BLACKROCK GLOBAL ALLOCATION FUND, INC.

AUGUST 28, 2023 (AS AMENDED MARCH 7, 2024)
Prospectus
BlackRock Global Allocation Fund, Inc.|Investor, Institutional and Class R Shares
BlackRock Global Allocation Fund
Investor A: MDLOX Investor C: MCLOX Institutional: MALOX Class R: MRLOX
This Prospectus contains information you should know before investing, including information about risks. Please read it before you invest and keep it for future reference.
The Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved these securities or passed upon the adequacy of this Prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
Not FDIC Insured • May Lose Value • No Bank Guarantee


Key facts and details about the Fund, including investment objective,
principal investment strategies, principal risk factors, fee and expense
information and historical performance information
 
 
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3
 
4
 
5
 
10
 
11
 
12
 
12
 
14
 
14
Information about how the Fund invests, including investment objective,
investment process, principal strategies and risk factors
 
 
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Financial Performance of the Fund
59
 
 
Glossary of Investment Terms
65
 
 




Fund Overview
Key Facts About BlackRock Global Allocation Fund, Inc.
Investment Objective
The investment objective of the BlackRock Global Allocation Fund, Inc. (“BlackRock Global Allocation Fund” or the “Fund”) is to provide high total investment return through a fully managed investment policy utilizing United States and foreign equity securities, debt and money market securities, the combination of which will be varied from time to time both with respect to types of securities and markets in response to changing market and economic trends.
Total return means the combination of capital growth and investment income.
Fees and Expenses of the Fund
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold and sell shares of the Fund. You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to your financial professional or your selected securities dealer, broker, investment adviser, service provider or industry professional (including BlackRock Advisors, LLC (BlackRock) and its affiliates) (each, a Financial Intermediary), which are not reflected in the table and example below. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $25,000 in the fund complex advised by BlackRock or its affiliates. More information about these and other discounts is available from your Financial Intermediary and in the “Details About the Share Classes” and the “Intermediary-Defined Sales Charge Waiver Policies” sections on pages 37 and A-1, respectively, of the Fund’s prospectus and in the “Purchase of Shares” section on page II-90 of Part II of the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information.
Shareholder Fees
(fees paid directly from your investment)
 
Investor A
Shares
 
Investor C
Shares
 
Institutional
Shares
 
Class R
Shares
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage
of offering price)
 
5.25%
 
None
 
None
 
None
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a percentage of offering
price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower)
 
None1
 
1.00%2
 
None
 
None
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a
percentage of the value of your investment)
 
Investor A
Shares
 
Investor C
Shares
 
Institutional
Shares
 
Class R
Shares
Management Fee3,4
 
0.75%
 
0.75%
 
0.75%
 
0.75%
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees
 
0.25%
 
1.00%
 
None
 
0.50%
Other Expenses5
 
0.12%
 
0.16%
 
0.12%
 
0.24%
Other Expenses of the Fund
0.12%
 
0.16%
 
0.12%
 
0.24%
 
Other Expenses of the Cayman Subsidiary5
%
 
%
 
%
 
%
 
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses6
 
0.01%
 
0.01%
 
0.01%
 
0.01%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses6
 
1.13%
 
1.92%
 
0.88%
 
1.50%
Fee Waivers and/or Expense Reimbursements3,4
 
(0.04)%
 
(0.04)%
 
(0.04)%
 
(0.04)%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After
Fee Waivers and/or Expense Reimbursements3,4
 
1.09%
 
1.88%
 
0.84%
 
1.46%
1
A contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) of 1.00% is assessed on certain redemptions of Investor A Shares made within 18 months after purchase where no initial sales charge was paid at the time of purchase as part of an investment of $250,000 or more.
2
There is no CDSC on Investor C Shares after one year.
3
As described in the “Management of the Fund” section of the Fund’s prospectus beginning on page 53, BlackRock has contractually agreed to waive a portion of its management fee payable by the Fund so that BlackRock receives a fee as a percentage of average daily net assets at various asset levels through June 30, 2025. The contractual agreement may be terminated upon 90 days’ notice by a majority of the non-interested directors of the Fund or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund.
4
As described in the “Management of the Fund” section of the Fund’s prospectus beginning on page 53, BlackRock has contractually agreed to waive the management fee with respect to any portion of the Fund’s assets estimated to be attributable to investments in (i) other equity and fixed-income mutual funds and exchange-traded funds managed by BlackRock or its affiliates that have a contractual management fee and
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(ii) other exchange-traded products sponsored by BlackRock or its affiliates, through June 30, 2025. In addition, BlackRock has contractually agreed to waive its management fees by the amount of investment advisory fees the Fund pays to BlackRock indirectly through its investment in money market funds managed by BlackRock or its affiliates, through June 30, 2025. The contractual agreements may be terminated upon 90 days’ notice by a majority of the non-interested directors of the Fund or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund.
5
Other Expenses include expenses of the BlackRock Cayman Global Allocation Fund I, Ltd. (the “Cayman Subsidiary”) which were less than 0.01% for the Fund’s last fiscal year.
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The Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses do not correlate to the ratios of expenses to average net assets given in the Fund’s most recent annual report, which do not include Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses.
Example:
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
 
1 Year
3 Years
5 Years
10 Years
Investor A Shares
$630
$861
$1,111
$1,824
Investor C Shares
$291
$599
$1,033
$2,035
Institutional Shares
$86
$277
$484
$1,081
Class R Shares
$149
$470
$815
$1,787
You would pay the following expenses if you do not redeem your shares:
 
1 Year
3 Years
5 Years
10 Years
Investor C Shares
$191
$599
$1,033
$2,035
Portfolio Turnover:
The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 174% of the average value of its portfolio.
Principal Investment Strategies of the Fund
The Fund invests in a portfolio of equity, debt and money market securities. Generally, the Fund’s portfolio will include both equity and debt securities. Equity securities include common stock, preferred stock, securities convertible into common stock, rights and warrants or securities or other instruments whose price is linked to the value of common stock. At any given time, however, the Fund may emphasize either debt securities or equity securities. In selecting equity investments, the Fund mainly seeks securities that Fund management believes are undervalued. The Fund may buy debt securities of varying maturities, debt securities paying a fixed or fluctuating rate of interest, and debt securities of any kind, including, by way of example, securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or its agencies or instrumentalities, by foreign governments or international agencies or supranational entities, or by domestic or foreign private issuers, debt securities convertible into equity securities, inflation-indexed bonds, structured notes, credit-linked notes, loan assignments and loan participations. In addition, the Fund may invest up to 35% of its total assets in “junk bonds,” corporate loans and distressed securities. The Fund may also invest in Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”) and securities related to real assets (like real estate- or precious metals-related securities) such as stock, bonds or convertible bonds issued by REITs or companies that mine precious metals.
When choosing investments, Fund management considers various factors, including opportunities for equity or debt investments to increase in value, expected dividends and interest rates. The Fund generally seeks diversification across markets, industries and issuers as one of its strategies to reduce volatility. The Fund has no geographic limits on where it may invest. This flexibility allows Fund management to look for investments in markets around the world, including emerging markets, that it believes will provide the best asset allocation to meet the Fund’s objective. The Fund may invest in the securities of companies of any market capitalization.
Generally, the Fund may invest in the securities of corporate and governmental issuers located anywhere in the world. The Fund may emphasize foreign securities when Fund management expects these investments to outperform U.S. securities. When choosing investment markets, Fund management considers various factors, including economic and political conditions, potential for economic growth and possible changes in currency exchange rates. In addition to investing in foreign securities, the Fund actively manages its exposure to foreign currencies through the use of forward
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currency contracts and other currency derivatives. The Fund may own foreign cash equivalents or foreign bank deposits as part of the Fund’s investment strategy. The Fund will also invest in non-U.S. currencies. The Fund may underweight or overweight a currency based on the Fund management team’s outlook.
The Fund’s composite Reference Benchmark has at all times since the Fund’s formation included a 40% weighting in non-U.S. securities. The Reference Benchmark is an unmanaged weighted index comprised as follows: 36% of the S&P 500® Index; 24% FTSE World (ex U.S.) Index; 24% ICE BofA Current 5-Year U.S. Treasury Index; and 16% FTSE Non-U.S. Dollar World Government Bond Index. Throughout its history, the Fund has maintained a weighting in non-U.S. securities, often exceeding the 40% Reference Benchmark weighting and rarely falling below this allocation. Under normal circumstances, the Fund will continue to allocate a substantial amount (approximately 40% or more — unless market conditions are not deemed favorable by BlackRock, in which case the Fund would invest at least 30%) of its total assets in securities of (i) foreign government issuers, (ii) issuers organized or located outside the United States, (iii) issuers which primarily trade in a market located outside the United States, or (iv) issuers doing a substantial amount of business outside the United States, which the Fund considers to be companies that derive at least 50% of their revenue or profits from business outside the United States or have at least 50% of their sales or assets outside the United States. The Fund will allocate its assets among various regions and countries including the United States (but in no less than three different countries). For temporary defensive purposes the Fund may deviate very substantially from the allocation described above.
The Fund may use derivatives, including options, futures, swaps (including, but not limited to, total return swaps that may be referred to as contracts for difference) and forward contracts, both to seek to increase the return of the Fund and to hedge (or protect) the value of its assets against adverse movements in currency exchange rates, interest rates and movements in the securities markets. The Fund may invest in indexed securities and inverse securities.
The Fund may seek to provide exposure to the investment returns of real assets that trade in the commodity markets through investment in commodity-linked derivative instruments and investment vehicles such as exchange traded funds that invest exclusively in commodities and are designed to provide this exposure without direct investment in physical commodities. The Fund may also gain exposure to commodity markets by investing up to 25% of its total assets in BlackRock Cayman Global Allocation Fund I, Ltd. (the “Cayman Subsidiary”), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Fund formed in the Cayman Islands, which invests primarily in commodity-related instruments. The Cayman Subsidiary may also hold cash and invest in other instruments, including fixed income securities, either as investments or to serve as margin or collateral for the Cayman Subsidiary’s derivative positions. The Cayman Subsidiary (unlike the Fund) may invest without limitation in commodity-related instruments.
Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund
Risk is inherent in all investing. The value of your investment in the Fund, as well as the amount of return you receive on your investment, may fluctuate significantly from day to day and over time. You may lose part or all of your investment in the Fund or your investment may not perform as well as other similar investments. The following is a summary description of principal risks of investing in the Fund. The relative significance of each risk factor below may change over time and you should review each risk factor carefully.
Equity Securities Risk — Stock markets are volatile. The price of equity securities fluctuates based on changes in a company’s financial condition and overall market and economic conditions.
Foreign Securities Risk — Foreign investments often involve special risks not present in U.S. investments that can increase the chances that the Fund will lose money. These risks include:
The Fund generally holds its foreign securities and cash in foreign banks and securities depositories, which may be recently organized or new to the foreign custody business and may be subject to only limited or no regulatory oversight.
Changes in foreign currency exchange rates can affect the value of the Fund’s portfolio.
The economies of certain foreign markets may not compare favorably with the economy of the United States with respect to such issues as growth of gross national product, reinvestment of capital, resources and balance of payments position.
The governments of certain countries, or the U.S. Government with respect to certain countries, may prohibit or impose substantial restrictions through capital controls and/or sanctions on foreign investments in the capital markets or certain industries in those countries, which may prohibit or restrict the ability to own or transfer currency, securities, derivatives or other assets.
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Many foreign governments do not supervise and regulate stock exchanges, brokers and the sale of securities to the same extent as does the United States and may not have laws to protect investors that are comparable to U.S. securities laws.
Settlement and clearance procedures in certain foreign markets may result in delays in payment for or delivery of securities not typically associated with settlement and clearance of U.S. investments.
The Fund’s claims to recover foreign withholding taxes may not be successful, and if the likelihood of recovery of foreign withholding taxes materially decreases, due to, for example, a change in tax regulation or approach in the foreign country, accruals in the Fund’s net asset value for such refunds may be written down partially or in full, which will adversely affect the Fund’s net asset value.
The European financial markets have recently experienced volatility and adverse trends due to concerns about economic downturns in, or rising government debt levels of, several European countries as well as acts of war in the region. These events may spread to other countries in Europe and may affect the value and liquidity of certain of the Fund’s investments.
Debt Securities Risk — Debt securities, such as bonds, involve interest rate risk, credit risk, extension risk, and prepayment risk, among other things.
Interest Rate Risk — The market value of bonds and other fixed-income securities changes in response to interest rate changes and other factors. Interest rate risk is the risk that prices of bonds and other fixed-income securities will increase as interest rates fall and decrease as interest rates rise.
The Fund may be subject to a greater risk of rising interest rates due to the recent period of historically low interest rates. For example, if interest rates increase by 1%, assuming a current portfolio duration of ten years, and all other factors being equal, the value of the Fund’s investments would be expected to decrease by 10%. (Duration is a measure of the price sensitivity of a debt security or portfolio of debt securities to relative changes in interest rates.) The magnitude of these fluctuations in the market price of bonds and other fixed-income securities is generally greater for those securities with longer maturities. Fluctuations in the market price of the Fund’s investments will not affect interest income derived from instruments already owned by the Fund, but will be reflected in the Fund’s net asset value. The Fund may lose money if short-term or long-term interest rates rise sharply in a manner not anticipated by Fund management.
To the extent the Fund invests in debt securities that may be prepaid at the option of the obligor (such as mortgage-backed securities), the sensitivity of such securities to changes in interest rates may increase (to the detriment of the Fund) when interest rates rise. Moreover, because rates on certain floating rate debt securities typically reset only periodically, changes in prevailing interest rates (and particularly sudden and significant changes) can be expected to cause some fluctuations in the net asset value of the Fund to the extent that it invests in floating rate debt securities.
These basic principles of bond prices also apply to U.S. Government securities. A security backed by the “full faith and credit” of the U.S. Government is guaranteed only as to its stated interest rate and face value at maturity, not its current market price. Just like other fixed-income securities, government-guaranteed securities will fluctuate in value when interest rates change.
A general rise in interest rates has the potential to cause investors to move out of fixed-income securities on a large scale, which may increase redemptions from funds that hold large amounts of fixed-income securities. Heavy redemptions could cause the Fund to sell assets at inopportune times or at a loss or depressed value and could hurt the Fund’s performance.
Credit Risk — Credit risk refers to the possibility that the issuer of a debt security (i.e., the borrower) will not be able to make payments of interest and principal when due. Changes in an issuer’s credit rating or the market’s perception of an issuer’s creditworthiness may also affect the value of the Fund’s investment in that issuer. The degree of credit risk depends on both the financial condition of the issuer and the terms of the obligation.
Extension Risk — When interest rates rise, certain obligations will be paid off by the obligor more slowly than anticipated, causing the value of these obligations to fall.
Prepayment Risk — When interest rates fall, certain obligations will be paid off by the obligor more quickly than originally anticipated, and the Fund may have to invest the proceeds in securities with lower yields.
Commodities Related Investments Risk Exposure to the commodities markets may subject the Fund to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities. The value of commodity-linked derivative investments may be affected by changes in overall market movements, commodity index volatility, changes in inflation, interest rates, or factors affecting a particular industry or commodity, such as drought, floods, weather, embargoes, tariffs and international economic, political and regulatory developments.
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Convertible Securities Risk — The market value of a convertible security performs like that of a regular debt security; that is, if market interest rates rise, the value of a convertible security usually falls. In addition, convertible securities are subject to the risk that the issuer will not be able to pay interest, principal or dividends when due, and their market value may change based on changes in the issuer’s credit rating or the market’s perception of the issuer’s creditworthiness. Since it derives a portion of its value from the common stock into which it may be converted, a convertible security is also subject to the same types of market and issuer risks that apply to the underlying common stock, including the potential for increased volatility in the price of the convertible security.
Corporate Loans Risk — Commercial banks and other financial institutions or institutional investors make corporate loans to companies that need capital to grow or restructure. Borrowers generally pay interest on corporate loans at rates that change in response to changes in market interest rates such as
the Secured Overnight Financing Rate, the London Interbank Offered Rate or the prime rates of U.S. banks. As a result, the value of corporate loan investments is generally less exposed to the adverse effects of shifts in market interest rates than investments that pay a fixed rate of interest. The market for corporate loans may be subject to irregular trading activity and wide bid/ask spreads. In addition, transactions in corporate loans may settle on a delayed basis. As a result, the proceeds from the sale of corporate loans may not be readily available to make additional investments or to meet the Fund’s redemption obligations. To the extent the extended settlement process gives rise to short-term liquidity needs, the Fund may hold additional cash, sell investments or temporarily borrow from banks and other lenders.
Derivatives Risk — The Fund’s use of derivatives may increase its costs, reduce the Fund’s returns and/or increase volatility. Derivatives involve significant risks, including:
Leverage Risk — The Fund’s use of derivatives can magnify the Fund’s gains and losses. Relatively small market movements may result in large changes in the value of a derivatives position and can result in losses that greatly exceed the amount originally invested.
Market Risk — Some derivatives are more sensitive to interest rate changes and market price fluctuations than other securities. The Fund could also suffer losses related to its derivatives positions as a result of unanticipated market movements, which losses are potentially unlimited. Finally, BlackRock may not be able to predict correctly the direction of securities prices, interest rates and other economic factors, which could cause the Fund’s derivatives positions to lose value.
Counterparty Risk — Derivatives are also subject to counterparty risk, which is the risk that the other party in the transaction will be unable or unwilling to fulfill its contractual obligation, and the related risks of having concentrated exposure to such a counterparty.
Illiquidity Risk — The possible lack of a liquid secondary market for derivatives and the resulting inability of the Fund to sell or otherwise close a derivatives position could expose the Fund to losses and could make derivatives more difficult for the Fund to value accurately.
Operational Risk — The use of derivatives includes the risk of potential operational issues, including documentation issues, settlement issues, systems failures, inadequate controls and human error.
Legal Risk — The risk of insufficient documentation, insufficient capacity or authority of counterparty, or legality or enforceability of a contract.
Volatility and Correlation Risk — Volatility is defined as the characteristic of a security, an index or a market to fluctuate significantly in price within a short time period. A risk of the Fund’s use of derivatives is that the fluctuations in their values may not correlate with the overall securities markets.
Valuation Risk — Valuation for derivatives may not be readily available in the market. Valuation may be more difficult in times of market turmoil since many investors and market makers may be reluctant to purchase complex instruments or quote prices for them.
Hedging Risk — Hedges are sometimes subject to imperfect matching between the derivative and the underlying security, and there can be no assurance that the Fund’s hedging transactions will be effective. The use of hedging may result in certain adverse tax consequences.
Tax Risk — Certain aspects of the tax treatment of derivative instruments, including swap agreements and commodity-linked derivative instruments, are currently unclear and may be affected by changes in legislation, regulations or other legally binding authority. Such treatment may be less favorable than that given to a direct investment in an underlying asset and may adversely affect the timing, character and amount of income the Fund realizes from its investments.
Distressed Securities Risk Distressed securities are speculative and involve substantial risks in addition to the risks of investing in junk bonds. The Fund will generally not receive interest payments on the distressed securities and may incur costs to protect its investment. In addition, distressed securities involve the substantial risk that
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principal will not be repaid. These securities may present a substantial risk of default or may be in default at the time of investment. The Fund may incur additional expenses to the extent it is required to seek recovery upon a default in the payment of principal of or interest on its portfolio holdings. In any reorganization or liquidation proceeding relating to a portfolio company, the Fund may lose its entire investment or may be required to accept cash or securities with a value less than its original investment. Distressed securities and any securities received in an exchange for such securities may be subject to restrictions on resale.
Emerging Markets Risk — Emerging markets are riskier than more developed markets because they tend to develop unevenly and may never fully develop. Investments in emerging markets may be considered speculative. Emerging markets are more likely to experience hyperinflation and currency devaluations, which adversely affect returns to U.S. investors. In addition, many emerging securities markets have far lower trading volumes and less liquidity than developed markets.
High Portfolio Turnover Risk — The Fund may engage in active and frequent trading of its portfolio securities. High portfolio turnover (more than 100%) may result in increased transaction costs to the Fund, including brokerage commissions, dealer mark-ups and other transaction costs on the sale of the securities and on reinvestment in other securities. The sale of Fund portfolio securities may result in the realization and/or distribution to shareholders of higher capital gains or losses as compared to a fund with less active trading policies. These effects of higher than normal portfolio turnover may adversely affect Fund performance.
Indexed and Inverse Securities Risk Indexed and inverse securities provide a potential return based on a particular index of value or interest rates. The Fund’s return on these securities will be subject to risk with respect to the value of the particular index. These securities are subject to leverage risk and correlation risk. Certain indexed and inverse securities have greater sensitivity to changes in interest rates or index levels than other securities, and the Fund’s investment in such instruments may decline significantly in value if interest rates or index levels move in a way Fund management does not anticipate.
Junk Bonds Risk — Although junk bonds generally pay higher rates of interest than investment grade bonds, junk bonds are high risk investments that are considered speculative and may cause income and principal losses for the Fund.
Leverage Risk — Some transactions may give rise to a form of economic leverage. These transactions may include, among others, derivatives, and may expose the Fund to greater risk and increase its costs. The use of leverage may cause the Fund to liquidate portfolio positions when it may not be advantageous to do so to satisfy its obligations or to meet the applicable requirements of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the Investment Company Act) and the rules thereunder. Increases and decreases in the value of the Fund’s portfolio will be magnified when the Fund uses leverage.
Market Risk and Selection Risk — Market risk is the risk that one or more markets in which the Fund invests will go down in value, including the possibility that the markets will go down sharply and unpredictably. The value of a security or other asset may decline due to changes in general market conditions, economic trends or events that are not specifically related to the issuer of the security or other asset, or factors that affect a particular issuer or issuers, exchange, country, group of countries, region, market, industry, group of industries, sector or asset class. Local, regional or global events such as war, acts of terrorism, the spread of infectious illness or other public health issues like pandemics or epidemics, recessions, or other events could have a significant impact on the Fund and its investments. Selection risk is the risk that the securities selected by Fund management will underperform the markets, the relevant indices or the securities selected by other funds with similar investment objectives and investment strategies. This means you may lose money.
An outbreak of an infectious coronavirus (COVID-19) that was first detected in December 2019 developed into a global pandemic that has resulted in numerous disruptions in the market and has had significant economic impact leaving general concern and uncertainty. Although vaccines have been developed and approved for use by various governments, the duration of the pandemic and its effects cannot be predicted with certainty. The impact of this coronavirus, and other epidemics and pandemics that may arise in the future, could affect the economies of many nations, individual companies and the market in general ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen at the present time.
Mid Cap Securities Risk — The securities of mid cap companies generally trade in lower volumes and are generally subject to greater and less predictable price changes than the securities of larger capitalization companies.
Mortgage- and Asset-Backed Securities Risks — Mortgage- and asset-backed securities represent interests in “pools” of mortgages or other assets, including consumer loans or receivables held in trust. Mortgage- and asset-backed securities are subject to credit, interest rate, prepayment and extension risks. These securities also are subject to risk of default on the underlying mortgage or asset, particularly during periods of economic downturn.
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Small movements in interest rates (both increases and decreases) may quickly and significantly reduce the value of certain mortgage-backed securities.
Precious Metal and Related Securities Risk Prices of precious metals and of precious metal related securities historically have been very volatile. The high volatility of precious metal prices may adversely affect the financial condition of companies involved with precious metals. The production and sale of precious metals by governments or central banks or other larger holders can be affected by various economic, financial, social and political factors, which may be unpredictable and may have a significant impact on the prices of precious metals. Other factors that may affect the prices of precious metals and securities related to them include changes in inflation, the outlook for inflation and changes in industrial and commercial demand for precious metals.
Preferred Securities Risk — Preferred securities may pay fixed or adjustable rates of return. Preferred securities are subject to issuer-specific and market risks applicable generally to equity securities. In addition, a company’s preferred securities generally pay dividends only after the company makes required payments to holders of its bonds and other debt. For this reason, the value of preferred securities will usually react more strongly than bonds and other debt to actual or perceived changes in the company’s financial condition or prospects. Preferred securities of smaller companies may be more vulnerable to adverse developments than preferred securities of larger companies.
Real Estate-Related Securities Risk — The main risk of real estate-related securities is that the value of the underlying real estate may go down. Many factors may affect real estate values. These factors include both the general and local economies, vacancy rates, changes in rent schedules, tenant bankruptcies, the ability to re-lease space under expiring leases on attractive terms, the amount of new construction in a particular area, the laws and regulations (including zoning, environmental and tax laws) affecting real estate and the costs of owning, maintaining and improving real estate. The availability of mortgage financing and changes in interest rates may also affect real estate values. If the Fund’s real estate-related investments are concentrated in one geographic area or in one property type, the Fund will be particularly subject to the risks associated with that area or property type. Many issuers of real estate-related securities are highly leveraged, which increases the risk to holders of such securities. The value of the securities the Fund buys will not necessarily track the value of the underlying investments of the issuers of such securities. In addition, certain issuers of real estate-related securities may have developed or commenced development on properties and may develop additional properties in the future. Real estate development involves significant risks in addition to those involved in the ownership and operation of established properties. Real estate securities may have limited diversification and are, therefore, subject to risks inherent in operating and financing a limited number of projects. Real estate securities are also subject to heavy cash flow dependency and defaults by borrowers or tenants.
REIT Investment Risk — Investments in REITs involve unique risks. REITs may have limited financial resources, may trade less frequently and in limited volume, may engage in dilutive offerings of securities and may be more volatile than other securities. REIT issuers may also fail to maintain their exemptions from investment company registration or fail to qualify for the “dividends paid deduction” under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Internal Revenue Code), which allows REITs to reduce their corporate taxable income for dividends paid to their shareholders.
Risk of Investing in the United States Certain changes in the U.S. economy, such as when the U.S. economy weakens or when its financial markets decline, may have an adverse effect on the securities to which the Fund has exposure.
Risks of Loan Assignments and Participations — As the purchaser of an assignment, the Fund typically succeeds to all the rights and obligations of the assigning institution and becomes a lender under the credit agreement with respect to the debt obligation; however, the Fund may not be able unilaterally to enforce all rights and remedies under the loan and with regard to any associated collateral. Because assignments may be arranged through private negotiations between potential assignees and potential assignors, the rights and obligations acquired by the Fund as the purchaser of an assignment may differ from, and be more limited than, those held by the assigning lender. In addition, if the loan is foreclosed, the Fund could become part owner of any collateral and could bear the costs and liabilities of owning and disposing of the collateral. The Fund may be required to pass along to a purchaser that buys a loan from the Fund by way of assignment a portion of any fees to which the Fund is entitled under the loan. In connection with purchasing participations, the Fund generally will have no right to enforce compliance by the borrower with the terms of the loan agreement relating to the loan, nor any rights of set-off against the borrower, and the Fund may not directly benefit from any collateral supporting the loan in which it has purchased the participation. As a result, the Fund will be subject to the credit risk of both the borrower and the lender that is selling the participation. In the event of the insolvency of the lender selling a participation, the Fund may be treated as a general creditor of the lender and may not benefit from any set-off between the lender and the borrower.
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Small Cap and Emerging Growth Securities Risk — Small cap or emerging growth companies may have limited product lines or markets. They may be less financially secure than larger, more established companies. They may depend on a more limited management group than larger capitalized companies.
Sovereign Debt Risk Sovereign debt instruments are subject to the risk that a governmental entity may delay or refuse to pay interest or repay principal on its sovereign debt, due, for example, to cash flow problems, insufficient foreign currency reserves, political considerations, the relative size of the governmental entity’s debt position in relation to the economy or the failure to put in place economic reforms required by the International Monetary Fund or other multilateral agencies.
Structured Notes Risk Structured notes and other related instruments purchased by the Fund are generally privately negotiated debt obligations where the principal and/or interest is determined by reference to the performance of a specific asset, benchmark asset, market or interest rate (“reference measure”). The purchase of structured notes exposes the Fund to the credit risk of the issuer of the structured product. Structured notes may be leveraged, increasing the volatility of each structured note’s value relative to the change in the reference measure. Structured notes may also be less liquid and more difficult to price accurately than less complex securities and instruments or more traditional debt securities.
Subsidiary Risk By investing in the Cayman Subsidiary, the Fund is indirectly exposed to the risks associated with the Cayman Subsidiary’s investments. The commodity-related instruments held by the Cayman Subsidiary are generally similar to those that are permitted to be held by the Fund and are subject to the same risks that apply to similar investments if held directly by the Fund (see “Commodities Related Investments Risk” above). There can be no assurance that the investment objective of the Cayman Subsidiary will be achieved. The Cayman Subsidiary is not registered under the Investment Company Act, and, unless otherwise noted in this prospectus, is not subject to all the investor protections of the Investment Company Act. However, the Fund wholly owns and controls the Cayman Subsidiary, and the Fund and the Cayman Subsidiary are both managed by BlackRock, making it unlikely that the Cayman Subsidiary will take action contrary to the interests of the Fund and its shareholders. The Board has oversight responsibility for the investment activities of the Fund, including its investment in the Cayman Subsidiary, and the Fund’s role as sole shareholder of the Cayman Subsidiary. The Cayman Subsidiary is subject to the same investment restrictions and limitations, and follows the same compliance policies and procedures, as the Fund except that the Cayman Subsidiary may invest without limitation in commodity-related instruments. Changes in the laws of the United States and/or the Cayman Islands could result in the inability of the Fund and/or the Cayman Subsidiary to operate as described in this prospectus and the Statement of Additional Information and could adversely affect the Fund.
Warrants Risk — If the price of the underlying stock does not rise above the exercise price before the warrant expires, the warrant generally expires without any value and the Fund will lose any amount it paid for the warrant. Thus, investments in warrants may involve substantially more risk than investments in common stock. Warrants may trade in the same markets as their underlying stock; however, the price of the warrant does not necessarily move with the price of the underlying stock.
Performance Information
The information shows you how the Fund’s performance has varied year by year and provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund. The table compares the Fund’s performance to that of the FTSE World Index, the S&P 500® Index, the FTSE World (ex U.S.) Index, the ICE BofA Current 5-Year U.S. Treasury Index, the FTSE Non-U.S. Dollar World Government Bond Index and the Reference Benchmark, which are relevant to the Fund because they have characteristics similar to the Fund’s investment strategies. To the extent that dividends and distributions have been paid by the Fund, the performance information for the Fund in the chart and table assumes reinvestment of the dividends and distributions. As with all such investments, past performance (before and after taxes) is not an indication of future results. Sales charges are not reflected in the bar chart. If they were, returns would be less than those shown. However, the table includes all applicable fees and sales charges. If the Fund’s investment manager and its affiliates had not waived or reimbursed certain Fund expenses during these periods, the Fund’s returns would have been lower. Updated information on the Fund’s performance, including its current net asset value, can be obtained by visiting http://www.blackrock.com or can be obtained by phone at 800-882-0052.
10


