year by the Fund from securities lending transactions is disclosed in the notes to the financial statements.

The value of securities on loan and associated collateral analysed by counterparty, as at 28 February 2019, is disclosed in the notes to the financial statements.

All securities on loan have an open maturity tenor as they are recallable or terminable on a daily basis.

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131 BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund 132

Supplementary Information continued

Collateral The Fund engages in activities which may require collateral to be provided to a counterparty (“collateral posted”) or may hold collateral received (“collateral received”) from a counterparty.

The following table provides an analysis by currency of the cash and underlying non-cash collateral received/posted by way of title transfer collateral arrangement by the Fund, in respect of securities lending transactions and OTC FDIs, as at 28 February 2019.

Currency

Cash collateral received

Cash collateral

posted

Non-cash collateral received

Non-cash collateral

posted

£000’s £000’s £000’s £000’s

Securities lending transactions

CAD – – 7 –

DKK – – 415 –

EUR – – 5,665 –

GBP 897 – 607 –

NOK – – 285 –

SEK – – 37 –

USD – – 1,204 –

897 – 8,220 –

OTC FDIs

GBP 2,100 21,081 – 286

2,100 21,081 – 286

Total 2,997 21,081 8,220 286

As at 28 February 2019, all cash collateral received by the Fund was re-invested in money market funds.

Non-cash collateral received by way of title transfer collateral arrangement in relation to securities lending transactions cannot be sold, re-invested or pledged.

The returns earned by the Fund from the reinvestment of cash collateral in money market funds during the year ended 28 February 2019 is summarised below. These returns represent the accumulative total return of the representative money market fund for the year ended 28 February 2019. These returns do not take into account any interest payable to the counterparty under the relevant collateral arrangements.

Money market fund Total return %

Institutional Cash Series plc

Institutional Sterling Liquidity Fund – Agency Income class 0.84

Collateral continued

The following table provides an analysis of the type, quality and maturity tenor of non-cash collateral received by the Fund by way of title transfer collateral arrangement in respect of securities lending transactions, as at 28 February 2019.

Maturity Tenor

Collateral type and quality 31 - 90

days91 - 365

days More than 365 days

Open transactions Total

£000’s £000’s £000’s £000’s £000’s

Collateral received – securities lending

Fixed Income

Investment grade 37 1,510 6,673 – 8,220

Total 37 1,510 6,673 – 8,220

Investment grade securities are those issued by an entity with a minimum investment grade credit rating from at least one globally recognised credit rating agency; Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s or Fitch.

The maturity tenor analysis for fixed income securities received as collateral is based on the respective contractual maturity date.

As at 28 February 2019, all non-cash collateral received by the Fund in respect of securities lending transactions is held by the Fund’s Trustee (or through its delegates), with the exception of the amounts disclosed in the following table which are held through a securities settlement system.

Non-cash collateral received

Custodian Securities lending

£000’s

Euroclear Bank SA/NV 7,090

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133 BlackRock Absolute Return Bond Fund

Supplementary Information continued

Collateral continued

The following table lists all the issuers of non-cash collateral received by the Fund by way of title transfer collateral arrangement across securities lending transactions as at 28 February 2019.

Issuer Value % of the Fund’s NAV

£000’s

Citigroup Global Markets Limited 3,746 0.16

Goldman Sachs International 1,130 0.05

BNP Paribas Arbitrage SNC 1,101 0.05

UBS AG 845 0.04

Barclays Bank Plc 772 0.03

J.P. Morgan Securities Plc 430 0.02

Credit Suisse Securities (Europe) Limited 196 0.01

Total 8,220 0.36

No securities collateral received from a single issuer, in relation to efficient portfolio management and OTC FDIs, has exceeded 20% of the Fund’s NAV at the year end date.

The Fund has not been fully collateralised in securities issued or guaranteed by an EU member state at the year end date.

About us

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BlackRock is a premier provider of asset management, risk management, and advisory services to institutional, intermediary, and individual clients worldwide. As of 31 March 2019, the fi rm manages £4.99 trillion across asset classes in separate accounts, mutual funds, other pooled investment vehicles, and the industry-leading iShares® exchange-traded funds. Through BlackRock Solutions®, the fi rm offers risk management and advisory services that combine capital markets expertise with proprietarily-developed analytics, systems, and technology. Through BlackRock Solutions, the Firm provides risk management and enterprise investment services for over 200 clients.

BlackRock serves clients in North and South America, Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, and the Middle East. Headquartered in New York, the fi rm maintains offi ces in over 30 countries around the world.