Investor A Shares
ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS
BlackRock Global Allocation Fund
As of 12/31
During the ten-year period shown in the bar chart, the highest return for a quarter was 14.63% (quarter ended June 30, 2020) and the lowest return for a quarter was -12.44% (quarter ended March 31, 2020). The year-to-date return as of June 30, 2023 was 6.80%.
For the periods ended 12/31/22
Average Annual Total Returns
1 Year
5 Years
10 Years
BlackRock Global Allocation Fund — Investor A Shares
Return Before Taxes
(20.45
)%
2.06
%
4.15
%
Return After Taxes on Distributions
(21.87
)%
0.02
%
2.28
%
Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares
(11.69
)%
1.15
%
2.82
%
BlackRock Global Allocation Fund — Investor C Shares
Return Before Taxes
(17.52
)%
2.38
%
4.09
%
BlackRock Global Allocation Fund — Institutional Shares
Return Before Taxes
(15.83
)%
3.45
%
4.99
%
BlackRock Global Allocation Fund — Class R Shares
Return Before Taxes
(16.36
)%
2.81
%
4.36
%
FTSE World Index
(Reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)
(17.54
)%
6.22
%
8.91
%
S&P 500® Index
(Reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)
(18.11
)%
9.42
%
12.56
%
ICE BofA Current 5-Year U.S. Treasury Index
(Reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)
(9.77
)%
0.20
%
0.42
%
FTSE Non-U.S. Dollar World Government Bond Index
(Reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)
(22.07
)%
(4.21
)%
(2.27
)%
Reference Benchmark
(Reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)
(15.59
)%
3.59
%
5.57
%
FTSE World (ex U.S.) Index
(Reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)
(14.34
)%
2.16
%
4.81
%
After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown, and the after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. After-tax returns are shown for Investor A Shares only, and the after-tax returns for Investor C, Institutional and Class R Shares will vary.
Investment Manager
The Fund’s investment manager is BlackRock Advisors, LLC (previously defined as BlackRock). The Fund’s sub-advisers are BlackRock (Singapore) Limited and BlackRock International Limited. Where applicable, “BlackRock” refers also to the Fund’s sub-advisers.
11


Portfolio Managers
Name
Portfolio Manager
of the Fund Since
Title
Rick Rieder
2019
Managing Director of BlackRock, Inc.,
Chief Investment Officer of Global Fixed Income,
Head of Global Allocation Investment Team,
member of the Global Executive Committee,
Global Executive Committee Investments Sub-Committee,
Global Operating Committee and Chairman
of the BlackRock, Inc. firmwide Investment Council.
Russ Koesterich, CFA, JD
2017
Managing Director of BlackRock, Inc.
David Clayton, CFA, JD
2017
Managing Director of BlackRock, Inc.
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
You may purchase or redeem shares of the Fund each day the New York Stock Exchange is open. To purchase or sell shares you should contact your Financial Intermediary, or, if you hold your shares through the Fund, you should contact the Fund by phone at (800) 441-7762, by mail (c/o BlackRock Funds, P.O. Box 534429, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15253-4429), or by the Internet at www.blackrock.com. The Fund’s initial and subsequent investment minimums generally are as follows, although the Fund may reduce or waive the minimums in some cases:
12


 
Investor A and Investor C
Shares
Institutional Shares
Class R Shares
Minimum Initial
Investment
$1,000 for all accounts
except:
$50, if establishing an
Automatic Investment Plan.
There is no investment
minimum for employer-
sponsored retirement
plans (not including SEP
IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs or
SARSEPs).
There is no investment
minimum for certain fee-
based programs.
There is no minimum initial investment
for:
Employer-sponsored retirement plans
(not including SEP IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs or
SARSEPs), state sponsored 529 college
savings plans, collective trust funds,
investment companies or other pooled
investment vehicles, unaffiliated thrifts
and unaffiliated banks and trust
companies, each of which may purchase
shares of the Fund through a Financial
Intermediary that has entered into an
agreement with the Fund’s distributor to
purchase such shares.
Clients of Financial Intermediaries that:
(i) charge such clients a fee for advisory,
investment consulting, or similar
services or (ii) have entered into an
agreement with the Fund’s distributor to
offer Institutional Shares through a no-
load program or investment platform.
Clients investing through a self-directed
IRA brokerage account program
sponsored by a retirement plan record-
keeper, provided that such program
offers only mutual fund options and that
the program maintains an account with
the Fund on an omnibus basis.
$2 million for individuals and “Institutional
Investors,” which include, but are not
limited to, endowments, foundations,
family offices, local, city, and state
governmental institutions, corporations
and insurance company separate
accounts who may purchase shares of the
Fund through a Financial Intermediary that
has entered into an agreement with the
Fund’s distributor to purchase such
shares.
$1,000 for:
Clients investing through Financial
Intermediaries that offer such shares on
a platform that charges a transaction
based sales commission outside of the
Fund.
Tax-qualified accounts for insurance
agents that are registered
representatives of an insurance
company’s broker-dealer that has
entered into an agreement with the
Fund’s distributor to offer Institutional
Shares, and the family members of such
persons.
$100 for all accounts.
Minimum Additional
Investment
$50 for all accounts (with
the exception of certain
employer-sponsored
retirement plans which may
have a lower minimum).
No subsequent minimum.
No subsequent minimum.
13


Tax Information
The Fund’s dividends and distributions may be subject to U.S. federal income taxes and may be taxed as ordinary income or capital gains, unless you are a tax-exempt investor or are investing through a qualified tax-exempt plan described in section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, in which case you may be subject to U.S. federal income tax when distributions are received from such tax-deferred arrangements.
Payments to Broker/Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
If you purchase shares of the Fund through a Financial Intermediary, the Fund and BlackRock Investments, LLC, the Fund’s distributor, or its affiliates may pay the Financial Intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the Financial Intermediary and your individual financial professional to recommend the Fund over another investment.
Ask your individual financial professional or visit your Financial Intermediary’s website for more information.
14


Details About the Fund
Included in this prospectus are sections that tell you about buying and selling shares, management information, shareholder features of the BlackRock Global Allocation Fund, Inc. (the Fund) and your rights as a shareholder.
How the Fund Invests
Investment Objective
The investment objective of the Fund is to provide high total investment return through a fully managed investment policy utilizing United States and foreign equity securities, debt and money market securities, the combination of which will be varied from time to time both with respect to types of securities and markets in response to changing market and economic trends. In other words, the Fund seeks to achieve a combination of capital growth and income.
This investment objective is a fundamental policy of the Fund and may not be changed without approval of a majority of the Fund’s outstanding voting securities, as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”).
Investment Process
In making investment decisions, Fund management tries to identify the long term trends and changes that could benefit particular markets and/or industries relative to other markets and industries. Fund management will consider a variety of factors when selecting the markets, such as the rate of economic growth, natural resources, capital reinvestment and the social and political environment. In choosing investments, Fund management may look at various fundamental and systematic factors, such as the relative opportunity for equity or debt instruments to increase in value, capital recovery risk, dividend yields and the level of interest rates paid on debt securities of different maturities. The Fund may invest in individual securities, baskets of securities or particular measurements of value or rate, and may consider a variety of factors and systematic inputs. Fund management may employ derivatives for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to, adjusting its exposures to markets, sectors, asset classes and securities. As a result, the economic exposure of the Fund to any particular market, sector, or asset class may vary relative to the market value of any particular exposure.
Fund management will invest in “junk” bonds, corporate loans and distressed securities only when it believes that they will provide an attractive total return, relative to their risk, as compared to higher quality debt securities.
Fund management will invest in distressed securities when Fund management believes they offer significant potential for higher returns or can be exchanged for other securities that offer this potential. However, there can be no assurance that the Fund will generally achieve these returns or that the issuer will make an exchange offer or adopt a plan of reorganization.
Principal Investment Strategies
The Fund seeks to achieve its objective by investing in both equity and debt securities, including money market securities and other short-term securities or instruments, of issuers located around the world. There is no limit on the percentage of assets the Fund can invest in a particular type of security. Generally, the Fund seeks diversification across markets, industries and issuers as one of its strategies to reduce volatility. Except as described below, the Fund has no geographic limits on where its investments may be located. This flexibility allows Fund management to look for investments in markets around the world that it believes will provide the best relative asset allocation to meet the Fund’s objective.
Fund management uses the Fund’s investment flexibility to create a portfolio of assets that, over time, tends to be relatively balanced between equity and debt securities and that is widely diversified among many individual investments. The Fund may invest in both developed and emerging markets. In addition to investing in foreign securities, the Fund actively manages its exposure to foreign currencies through the use of forward currency contracts and other currency derivatives. From time to time, the Fund may own foreign cash equivalents or foreign bank deposits as part of the Fund’s investment strategy. The Fund will also invest in non-U.S. currencies, however, the Fund may underweight or overweight a currency based on the Fund management team’s outlook.
The Fund may also invest in Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”). REITs are companies that own interests in real estate or in real estate related loans or other interests, and have revenue primarily consisting of rent derived from
15


owned, income producing real estate properties and capital gains from the sale of such properties. REITs can generally be classified as equity REITs, mortgage REITs and hybrid REITs. Equity REITs invest the majority of their assets directly in real property and derive their income primarily from rents. Equity REITs can also realize capital gains by selling properties that have appreciated in value. Mortgage REITs invest the majority of their assets in real estate mortgages and derive their income primarily from interest payments. Hybrid REITs combine the characteristics of both equity REITs and mortgage REITs. REITs are not taxed on income distributed to shareholders provided they comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Internal Revenue Code”).
The Fund’s composite Reference Benchmark has at all times since the Fund’s formation included a 40% weighting in non-U.S. securities. Throughout its history, the Fund has maintained a weighting in non-U.S. securities, often exceeding the 40% Reference Benchmark weighting and rarely falling below this allocation. Under normal circumstances, the Fund will continue to allocate a substantial amount (approximately 40% or more — unless market conditions are not deemed favorable by BlackRock, in which case the Fund would invest at least 30%) of its total assets in securities of (i) foreign government issuers, (ii) issuers organized or located outside the United States, (iii) issuers which primarily trade in a market located outside the United States, or (iv) issuers doing a substantial amount of business outside the United States, which the Fund considers to be companies that derive at least 50% of their revenue or profits from business outside the United States or have at least 50% of their sales or assets outside the United States. The Fund will allocate its assets among various regions and countries, including the United States (but in no less than three different countries). For temporary defensive purposes the Fund may deviate very substantially from the allocation described above.
The Fund may invest a portion of its assets in securities related to real assets (like real estate- or precious metals-related securities) such as stock, bonds or convertible bonds issued by real estate investment trusts or companies that mine precious metals. The Fund may hold a portion of its assets in cash or cash equivalents.
The Fund may seek to provide exposure to the investment returns of real assets that trade in the commodity markets through investment in commodity-linked derivative instruments and investment vehicles such as exchange traded funds that invest exclusively in commodities and are designed to provide this exposure without direct investment in physical commodities. The Fund may also gain exposure to commodity markets by investing in BlackRock Cayman Global Allocation Fund I, Ltd. (the “Cayman Subsidiary”). The Cayman Subsidiary invests primarily in commodity-related instruments. The Cayman Subsidiary may also hold cash and invest in other instruments, including fixed income securities, either as investments or to serve as margin or collateral for the Cayman Subsidiary’s derivative positions. BlackRock is the manager of the Cayman Subsidiary. The Cayman Subsidiary (unlike the Fund) may invest without limitation in commodity-related instruments. However, the Cayman Subsidiary is otherwise subject to the same fundamental, non-fundamental and certain other investment restrictions as the Fund. The Fund will limit its investments in the Cayman Subsidiary to 25% of its total assets.
The Cayman Subsidiary is managed pursuant to compliance policies and procedures that are the same, in all material respects, as the policies and procedures adopted by the Fund. As a result, BlackRock, in managing the Cayman Subsidiary’s portfolio, is subject to the same investment policies and restrictions that apply to the management of the Fund, and, in particular, to the requirements relating to portfolio leverage, liquidity, brokerage, and the timing and method of the valuation of the Cayman Subsidiary’s portfolio investments and shares of the Cayman Subsidiary. These policies and restrictions are described in detail in the Statement of Additional Information (the “SAI”). The Fund’s Chief Compliance Officer oversees implementation of the Cayman Subsidiary’s policies and procedures, and makes periodic reports to the Board regarding the Cayman Subsidiary’s compliance with its policies and procedures. The Fund and Cayman Subsidiary test for compliance with certain investment restrictions on a consolidated basis, except that with respect to its investments in certain securities that may involve leverage, the Cayman Subsidiary complies with asset segregation requirements to the same extent as the Fund.
BlackRock provides investment management and other services to the Cayman Subsidiary. BlackRock does not receive separate compensation from the Cayman Subsidiary for providing it with investment management or administrative services. However, the Fund pays BlackRock based on the Fund’s assets, including the assets invested in the Cayman Subsidiary. BlackRock has entered into sub-advisory agreements with BlackRock (Singapore) Limited and BlackRock International Limited with respect to the Cayman Subsidiary. The Cayman Subsidiary will also enter into separate contracts for the provision of custody and audit services with the same or with affiliates of the same service providers that provide those services to the Fund.
The financial statements of the Cayman Subsidiary will be consolidated with the Fund’s financial statements in the Fund’s Annual and Semi-Annual Reports. The Fund’s Annual and Semi-Annual Reports are distributed to shareholders, and copies of the reports are provided without charge upon request as indicated on the back cover of this prospectus. Please refer to the SAI for additional information about the organization and management of the Cayman Subsidiary.
16


Equity Securities — The Fund can invest in all types of equity securities, including common stock, preferred stock, warrants, convertible securities and stock purchase rights of companies of any market capitalization. A warrant gives the Fund the right to buy stock. The warrant specifies the amount of underlying stock, the purchase (or “exercise”) price, and the date the warrant expires. The Fund has no obligation to exercise the warrant and buy the stock. Fund management may seek to invest in the stock of smaller or emerging growth companies that it expects will provide a higher total return than other equity investments. Investing in smaller or emerging growth companies involves greater risk than investing in more established companies.
Debt Securities — The Fund can invest in all types of debt securities, including U.S. and foreign government bonds, corporate bonds and convertible bonds, structured notes, credit-linked notes, loan assignments and participations, mortgage and asset backed securities, and securities issued or guaranteed by certain international organizations such as the World Bank.
The Fund may invest up to 35% of its total assets in “junk” bonds, corporate loans and distressed securities. Junk bonds are bonds that are rated below investment grade by independent rating agencies or are bonds that are not rated but which Fund management considers to be of comparable quality. Corporate loans are direct obligations of U.S. or foreign companies, which may include corporations, partnerships, trusts or other corporate-like entities. Distressed securities are securities, including loans purchased in the secondary market, that are the subject of bankruptcy proceedings or otherwise in default or in risk of being in default as to the repayment of principal and/or interest at the time of acquisition by the Fund or that are rated in the lower rating categories by one or more nationally recognized statistical rating organizations (for example, Ca or lower by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. and CC or lower by S&P Global Ratings or Fitch Ratings or, if unrated, are in the judgment of BlackRock of equivalent quality (“Distressed Securities”)). These securities offer the possibility of relatively higher returns but are significantly riskier than higher rated debt securities.
Derivatives — The Fund may use derivatives, including options, futures, swaps (including, but not limited to, total return swaps that may be referred to as contracts for difference) and forward contracts both to seek to increase the return of the Fund and to hedge (or protect) the value of its assets against adverse movements in currency exchange rates, interest rates and movements in the securities markets. Derivatives are financial instruments whose value is derived from another security, a commodity (such as oil or gas), a currency or an index, including but not limited to the S&P 500 Index and the CBOE Volatility Index. The use of options, futures, swaps and forward contracts can be effective in protecting or enhancing the value of the Fund’s assets.
The Fund may invest in indexed securities and inverse securities.
Other Strategies
In addition to the principal strategies discussed above, the Fund may also invest or engage in the following investments/strategies:
Borrowing — The Fund may borrow for temporary or emergency purposes, including to meet redemptions, for the payment of dividends, for share repurchases or for the clearance of transactions, subject to the limits set forth under the Investment Company Act, the rules and regulations thereunder and any applicable exemptive relief.
Depositary Receipts — The Fund may invest in securities of foreign issuers in the form of depositary receipts or other securities that are convertible into securities of foreign issuers. American Depositary Receipts are receipts typically issued by an American bank or trust company that evidence underlying securities issued by a foreign corporation. European Depositary Receipts (issued in Europe) and Global Depositary Receipts (issued throughout the world) each evidence a similar ownership arrangement. The Fund may invest in unsponsored depositary receipts.
Illiquid Investments — The Fund may invest up to an aggregate amount of 15% of its net assets in illiquid investments. An illiquid investment is any investment that the Fund reasonably expects cannot be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment. The Cayman Subsidiary will also limit its investment in illiquid investments to 15% of its net assets. In applying the illiquid investments restriction to the Fund, the Fund’s investment in the Cayman Subsidiary is considered to be liquid.
Investment Companies and Trusts — The Fund has the ability to invest in other investment companies, such as exchange-traded funds (ETFs), unit investment trusts, and open-end and closed-end funds, subject to the applicable limits under the Investment Company Act and the rules thereunder. The Fund may invest in affiliated investment companies, including affiliated money market funds and affiliated ETFs, and affiliated trusts.
Repurchase Agreements and Purchase and Sale Contracts The Fund may enter into certain types of repurchase agreements or purchase and sale contracts. Under a repurchase agreement, the seller agrees to repurchase a security at a mutually agreed-upon time and price. A purchase and sale contract is similar to a repurchase
17


agreement, but purchase and sale contracts also provide that the purchaser receives any interest on the security paid during the period.
Restricted Securities Restricted securities are securities that cannot be offered for public resale unless registered under the applicable securities laws or that have a contractual restriction that prohibits or limits their resale. They may include Rule 144A securities, which are privately placed securities that can be resold to qualified institutional buyers but not to the general public, and securities of U.S. and non-U.S. issuers that are offered pursuant to Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
Securities Lending — The Fund may lend securities with a value up to 33 13% of its total assets to financial institutions that provide cash or securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government as collateral.
Short Sales — The Fund may engage in short sales, which are transactions in which the Fund sells securities borrowed from others with the expectation that the price of the security will fall before the Fund must purchase the security to return it to the lender. The Fund may make short sales of securities, either as a hedge against potential declines in value of a portfolio security or to realize appreciation when a security that the Fund does not own declines in value. The Fund will not make a short sale if, after giving effect to such sale, the market value of all securities sold short exceeds 20% of the value of its total assets. However, the Fund may make short sales “against the box” without being subject to this limitation. In this type of short sale, at the time of the sale, the Fund owns or has the immediate and unconditional right to acquire the identical securities at no additional cost.
Short-Term Securities or Instruments — The Fund can invest in high quality short-term U.S. dollar or non-U.S. dollar denominated fixed-income securities or other instruments, such as U.S. or foreign government securities, commercial paper and money market instruments issued by U.S. or foreign commercial banks or depository institutions. Fund management may increase the Fund’s investment in these instruments in times of market volatility or when it believes that it is prudent or timely to be invested in lower yielding but less risky securities. Large investments in such securities or instruments may prevent the Fund from achieving its investment objective.
Special Purpose Acquisition Companies — The Fund may invest in interests issued by special purpose acquisition companies (“SPACs”), including publicly-registered shares of SPACs (including through private investments in public equity transactions), founder’s shares, warrants and units.
Standby Commitment Agreements — Standby commitment agreements commit the Fund, for a stated period of time, to purchase a stated amount of securities that may be issued and sold to the Fund at the option of the issuer.
Temporary Defensive Strategies — For temporary defensive purposes, for example, to respond to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions, the Fund may depart from its principal investment strategies and may restrict the markets in which it invests and may invest without limitation in cash, cash equivalents, money market securities, such as U.S. Treasury and agency obligations, other U.S. Government securities, short-term debt obligations of corporate issuers, certificates of deposit, bankers acceptances, commercial paper (short-term, unsecured, negotiable promissory notes of a domestic or foreign issuer) or other high quality fixed-income securities. Temporary defensive positions may affect the Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective.
When-Issued and Delayed Delivery Securities and Forward Commitments — The purchase or sale of securities on a when-issued basis or on a delayed delivery basis or through a forward commitment involves the purchase or sale of securities by the Fund at an established price with payment and delivery taking place in the future. The Fund enters into these transactions to obtain what is considered an advantageous price to the Fund at the time of entering into the transaction.
ABOUT THE PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT TEAM OF THE FUND
The Fund is managed by a team of financial professionals. Rick Rieder, Russ Koesterich, CFA, JD, and David Clayton, CFA, JD, are the Fund’s portfolio managers, and are jointly and primarily responsible for the management of the Fund. Please see “Management of the Fund — Portfolio Manager Information” for additional information about the portfolio management team.
Investment Risks
This section contains a discussion of the general risks of investing in the Fund. The “Investment Objective and Policies” section in the SAI also includes more information about the Fund, its investments and the related risks. As with any fund, there can be no guarantee that the Fund will meet its investment objective or that the Fund’s performance will be positive for any period of time. An investment in the Fund is not insured or guaranteed by the
18


Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or by any bank or governmental agency. The order of the below risk factors does not indicate the significance of any particular risk factor.
Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund
Commodities Related Investments Risk Exposure to the commodities markets may subject the Fund to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities. The value of commodity-linked derivative investments may be affected by changes in overall market movements, commodity index volatility, changes in inflation, interest rates, or factors affecting a particular industry or commodity, such as drought, floods, weather, embargoes, tariffs and international economic, political and regulatory developments.
Convertible Securities Risk — The market value of a convertible security performs like that of a regular debt security; that is, if market interest rates rise, the value of a convertible security usually falls. In addition, convertible securities are subject to the risk that the issuer will not be able to pay interest, principal or dividends when due, and their market value may change based on changes in the issuer’s credit rating or the market’s perception of the issuer’s creditworthiness. Since it derives a portion of its value from the common stock into which it may be converted, a convertible security is also subject to the same types of market and issuer risks that apply to the underlying common stock, including the potential for increased volatility in the price of the convertible security.
Corporate Loans Risk — Commercial banks and other financial institutions or institutional investors make corporate loans to companies that need capital to grow or restructure. Borrowers generally pay interest on corporate loans at rates that change in response to changes in market interest rates such as the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”), the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) or the prime rates of U.S. banks. As a result, the value of corporate loan investments is generally less exposed to the adverse effects of shifts in market interest rates than investments that pay a fixed rate of interest. However, because the trading market for certain corporate loans may be less developed than the secondary market for bonds and notes, the Fund may experience difficulties in selling its corporate loans. Transactions in corporate loans may settle on a delayed basis. As a result, the proceeds from the sale of corporate loans may not be readily available to make additional investments or to meet the Fund’s redemption obligations. To the extent the extended settlement process gives rise to short-term liquidity needs, the Fund may hold additional cash, sell investments or temporarily borrow from banks and other lenders. Leading financial institutions often act as agent for a broader group of lenders, generally referred to as a syndicate. The syndicate’s agent arranges the corporate loans, holds collateral and accepts payments of principal and interest. If the agent develops financial problems, the Fund may not recover its investment or recovery may be delayed. By investing in a corporate loan, the Fund may become a member of the syndicate.
The market for corporate loans may be subject to irregular trading activity and wide bid/ask spreads.
The corporate loans in which the Fund invests are subject to the risk of loss of principal and income. Although borrowers frequently provide collateral to secure repayment of these obligations they do not always do so. If they do provide collateral, the value of the collateral may not completely cover the borrower’s obligations at the time of a default. If a borrower files for protection from its creditors under the U.S. bankruptcy laws, these laws may limit the Fund’s rights to its collateral. In addition, the value of collateral may erode during a bankruptcy case. In the event of a bankruptcy, the holder of a corporate loan may not recover its principal, may experience a long delay in recovering its investment and may not receive interest during the delay.
Debt Securities Risk — Debt securities, such as bonds, involve interest rate risk, credit risk, extension risk, and prepayment risk, among other things.
Interest Rate Risk — The market value of bonds and other fixed-income securities changes in response to interest rate changes and other factors. Interest rate risk is the risk that prices of bonds and other fixed-income securities will increase as interest rates fall and decrease as interest rates rise.
The Fund may be subject to a greater risk of rising interest rates due to the recent period of historically low interest rates. For example, if interest rates increase by 1%, assuming a current portfolio duration of ten years, and all other factors being equal, the value of the Fund’s investments would be expected to decrease by 10%. (Duration is a measure of the price sensitivity of a debt security or portfolio of debt securities to relative changes in interest rates.) The magnitude of these fluctuations in the market price of bonds and other fixed-income securities is generally greater for those securities with longer maturities. Fluctuations in the market price of the Fund’s investments will not affect interest income derived from instruments already owned by the Fund, but will be reflected in the Fund’s net asset value. The Fund may lose money if short-term or long-term interest rates rise sharply in a manner not anticipated by Fund management.
To the extent the Fund invests in debt securities that may be prepaid at the option of the obligor (such as mortgage-backed securities), the sensitivity of such securities to changes in interest rates may increase (to the detriment of the Fund) when interest rates rise. Moreover, because rates on certain floating rate debt securities typically reset
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only periodically, changes in prevailing interest rates (and particularly sudden and significant changes) can be expected to cause some fluctuations in the net asset value of the Fund to the extent that it invests in floating rate debt securities.
These basic principles of bond prices also apply to U.S. Government securities. A security backed by the “full faith and credit” of the U.S. Government is guaranteed only as to its stated interest rate and face value at maturity, not its current market price. Just like other fixed-income securities, government-guaranteed securities will fluctuate in value when interest rates change.
The Federal Reserve has recently begun to raise the federal funds rate as part of its efforts to address rising inflation. There is a risk that interest rates will continue to rise, which will likely drive down the prices of bonds and other fixed-income securities. A general rise in interest rates has the potential to cause investors to move out of fixed-income securities on a large scale, which may increase redemptions from mutual funds that hold large amounts of fixed-income securities. Heavy redemptions could cause the Fund to sell assets at inopportune times or at a loss or depressed value and could hurt the Fund’s performance.
During periods of very low or negative interest rates, the Fund may be unable to maintain positive returns. Certain countries have recently experienced negative interest rates on certain fixed-income instruments. Very low or negative interest rates may magnify interest rate risk. Changing interest rates, including rates that fall below zero, may have unpredictable effects on markets, may result in heightened market volatility and may detract from Fund performance to the extent the Fund is exposed to such interest rates.
Credit Risk — Credit risk refers to the possibility that the issuer of a debt security (i.e., the borrower) will not be able to make payments of interest and principal when due. Changes in an issuer’s credit rating or the market’s perception of an issuer’s creditworthiness may also affect the value of the Fund’s investment in that issuer. The degree of credit risk depends on both the financial condition of the issuer and the terms of the obligation.
Extension Risk — When interest rates rise, certain obligations will be paid off by the obligor more slowly than anticipated, causing the value of these obligations to fall. Rising interest rates tend to extend the duration of securities, making them more sensitive to changes in interest rates. The value of longer-term securities generally changes more in response to changes in interest rates than shorter-term securities. As a result, in a period of rising interest rates, securities may exhibit additional volatility and may lose value.
Prepayment Risk — When interest rates fall, certain obligations will be paid off by the obligor more quickly than originally anticipated, and the Fund may have to invest the proceeds in securities with lower yields. In periods of falling interest rates, the rate of prepayments tends to increase (as does price fluctuation) as borrowers are motivated to pay off debt and refinance at new lower rates. During such periods, reinvestment of the prepayment proceeds by the management team will generally be at lower rates of return than the return on the assets that were prepaid. Prepayment reduces the yield to maturity and the average life of the security.
Derivatives Risk — The Fund’s use of derivatives may increase its costs, reduce the Fund’s returns and/or increase volatility. Derivatives involve significant risks, including:
Leverage Risk — The Fund’s use of derivatives can magnify the Fund’s gains and losses. Relatively small market movements may result in large changes in the value of a derivatives position and can result in losses that greatly exceed the amount originally invested.
Market Risk — Some derivatives are more sensitive to interest rate changes and market price fluctuations than other securities. The Fund could also suffer losses related to its derivatives positions as a result of unanticipated market movements, which losses are potentially unlimited. Finally, BlackRock may not be able to predict correctly the direction of securities prices, interest rates and other economic factors, which could cause the Fund’s derivatives positions to lose value.
Counterparty Risk — Derivatives are also subject to counterparty risk, which is the risk that the other party in the transaction will be unable or unwilling to fulfill its contractual obligation, and the related risks of having concentrated exposure to such a counterparty.
Illiquidity Risk —The possible lack of a liquid secondary market for derivatives and the resulting inability of the Fund to sell or otherwise close a derivatives position could expose the Fund to losses and could make derivatives more difficult for the Fund to value accurately.
Operational Risk — The use of derivatives includes the risk of potential operational issues, including documentation issues, settlement issues, systems failures, inadequate controls and human error.
Legal Risk — The risk of insufficient documentation, insufficient capacity or authority of counterparty, or legality or enforceability of a contract.
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Volatility and Correlation Risk — The Fund’s use of derivatives may reduce the Fund’s returns and/or increase volatility. Volatility is defined as the characteristic of a security, an index or a market to fluctuate significantly in price within a short time period. A risk of the Fund’s use of derivatives is that the fluctuations in their values may not correlate with the overall securities markets.
Valuation Risk — Valuation for derivatives may not be readily available in the market. Valuation may be more difficult in times of market turmoil since many investors and market makers may be reluctant to purchase complex instruments or quote prices for them. Derivatives may also expose the Fund to greater risk and increase its costs. Certain transactions in derivatives involve substantial leverage risk and may expose the Fund to potential losses that exceed the amount originally invested by the Fund.
Hedging Risk — When a derivative is used as a hedge against a position that the Fund holds, any loss generated by the derivative generally should be substantially offset by gains on the hedged investment, and vice versa. While hedging can reduce or eliminate losses, it can also reduce or eliminate gains. Hedges are sometimes subject to imperfect matching between the derivative and the underlying security, and there can be no assurance that the Fund’s hedging transactions will be effective. The use of hedging may result in certain adverse tax consequences noted below.
Tax Risk — The federal income tax treatment of a derivative may not be as favorable as a direct investment in an underlying asset and may adversely affect the timing, character and amount of income the Fund realizes from its investments. As a result, a larger portion of the Fund’s distributions may be treated as ordinary income rather than capital gains. In addition, certain derivatives are subject to mark-to-market or straddle provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. If such provisions are applicable, there could be an increase (or decrease) in the amount of taxable dividends paid by the Fund. In addition, the tax treatment of certain derivatives, such as swaps, is unsettled and may be subject to future legislation, regulation or administrative pronouncements issued by the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”).
Regulatory Risk — Derivative contracts are subject to regulation under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) in the United States and under comparable regimes in Europe, Asia and other non-U.S. jurisdictions. Under the Dodd-Frank Act, with respect to uncleared swaps, swap dealers are required to collect variation margin from the Fund and may be required by applicable regulations to collect initial margin from the Fund. Both initial and variation margin may be comprised of cash and/or securities, subject to applicable regulatory haircuts. Shares of investment companies (other than certain money market funds) may not be posted as collateral under applicable regulations. In addition, regulations adopted by global prudential regulators that are now in effect require certain bank-regulated counterparties and certain of their affiliates to include in certain financial contracts, including many derivatives contracts, terms that delay or restrict the rights of counterparties, such as the Fund, to terminate such contracts, foreclose upon collateral, exercise other default rights or restrict transfers of credit support in the event that the counterparty and/or its affiliates are subject to certain types of resolution or insolvency proceedings. The implementation of these requirements with respect to derivatives, as well as regulations under the Dodd-Frank Act regarding clearing, mandatory trading and margining of other derivatives, may increase the costs and risks to the Fund of trading in these instruments and, as a result, may affect returns to investors in the Fund.
Future regulatory developments may impact the Fund’s ability to invest or remain invested in certain derivatives. Legislation or regulation may also change the way in which the Fund itself is regulated. BlackRock cannot predict the effects of any new governmental regulation that may be implemented on the ability of the Fund to use swaps or any other financial derivative product, and there can be no assurance that any new governmental regulation will not adversely affect the Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective.
Risks Specific to Certain Derivatives Used by the Fund
Swaps — Swap agreements, including total return swaps that may be referred to as contracts for difference, are two-party contracts entered into for periods ranging from a few days to more than one year. In a standard “swap” transaction, two parties agree to exchange the value(s) or cash flow(s) of one asset for another over a certain period of time. Swap agreements involve the risk that the party with whom the Fund has entered into the swap will default on its obligation to pay the Fund and the risk that the Fund will not be able to meet its obligations to pay the other party to the agreement. Swap agreements may also involve the risk that there is an imperfect correlation between the return on the Fund’s obligation to its counterparty and the return on the referenced asset. In addition, swap agreements are subject to market and illiquidity risk, leverage risk and hedging risk.
Credit Default Swaps — Credit default swaps may have as reference obligations one or more securities that are not currently held by the Fund. The protection “buyer” may be obligated to pay the protection “seller” an up-front payment or a periodic stream of payments over the term of the contract, provided generally that no credit event on a reference obligation has occurred. Credit default swaps involve special risks in addition to those mentioned
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above because they are difficult to value, are highly susceptible to illiquid investments risk and credit risk, and generally pay a return to the party that has paid the premium only in the event of an actual default by the issuer of the underlying obligation (as opposed to a credit downgrade or other indication of financial difficulty).
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts — Forward foreign currency exchange transactions are OTC contracts to purchase or sell a specified amount of a specified currency or multinational currency unit at a price and future date set at the time of the contract. Forward foreign currency exchange contracts do not eliminate fluctuations in the value of non-U.S. securities but rather allow the Fund to establish a fixed rate of exchange for a future point in time. This strategy can have the effect of reducing returns and minimizing opportunities for gain.
Futures — Futures are standardized, exchange-traded contracts that obligate a purchaser to take delivery, and a seller to make delivery, of a specific amount of an asset at a specified future date at a specified price. The primary risks associated with the use of futures contracts and options are: (a) the imperfect correlation between the change in market value of the instruments held by the Fund and the price of the futures contract or option; (b) the possible lack of a liquid secondary market for a futures contract and the resulting inability to close a futures contract when desired; (c) losses caused by unanticipated market movements, which are potentially unlimited; (d) the investment adviser’s inability to predict correctly the direction of securities prices, interest rates, currency exchange rates and other economic factors; and (e) the possibility that the counterparty will default in the performance of its obligations.
Options — An option is an agreement that, for a premium payment or fee, gives the option holder (the purchaser) the right but not the obligation to buy (a “call option”) or sell (a “put option”) the underlying asset (or settle for cash in an amount based on an underlying asset, rate, or index) at a specified price (the “exercise price”) during a period of time or on a specified date. Investments in options are considered speculative. When the Fund purchases an option, it may lose the total premium paid for it if the price of the underlying security or other assets decreased, remained the same or failed to increase to a level at or beyond the exercise price (in the case of a call option) or increased, remained the same or failed to decrease to a level at or below the exercise price (in the case of a put option). If a put or call option purchased by the Fund were permitted to expire without being sold or exercised, its premium would represent a loss to the Fund. To the extent that the Fund writes or sells an option, if the decline or increase in the underlying asset is significantly below or above the exercise price of the written option, the Fund could experience a substantial loss.
Commodity-Linked Derivatives — The value of a commodity-linked derivative investment typically is based upon the price movements of a commodity, a commodity futures contract or commodity index, or some other readily measurable economic variable. The value of commodity-linked derivative instruments may be affected by changes in overall market movements, volatility of the underlying benchmark, changes in inflation, interest rates, or factors affecting a particular industry or commodity, such as drought, floods, weather, livestock disease, embargoes, tariffs and international economic, political and regulatory developments. The value of commodity-linked derivatives will rise or fall in response to changes in the underlying commodity or related index. Investments in commodity-linked derivatives may be subject to greater volatility than non-derivative based investments. A highly liquid secondary market may not exist for certain commodity-linked derivatives, and there can be no assurance that one will develop.
Commodity-linked derivatives also may be subject to credit and interest rate risks that in general affect the values of fixed-income securities. Therefore, at maturity, the Fund may receive more or less principal than it originally invested. The Fund might receive interest payments that are more or less than the stated coupon interest payments.
In connection with the Fund’s direct and indirect investments in commodity-linked derivatives, the Fund will attempt to manage its counterparty exposure so as to limit its exposure to any one counterparty. However, due to the limited number of entities that may serve as counterparties (and which the Fund believes are creditworthy) at any one time the Fund may enter into swap agreements with a limited number of counterparties and may invest in commodity-linked notes issued by a limited number of issuers that will act as counterparties, which may increase the Fund’s exposure to counterparty credit risk. There can be no assurance that the Fund will be able to limit exposure to any one counterparty at all times.
Distressed Securities Risk Distressed securities are speculative and involve substantial risks in addition to the risks of investing in junk bonds. The Fund will generally not receive interest payments on the distressed securities and may incur costs to protect its investment. In addition, distressed securities involve the substantial risk that principal will not be repaid. These securities may present a substantial risk of default or may be in default at the time of investment. The Fund may incur additional expenses to the extent it is required to seek recovery upon a default in the payment of principal of or interest on its portfolio holdings. In any reorganization or liquidation proceeding relating to a portfolio company, the Fund may lose its entire investment or may be required to accept
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cash or securities with a value less than its original investment. Distressed securities and any securities received in an exchange for such securities may be subject to restrictions on resale.
Emerging Markets Risk — The risks of foreign investments are usually much greater for emerging markets. Investments in emerging markets may be considered speculative. Emerging markets may include those in countries considered emerging or developing by the World Bank, the International Finance Corporation or the United Nations. Emerging markets are riskier than more developed markets because they tend to develop unevenly and may never fully develop. They are more likely to experience hyperinflation and currency devaluations, which adversely affect returns to U.S. investors. In addition, many emerging markets have far lower trading volumes and less liquidity than developed markets. Since these markets are often small, they may be more likely to suffer sharp and frequent price changes or long-term price depression because of adverse publicity, investor perceptions or the actions of a few large investors. In addition, traditional measures of investment value used in the United States, such as price to earnings ratios, may not apply to certain small markets. Also, there may be less publicly available information about issuers in emerging markets than would be available about issuers in more developed capital markets, and such issuers may not be subject to accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and requirements comparable to those to which U.S. companies are subject.
Many emerging markets have histories of political instability and abrupt changes in policies. As a result, their governments are more likely to take actions that are hostile or detrimental to private enterprise or foreign investment than those of more developed countries, including expropriation of assets, confiscatory taxation, high rates of inflation or unfavorable diplomatic developments. In the past, governments of such nations have expropriated substantial amounts of private property, and most claims of the property owners have never been fully settled. There is no assurance that such expropriations will not reoccur. In such an event, it is possible that the Fund could lose the entire value of its investments in the affected market. Some countries have pervasive corruption and crime that may hinder investments. Certain emerging markets may also face other significant internal or external risks, including the risk of war, and ethnic, religious and racial conflicts. In addition, governments in many emerging market countries participate to a significant degree in their economies and securities markets, which may impair investment and economic growth. National policies that may limit the Fund’s investment opportunities include restrictions on investment in issuers or industries deemed sensitive to national interests.
Emerging markets may also have differing legal systems and the existence or possible imposition of exchange controls, custodial restrictions or other foreign or U.S. governmental laws or restrictions applicable to such investments. Sometimes, they may lack or be in the relatively early development of legal structures governing private and foreign investments and private property. Many emerging markets do not have income tax treaties with the United States, and as a result, investments by the Fund may be subject to higher withholding taxes in such countries. In addition, some countries with emerging markets may impose differential capital gains taxes on foreign investors. Foreign companies with securities listed on U.S. exchanges may be delisted if they do not meet U.S. accounting standards and auditor oversight requirements, which may significantly decrease the liquidity and value of the securities.
Practices in relation to settlement of securities transactions in emerging markets involve higher risks than those in developed markets, in part because the Fund will need to use brokers and counterparties that are less well capitalized, and custody and registration of assets in some countries may be unreliable. The possibility of fraud, negligence, undue influence being exerted by the issuer or refusal to recognize ownership exists in some emerging markets, and, along with other factors, could result in ownership registration being completely lost. The Fund would absorb any loss resulting from such registration problems and may have no successful claim for compensation. In addition, communications between the United States and emerging market countries may be unreliable, increasing the risk of delayed settlements or losses of security certificates.
Equity Securities Risk — Common and preferred stocks represent equity ownership in a company. Stock markets are volatile. The price of equity securities will fluctuate and can decline and reduce the value of a portfolio investing in equities. The value of equity securities purchased by the Fund could decline if the financial condition of the companies the Fund invests in declines or if overall market and economic conditions deteriorate. The value of equity securities may also decline due to factors that affect a particular industry or industries, such as labor shortages or an increase in production costs and competitive conditions within an industry. In addition, the value may decline due to general market conditions that are not specifically related to a company or industry, such as real or perceived adverse economic conditions, changes in the general outlook for corporate earnings, changes in inflation, interest or currency rates or generally adverse investor sentiment.
Foreign Securities Risk — Securities traded in foreign markets have often (though not always) performed differently from securities traded in the United States. However, such investments often involve special risks not present in U.S. investments that can increase the chances that the Fund will lose money. In particular, the Fund is subject to
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the risk that because there may be fewer investors on foreign exchanges and a smaller number of securities traded each day, it may be more difficult for the Fund to buy and sell securities on those exchanges. In addition, prices of foreign securities may go up and down more than prices of securities traded in the United States.
Certain Risks of Holding Fund Assets Outside the United States — The Fund generally holds its foreign securities and cash in foreign banks and securities depositories. Some foreign banks and securities depositories may be recently organized or new to the foreign custody business. In addition, there may be limited or no regulatory oversight of their operations. Also, the laws of certain countries limit the Fund’s ability to recover its assets if a foreign bank, depository or issuer of a security, or any of their agents, goes bankrupt. In addition, it is often more expensive for the Fund to buy, sell and hold securities in certain foreign markets than in the United States. The increased expense of investing in foreign markets reduces the amount the Fund can earn on its investments and typically results in a higher operating expense ratio for the Fund than for investment companies invested only in the United States.
Currency Risk — Securities and other instruments in which the Fund invests may be denominated or quoted in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. For this reason, changes in foreign currency exchange rates can affect the value of the Fund’s portfolio.
Generally, when the U.S. dollar rises in value against a foreign currency, a security denominated in that currency loses value because the currency is worth fewer U.S. dollars. Conversely, when the U.S. dollar decreases in value against a foreign currency, a security denominated in that currency gains value because the currency is worth more U.S. dollars. This risk, generally known as “currency risk,” means that a strong U.S. dollar will reduce returns for U.S. investors while a weak U.S. dollar will increase those returns.
Should the Fund invest in a debt security denominated in U.S. dollars and issued by an issuer whose functional currency is a currency other than the U.S. dollar, and such currency decreases in value against the U.S. dollar, such issuer’s ability to repay its obligation under the U.S. dollar-denominated security may be negatively impacted.
Foreign Economy Risk — The economies of certain foreign markets may not compare favorably with the economy of the United States with respect to such issues as growth of gross national product, reinvestment of capital, resources and balance of payments position. Certain foreign economies may rely heavily on particular industries or foreign capital and are more vulnerable to diplomatic developments, the imposition of economic sanctions against a particular country or countries, changes in international trading patterns, trade barriers and other protectionist or retaliatory measures. Investments in foreign markets may also be adversely affected by governmental actions such as the imposition of capital controls, nationalization of companies or industries, expropriation of assets or the imposition of punitive taxes. In addition, economic conditions, such as volatile currency exchange rates and interest rates, political events, military action and other conditions may, without prior warning, lead to the governments of certain countries, or the U.S. Government with respect to certain countries, prohibiting or imposing substantial restrictions through capital controls and/or sanctions on foreign investments in the capital markets or certain industries in those countries. Capital controls and/or sanctions may include the prohibition of, or restrictions on, the ability to own or transfer currency, securities, derivatives or other assets and may also include retaliatory actions of one government against another government, such as seizure of assets. Any of these actions could severely impair the Fund’s ability to purchase, sell, transfer, receive, deliver or otherwise obtain exposure to foreign securities and assets, including the ability to transfer the Fund’s assets or income back into the United States, and could negatively impact the value and/or liquidity of such assets or otherwise adversely affect the Fund’s operations, causing the Fund to decline in value.
Other potential foreign market risks include foreign exchange controls, difficulties in pricing securities, defaults on foreign government securities, difficulties in enforcing legal judgments in foreign courts and political and social instability. Diplomatic and political developments, including rapid and adverse political changes, social instability, regional conflicts, terrorism and war, could affect the economies, industries and securities and currency markets, and the value of the Fund’s investments, in non-U.S. countries. These factors are extremely difficult, if not impossible, to predict and take into account with respect to the Fund’s investments.
Governmental Supervision and Regulation/Accounting Standards — Many foreign governments do not supervise and regulate stock exchanges, brokers and the sale of securities to the same extent as such regulations exist in the United States. They also may not have laws to protect investors that are comparable to U.S. securities laws. For example, some foreign countries may have no laws or rules against insider trading. Insider trading occurs when a person buys or sells a company’s securities based on material non-public information about that company. In addition, some countries may have legal systems that may make it difficult for the Fund to vote proxies, exercise shareholder rights, and pursue legal remedies with respect to its foreign investments. Accounting standards in other countries are not necessarily the same as in the United States. If the accounting standards in another country do not require as much detail as U.S. accounting standards, it may be harder for Fund management to completely and accurately determine a company’s financial condition.
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Settlement Risk — Settlement and clearance procedures in certain foreign markets differ significantly from those in the United States. Foreign settlement and clearance procedures and trade regulations also may involve certain risks (such as delays in payment for or delivery of securities) not typically associated with the settlement of U.S. investments.
At times, settlements in certain foreign countries have not kept pace with the number of securities transactions. These problems may make it difficult for the Fund to carry out transactions. If the Fund cannot settle or is delayed in settling a purchase of securities, it may miss attractive investment opportunities and certain of its assets may be uninvested with no return earned thereon for some period. If the Fund cannot settle or is delayed in settling a sale of securities, it may lose money if the value of the security then declines or, if it has contracted to sell the security to another party, the Fund could be liable for any losses incurred.
Withholding Tax Reclaims Risk — The Fund may file claims to recover foreign withholding taxes on dividend and interest income (if any) received from issuers in certain countries and capital gains on the disposition of stocks or securities where such withholding tax reclaim is possible. Whether or when the Fund will receive a withholding tax refund is within the control of the tax authorities in such countries. Where the Fund expects to recover withholding taxes, the net asset value of the Fund generally includes accruals for such tax refunds. The Fund regularly evaluates the probability of recovery. If the likelihood of recovery materially decreases, due to, for example, a change in tax regulation or approach in the foreign country, accruals in the Fund’s net asset value for such refunds may be written down partially or in full, which will adversely affect the Fund’s net asset value. Shareholders in the Fund at the time an accrual is written down will bear the impact of the resulting reduction in net asset value regardless of whether they were shareholders during the accrual period. Conversely, if the Fund receives a tax refund that has not been previously accrued, shareholders in the Fund at the time of the successful recovery will benefit from the resulting increase in the Fund’s net asset value. Shareholders who sold their shares prior to such time will not benefit from such increase in the Fund’s net asset value.
European Economic Risk — The European financial markets have recently experienced volatility and adverse trends due to concerns about economic downturns in, or rising government debt levels of, several European countries as well as acts of war in the region. These events may spread to other countries in Europe and may affect the value and liquidity of certain of the Fund’s investments.
Responses to the financial problems by European governments, central banks and others, including austerity measures and reforms, may not work, may result in social unrest and may limit future growth and economic recovery or have other unintended consequences. Further defaults or restructurings by governments and others of their debt could have additional adverse effects on economies, financial markets and asset valuations around the world.
The United Kingdom has withdrawn from the European Union, and one or more other countries may withdraw from the European Union and/or abandon the Euro, the common currency of the European Union. These events and actions have adversely affected, and may in the future adversely affect, the value and exchange rate of the Euro and may continue to significantly affect the economies of every country in Europe, including countries that do not use the Euro and non-European Union member states. The impact of these actions, especially if they occur in a disorderly fashion, is not clear but could be significant and far reaching. In addition, Russia launched a large-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. The extent and duration of the military action, resulting sanctions and resulting future market disruptions in the region are impossible to predict, but could be significant and have a severe adverse effect on the region, including significant negative impacts on the economy and the markets for certain securities and commodities, such as oil and natural gas, as well as other sectors.
High Portfolio Turnover Risk — The Fund may engage in active and frequent trading of its portfolio securities. High portfolio turnover (more than 100%) may result in increased transaction costs to the Fund, including brokerage commissions, dealer mark-ups and other transaction costs on the sale of the securities and on reinvestment in other securities. The sale of Fund portfolio securities may result in the realization and/or distribution to shareholders of higher capital gains or losses as compared to a fund with less active trading policies. These effects of higher than normal portfolio turnover may adversely affect Fund performance.
Indexed and Inverse Securities Risk Indexed and inverse securities provide a potential return based on a particular index of value or interest rates. The Fund’s return on these securities will be subject to risk with respect to the value of the particular index. These securities are subject to leverage risk and correlation risk. Certain indexed and inverse securities have greater sensitivity to changes in interest rates or index levels than other securities, and the Fund’s investment in such instruments may decline significantly in value if interest rates or index levels move in a way Fund management does not anticipate.
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Junk Bonds Risk — Although junk bonds generally pay higher rates of interest than investment grade bonds, junk bonds are high risk investments that are considered speculative and may cause income and principal losses for the Fund. The major risks of junk bond investments include:
Junk bonds may be issued by less creditworthy issuers. Issuers of junk bonds may have a larger amount of outstanding debt relative to their assets than issuers of investment grade bonds. In the event of an issuer’s bankruptcy, claims of other creditors may have priority over the claims of junk bond holders, leaving few or no assets available to repay junk bond holders.
Prices of junk bonds are subject to extreme price fluctuations. Adverse changes in an issuer’s industry and general economic conditions may have a greater impact on the prices of junk bonds than on other higher rated fixed-income securities.
Issuers of junk bonds may be unable to meet their interest or principal payment obligations because of an economic downturn, specific issuer developments, or the unavailability of additional financing.
Junk bonds frequently have redemption features that permit an issuer to repurchase the security from the Fund before it matures. If the issuer redeems junk bonds, the Fund may have to invest the proceeds in bonds with lower yields and may lose income.
Junk bonds may be less liquid than higher rated fixed-income securities, even under normal economic conditions. There are fewer dealers in the junk bond market, and there may be significant differences in the prices quoted for junk bonds by the dealers. Because they are less liquid than higher rated fixed-income securities, judgment may play a greater role in valuing junk bonds than is the case with securities trading in a more liquid market.
The Fund may incur expenses to the extent necessary to seek recovery upon default or to negotiate new terms with a defaulting issuer.
The credit rating of a high yield security does not necessarily address its market value risk. Ratings and market value may change from time to time, positively or negatively, to reflect new developments regarding the issuer.
Leverage Risk — Some transactions may give rise to a form of economic leverage. These transactions may include, among others, derivatives, and may expose the Fund to greater risk and increase its costs. As an open-end investment company registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Fund is subject to the federal securities laws, including the Investment Company Act and the rules thereunder. Under Rule 18f-4 under the Investment Company Act, among other things, the Fund must either use derivatives in a limited manner or comply with an outer limit on fund leverage risk based on value-at-risk. The use of leverage may cause the Fund to liquidate portfolio positions when it may not be advantageous to do so to satisfy its obligations or to meet the applicable requirements of the Investment Company Act and the rules thereunder. Increases and decreases in the value of the Fund’s portfolio will be magnified when the Fund uses leverage.
Market Risk and Selection Risk — Market risk is the risk that one or more markets in which the Fund invests will go down in value, including the possibility that the markets will go down sharply and unpredictably. The value of a security or other asset may decline due to changes in general market conditions, economic trends or events that are not specifically related to the issuer of the security or other asset, or factors that affect a particular issuer or issuers, exchange, country, group of countries, region, market, industry, group of industries, sector or asset class. Local, regional or global events such as war, acts of terrorism, the spread of infectious illness or other public health issues like pandemics or epidemics, recessions, or other events could have a significant impact on the Fund and its investments. Selection risk is the risk that the securities selected by Fund management will underperform the markets, the relevant indices or the securities selected by other funds with similar investment objectives and investment strategies. This means you may lose money.
An outbreak of an infectious coronavirus (COVID-19) that was first detected in December 2019 developed into a global pandemic that has resulted in numerous disruptions in the market and has had significant economic impact leaving general concern and uncertainty. Although vaccines have been developed and approved for use by various governments, the duration of the pandemic and its effects cannot be predicted with certainty. The impact of this coronavirus, and other epidemics and pandemics that may arise in the future, could affect the economies of many nations, individual companies and the market in general ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen at the present time.
Mid Cap Securities Risk — The securities of mid cap companies generally trade in lower volumes and are generally subject to greater and less predictable price changes than the securities of larger capitalization companies.
Mortgage- and Asset-Backed Securities Risks — Mortgage-backed securities (residential and commercial) and asset-backed securities represent interests in “pools” of mortgages or other assets, including consumer loans or receivables held in trust. Although asset-backed and commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) generally
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experience less prepayment than residential mortgage-backed securities, mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, like traditional fixed-income securities, are subject to credit, interest rate, prepayment and extension risks.
Small movements in interest rates (both increases and decreases) may quickly and significantly reduce the value of certain mortgage-backed securities. The Fund’s investments in asset-backed securities are subject to risks similar to those associated with mortgage-related securities, as well as additional risks associated with the nature of the assets and the servicing of those assets. These securities also are subject to the risk of default on the underlying mortgages or assets, particularly during periods of economic downturn. Certain CMBS are issued in several classes with different levels of yield and credit protection. The Fund’s investments in CMBS with several classes may be in the lower classes that have greater risks than the higher classes, including greater interest rate, credit and prepayment risks.
Mortgage-backed securities may be either pass-through securities or collateralized mortgage obligations (CMOs). Pass-through securities represent a right to receive principal and interest payments collected on a pool of mortgages, which are passed through to security holders. CMOs are created by dividing the principal and interest payments collected on a pool of mortgages into several revenue streams (“tranches”) with different priority rights to portions of the underlying mortgage payments. Certain CMO tranches may represent a right to receive interest only (“IOs”), principal only (“POs”) or an amount that remains after floating-rate tranches are paid (an “inverse floater”). These securities are frequently referred to as “mortgage derivatives” and may be extremely sensitive to changes in interest rates. Interest rates on inverse floaters, for example, vary inversely with a short-term floating rate (which may be reset periodically). Interest rates on inverse floaters will decrease when short-term rates increase, and will increase when short-term rates decrease. These securities have the effect of providing a degree of investment leverage. In response to changes in market interest rates or other market conditions, the value of an inverse floater may increase or decrease at a multiple of the increase or decrease in the value of the underlying securities. If the Fund invests in CMO tranches (including CMO tranches issued by government agencies) and interest rates move in a manner not anticipated by Fund management, it is possible that the Fund could lose all or substantially all of its investment. Certain mortgage-backed securities in which the Fund may invest may also provide a degree of investment leverage, which could cause the Fund to lose all or substantially all of its investment.
The mortgage market in the United States has experienced difficulties that may adversely affect the performance and market value of certain of the Fund’s mortgage-related investments. Delinquencies and losses on mortgage loans (including subprime and second-lien mortgage loans) and a decline in or flattening of real estate values (in each case as has been experienced and may continue to be experienced in many housing markets) may exacerbate such delinquencies and losses. Also, a number of mortgage loan originators have experienced serious financial difficulties or bankruptcy. Reduced investor demand for mortgage loans and mortgage-related securities and increased investor yield requirements have caused limited liquidity in the secondary market for mortgage-related securities, which can adversely affect the market value of mortgage-related securities. It is possible that such limited liquidity in such secondary markets could continue or worsen.
Asset-backed securities entail certain risks not presented by mortgage-backed securities, including the risk that in certain states it may be difficult to perfect the liens securing the collateral backing certain asset-backed securities. In addition, certain asset-backed securities are based on loans that are unsecured, which means that there is no collateral to seize if the underlying borrower defaults.
Precious Metal and Related Securities Risk Prices of precious metals and of precious metal related securities historically have been very volatile. The high volatility of precious metal prices may adversely affect the financial condition of companies involved with precious metals. The production and sale of precious metals by governments or central banks or other larger holders can be affected by various economic, financial, social and political factors, which may be unpredictable and may have a significant impact on the prices of precious metals. Other factors that may affect the prices of precious metals and securities related to them include changes in inflation, the outlook for inflation and changes in industrial and commercial demand for precious metals.
Preferred Securities Risk — Preferred securities may pay fixed or adjustable rates of return. Preferred securities are subject to issuer-specific and market risks applicable generally to equity securities. In addition, a company’s preferred securities generally pay dividends only after the company makes required payments to holders of its bonds and other debt. For this reason, the value of preferred securities will usually react more strongly than bonds and other debt to actual or perceived changes in the company’s financial condition or prospects. Preferred securities of smaller companies may be more vulnerable to adverse developments than preferred securities of larger companies.
Real Estate-Related Securities Risk — The main risk of real estate-related securities is that the value of the underlying real estate may go down. Many factors may affect real estate values. These factors include both the general and local economies, vacancy rates, changes in rent schedules, tenant bankruptcies, the ability to re-lease
27


space under expiring leases on attractive terms, the amount of new construction in a particular area, the laws and regulations (including zoning, environmental and tax laws) affecting real estate and the costs of owning, maintaining and improving real estate. The availability of mortgage financing and changes in interest rates may also affect real estate values. If the Fund’s real estate-related investments are concentrated in one geographic area or in one property type, the Fund will be particularly subject to the risks associated with that area or property type. Many issuers of real estate-related securities are highly leveraged, which increases the risk to holders of such securities. The value of the securities the Fund buys will not necessarily track the value of the underlying investments of the issuers of such securities. In addition, certain issuers of real estate-related securities may have developed or commenced development on properties and may develop additional properties in the future. Real estate development involves significant risks in addition to those involved in the ownership and operation of established properties. Real estate securities may have limited diversification and are, therefore, subject to risks inherent in operating and financing a limited number of projects. Real estate securities are also subject to heavy cash flow dependency and defaults by borrowers or tenants.
REIT Investment Risk — In addition to the risks facing real estate-related securities, such as a decline in property values due to increasing vacancies, a decline in rents resulting from unanticipated economic, legal or technological developments or a decline in the price of securities of real estate companies due to a failure of borrowers to pay their loans or poor management, investments in REITs involve unique risks. REITs may have limited financial resources, may trade less frequently and in limited volume, may engage in dilutive offerings of securities and may be more volatile than other securities. REIT issuers may also fail to maintain their exemptions from investment company registration or fail to qualify for the “dividends paid deduction” under the Internal Revenue Code, which allows REITs to reduce their corporate taxable income for dividends paid to their shareholders. Ordinary REIT dividends received by the Fund and distributed to the Fund’s shareholders will generally be taxable as ordinary income and will not constitute “qualified dividend income.” However, for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017 and before January 1, 2026, a non-corporate taxpayer who is a direct REIT shareholder may claim a 20% “qualified business income” deduction for ordinary REIT dividends, and a regulated investment company may report dividends as eligible for this deduction to the extent the regulated investment company’s income is derived from ordinary REIT dividends (reduced by allocable regulated investment company expenses). A shareholder may treat the dividends as such provided the regulated investment company and the shareholder satisfy applicable holding period requirements.
Risk of Investing in the United States A decrease in imports or exports, changes in trade regulations, inflation and/or an economic recession in the United States may have a material adverse effect on the U.S. economy and the securities listed on U.S. exchanges. Proposed and adopted policy and legislative changes in the United States are changing many aspects of financial, commercial, public health, environmental, and other regulation and may have a significant effect on U.S. markets generally, as well as on the value of certain securities. Governmental agencies project that the United States will continue to maintain elevated public debt levels for the foreseeable future. Although elevated debt levels do not necessarily indicate or cause economic problems, elevated public debt service costs may constrain future economic growth.
The United States has developed increasingly strained relations with a number of foreign countries. If relations with certain countries deteriorate, it could adversely affect U.S. issuers as well as non-U.S. issuers that rely on the United States for trade. The United States has also experienced increased internal political discord, as well as significant challenges in managing and containing the outbreak of COVID-19. If these trends were to continue, it may have an adverse impact on the U.S. economy and the issuers in which the Fund invests.
Risks of Loan Assignments and Participations — As the purchaser of an assignment, the Fund typically succeeds to all the rights and obligations of the assigning institution and becomes a lender under the credit agreement with respect to the debt obligation; however, the Fund may not be able unilaterally to enforce all rights and remedies under the loan and with regard to any associated collateral. Because assignments may be arranged through private negotiations between potential assignees and potential assignors, the rights and obligations acquired by the Fund as the purchaser of an assignment may differ from, and be more limited than, those held by the assigning lender. In addition, if the loan is foreclosed, the Fund could become part owner of any collateral and could bear the costs and liabilities of owning and disposing of the collateral. The Fund may be required to pass along to a purchaser that buys a loan from the Fund by way of assignment a portion of any fees to which the Fund is entitled under the loan. In connection with purchasing participations, the Fund generally will have no right to enforce compliance by the borrower with the terms of the loan agreement relating to the loan, nor any rights of set-off against the borrower, and the Fund may not directly benefit from any collateral supporting the loan in which it has purchased the participation. As a result, the Fund will be subject to the credit risk of both the borrower and the lender that is selling the participation. In the event of the insolvency of the lender selling a participation, the Fund may be treated as a general creditor of the lender and may not benefit from any set-off between the lender and the borrower.
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Small Cap and Emerging Growth Securities Risk — Small cap or emerging growth companies may have limited product lines or markets. They may be less financially secure than larger, more established companies. They may depend on a small number of key personnel. If a product fails or there are other adverse developments, or if management changes, the Fund’s investment in a small cap or emerging growth company may lose substantial value. In addition, it is more difficult to get information on smaller companies, which tend to be less well known, have shorter operating histories, do not have significant ownership by large investors and are followed by relatively few securities analysts.
The securities of small cap and emerging growth companies generally trade in lower volumes and are subject to greater and more unpredictable price changes than larger cap securities or the market as a whole. In addition, small cap and emerging growth securities may be particularly sensitive to changes in interest rates, borrowing costs and earnings. Investing in small cap and emerging growth securities requires a longer term view.
Sovereign Debt Risk — Sovereign debt instruments are subject to the risk that a governmental entity may delay or refuse to pay interest or repay principal on its sovereign debt, due, for example, to cash flow problems, insufficient foreign currency reserves, political considerations, the relative size of the governmental entity’s debt position in relation to the economy or the failure to put in place economic reforms required by the International Monetary Fund or other multilateral agencies. If a governmental entity defaults, it may ask for more time in which to pay or for further loans. There is no legal process for collecting sovereign debt that a government does not pay nor are there bankruptcy proceedings through which all or part of the sovereign debt that a governmental entity has not repaid may be collected.
Structured Notes Risk Structured notes and other related instruments purchased by the Fund are generally privately negotiated debt obligations where the principal and/or interest is determined by reference to the performance of a specific asset, benchmark asset, market or interest rate (“reference measure”). The interest rate or the principal amount payable upon maturity or redemption may increase or decrease, depending upon changes in the value of the reference measure. The terms of a structured note may provide that, in certain circumstances, no principal is due at maturity and, therefore, may result in a loss of invested capital by the Fund. The interest and/or principal payments that may be made on a structured product may vary widely, depending on a variety of factors, including the volatility of the reference measure.
Structured notes may be positively or negatively indexed, so the appreciation of the reference measure may produce an increase or a decrease in the interest rate or the value of the principal at maturity. The rate of return on structured notes may be determined by applying a multiplier to the performance or differential performance of reference measures. Application of a multiplier involves leverage that will serve to magnify the potential for gain and the risk of loss.
The purchase of structured notes exposes the Fund to the credit risk of the issuer of the structured product. Structured notes may also be more volatile, less liquid, and more difficult to price accurately than less complex securities and instruments or more traditional debt securities.
Subsidiary Risk By investing in the Cayman Subsidiary, the Fund is indirectly exposed to the risks associated with the Cayman Subsidiary’s investments. The commodity-related instruments held by the Cayman Subsidiary are generally similar to those that are permitted to be held by the Fund and are subject to the same risks that apply to similar investments if held directly by the Fund (see “Commodities Related Investments Risk” above). There can be no assurance that the investment objective of the Cayman Subsidiary will be achieved. The Cayman Subsidiary is not registered under the Investment Company Act and, unless otherwise noted in this prospectus, is not subject to all the investor protections of the Investment Company Act. However, the Fund wholly owns and controls the Cayman Subsidiary, and the Fund and the Cayman Subsidiary are both managed by BlackRock, making it unlikely that the Cayman Subsidiary will take action contrary to the interests of the Fund and its shareholders. The Board has oversight responsibility for the investment activities of the Fund, including its investment in the Cayman Subsidiary, and the Fund’s role as sole shareholder of the Cayman Subsidiary. The Cayman Subsidiary is subject to the same investment restrictions and limitations, and follows the same compliance policies and procedures, as the Fund, except that the Cayman Subsidiary may invest without limitation in commodity-related instruments. Changes in the laws of the United States and/or the Cayman Islands could result in the inability of the Fund and/or the Cayman Subsidiary to operate as described in this prospectus and the SAI and could adversely affect the Fund.
Warrants Risk — If the price of the underlying stock does not rise above the exercise price before the warrant expires, the warrant generally expires without any value and the Fund will lose any amount it paid for the warrant. Thus, investments in warrants may involve substantially more risk than investments in common stock. Warrants may trade in the same markets as their underlying stock; however, the price of the warrant does not necessarily move with the price of the underlying stock.
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Other Risks of Investing in the Fund
The Fund may also be subject to certain other non-principal risks associated with its investments and investment strategies, including:
Borrowing Risk — Borrowing may exaggerate changes in the net asset value of Fund shares and in the return on the Fund’s portfolio. Borrowing will cost the Fund interest expense and other fees. The costs of borrowing may reduce the Fund’s return. Borrowing may cause the Fund to liquidate positions when it may not be advantageous to do so to satisfy its obligations.
Cyber Security Risk — Failures or breaches of the electronic systems of the Fund, the Fund’s adviser, distributor, and other service providers, or the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests have the ability to cause disruptions and negatively impact the Fund’s business operations, potentially resulting in financial losses to the Fund and its shareholders. While the Fund has established business continuity plans and risk management systems seeking to address system breaches or failures, there are inherent limitations in such plans and systems. Furthermore, the Fund cannot control the cyber security plans and systems of the Fund’s service providers or issuers of securities in which the Fund invests.
Depositary Receipts Risk — Depositary receipts are generally subject to the same risks as the foreign securities that they evidence or into which they may be converted. In addition to investment risks associated with the underlying issuer, depositary receipts expose the Fund to additional risks associated with the non-uniform terms that apply to depositary receipt programs, credit exposure to the depository bank and to the sponsors and other parties with whom the depository bank establishes the programs, currency risk and the risk of an illiquid market for depositary receipts. The issuers of unsponsored depositary receipts are not obligated to disclose information that is, in the United States, considered material. Therefore, there may be less information available regarding these issuers and there may not be a correlation between such information and the market value of the depositary receipts. While depositary receipts provide an alternative to directly purchasing underlying foreign securities in their respective markets and currencies, they continue to be subject to many of the risks associated with investing directly in foreign securities, including political, economic, and currency risk.
Expense Risk — Fund expenses are subject to a variety of factors, including fluctuations in the Fund’s net assets. Accordingly, actual expenses may be greater or less than those indicated. For example, to the extent that the Fund’s net assets decrease due to market declines or redemptions, the Fund’s expenses will increase as a percentage of Fund net assets. During periods of high market volatility, these increases in the Fund’s expense ratio could be significant.
Illiquid Investments Risk — The Fund may not acquire any illiquid investment if, immediately after the acquisition, the Fund would have invested more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid investments. An illiquid investment is any investment that the Fund reasonably expects cannot be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment. Liquid investments may become illiquid after purchase by the Fund, particularly during periods of market turmoil. There can be no assurance that a security or instrument that is deemed to be liquid when purchased will continue to be liquid for as long as it is held by the Fund, and any security or instrument held by the Fund may be deemed an illiquid investment pursuant to the Fund’s liquidity risk management program. The Fund’s illiquid investments may reduce the returns of the Fund because it may be difficult to sell the illiquid investments at an advantageous time or price. In addition, if the Fund is limited in its ability to sell illiquid investments during periods when shareholders are redeeming their shares, the Fund will need to sell liquid securities to meet redemption requests and illiquid securities will become a larger portion of the Fund’s holdings. An investment may be illiquid due to, among other things, the reduced number and capacity of traditional market participants to make a market in fixed-income securities or the lack of an active trading market. To the extent that the Fund’s principal investment strategies involve derivatives or securities with substantial market and/or credit risk, the Fund will tend to have the greatest exposure to the risks associated with illiquid investments. Illiquid investments may be harder to value, especially in changing markets, and if the Fund is forced to sell these investments to meet redemption requests or for other cash needs, the Fund may suffer a loss.This may be magnified in a rising interest rate environment or other circumstances where investor redemptions from fixed-income mutual funds may be higher than normal. In addition, when there is illiquidity in the market for certain securities, the Fund, due to limitations on illiquid investments, may be subject to purchase and sale restrictions.
Investment in Other Investment Companies Risk— As with other investments, investments in other investment companies, including ETFs, are subject to market and selection risk. In addition, if the Fund acquires shares of investment companies, including ones affiliated with the Fund, shareholders bear both their proportionate share of expenses in the Fund (including management and advisory fees) and, indirectly, the expenses of the investment companies (to the extent not offset by BlackRock through waivers). To the extent the Fund is held by an affiliated fund, the ability of the Fund itself to hold other investment companies may be limited.
30


Large Shareholder and Large-Scale Redemption Risk — Certain shareholders, including a third-party investor, the Fund’s adviser or an affiliate of the Fund’s adviser, or another entity, may from time to time own or manage a substantial amount of Fund shares or may invest in the Fund and hold its investment for a limited period of time. There can be no assurance that any large shareholder or large group of shareholders would not redeem their investment or that the size of the Fund would be maintained. Redemptions of a large number of Fund shares by these shareholders may adversely affect the Fund’s liquidity and net assets. These redemptions may force the Fund to sell portfolio securities to meet redemption requests when it might not otherwise do so, which may negatively impact the Fund’s NAV and increase the Fund’s brokerage costs and/or accelerate the realization of taxable income and cause the Fund to make taxable distributions to its shareholders earlier than the Fund otherwise would have. In addition, under certain circumstances, non-redeeming shareholders may be treated as receiving a disproportionately large taxable distribution during or with respect to such tax year. The Fund also may be required to sell its more liquid Fund investments to meet a large redemption, in which case the Fund’s remaining assets may be less liquid, more volatile, and more difficult to price. In addition, large redemptions can result in the Fund’s current expenses being allocated over a smaller asset base, which generally results in an increase in the Fund’s expense ratio. Because large redemptions can adversely affect a portfolio manager’s ability to implement a fund’s investment strategy, the Fund also reserves the right to redeem in-kind, subject to certain conditions. In addition, large purchases of Fund shares may adversely affect the Fund’s performance to the extent that the Fund is delayed in investing new cash and is required to maintain a larger cash position than it ordinarily would, diluting its investment returns.
Reference Rate Replacement Risk — The Fund may be exposed to financial instruments that recently transitioned from, or continue to be tied to, LIBOR to determine payment obligations, financing terms, hedging strategies or investment value.
The United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”), which regulates LIBOR, has ceased publishing all LIBOR settings. In April 2023, however, the FCA announced that some USD LIBOR settings will continue to be published under a synthetic methodology until September 30, 2024 for certain legacy contracts. SOFR is a broad measure of the cost of borrowing cash overnight collateralized by U.S. Treasury securities in the repurchase agreement (“repo”) market and has been used increasingly on a voluntary basis in new instruments and transactions. Under U.S. regulations that implement a statutory fallback mechanism to replace LIBOR, benchmark rates based on SOFR have replaced LIBOR in certain financial contracts.
Neither the effect of the LIBOR transition process nor its ultimate success can yet be known. While some existing LIBOR-based instruments may contemplate a scenario where LIBOR is no longer available by providing for an alternative rate-setting methodology, there may be significant uncertainty regarding the effectiveness of any such alternative methodologies to replicate LIBOR. Not all existing LIBOR-based instruments may have alternative rate-setting provisions and there remains uncertainty regarding the willingness and ability of issuers to add alternative rate-setting provisions in certain existing instruments. Parties to contracts, securities or other instruments using LIBOR may disagree on transition rates or the application of transition regulation, potentially resulting in uncertainty of performance and the possibility of litigation. The Fund may have instruments linked to other interbank offered rates that may also cease to be published in the future.
Repurchase Agreements and Purchase and Sale Contracts Risk — If the other party to a repurchase agreement or purchase and sale contract defaults on its obligation under the agreement, the Fund may suffer delays and incur costs or lose money in exercising its rights under the agreement. If the seller fails to repurchase the security in either situation and the market value of the security declines, the Fund may lose money.
Restricted Securities Risk Limitations on the resale of restricted securities may have an adverse effect on their marketability, and may prevent the Fund from disposing of them promptly at advantageous prices. Restricted securities may not be listed on an exchange and may have no active trading market. In order to sell such securities, the Fund may have to bear the expense of registering the securities for resale and the risk of substantial delays in effecting the registration. Other transaction costs may be higher for restricted securities than unrestricted securities. Restricted securities may be difficult to value because market quotations may not be readily available, and the securities may have significant volatility. Also, the Fund may get only limited information about the issuer of a given restricted security, and therefore may be less able to predict a loss. Certain restricted securities may involve a high degree of business and financial risk and may result in substantial losses to the Fund.
Risks of Investing in Special Purpose Acquisition Companies — SPACs and similar entities are in essence “blank check” companies without operating histories or ongoing business operations (other than identifying and pursuing acquisitions). Therefore, the potential for the long-term capital appreciation of their securities is particularly dependent on the ability of the SPAC’s management to identify and complete a profitable acquisition. There is no guarantee that the SPACs in which the Fund may invest will complete an acquisition or that any acquisitions completed by the SPACs in which the Fund may invest will be profitable. Some SPACs may pursue acquisitions only
31


within certain industries or regions, which may ultimately lead to an increase in the volatility of their prices following the acquisition. In addition, some of these securities may be considered illiquid and/or subject to restrictions on resale. In connection with forming a SPAC, the SPAC’s sponsors and other investors may acquire “founder’s” shares, generally for nominal consideration. The sponsors and such investors will also purchase “at-risk” capital, in the form of either warrants or units, which proceeds are used to pay offering expense and working capital of the SPAC. Due to the risk of the loss of “at-risk” capital if an acquisition is not consummated, sponsors of SPACS may be incentivized to consummate acquisitions at less attractive valuations at the expense of SPAC shareholders. In addition, the number of SPACs have grown significantly over the past few years, leading to greater competition between SPACs and traditional purchasers of companies, which further increases the changes that sponsors may be incentivized to consummate acquisitions at less attractive valuations.
Securities Lending Risk — Securities lending involves the risk that the borrower may fail to return the securities in a timely manner or at all. As a result, the Fund may lose money and there may be a delay in recovering the loaned securities. The Fund could also lose money if it does not recover the securities and/or the value of the collateral falls, including the value of investments made with cash collateral. These events could trigger adverse tax consequences for the Fund.
Short Sales Risk — Because making short sales in securities that it does not own exposes the Fund to the risks associated with those securities, such short sales involve speculative exposure risk. The Fund will incur a loss as a result of a short sale if the price of the security increases between the date of the short sale and the date on which the Fund replaces the security sold short. The Fund will realize a gain if the security declines in price between those dates. As a result, if the Fund makes short sales in securities that increase in value, it will likely underperform similar funds that do not make short sales in securities they do not own. There can be no assurance that the Fund will be able to close out a short sale position at any particular time or at an acceptable price. Although the Fund’s gain is limited to the amount at which it sold a security short, its potential loss is limited only by the maximum attainable price of the security, less the price at which the security was sold. The Fund may also pay transaction costs and borrowing fees in connection with short sales.
Standby Commitment Agreements Risk Standby commitment agreements involve the risk that the security the Fund buys will lose value prior to its delivery to the Fund and will no longer be worth what the Fund has agreed to pay for it. These agreements also involve the risk that if the security goes up in value, the counterparty will decide not to issue the security. In this case, the Fund loses both the investment opportunity for the assets it set aside to pay for the security and any gain in the security’s price.
Valuation Risk The price the Fund could receive upon the sale of any particular portfolio investment may differ from the Fund’s valuation of the investment, particularly for securities that trade in thin or volatile markets or that are valued using a fair valuation methodology or a price provided by an independent pricing service. As a result, the price received upon the sale of an investment may be less than the value ascribed by the Fund, and the Fund could realize a greater than expected loss or lesser than expected gain upon the sale of the investment. Pricing services that value fixed-income securities generally utilize a range of market-based and security-specific inputs and assumptions, as well as considerations about general market conditions, to establish a price. Pricing services generally value fixed-income securities assuming orderly transactions of an institutional round lot size, but may be held or transactions may be conducted in such securities in smaller, odd lot sizes. Odd lots may trade at lower prices than institutional round lots. The Fund’s ability to value its investments may also be impacted by technological issues and/or errors by pricing services or other third-party service providers.
When-Issued and Delayed Delivery Securities and Forward Commitments Risk — When-issued and delayed delivery securities and forward commitments involve the risk that the security the Fund buys will lose value prior to its delivery. There also is the risk that the security will not be issued or that the other party to the transaction will not meet its obligation. If this occurs, the Fund may lose both the investment opportunity for the assets it set aside to pay for the security and any gain in the security’s price.
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Account Information
How to Choose the Share Class that Best Suits Your Needs
The Fund currently offers multiple share classes (Investor A, Investor C, Institutional and Class R Shares in this prospectus), each with its own sales charge and expense structure, allowing you to invest in the way that best suits your needs. Each share class represents an ownership interest in the same investment portfolio. When you choose your class of shares, you should consider the size of your investment and how long you plan to hold your shares. Either your financial professional or your selected securities dealer, broker, investment adviser, service provider or industry professional (including BlackRock and its affiliates) (each a “Financial Intermediary”) can help you determine which share class is best suited to your personal financial goals. Investor A Shares and Investor C Shares are sometimes referred to herein collectively as “Investor Shares.”
For example, if you select Institutional Shares, you will not pay any sales charge. However, only certain investors may buy Institutional Shares. If you select Investor A Shares, you generally pay a sales charge at the time of purchase and an ongoing service fee of 0.25% per year. You may be eligible for a sales charge reduction or waiver.
If you select Investor C or Class R Shares, you will invest the full amount of your purchase price, but you will be subject to a distribution fee of 0.75% per year for Investor C Shares and 0.25% per year for Class R Shares and a service fee of 0.25% per year for both classes of shares under plans adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act. Because these fees are paid out of the Fund’s assets on an ongoing basis, over time these fees increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges. In addition, you may be subject to a deferred sales charge when you sell Investor C Shares within one year. Classes with lower expenses will have higher net asset values and dividends relative to other share classes.
The Fund’s shares are distributed by BlackRock Investments, LLC (the “Distributor”), an affiliate of BlackRock.
The table on the following pages summarizes key features of each of the share classes of the Fund.
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Share Classes at a Glance1
 
Investor A
Investor C2,3
Institutional
Class R
Availability
Generally available
through Financial
Intermediaries.
Generally available
through Financial
Intermediaries.
Must be held
through a Financial
Intermediary.
Limited to certain investors,
including:
Individuals and Institutional
Investors, which include, but are
not limited to, endowments,
foundations, family offices, local,
city and state governmental
institutions, corporations and
insurance company separate
accounts, who may purchase
shares of the Fund through a
Financial Intermediary that has
entered into an agreement with
the Distributor to purchase such
shares.
Employer-sponsored retirement
plans (not including SEP IRAs,
SIMPLE IRAs or SARSEPs), state
sponsored 529 college savings
plans, collective trust funds,
investment companies or other
pooled investment vehicles,
unaffiliated thrifts and unaffiliated
banks and trust companies, each
of which may purchase shares of
the Fund through a Financial
Intermediary that has entered into
an agreement with the Distributor
to purchase such shares.
Employees, officers and directors/
trustees of BlackRock or its
affiliates and immediate family
members of such persons, if they
open an account directly with
BlackRock.
Participants in certain programs
sponsored by BlackRock or its
affiliates or other Financial
Intermediaries.
Tax-qualified accounts for
insurance agents that are
registered representatives of an
insurance company’s broker-dealer
that has entered into an
agreement with the Distributor to
offer Institutional Shares, and the
family members of such persons.
Clients investing through Financial
Intermediaries that have entered
into an agreement with the
Distributor to offer such shares on
a platform that charges a
transaction based sales
commission outside of the Fund.
Clients investing through a self-
directed IRA brokerage account
program sponsored by a
retirement plan record-keeper,
provided that such program offers
only mutual fund options and that
the program maintains an account
with the Fund on an omnibus
basis.
Available only to
certain employer-
sponsored
retirement plans.
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Investor A
Investor C2,3
Institutional
Class R
Minimum Investment
$1,000 for all
accounts except:
$50, if
establishing an
Automatic
Investment Plan
(AIP).
There is no
investment
minimum for
employer-
sponsored
retirement plans
(not including SEP
IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs
or SARSEPs).
There is no
investment
minimum for
certain fee-based
programs.
$1,000 for all
accounts except:
$50, if
establishing an
AIP.
There is no
investment
minimum for
employer-
sponsored
retirement plans
(not including SEP
IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs
or SARSEPs).
There is no
investment
minimum for
certain fee-based
programs.
There is no investment minimum
for:
Employer-sponsored retirement
plans (not including SEP IRAs,
SIMPLE IRAs or SARSEPs), state
sponsored 529 college savings
plans, collective trust funds,
investment companies or other
pooled investment vehicles,
unaffiliated thrifts and unaffiliated
banks and trust companies.
Employees, officers and directors/
trustees of BlackRock or its
affiliates and immediate family
members of such persons, if they
open an account directly with
BlackRock.
Clients of Financial Intermediaries
that: (i) charge such clients a fee
for advisory, investment
consulting, or similar services or
(ii) have entered into an
agreement with the Distributor to
offer Institutional Shares through
a no-load program or investment
platform.
Clients investing through a self-
directed IRA brokerage account
program sponsored by a
retirement plan record-keeper,
provided that such program offers
only mutual fund options and that
the program maintains an account
with the Fund on an omnibus
basis.
$2 million for individuals and
Institutional Investors.
$1,000 investment minimum for:
Clients investing through Financial
Intermediaries that offer such
shares on a platform that charges
a transaction based sales
commission outside of the Fund.
Tax-qualified accounts for
insurance agents that are
registered representatives of an
insurance company’s broker-dealer
that has entered into an
agreement with the Distributor to
offer Institutional Shares, and the
family members of such persons.
$100 for all
accounts.
Initial Sales Charge?
Yes. Payable at time
of purchase. Lower
sales charges are
available for larger
investments.
No. Entire purchase
price is invested in
shares of the Fund.
No. Entire purchase price is
invested in shares of the Fund.
No. Entire purchase
price is invested in
shares of the Fund.
Deferred Sales
Charge?
No. (May be
charged for
purchases of
$250,000 or more
that are redeemed
within 18 months.)
Yes. Payable if you
redeem within one
year of purchase.
No.
No.
35


 
Investor A
Investor C2,3
Institutional
Class R
Distribution and
Service (12b-1) Fees?
No Distribution Fee.
0.25% Annual
Service Fee.
0.75% Annual
Distribution Fee.
0.25% Annual
Service Fee.
No.
0.25% Annual
Distribution Fee.
0.25% Annual
Service Fee.
Redemption Fees?
No.
No.
No.
No.
Conversion to
Investor A Shares?
N/A
Yes, automatically
approximately eight
years after the date
of purchase. It is
the Financial
Intermediary’s
responsibility to
ensure that the
shareholder is
credited with the
proper holding
period. As of the
Effective Date (as
defined below),
certain Financial
Intermediaries,
including group
retirement
recordkeeping
platforms, may not
have been tracking
such holding
periods and
therefore may not
be able to process
such conversions.
In such instances,
the automatic
conversion of
Investor C Shares
to Investor A
Shares will occur
approximately eight
years after the
Effective Date.
In addition,
accounts that do
not have a Financial
Intermediary
associated with
them are not
eligible to hold
Investor C Shares,
and any Investor C
Shares held in such
accounts will be
automatically
converted to
Investor A Shares.
No.
No.
36


 
Investor A
Investor C2,3
Institutional
Class R
Advantage
Makes sense for
investors who are
eligible to have the
sales charge
reduced or
eliminated or who
have a long-term
investment horizon
because there are
no ongoing
distribution fees.
No up-front sales
charge so you start
off owning more
shares. These
shares may make
sense for investors
who have a shorter
investment horizon
relative to
Investor A Shares.
No up-front sales charge so you
start off owning more shares. No
distribution or service fees.
No up-front sales
charge so you start
off owning more
shares.
Disadvantage
You pay a sales
charge up-front, and
therefore you start
off owning fewer
shares.
You pay ongoing
distribution fees
each year you own
Investor C Shares,
which means that
over the long term
you can expect
higher total fees per
share than
Investor A Shares
and, as a result,
lower total
performance.
Limited availability.
Limited availability.
You pay ongoing
distribution fees
each year you own
Class R Shares,
which means that
over the long term
you can expect
higher total fees per
share than
Investor A Shares
and, as a result,
lower total
performance.
1
Please see “Details About the Share Classes” for more information about each share class.
2
If you establish a new account, or have an existing account, directly with the Fund and do not have a Financial Intermediary associated with your account, you may only invest in Investor A Shares. Applications without a Financial Intermediary that select Investor C Shares will not be accepted and accounts without an associated Financial Intermediary will not be eligible to hold Investor C Shares.
3
The Fund will not accept a purchase order of $500,000 or more for Investor C Shares (may be lower on funds that have set a lower breakpoint for purchasing Investor A Shares without a front-end sales charge). Your Financial Intermediary may set a lower maximum for Investor C Shares.
The following pages will cover the additional details of each share class, including the Institutional Shares requirements, the sales charge table for Investor A Shares, reduced sales charge information, Investor C Share contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) information, and sales charge waivers.
The availability of certain sales charge waivers and reductions will depend on whether you purchase your shares directly from the Fund or through a Financial Intermediary. Financial Intermediaries may have different policies and procedures regarding the availability of front-end sales charge waivers or deferred sales charge waivers, which are discussed below. In all instances, it is your responsibility to notify the Fund or your Financial Intermediary at the time of purchase of any relationship or other facts qualifying you for sales charge waivers or reductions. For waivers and discounts not available through a particular Financial Intermediary, shareholders will have to purchase Fund shares directly from the Fund or through another Financial Intermediary to receive these waivers or reductions. Please see the “Intermediary-Defined Sales Charge Waiver Policies” section beginning on page A-1 of the Fund’s prospectus to determine any sales charge waivers and reductions that may be available to you through your Financial Intermediary.
More information about existing sales charge reductions and waivers is available free of charge in a clear and prominent format via hyperlink at www.blackrock.com and in the SAI, which is available on the website or on request.
Details About the Share Classes
Investor A Shares — Initial Sales Charge Option
The following table shows the front-end sales charges that you may pay if you buy Investor A Shares. The offering price for Investor A Shares includes any front-end sales charge. The front-end sales charge expressed as a percentage of the offering price may be higher or lower than the charge described below due to rounding. Similarly, any CDSC paid upon certain redemptions of Investor A Shares expressed as a percentage of the applicable redemption amount may be higher or lower than the charge described below due to rounding. You may qualify for a reduced front-end sales charge. Purchases of Investor A Shares at certain fixed dollar levels, known as “breakpoints,” cause a reduction in the front-end sales charge. Once you achieve a breakpoint, you pay that sales charge on your entire purchase amount (and
37


not just the portion above the breakpoint). If you select Investor A Shares, you will pay a sales charge at the time of purchase as shown in the following table.
Your Investment
Sales Charge
as a % of
Offering Price
Sales Charge
as a % of
Your Investment1
Dealer
Compensation
as a % of
Offering Price
Less than $25,000
5.25
%
5.54
%
5.00
%
$25,000 but less than $50,000
4.75
%
4.99
%
4.50
%
$50,000 but less than $100,000
4.00
%
4.17
%
3.75
%
$100,000 but less than $250,000
3.00
%
3.09
%
2.75
%
$250,000 and over2
0.00
%
0.00
%
2
1
Rounded to the nearest one-hundredth percent.
2
If you invest $250,000 or more in Investor A Shares, you will not pay an initial sales charge. In that case, BlackRock compensates the Financial Intermediary from its own resources. However, if you redeem your shares within 18 months after purchase, you may be charged a deferred sales charge of 1.00% of the lesser of the original cost of the shares being redeemed or your redemption proceeds. Such deferred sales charge may be waived in connection with certain fee-based programs.
No initial sales charge applies to Investor A Shares that you buy through reinvestment of Fund dividends or capital gains.
Sales Charges Reduced or Eliminated for Investor A Shares
There are several ways in which the sales charge can be reduced or eliminated. Purchases of Investor A Shares at certain fixed dollar levels, known as “breakpoints,” cause a reduction in the front-end sales charge (as described above in the “Investor A Shares — Initial Sales Charge Option” section). Additionally, the front-end sales charge can be reduced or eliminated through one or a combination of the following: a Letter of Intent, the right of accumulation, the reinstatement privilege (described under “Account Services and Privileges”), or a waiver of the sales charge (described below).
Reductions or eliminations through a Letter of Intent or right of accumulation will apply to the value of all qualifying holdings in shares of mutual funds sponsored and advised by BlackRock or its affiliates (“BlackRock Funds”) owned by (a) the investor, or (b) the investor’s spouse and any children and a trust, custodial account or fiduciary account for the benefit of any such individuals. For this purpose, the value of an investor’s holdings means the offering price of the newly purchased shares (including any applicable sales charge) plus the current value (including any sales charges paid) of all other shares the investor already holds taken together.
See the “Intermediary-Defined Sales Charge Waiver Policies” section beginning on page A-1 of the Fund’s prospectus for sales charge reductions and waivers that may be available to customers of certain Financial Intermediaries.
Qualifying Holdings — Investor A and A1, Investor C, Investor P, Institutional, Class K and Premier Shares (in most BlackRock Funds), investments in certain unlisted closed-end management investment companies sponsored and advised by BlackRock or its affiliates (Eligible Unlisted BlackRock Closed-End Funds) and investments in the BlackRock CollegeAdvantage 529 Program.
Qualifying Holdings may include shares held in accounts held at a Financial Intermediary, including personal accounts, certain retirement accounts, UGMA/UTMA accounts, Joint Tenancy accounts, trust accounts and Transfer on Death accounts, as well as shares purchased by a trust of which the investor is a beneficiary. For purposes of the Letter of Intent and right of accumulation, the investor may not combine with the investor’s other holdings shares held in pension, profit sharing or other employer-sponsored retirement plans if those shares are held in the name of a nominee or custodian.
In order to receive a reduced sales charge, at the time an investor purchases shares of the Fund, the investor should inform the Financial Intermediary and/or BlackRock Funds of any other shares of the Fund or any other BlackRock Fund or Eligible Unlisted BlackRock Closed-End Fund that qualify for a reduced sales charge. Failure by the investor to notify the Financial Intermediary or BlackRock Funds may result in the investor not receiving the sales charge reduction to which the investor is otherwise entitled.
The Financial Intermediary or BlackRock Funds may request documentation — including account statements and records of the original cost of the shares owned by the investor, the investor’s spouse and/or children showing that the investor qualifies for a reduced sales charge. The investor should retain these records because — depending on where an account is held or the type of account — the Fund and/or the Financial Intermediary, BlackRock Funds or Eligible Unlisted BlackRock Closed-End Funds may not be able to maintain this information.
For more information, see the SAI or contact your Financial Intermediary.
38


Letter of Intent
An investor may qualify for a reduced front-end sales charge immediately by signing a “Letter of Intent” stating the investor’s intention to make one or more of the following investments within the next 13 months which would, if bought all at once, qualify the investor for a reduced sales charge:
i.
Buy a specified amount of Investor A, Investor C, Investor P, Institutional, Class K and/or Premier Shares,
ii.
Make an investment in one or more Eligible Unlisted BlackRock Closed-End Funds and/or
iii.
Make an investment through the BlackRock CollegeAdvantage 529 Program in one or more BlackRock Funds.
The initial investment must meet the minimum initial purchase requirement. The 13-month Letter of Intent period commences on the day that the Letter of Intent is received by the Fund.
The market value of current holdings in the BlackRock Funds (including Investor A, Investor C, Investor P, Institutional, Class K and Premier Shares, Eligible Unlisted BlackRock Closed-End Funds and the BlackRock CollegeAdvantage 529 Program Class A and Class C Units) as of the date of commencement that are eligible under the Right of Accumulation may be counted towards the sales charge reduction.
The investor must notify the Fund of (i) any current holdings in the BlackRock Funds, Eligible Unlisted BlackRock Closed-End Funds and/or the BlackRock CollegeAdvantage 529 Program that should be counted towards the sales charge reduction and (ii) any subsequent purchases that should be counted towards the Letter of Intent.
During the term of the Letter of Intent, the Fund will hold Investor A Shares representing up to 5% of the indicated amount in an escrow account for payment of a higher sales load if the full amount indicated in the Letter of Intent is not purchased. If the full amount indicated is not purchased within the 13-month period, and the investor does not pay the higher sales load within 20 days, the Fund will redeem enough of the Investor A Shares held in escrow to pay the difference.
Right of Accumulation
Investors have a “right of accumulation” under which any of the following may be combined with the amount of the current purchase in determining whether an investor qualifies for a breakpoint and a reduced front-end sales charge:
i.
The current value of an investor’s existing Investor A and A1, Investor C, Investor P, Institutional, Class K and Premier Shares in most BlackRock Funds,
ii.
The current value of an investor’s existing shares of Eligible Unlisted BlackRock Closed-End Funds and
iii.
The investment in the BlackRock CollegeAdvantage 529 Program by the investor or by or on behalf of the investor’s spouse and children.
Financial Intermediaries may value current holdings of their customers differently for purposes of determining whether an investor qualifies for a breakpoint and a reduced front-end sales charge, although customers of the same Financial Intermediary will be treated similarly. In order to use this right, the investor must alert BlackRock to the existence of any previously purchased shares.
Other Front-End Sales Charge Waivers
The following persons may also buy Investor A Shares without paying a sales charge:
Certain employer-sponsored retirement plans. For purposes of this waiver, employer-sponsored retirement plans do not include SEP IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs or SARSEPs;
Rollovers of current investments through certain employer-sponsored retirement plans provided the shares are transferred to the same BlackRock Fund as either a direct rollover, or subsequent to distribution, the rolled-over proceeds are contributed to a BlackRock IRA through an account directly with the Fund; or purchases by IRA programs that are sponsored by Financial Intermediary firms provided the Financial Intermediary firm has entered into a Class A Net Asset Value agreement with respect to such program with the Distributor;
Insurance company separate accounts;
Registered investment advisers, trust companies and bank trust departments exercising discretionary investment authority with respect to amounts to be invested in the Fund;
Persons participating in a fee-based program (such as a wrap account) under which they pay advisory fees to a broker-dealer or other financial institution;
Financial Intermediaries who have entered into an agreement with the Distributor and have been approved by the Distributor to offer Fund shares to self-directed investment brokerage accounts that may or may not charge a transaction fee;
39


Persons associated with the Fund, the Fund’s manager, the Fund’s sub-adviser, transfer agent, Distributor, fund accounting agents, Barclays PLC (“Barclays”) and their respective affiliates (to the extent permitted by these firms) including: (a) officers, directors and partners; (b) employees and retirees; (c) employees of firms who have entered into selling agreements to distribute shares of BlackRock Funds; (d) immediate family members of such persons; and (e) any trust, pension, profit-sharing or other benefit plan for any of the persons set forth in (a) through (d);
State sponsored 529 college savings plans; and
Accounts opened directly with the Fund that do not have a Financial Intermediary associated with the account.
In addition, a sales charge waiver may be available for investors exchanging Investor P Shares of another BlackRock Fund for Investor A Shares of the Fund through an intermediary-processed exchange, provided that the investor had previously paid a sales charge with respect to such shares.
In addition, Financial Intermediaries may, in connection with a change in account type or otherwise in accordance with a Financial Intermediary’s policies and procedures, exchange one class of shares for Investor A Shares of the same Fund. In such cases, such exchange would not be subject to an Investor A Shares sales charge. The availability of Investor A Shares sales charge waivers may depend on the policies, procedures and trading platforms of your Financial Intermediary; consult your financial adviser.
See the “Intermediary-Defined Sales Charge Waiver Policies” section beginning on page A-1 of the Fund’s prospectus for sales charge reductions and waivers that may be available to customers of certain Financial Intermediaries.
Investor A Shares at Net Asset Value
If you invest $250,000 or more in Investor A Shares, you will not pay any initial sales charge. However, if you redeem your Investor A Shares within 18 months after purchase, you may be charged a deferred sales charge of 1.00% of the lesser of the original cost of the shares being redeemed or your redemption proceeds. For a discussion on waivers, see “Contingent Deferred Sales Charge Waivers.”
If you are eligible to buy both Investor A and Institutional Shares, you should buy Institutional Shares since Investor A Shares are subject to a front-end sales charge and an annual 0.25% service fee, while Institutional Shares are not. The Distributor normally pays the annual Investor A Shares service fee to dealers as a shareholder servicing fee on a monthly basis.
Investor C Shares — Deferred Sales Charge Option
If you select Investor C Shares, you do not pay an initial sales charge at the time of purchase. However, if you redeem your Investor C Shares within one year after purchase, you may be required to pay a deferred sales charge of 1.00%. The charge will apply to the lesser of the original cost of the shares being redeemed or the proceeds of your redemption. When you redeem Investor C Shares, the redemption order is processed so that the lowest deferred sales charge is charged. Investor C Shares that are not subject to the deferred sales charge are redeemed first. In addition, you will not be charged a deferred sales charge when you redeem shares that you acquire through reinvestment of Fund dividends or capital gains. Any CDSC paid on the redemptions of Investor C Shares expressed as a percentage of the applicable redemption amount may be higher or lower than the charge described due to rounding.
Effective November 23, 2020 (the “Effective Date”), Investor C Shares will automatically convert to Investor A Shares approximately eight years after the date of purchase. It is the Financial Intermediary’s responsibility to ensure that the shareholder is credited with the proper holding period. As of the Effective Date, certain Financial Intermediaries, including group retirement recordkeeping platforms, may not have been tracking such holding periods and therefore may not be able to process such conversions. In such instances, the automatic conversion of Investor C Shares to Investor A Shares will occur approximately eight years after the Effective Date. The automatic conversion of Investor C Shares to Investor A Shares is not a taxable event for Federal income tax purposes. Please consult your Financial Intermediary for additional information.
In addition, accounts that do not have a Financial Intermediary associated with them are not eligible to hold Investor C Shares, and any Investor C Shares held in such accounts will be automatically converted to Investor A Shares.
See the “Intermediary-Defined Sales Charge Waiver Policies” section beginning on page A-1 of the Fund’s prospectus for sales charge reductions and waivers that may be available to customers of certain Financial Intermediaries.
You will also pay distribution fees of 0.75% and service fees of 0.25% for Investor C Shares each year. Because these fees are paid out of the Fund’s assets on an ongoing basis, over time these fees increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges. The Distributor uses the money that it receives from the deferred sales charges and the distribution fees to cover the costs of marketing, advertising and compensating the Financial Intermediary who assists you in purchasing Fund shares.
40


The Distributor currently pays dealers a sales concession of 1.00% of the purchase price of Investor C Shares from its own resources at the time of sale. The Distributor pays the annual Investor C Shares distribution fee and the annual Investor C Shares service fee as an ongoing concession and as a shareholder servicing fee, respectively, to dealers for Investor C Shares held for over a year and normally retains the Investor C Shares distribution fee and service fee during the first year after purchase. For certain employer-sponsored retirement plans, the Distributor will pay the full Investor C Shares distribution fee and service fee to dealers beginning in the first year after purchase in lieu of paying the sales concession. This may depend on the policies, procedures and trading platforms of your Financial Intermediary; consult your financial adviser.
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge Waivers
The deferred sales charge relating to Investor A and Investor C Shares may be reduced or waived in certain circumstances, such as:
Redemptions of shares purchased through certain employer-sponsored retirement plans and rollovers of current investments in the Fund through such plans;
Exchanges pursuant to the exchange privilege, as described in “How to Buy, Sell, Exchange and Transfer Shares — How to Exchange Shares or Transfer Your Account”;
Redemptions made in connection with minimum required distributions from IRA or 403(b)(7) accounts due to the shareholder reaching the age of 72;
Certain post-retirement withdrawals from an IRA or other retirement plan if you are over 59½ years old and you purchased your shares prior to October 2, 2006;
Redemptions made with respect to certain retirement plans sponsored by the Fund, BlackRock or an affiliate;
Redemptions resulting from shareholder death as long as the waiver request is made within one year of death or, if later, reasonably promptly following completion of probate (including in connection with the distribution of account assets to a beneficiary of the decedent);
Withdrawals resulting from shareholder disability (as defined in the Internal Revenue Code) as long as the disability arose subsequent to the purchase of the shares;
Involuntary redemptions made of shares in accounts with low balances;
Certain redemptions made through the Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) offered by the Fund, BlackRock or an affiliate;
Redemptions related to the payment of BNY Mellon Investment Servicing Trust Company custodial IRA fees; and
Redemptions when a shareholder can demonstrate hardship, in the absolute discretion of the Fund.
See the “Intermediary-Defined Sales Charge Waiver Policies” section beginning on page A-1 of the Fund’s prospectus for sales charge reductions and waivers that may be available to customers of certain Financial Intermediaries.
More information about existing sales charge reductions and waivers is available free of charge in a clear and prominent format via hyperlink at www.blackrock.com and in the SAI, which is available on the website or on request.
Institutional Shares
Institutional Shares are not subject to any sales charge. Only certain investors are eligible to buy Institutional Shares. Your Financial Intermediary can help you determine whether you are eligible to buy Institutional Shares. The Fund may permit a lower initial investment for certain investors if their purchase, combined with purchases by other investors received together by the Fund, meets the minimum investment requirement.
Institutional Shares may also be available on certain brokerage platforms. An investor transacting in Institutional Shares on such brokerage platforms through a broker acting as an agent for the investor may be required to pay a commission and/or other forms of compensation to the broker. Shares of the Fund are available in other share classes that have different fees and expenses.
Eligible Institutional Share investors include the following:
Individuals and “Institutional Investors” with a minimum initial investment of $2 million who may purchase shares of the Fund through a Financial Intermediary that has entered into an agreement with the Distributor to purchase such shares;
Clients of Financial Intermediaries that: (i) charge such clients a fee for advisory, investment consulting, or similar services or (ii) have entered into an agreement with the Distributor to offer Institutional Shares through a no-load program or investment platform, in each case, with no minimum initial investment;
41


Clients investing through Financial Intermediaries that have entered into an agreement with the Distributor to offer such shares on a platform that charges a transaction based sales commission outside of the Fund, with a minimum initial investment of $1,000;
Employer-sponsored retirement plans (not including SEP IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs or SARSEPs), state sponsored 529 college savings plans, collective trust funds, investment companies or other pooled investment vehicles, unaffiliated thrifts and unaffiliated banks and trust companies, each of which is not subject to any minimum initial investment and may purchase shares of the Fund through a Financial Intermediary that has entered into an agreement with the Distributor to purchase such shares;
Trust department clients of Bank of America, N.A. and its affiliates for whom they (i) act in a fiduciary capacity (excluding participant directed employee benefit plans); (ii) otherwise have investment discretion; or (iii) act as custodian for at least $2 million in assets, who are not subject to any minimum initial investment;
Holders of certain Bank of America Corporation (BofA Corp.) sponsored unit investment trusts (UITs) who reinvest dividends received from such UITs in shares of the Fund, who are not subject to any minimum initial investment;
Employees, officers and directors/trustees of BlackRock, Inc., BlackRock Funds, BofA Corp., Barclays or their respective affiliates and immediate family members of such persons, if they open an account directly with BlackRock, who are not subject to any minimum initial investment;
Tax-qualified accounts for insurance agents that are registered representatives of an insurance company’s broker-dealer that has entered into an agreement with the Distributor to offer Institutional Shares, and the family members of such persons; and
Clients investing through a self-directed IRA brokerage account program sponsored by a retirement plan record-keeper, provided that such program offers only mutual fund options and that the program maintains an account with the Fund on an omnibus basis.
The Fund reserves the right to modify or waive the above-stated policies at any time.
Class R Shares
Class R Shares are available only to certain employer-sponsored retirement plans. For this purpose, employer-sponsored retirement plans do not include SEP IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs or SARSEPs. If you buy Class R Shares, you will pay neither an initial sales charge nor a CDSC. However, Class R Shares are subject to a distribution fee of 0.25% per year and a service fee of 0.25% per year. Because these fees are paid out of the Fund’s assets on an ongoing basis, over time these fees increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.
Class R Shares do not offer a conversion privilege.
The Distributor currently pays the annual Class R Shares distribution fee and annual Class R Shares service fee to dealers as an ongoing concession and as a shareholder servicing fee, respectively, on a monthly basis.
Distribution and Shareholder Servicing Payments
Plan Payments
The Fund has adopted a plan (the “Plan”) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act with respect to the Investor Shares and Class R Shares that allows the Fund to pay distribution fees for the sale of its shares and/or shareholder servicing fees for certain services provided to its shareholders.
Under the Plan, Investor C Shares and Class R Shares pay a distribution fee to the Distributor and/or its affiliates for distribution and sales support services. The distribution fees may be used to pay the Distributor for distribution and sales support services and to pay the Distributor and BlackRock and its affiliates for sales support services provided and related expenses incurred in connection with the sale of Investor C Shares and Class R Shares. The distribution fees may also be used to pay Financial Intermediaries for sales support services and related expenses. All Investor C Shares and Class R Shares pay a maximum distribution fee per year that is a percentage of the average daily net asset value of the Investor C Shares and Class R Shares of the Fund. Institutional and Investor A Shares do not pay distribution fees.
Under the Plan, the Fund also pays shareholder servicing fees (also referred to as general shareholder liaison services fees) to Financial Intermediaries for providing support services to their customers who own Investor Shares and/or Class R Shares of the Fund. The shareholder servicing fee payment is calculated as a percentage of the average daily net asset value of Investor Shares and Class R Shares of the Fund. All Investor Shares and Class R Shares pay this shareholder servicing fee. Institutional Shares do not pay a shareholder servicing fee.
42


In return for the shareholder servicing fee, Financial Intermediaries (including BlackRock) may provide one or more of the following services to their customers who own Investor Shares and Class R Shares:
Answering customer inquiries regarding account status and history, the manner in which purchases, exchanges and redemptions or repurchases of shares may be effected and certain other matters pertaining to the customers’ investments;
Assisting customers in designating and changing dividend options, account designations and addresses; and
Providing other similar shareholder liaison services.
The shareholder servicing fees payable pursuant to the Plan are paid to compensate Financial Intermediaries for the administration and servicing of shareholder accounts and are not costs which are primarily intended to result in the sale of the Fund’s shares.
Because the fees paid by the Fund under the Plan are paid out of Fund assets on an ongoing basis, over time these fees will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges. In addition, the distribution fees paid by Investor C Shares and Class R Shares may over time cost investors more than the front-end sales charge on Investor A Shares. For more information on the Plan, including a complete list of services provided thereunder, see the SAI.
Other Payments by the Fund
In addition to fees that the Fund may pay to a Financial Intermediary pursuant to the Plan and fees the Fund pays to its transfer agent, BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. (the “Transfer Agent”), BlackRock, on behalf of the Fund, may enter into non-Plan agreements with affiliated and unaffiliated Financial Intermediaries pursuant to which the Fund will pay a Financial Intermediary for administrative, networking, recordkeeping, sub-transfer agency, sub-accounting and/or shareholder services. These non-Plan payments are generally based on either (1) a percentage of the average daily net assets of Fund shareholders serviced by a Financial Intermediary or (2) a fixed dollar amount for each account serviced by a Financial Intermediary. The aggregate amount of these payments may be substantial.
Other Payments by BlackRock
From time to time, BlackRock, the Distributor or their affiliates also may pay a portion of the fees for administrative, networking, recordkeeping, sub-transfer agency, sub-accounting and shareholder services described above at its or their own expense and out of its or their profits. BlackRock, the Distributor and their affiliates may also compensate affiliated and unaffiliated Financial Intermediaries for the sale and distribution of shares of the Fund. These payments would be in addition to the Fund payments described in this prospectus and may be a fixed dollar amount, may be based on the number of customer accounts maintained by the Financial Intermediary, may be based on a percentage of the value of shares sold to, or held by, customers of the Financial Intermediary or may be calculated on another basis. The aggregate amount of these payments by BlackRock, the Distributor and their affiliates may be substantial and, in some circumstances, may create an incentive for a Financial Intermediary, its employees or associated persons to recommend or sell shares of the Fund to you.
Please contact your Financial Intermediary for details about payments it may receive from the Fund or from BlackRock, the Distributor or their affiliates. For more information, see the SAI.
How to Buy, Sell, Exchange and Transfer Shares
The chart on the following pages summarizes how to buy, sell, exchange and transfer shares through your Financial Intermediary. You may also buy, sell, exchange and transfer shares through BlackRock if your account is held directly with BlackRock. To learn more about buying, selling, exchanging or transferring shares through BlackRock, call (800) 441-7762. Because the selection of a mutual fund involves many considerations, your Financial Intermediary may help you with this decision.
With certain limited exceptions, the Fund is generally available only to investors residing in the United States and may not be distributed by a foreign Financial Intermediary. Under this policy, in order to accept new accounts or additional investments (including by way of exchange from another BlackRock Fund) into existing accounts, the Fund generally requires that (i) a shareholder that is a natural person be a U.S. citizen or resident alien, in each case residing within the United States or a U.S. territory (including APO/FPO/DPO addresses), and have a valid U.S. taxpayer identification number, and (ii) a Financial Intermediary or a shareholder that is an entity be domiciled in the United States and have a valid U.S. taxpayer identification number or be domiciled in a U.S. territory and have a valid U.S. taxpayer identification number or IRS Form W-8. Any existing account that is updated to reflect a non-U.S. address will also be restricted from making additional investments.
43


The Fund may reject any purchase order, modify or waive the minimum initial or subsequent investment requirements for any shareholders and suspend and resume the sale of any share class of the Fund at any time for any reason. In addition, the Fund may waive certain requirements regarding the purchase, sale, exchange or transfer of shares described below.
Under certain circumstances, if no activity occurs in an account within a time period specified by state law, a shareholder’s shares in the Fund may be transferred to that state.
How to Buy Shares
 
Your Choices
Important Information for You to Know
Initial Purchase
First, select the share class
appropriate for you
Refer to the “Share Classes at a Glance” table in this prospectus (be
sure to read this prospectus carefully). When you place your initial
order, you must indicate which share class you select (if you do not
specify a share class and do not qualify to purchase Institutional
Shares, you will receive Investor A Shares).
Certain factors, such as the amount of your investment, your time
frame for investing, and your financial goals, may affect which share
class you choose. Your Financial Intermediary can help you determine
which share class is appropriate for you.
Class R Shares are available only to certain employer-sponsored
retirement plans.
 
Next, determine the amount of
your investment
Refer to the minimum initial investment in the “Share Classes at a
Glance” table of this prospectus. Be sure to note the maximum
investment amounts in Investor C Shares.
See “Account Information — Details About the Share Classes” for
information on a lower initial investment requirement for certain Fund
investors if their purchase, combined with purchases by other
investors received together by the Fund, meets the minimum
investment requirement.
 
Have your Financial Intermediary
submit your purchase order
The price of your shares is based on the next calculation of the Fund’s
net asset value after your order is placed. Any purchase orders placed
prior to the close of business on the New York Stock Exchange (the
“NYSE”) (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) will be priced at the net
asset value determined that day. Certain Financial Intermediaries,
however, may require submission of orders prior to that time. Purchase
orders placed after that time will be priced at the net asset value
determined on the next business day.
A broker-dealer or financial institution maintaining the account in which
you hold shares may charge a separate account, service or transaction
fee on the purchase or sale of Fund shares that would be in addition to
the fees and expenses shown in the Fund’s “Fees and Expenses”
table.
The Fund may reject any order to buy shares and may suspend the sale
of shares at any time. Certain Financial Intermediaries may charge a
processing fee to confirm a purchase.
 
Or contact BlackRock (for
accounts held directly with
BlackRock)
To purchase shares directly from BlackRock, call (800) 441-7762 and
request a new account application. Mail the completed application
along with a check payable to “BlackRock Funds” to the Transfer Agent
at the address on the application. The Fund limits purchases by
personal check to $500,000 per trade.
Add to Your
Investment
Purchase additional shares
For Investor A and Investor C Shares, the minimum investment for
additional purchases is generally $50 for all accounts (with the
exception of certain employer-sponsored retirement plans which may
have a lower minimum for additional purchases). The minimums for
additional purchases may be waived under certain circumstances.
Institutional and Class R Shares have no minimum for additional
purchases.
 
Have your Financial Intermediary
submit your purchase order for
additional shares
To purchase additional shares you may contact your Financial
Intermediary.
For more details on purchasing by Internet see below.
44


 
Your Choices
Important Information for You to Know
Add to Your
Investment
(continued)
Or contact BlackRock (for
accounts held directly with
BlackRock)
Purchase by Telephone: Call (800) 441-7762 and speak with one of
our representatives. The Fund has the right to reject any telephone
request for any reason.
Purchase in Writing: You may send a written request to BlackRock at
the address on the back cover of this prospectus.
Purchase by VRU: Investor Shares may also be purchased by use of
the Fund’s automated voice response unit (“VRU”) service at
(800) 441-7762.
Purchase by Internet: You may purchase your shares and view activity
in your account by logging onto the BlackRock website at
www.blackrock.com. Purchases made on the Internet using the
Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) will have a trade date that is the
day after the purchase is made.
Certain institutional clients’ purchase orders of Institutional Shares
placed by wire prior to the close of business on the NYSE will be priced
at the net asset value determined that day. Contact your Financial
Intermediary or BlackRock for further information. The Fund limits
Internet purchases in shares of the Fund to $25,000 per trade.
Different maximums may apply to certain institutional investors.
Please read the On-Line Services Disclosure Statement and User
Agreement, the Terms and Conditions page and the Consent to
Electronic Delivery Agreement (if you consent to electronic delivery),
before attempting to transact online.
The Fund employs reasonable procedures to confirm that transactions
entered over the Internet are genuine. By entering into the User
Agreement with the Fund in order to open an account through the
website, the shareholder waives any right to reclaim any losses from
the Fund or any of its affiliates incurred through fraudulent activity.
 
Acquire additional shares by
reinvesting dividends and capital
gains
All dividends and capital gains distributions are automatically
reinvested without a sales charge. To make any changes to your
dividend and/or capital gains distributions options, please call
(800) 441-7762, or contact your Financial Intermediary (if your account
is not held directly with BlackRock).
 
Participate in the AIP
BlackRock’s AIP allows you to invest a specific amount on a periodic
basis from your checking or savings account into your investment
account.
Refer to the “Account Services and Privileges” section of this
prospectus for additional information.
How to Pay for
Shares
Making payment for purchases
Payment for an order must be made in Federal funds or other
immediately available funds by the time specified by your Financial
Intermediary, but in no event later than 4:00 p.m. (Eastern time) on
the second business day (in the case of Investor Shares) or the first
business day (in the case of Institutional Shares) following
BlackRock’s receipt of the order. If payment is not received by this
time, the order will be canceled and you and your Financial
Intermediary will be responsible for any loss to the Fund.
For shares purchased directly from the Fund, a check payable to
BlackRock Funds which bears the name of the Fund must accompany a
completed purchase application. The Fund limits purchases by personal
check to $500,000 per trade. There is a $20 fee for each purchase
check that is returned due to insufficient funds. The Fund does not
accept third-party checks. You may also wire Federal funds to the Fund
to purchase shares, but you must call (800) 441-7762 before doing so
to confirm the wiring instructions.
45


How to Sell Shares
 
Your Choices
Important Information for You to Know
Full or Partial
Redemption of
Shares
Have your Financial Intermediary
submit your sales order
You can make redemption requests through your Financial
Intermediary. Shareholders should indicate whether they are
redeeming Investor A, Investor C, Institutional or Class R Shares. The
price of your shares is based on the next calculation of the Fund’s net
asset value after your order is placed. For your redemption request to
be priced at the net asset value on the day of your request, you must
submit your request to your Financial Intermediary prior to that day’s
close of business on the NYSE (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time).
Certain Financial Intermediaries, however, may require submission of
orders prior to that time. Any redemption request placed after that time
will be priced at the net asset value at the close of business on the
next business day.
Regardless of the method the Fund uses to make payment of your
redemption proceeds (check, wire or ACH), your redemption proceeds
typically will be sent one to two business days after your request is
submitted, but in any event, within seven days.
Certain Financial Intermediaries may charge a fee to process a
redemption of shares.
The Fund may reject an order to sell shares under certain
circumstances.
 
Selling shares held directly with
BlackRock
Methods of Redeeming
Redeem by Telephone: You may redeem Investor Shares held directly
with BlackRock by telephone request if certain conditions are met and
if the amount being sold is less than (i) $100,000 for payments by
check or (ii) $250,000 for payments through ACH or wire transfer.
Certain redemption requests, such as those in excess of these
amounts, must be in writing with a medallion signature guarantee. For
Institutional Shares, certain redemption requests may require written
instructions with a medallion signature guarantee. Call (800) 441-7762
for details.
You can obtain a medallion signature guarantee stamp from a bank,
securities dealer, securities broker, credit union, savings and loan
association, national securities exchange or registered securities
association. A notary public seal will not be acceptable.
The Fund, its administrators and the Distributor will employ reasonable
procedures to confirm that instructions communicated by telephone are
genuine. The Fund and its service providers will not be liable for any
loss, liability, cost or expense for acting upon telephone instructions
that are reasonably believed to be genuine in accordance with such
procedures. The Fund may refuse a telephone redemption request if it
believes it is advisable to do so. During periods of substantial
economic or market change, telephone redemptions may be difficult to
complete. Please find alternative redemption methods below.
Redeem by VRU: Investor Shares may also be redeemed by use of the
Fund’s automated VRU service. Payment for Investor Shares redeemed
by the VRU service may be made for non-retirement accounts in
amounts up to $25,000, either through check, ACH or wire.
Redeem by Internet: You may redeem in your account by logging onto
the BlackRock website at www.blackrock.com. Proceeds from Internet
redemptions may be sent via check, ACH or wire to the bank account of
record. Payment for Investor Shares redeemed by Internet may be
made for non-retirement accounts in amounts up to $25,000, either
through check, ACH or wire. Different maximums may apply to investors
in Institutional Shares.
Redeem in Writing: You may sell shares held with BlackRock by writing
to BlackRock, P.O. Box 534429, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15253-4429
or for overnight delivery, Attention: 534429, 500 Ross Street 154-
0520, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15262. All shareholders on the account
must sign the letter. A medallion signature guarantee will generally be
required but may be waived in certain limited circumstances. You can
46


 
Your Choices
Important Information for You to Know
Full or Partial
Redemption of
Shares (continued)
Selling shares held directly with
BlackRock (continued)
obtain a medallion signature guarantee stamp from a bank, securities
dealer, securities broker, credit union, savings and loan association,
national securities exchange or registered securities association. A
notary public seal will not be acceptable. If you hold stock certificates,
return the certificates with the letter. Proceeds from redemptions may
be sent via check, ACH or wire to the bank account of record.
Payment of Redemption Proceeds
Redemption proceeds may be paid by check or, if the Fund has verified
banking information on file, through ACH or by wire transfer.
Payment by Check: BlackRock will normally mail redemption proceeds
within three business days following receipt of a properly completed
request, but in any event within seven days. Shares can be redeemed
by telephone and the proceeds sent by check to the shareholder at the
address on record. Shareholders will pay $15 for redemption proceeds
sent by check via overnight mail. You are responsible for any additional
charges imposed by your bank for this service.
The Fund reserves the right to reinvest any dividend or distribution
amounts (e.g., income dividends or capital gains) which you have
elected to receive by check should your check be returned as
undeliverable or remain uncashed for more than 6 months. No interest
will accrue on amounts represented by uncashed checks. Your check
will be reinvested in your account at the net asset value next
calculated, on the day of the investment. When reinvested, those
amounts are subject to the risk of loss like any Fund investment. If you
elect to receive distributions in cash and a check remains undeliverable
or uncashed for more than 6 months, your cash election may also be
changed automatically to reinvest and your future dividend and capital
gains distributions will be reinvested in the Fund at the net asset value
as of the date of payment of the distribution.
Payment by Wire Transfer: Payment for redeemed shares for which a
redemption order is received before 4:00 p.m. (Eastern time) on a
business day is normally made in Federal funds wired to the redeeming
shareholder on the next business day, provided that the Fund’s
custodian is also open for business. Payment for redemption orders
received after 4:00 p.m. (Eastern time) or on a day when the Fund’s
custodian is closed is normally wired in Federal funds on the next
business day following redemption on which the Fund’s custodian is
open for business. The Fund reserves the right to wire redemption
proceeds within seven days after receiving a redemption order if, in the
judgment of the Fund, an earlier payment could adversely affect the
Fund.
If a shareholder has given authorization for expedited redemption,
shares can be redeemed by Federal wire transfer to a single previously
designated bank account. Shareholders will pay $7.50 for redemption
proceeds sent by Federal wire transfer. You are responsible for any
additional charges imposed by your bank for this service. No charge for
wiring redemption payments with respect to Institutional Shares is
imposed by the Fund.
The Fund is not responsible for the efficiency of the Federal wire
system or the shareholder’s firm or bank. To change the name of the
single, designated bank account to receive wire redemption proceeds, it
is necessary to send a written request to the Fund at the address on
the back cover of this prospectus.
Payment by ACH: Redemption proceeds may be sent to the
shareholder’s bank account (checking or savings) via ACH. Payment for
redeemed shares for which a redemption order is received before
4:00 p.m. (Eastern time) on a business day is normally sent to the
redeeming shareholder the next business day, with receipt at the
receiving bank within the next two business days (48-72 hours);
provided that the Fund’s custodian is also open for business. Payment
for redemption orders received after 4:00 p.m. (Eastern time) or on a
day when the Fund’s custodian is closed is normally sent on the next
47


 
Your Choices
Important Information for You to Know
Full or Partial
Redemption of
Shares (continued)
Selling shares held directly with
BlackRock (continued)
business day following redemption on which the Fund’s custodian is
open for business.
The Fund reserves the right to send redemption proceeds within seven
days after receiving a redemption order if, in the judgment of the Fund,
an earlier payment could adversely affect the Fund. No charge for
sending redemption payments via ACH is imposed by the Fund.
***
If you make a redemption request before the Fund has collected
payment for the purchase of shares, the Fund may delay mailing your
proceeds. This delay will usually not exceed ten days.
Redemption
Proceeds
 
Under normal circumstances, the Fund expects to meet redemption
requests by using cash or cash equivalents in its portfolio or by selling
portfolio assets to generate cash. During periods of stressed market
conditions, when a significant portion of the Fund’s portfolio may be
comprised of less-liquid investments, the Fund may be more likely to
limit cash redemptions and may determine to pay redemption proceeds
by (i) borrowing under a line of credit it has entered into with a group of
lenders, (ii) borrowing from another BlackRock Fund pursuant to an
interfund lending program, to the extent permitted by the Fund’s
investment policies and restrictions as set forth in the SAI, and/or
(iii) transferring portfolio securities in-kind to you. The SAI includes
more information about the Fund’s line of credit and interfund lending
program, to the extent applicable.
If the Fund pays redemption proceeds by transferring portfolio
securities in-kind to you, you may pay transaction costs to dispose of
the securities, and you may receive less for them than the price at
which they were valued for purposes of redemption.
How to Exchange Shares or Transfer Your Account
 
Your Choices
Important Information for You to Know
Exchange Privilege
Selling shares of one BlackRock
Fund to purchase shares of
another BlackRock Fund
(“exchanging”)
Investor or Institutional Shares of the Fund are generally exchangeable
for shares of the same class of another BlackRock Fund, to the extent
such shares are offered by your Financial Intermediary. No exchange
privilege is available for Class R Shares.
You can exchange $1,000 or more of Investor Shares from one fund
into the same class of another fund which offers that class of shares
(you can exchange less than $1,000 of Investor Shares if you already
have an account in the fund into which you are exchanging). Investors
who currently own Institutional Shares of the Fund may make
exchanges into Institutional Shares of other BlackRock Funds except for
investors holding shares through certain client accounts at Financial
Intermediaries that are omnibus with the Fund and do not meet
applicable minimums. There is no required minimum amount with
respect to exchanges of Institutional Shares.
You may only exchange into a share class and fund that are open to
new investors or in which you have a current account if the fund is
closed to new investors.
Some of the BlackRock Funds impose a different initial or deferred
sales charge schedule. The CDSC will continue to be measured from
the date of the original purchase. The CDSC schedule applicable to your
original purchase will apply to the shares you receive in the exchange
and any subsequent exchange.
To exercise the exchange privilege, you may contact your Financial
Intermediary. Alternatively, if your account is held directly with
BlackRock, you may: (i) call (800) 441-7762 and speak with one of our
representatives, (ii) make the exchange via the Internet by accessing
your account online at www.blackrock.com, or (iii) send a written
request to the Fund at the address on the back cover of this
prospectus. Please note, if you indicated on your new account
application that you did not want the Telephone Exchange Privilege, you
48


 
Your Choices
Important Information for You to Know
Exchange Privilege
(continued)
Selling shares of one BlackRock
Fund to purchase shares of
another BlackRock Fund
(“exchanging”) (continued)
will not be able to place exchanges via the telephone until you update
this option either in writing or by calling (800) 441-7762. The Fund has
the right to reject any telephone request for any reason.
Although there is currently no limit on the number of exchanges that
you can make, the exchange privilege may be modified or terminated at
any time in the future. The Fund may suspend or terminate your
exchange privilege at any time for any reason, including if the Fund
believes, in its sole discretion, that you are engaging in market timing
activities. See “Short-Term Trading Policy” below. For U.S. federal
income tax purposes a share exchange is a taxable event and a capital
gain or loss may be realized. Please consult your tax adviser or other
Financial Intermediary before making an exchange request.
Transfer Shares to
Another Financial
Intermediary
Transfer to a participating
Financial Intermediary
You may transfer your shares of the Fund only to another Financial
Intermediary that has entered into an agreement with the Distributor.
Certain shareholder services may not be available for the transferred
shares. All future trading of these assets must be coordinated by the
receiving firm.
If your account is held directly with BlackRock, you may call
(800) 441-7762 with any questions; otherwise please contact your
Financial Intermediary to accomplish the transfer of shares.
 
Transfer to a non-participating
Financial Intermediary
You must either:
Transfer your shares to an account with the Fund; or
Sell your shares, paying any applicable deferred sales charge.
If your account is held directly with BlackRock, you may call
(800) 441-7762 with any questions; otherwise please contact your
Financial Intermediary to accomplish the transfer of shares.
Account Services and Privileges
The following table provides examples of account services and privileges available in your BlackRock account. Certain of these account services and privileges are only available to shareholders of Investor Shares whose accounts are held directly with BlackRock. If your account is held directly with BlackRock, please call (800) 441-7762 or visit www.blackrock.com for additional information as well as forms and applications. Otherwise, please contact your Financial Intermediary for assistance in requesting one or more of the following services and privileges.
Automatic
Investment Plan
Allows systematic investments
on a periodic basis from your
checking or savings account.
BlackRock’s AIP allows you to invest a specific amount on a periodic
basis from your checking or savings account into your investment
account. You may apply for this option upon account opening or by
completing the AIP application. The minimum investment amount for
an automatic investment is $50 per portfolio.
Dividend Allocation
Plan
Automatically invests your
distributions into another
BlackRock Fund of your choice
pursuant to your instructions,
without any fees or sales
charges.
Dividend and capital gains distributions may be reinvested in your
account to purchase additional shares or paid in cash. Using the
Dividend Allocation Plan, you can direct your distributions to your bank
account (checking or savings), to purchase shares of another fund at
BlackRock without any fees or sales charges, or by check to a special
payee. Please call (800) 441-7762 for details. If investing in another
fund at BlackRock, the receiving fund must be open to new purchases.
EZ Trader
Allows an investor to purchase or
sell Investor Shares by telephone
or over the Internet through ACH.
(NOTE: This option is offered to shareholders whose accounts are held
directly with BlackRock. Please speak with your Financial Intermediary
if your account is held elsewhere.)
Prior to establishing an EZ Trader account, please contact your bank to
confirm that it is a member of the ACH system. Once confirmed,
complete an application, making sure to include the appropriate bank
information, and return the application to the address listed on the
form.
Prior to placing a telephone or Internet purchase or sale order, please
call (800) 441-7762 to confirm that your bank information has been
49


EZ Trader
(continued)
Allows an investor to purchase or
sell Investor Shares by telephone
or over the Internet through ACH.
(continued)
updated on your account. Once this is established, you may place your
request to sell shares with the Fund by telephone or Internet. Proceeds
will be sent to your pre-designated bank account.
Systematic
Exchange Plan
This feature can be used by
investors to systematically
exchange money from one fund
to up to four other funds.
A minimum of $10,000 in the initial BlackRock Fund is required, and
investments in any additional funds must meet minimum initial
investment requirements.
Systematic
Withdrawal Plan
This feature can be used by
investors who want to receive
regular distributions from their
accounts.
To start an SWP, a shareholder must have a current investment of
$10,000 or more in a BlackRock Fund.
Shareholders can elect to receive cash payments of $50 or more at any
interval they choose. Shareholders may sign up by completing the SWP
Application Form, which may be obtained from BlackRock. Shareholders
should realize that if withdrawals exceed income the invested principal
in their account will be depleted.
To participate in the SWP, shareholders must have their dividends
reinvested. Shareholders may change or cancel the SWP at any time,
with a minimum of 24 hours’ notice. If a shareholder purchases
additional Investor A Shares of a fund at the same time he or she
redeems shares through the SWP, that investor may lose money
because of the sales charge involved. No CDSC will be assessed on
redemptions of Investor A or Investor C Shares made through the SWP
that do not exceed 12% of the account’s net asset value on an
annualized basis. For example, monthly, quarterly, and semi-annual
SWP redemptions of Investor A or Investor C Shares will not be subject
to the CDSC if they do not exceed 1%, 3% and 6%, respectively, of an
account’s net asset value on the redemption date. SWP redemptions of
Investor A or Investor C Shares in excess of this limit will still pay any
applicable CDSC.
Ask your Financial Intermediary for details.
Reinstatement
Privilege
 
If you redeem Investor A or Institutional Shares and buy new Investor A
Shares of the same or another BlackRock Fund (equal to all or a
portion of the redemption amount) within 90 days of such redemption,
you will not pay a sales charge on the new purchase amount. This right
may be exercised within 90 days of the redemption, provided that the
Investor A Share class of that fund is currently open to new investors
or the shareholder has a current account in that closed fund. Shares
will be purchased at the net asset value calculated at the close of
trading on the day the request is received. To exercise this privilege,
the Fund must receive written notification from the shareholder of
record or the Financial Intermediary of record, at the time of purchase.
Investors should consult a tax adviser concerning the tax
consequences of exercising this reinstatement privilege.
Fund’s Rights
The Fund may:
Suspend the right of redemption if trading is halted or restricted on the NYSE or under other emergency conditions described in the Investment Company Act;
Postpone the date of payment upon redemption if trading is halted or restricted on the NYSE or under other emergency conditions described in the Investment Company Act or if a redemption request is made before the Fund has collected payment for the purchase of shares;
Redeem shares for property other than cash as may be permitted under the Investment Company Act; and
Redeem shares involuntarily in certain cases, such as when the value of a shareholder account falls below a specified level.
Note on Low Balance Accounts. Because of the high cost of maintaining smaller shareholder accounts, BlackRock has set a minimum balance of $500 in each Fund position you hold within your account (“Fund Minimum”), and may redeem the shares in your account if the net asset value of those shares in your account falls below $500 for any reason, including market fluctuation.
50


You will be notified that the value of your account is less than the Fund Minimum before the Fund makes any involuntary redemption. This notification will provide you with a 90 calendar day period to make an additional investment in order to bring the value of your account to at least $500 before the Fund makes an involuntary redemption. This involuntary redemption will not charge any deferred sales charge, and may not apply to accounts of certain employer-sponsored retirement plans (not including IRAs), qualified state tuition plan (529 Plan) accounts, and select fee-based programs at your Financial Intermediary.
Participation in Fee-Based Programs
If you participate in certain fee-based programs offered by BlackRock or an affiliate of BlackRock or by Financial Intermediaries that have agreements with the Distributor or in certain fee-based programs in which BlackRock participates, you may be able to buy Institutional Shares, including by exchanges from other share classes. Sales charges on the shares being exchanged may be reduced or waived under certain circumstances. You generally cannot transfer shares held through a fee-based program into another account. Instead, if you choose to leave the fee-based program, you may have to redeem your shares held through the program and purchase shares of another class, which may be subject to distribution and service fees. This may be a taxable event and you may pay any applicable sales charges or redemption fee. Please speak to your Financial Intermediary for information about specific policies and procedures applicable to your account.
Generally, upon termination of a fee-based program, the shares may be liquidated, or the shares can be held in an account. In certain instances, when a shareholder chooses to continue to hold the shares, whatever share class was held in the program can be held after termination. Shares that have been held for less than specified periods within the program may be subject to a fee upon redemption. Shareholders that held Investor A or Institutional Shares in the program may be eligible to purchase additional shares of the respective share class of the Fund, but may be subject to upfront sales charges with respect to Investor A Shares. Additional purchases of Institutional Shares are permitted only if you have an existing position at the time of purchase or are otherwise eligible to purchase Institutional Shares. Please speak to your Financial Intermediary for more information.
Certain Financial Intermediaries may, in connection with a change in account type (for example, due to leaving a fee-based program or upon termination of the fee-based program) or otherwise in accordance with the Financial Intermediary’s policies and procedures, exchange the share class held in the program for another share class of the same fund, provided that the exchanged shares are not subject to a sales charge and the shareholder meets the eligibility requirements of the new share class. Please speak to your Financial Intermediary for information about specific policies and procedures applicable to your account.
Details about the features of each fee-based program and the relevant charges, terms and conditions are included in the client agreement for each fee-based program and are available from your Financial Intermediary. Please speak to your Financial Intermediary for more information.
Short-Term Trading Policy
The Board of Directors (the “Board”) has determined that the interests of long-term shareholders and the Fund’s ability to manage its investments may be adversely affected when shares are repeatedly bought, sold or exchanged in response to short-term market fluctuations — also known as “market timing.” The Fund is not designed for market timing organizations or other entities using programmed or frequent purchases and sales or exchanges. The exchange privilege for Investor Shares and Institutional Shares is not intended as a vehicle for short-term trading. Excessive purchase and sale or exchange activity may interfere with portfolio management, increase expenses and taxes and may have an adverse effect on the performance of the Fund and its returns to shareholders. For example, large flows of cash into and out of the Fund may require the management team to allocate a significant amount of assets to cash or other short-term investments or sell securities, rather than maintaining such assets in securities selected to achieve the Fund’s investment objective. Frequent trading may cause the Fund to sell securities at less favorable prices, and transaction costs, such as brokerage commissions, can reduce the Fund’s performance.
A fund’s investment in non-U.S. securities is subject to the risk that an investor may seek to take advantage of a delay between the change in value of the fund’s portfolio securities and the determination of the fund’s net asset value as a result of different closing times of U.S. and non-U.S. markets by buying or selling fund shares at a price that does not reflect their true value. A similar risk exists for funds that invest in securities of small capitalization companies, securities of issuers located in emerging markets or high yield securities (junk bonds) that are thinly traded and therefore may have actual values that differ from their market prices. This short-term arbitrage activity can reduce the return received by long-term shareholders. The Fund will seek to eliminate these opportunities by using fair value pricing, as described in “Management of the Fund — Valuation of Fund Investments” below.
51


The Fund discourages market timing and seeks to prevent frequent purchases and sales or exchanges of Fund shares that it determines may be detrimental to the Fund or long-term shareholders. The Board has approved the policies discussed below to seek to deter market timing activity. The Board has not adopted any specific numerical restrictions on purchases, sales and exchanges of Fund shares because certain legitimate strategies will not result in harm to the Fund or its shareholders.
If as a result of its own investigation, information provided by a Financial Intermediary or other third party, or otherwise, the Fund believes, in its sole discretion, that your short-term trading is excessive or that you are engaging in market timing activity, it reserves the right to reject any specific purchase or exchange order. If the Fund rejects your purchase or exchange order, you will not be able to execute that transaction, and the Fund will not be responsible for any losses you therefore may suffer. For transactions placed directly with the Fund, the Fund may consider the trading history of accounts under common ownership or control for the purpose of enforcing these policies. Transactions placed through the same Financial Intermediary on an omnibus basis may be deemed part of a group for the purpose of this policy and may be rejected in whole or in part by the Fund. Certain accounts, such as omnibus accounts and accounts at Financial Intermediaries, however, include multiple investors and such accounts typically provide the Fund with net purchase or redemption and exchange requests on any given day where purchases, redemptions and exchanges of shares are netted against one another and the identity of individual purchasers, redeemers and exchangers whose orders are aggregated may not be known by the Fund. While the Fund monitors for market timing activity, the Fund may be unable to identify such activities because the netting effect in omnibus accounts often makes it more difficult to locate and eliminate market timers from the Fund. The Distributor has entered into agreements with respect to Financial Intermediaries that maintain omnibus accounts with the Transfer Agent pursuant to which such Financial Intermediaries undertake to cooperate with the Distributor in monitoring purchase, exchange and redemption orders by their customers in order to detect and prevent short-term or excessive trading in the Fund’s shares through such accounts. Identification of market timers may also be limited by operational systems and technical limitations. In the event that a Financial Intermediary is determined by the Fund to be engaged in market timing or other improper trading activity, the Distributor may terminate such Financial Intermediary’s agreement with the Distributor, suspend such Financial Intermediary’s trading privileges or take other appropriate actions.
There is no assurance that the methods described above will prevent market timing or other trading that may be deemed abusive.
The Fund may from time to time use other methods that it believes are appropriate to deter market timing or other trading activity that may be detrimental to the Fund or long-term shareholders.
52


Management of the Fund
BlackRock
BlackRock, the Fund’s investment adviser, manages the Fund’s investments and its business operations subject to the oversight of the Board of the Fund. While BlackRock is ultimately responsible for the management of the Fund, it is able to draw upon the trading, research and expertise of its asset management affiliates for portfolio decisions and management with respect to certain portfolio securities. BlackRock is an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of BlackRock, Inc.
BlackRock, a registered investment adviser, was organized in 1994 to perform advisory services for investment companies. BlackRock (Singapore) Limited (“BRS”), a registered investment adviser organized in 2000, and BlackRock International Limited (“BIL,” and, together with BRS, the “Sub-Advisers”), a registered investment adviser organized in 1995, are affiliates of BlackRock, and each acts as a sub-adviser for the Fund. BlackRock and its affiliates had approximately $9.425 trillion in investment company and other portfolio assets under management as of June 30, 2023.
The Fund has entered into a management agreement (the “Management Agreement”) with BlackRock. Under the Management Agreement, BlackRock receives for its services to the Fund a fee at the annual rate of 0.75% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.
BlackRock has agreed to contractually waive a portion of its management fee payable by the Fund through June 30, 2025, so that BlackRock receives a fee as a percentage of average daily net assets of the Fund as follows:
In Excess of
Not Exceeding
Rate Waived to
$0
$10 billion
0.75%
$10 billion
$15 billion
0.69%
$15 billion
$20 billion
0.68%
$20 billion
$25 billion
0.67%
$25 billion
$30 billion
0.65%
$30 billion
$40 billion
0.63%
$40 billion
$60 billion
0.62%
$60 billion
$80 billion
0.61%
$80 billion
0.60%
The contractual agreement may be terminated upon 90 days’ notice by a majority of the non-interested directors of the Fund or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund.
BlackRock has contractually agreed to waive the management fee with respect to any portion of the Fund’s assets estimated to be attributable to investments in (i) other equity and fixed-income mutual funds and ETFs managed by BlackRock or its affiliates that have a contractual management fee and (ii) other exchange-traded products sponsored by BlackRock or its affiliates, through June 30, 2025. In addition, BlackRock has contractually agreed to waive its management fees by the amount of advisory fees the Fund pays to BlackRock indirectly through its investment in money market funds managed by BlackRock or its affiliates (the affiliated money market fund waiver), through June 30, 2025. The contractual agreements may be terminated upon 90 days’ notice by a majority of the non-interested directors of the Fund or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of theFund.
For the fiscal year ended April 30, 2023, BlackRock received a fee, net of applicable waivers and/or reimbursements, at the annual rate of 0.71% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.
BlackRock has entered into sub-advisory agreements with the Sub-Advisers. Under the sub-advisory agreements, BlackRock pays each Sub-Adviser for services it provides for that portion of the Fund for which each Sub-Adviser acts as sub-adviser a fee equal to a percentage of the management fee paid to BlackRock under the Management Agreement.
A discussion of the basis for the Board’s approval of the Management Agreement with BlackRock and the sub-advisory agreement between BlackRock and BRS is included in the Fund’s semi-annual shareholder report for the fiscal period ended October 31, 2022. A discussion of the basis for the Board’s approval of the sub-advisory agreement between BlackRock and BIL will be included in the Fund’s semi-annual shareholder report for the fiscal period ending October 31, 2024.
53


From time to time, a manager, analyst, or other employee of BlackRock or its affiliates may express views regarding a particular asset class, company, security, industry, or market sector. The views expressed by any such person are the views of only that individual as of the time expressed and do not necessarily represent the views of BlackRock or any other person within the BlackRock organization. Any such views are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and BlackRock disclaims any responsibility to update such views. These views may not be relied on as investment advice and, because investment decisions for the Fund are based on numerous factors, may not be relied on as an indication of trading intent on behalf of the Fund.
As discussed above, the Fund intends to gain exposure to commodities markets by investing in the Cayman Subsidiary. BlackRock provides investment management and other services to the Cayman Subsidiary. BlackRock does not receive separate compensation from the Cayman Subsidiary for providing it with investment management or administrative services. However, the Fund pays BlackRock based on the Fund’s assets, including the assets in the Cayman Subsidiary.
Portfolio Manager Information
Information regarding the portfolio managers of the Fund is set forth below. Further information regarding the portfolio managers, including other accounts managed, compensation, ownership of Fund shares, and possible conflicts of interest, is available in the Fund’s SAI.
Portfolio Manager
Primary Role
Since
Title and Recent Biography
Rick Rieder
Jointly and primarily responsible for
the management of the Fund’s
portfolio, including setting the Fund’s
overall investment strategy and
overseeing the management of the
Fund
2019
BlackRock’s Chief Investment Officer of Global
Fixed Income, Head of Global Allocation
Investment Team, member of the Global
Executive Committee, Global Executive
Committee Investments Sub-Committee,
Global Operating Committee and Chairman of
the BlackRock, Inc. firmwide Investment
Council; Managing Director of BlackRock, Inc.
since 2009; President and Chief Executive
Officer of R3 Capital Partners from 2008 to
2009; Managing Director at Lehman Brothers
from 1994 to 2008.
Russ Koesterich, CFA,
JD
Jointly and primarily responsible for
the management of the Fund’s
portfolio, including setting the Fund’s
overall investment strategy and
overseeing the management of the
Fund
2017
Managing Director of BlackRock, Inc. since
2009.
David Clayton, CFA, JD
Jointly and primarily responsible for
the management of the Fund’s
portfolio, including setting the Fund’s
overall investment strategy and
overseeing the management of the
Fund
2017
Managing Director of BlackRock, Inc. since
2012; Director of BlackRock, Inc. from 2010
to 2011.
Conflicts of Interest
The investment activities of BlackRock and its affiliates (including BlackRock, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Affiliates”)), and their respective directors, officers or employees, in the management of, or their interest in, their own accounts and other accounts they manage, may present conflicts of interest that could disadvantage the Fund and its shareholders.
BlackRock and its Affiliates provide investment management services to other funds and discretionary managed accounts that may follow investment programs similar to that of the Fund. BlackRock and its Affiliates are involved worldwide with a broad spectrum of financial services and asset management activities and may engage in the ordinary course of business in activities in which their interests or the interests of their clients may conflict with those of the Fund. BlackRock or one or more Affiliates act or may act as an investor, research provider, investment manager, commodity pool operator, commodity trading advisor, financier, underwriter, adviser, trader, lender, index provider, agent and/or principal, and have other direct and indirect interests in securities, currencies, commodities, derivatives and other instruments in which the Fund may directly or indirectly invest. The Fund may invest in securities of, or
54


engage in other transactions with, companies with which an Affiliate has significant debt or equity investments or other interests. The Fund may also invest in issuances (such as structured notes) by entities for which an Affiliate provides and is compensated for cash management services relating to the proceeds from the sale of such issuances. The Fund also may invest in securities of, or engage in other transactions with, companies for which an Affiliate provides or may in the future provide research coverage. An Affiliate may have business relationships with, and purchase, or distribute or sell services or products from or to, distributors, consultants or others who recommend the Fund or who engage in transactions with or for the Fund, and may receive compensation for such services. BlackRock or one or more Affiliates may engage in proprietary trading and advise accounts and funds that have investment objectives similar to those of the Fund and/or that engage in and compete for transactions in the same types of securities, currencies and other instruments as the Fund. This may include transactions in securities issued by other open-end and closed-end investment companies (which may include investment companies that are affiliated with the Fund and BlackRock, to the extent permitted under the Investment Company Act). The trading activities of BlackRock and these Affiliates are carried out without reference to positions held directly or indirectly by the Fund and may result in BlackRock or an Affiliate having positions in certain securities that are senior or junior to, or have interests different from or adverse to, the securities that are owned by the Fund.
Neither BlackRock nor any Affiliate is under any obligation to share any investment opportunity, idea or strategy with the Fund. As a result, an Affiliate may compete with the Fund for appropriate investment opportunities. The results of the Fund’s investment activities, therefore, may differ from those of an Affiliate and of other accounts managed by BlackRock or an Affiliate, and it is possible that the Fund could sustain losses during periods in which one or more Affiliates and other accounts achieve profits on their trading for proprietary or other accounts. The opposite result is also possible.
In addition, the Fund may, from time to time, enter into transactions in which BlackRock or an Affiliate or their directors, officers or employees or other clients have an adverse interest. Furthermore, transactions undertaken by clients advised or managed by BlackRock or its Affiliates may adversely impact the Fund. Transactions by one or more clients or BlackRock or its Affiliates or their directors, officers or employees, may have the effect of diluting or otherwise disadvantaging the values, prices or investment strategies of the Fund. The Fund’s activities may be limited because of regulatory restrictions applicable to BlackRock or one or more Affiliates and/or their internal policies designed to comply with such restrictions.
Under a securities lending program approved by the Board, the Fund has retained BlackRock Investment Management, LLC, an Affiliate of BlackRock, to serve as the securities lending agent for the Fund to the extent that the Fund participates in the securities lending program. For these services, the securities lending agent will receive a fee from the Fund, including a fee based on the returns earned on the Fund’s investment of the cash received as collateral for the loaned securities. In addition, one or more Affiliates may be among the entities to which the Fund may lend its portfolio securities under the securities lending program.
The activities of BlackRock and its Affiliates and their respective directors, officers or employees, may give rise to other conflicts of interest that could disadvantage the Fund and its shareholders. BlackRock has adopted policies and procedures designed to address these potential conflicts of interest. See the SAI for further information.
Valuation of Fund Investments
When you buy shares, you pay the net asset value, plus any applicable sales charge. This is the offering price. Shares are also redeemed at their net asset value, minus any applicable sales charge or redemption fee. The net asset value used in determining your share price is the next one calculated after your purchase or redemption order is received. The net asset value of each class of shares normally is determined once daily Monday through Friday, generally as of the close of regular trading hours of the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) (normally 4:00 p.m., Eastern time), on each day that the NYSE is open for trading, based on prices at the time of closing, provided that any Fund assets or liabilities denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are translated into U.S. dollars at the prevailing market rates on the date of valuation as quoted by one or more data service providers. The net asset value of shares is calculated by dividing the value of the net assets of each class of shares (i.e., the value of its total assets less total liabilities) by the total number of outstanding shares of the class, generally rounded to the nearest cent.
Generally, Institutional Shares will have the highest net asset value because that class has the lowest expenses. Investor A Shares will have a higher net asset value than Investor C or Class R Shares, and Class R Shares will have a higher net asset value than Investor C Shares. Also, dividends paid on Investor A, Institutional and Class R Shares will generally be higher than dividends paid on Investor C Shares because Investor A, Institutional and Class R Shares have lower expenses.
55


The value of the securities and other assets and liabilities held by the Fund are determined pursuant to BlackRock’s valuation policies and procedures. BlackRock has been designated by the Board as the valuation designee for the Fund pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the Investment Company Act.
Equity securities and other equity instruments for which market quotations are readily available are valued at market value, which is generally determined using the last reported official closing price or, if a reported closing price is not available, the last traded price on the exchange or market on which the security or instrument is primarily traded at the time of valuation. Shares of underlying open-end funds (including money market funds) are valued at net asset value. Shares of underlying exchange-traded closed-end funds or other ETFs are valued at their most recent closing price.
The Fund values fixed-income portfolio securities using last available bid prices or current market quotations provided by dealers or prices (including evaluated prices) supplied by the Fund’s approved independent third-party pricing services, each in accordance with BlackRock’s valuation policies and procedures. Pricing services may use matrix pricing or valuation models that utilize certain inputs and assumptions to derive values. Pricing services generally value fixed-income securities assuming orderly transactions of an institutional round lot size, but the Fund may hold or transact in such securities in smaller odd lot sizes. Odd lots may trade at lower prices than institutional round lots. An amortized cost method of valuation may be used with respect to debt obligations with 60 days or less remaining to maturity unless BlackRock determines in good faith that such method does not represent fair value.
Generally, trading in non-U.S. securities, U.S. government securities, money market instruments and certain fixed-income securities is substantially completed each day at various times prior to the close of business on the NYSE. The values of such securities used in computing the net asset value of the Fund’s shares are determined as of such times.
When market quotations are not readily available or are believed by BlackRock to be unreliable, BlackRock will fair value the Fund’s investments in accordance with its policies and procedures. BlackRock may conclude that a market quotation is not readily available or is unreliable if a security or other asset or liability does not have a price source due to its lack of trading or other reasons, if a market quotation differs significantly from recent price quotations or otherwise no longer appears to reflect fair value, where the security or other asset or liability is thinly traded, when there is a significant event subsequent to the most recent market quotation, or if the trading market on which a security is listed is suspended or closed and no appropriate alternative trading market is available. A “significant event” is deemed to occur if BlackRock determines, in its reasonable business judgment prior to or at the time of pricing the Fund’s assets or liabilities, that the event is likely to cause a material change to the closing market price of one or more assets held by, or liabilities of, the Fund.
For certain foreign assets, a third-party vendor supplies evaluated, systematic fair value pricing based upon the movement of a proprietary multi-factor model after the relevant foreign markets have closed. This systematic fair value pricing methodology is designed to correlate the prices of foreign assets following the close of the local markets to the price that might have prevailed as of the Fund’s pricing time.
Fair value represents a good faith approximation of the value of an asset or liability. The fair value of an asset or liability held by the Fund is the amount the Fund might reasonably expect to receive from the current sale of that asset or the cost to extinguish that liability in an arm’s-length transaction. Valuing the Fund’s investments using fair value pricing will result in prices that may differ from current market valuations and that may not be the prices at which those investments could have been sold during the period in which the particular fair values were used.
The Fund may accept orders from certain authorized Financial Intermediaries or their designees. The Fund will be deemed to receive an order when accepted by the Financial Intermediary or designee, and the order will receive the net asset value next computed by the Fund after such acceptance. If the payment for a purchase order is not made by a designated later time, the order will be canceled and the Financial Intermediary could be held liable for any losses.
56


Dividends, Distributions and Taxes
BUYING A DIVIDEND
Unless your investment is in a tax-deferred account, you may want to avoid buying shares shortly before the Fund pays a dividend. The reason? If you buy shares when the Fund has declared but not yet distributed ordinary income or capital gains, you will pay the full price for the shares and then receive a portion of the price back in the form of a taxable dividend. Before investing you may want to consult your tax adviser.
The Fund will distribute net investment income, if any, and net realized capital gains, if any, at least annually. The Fund may also pay a special distribution at the end of the calendar year to comply with federal tax requirements. Dividends may be reinvested automatically in shares of the Fund at net asset value without a sales charge or may be taken in cash. If you would like to receive dividends in cash, contact your Financial Intermediary or the Fund. Although this cannot be predicted with any certainty, the Fund anticipates that a significant amount of its dividends, if any, will consist of capital gains. Capital gains may be taxable to you at different rates depending on how long the Fund held the assets sold.
You will pay tax on dividends from the Fund whether you receive them in cash or additional shares. If you redeem Fund shares or exchange them for shares of another fund, you generally will be treated as having sold your shares and any gain on the transaction may be subject to tax. Fund distributions derived from qualified dividend income, which consists of dividends received from U.S. corporations and qualifying foreign corporations, and from long-term capital gains are eligible for taxation at a maximum rate of 15% or 20% for individuals, depending on whether their income exceeds certain threshold amounts, which are adjusted annually for inflation.
A 3.8% Medicare tax is imposed on the net investment income (which includes, but is not limited to, interest, dividends and net gain from investments) of U.S. individuals with income exceeding $200,000, or $250,000 if married filing jointly, and of trusts and estates.
Your dividends and redemption proceeds will be subject to backup withholding tax if you have not provided a taxpayer identification number or social security number or the number you have provided is incorrect.
If you are neither a tax resident nor a citizen of the United States or if you are a foreign entity (other than a pass-through entity to the extent owned by U.S. persons), the Fund’s ordinary income dividends will generally be subject to a 30% U.S. withholding tax, unless a lower treaty rate applies. However, certain distributions reported by the Fund as capital gain dividends, interest-related dividends or short-term capital gain dividends and paid to a foreign shareholder may be eligible for an exemption from U.S. withholding tax.
Separately, a 30% withholding tax is currently imposed on U.S.-source dividends, interest and other income items paid to (i) certain foreign financial institutions and investment funds, and (ii) certain other foreign entities. To avoid withholding, foreign financial institutions and investment funds will generally either need to (a) collect and report to the IRS detailed information identifying their U.S. accounts and U.S. account holders, comply with due diligence procedures for identifying U.S. accounts and withhold tax on certain payments made to noncomplying foreign entities and account holders or (b) if an intergovernmental agreement is entered into and implementing legislation is adopted, comply with the agreement and legislation. Other foreign entities will generally either need to provide detailed information identifying each substantial U.S. owner or certify there are no such owners.
The Fund intends to gain exposure to certain of its portfolio companies that would generate “bad income” for purposes of RIC qualification if such portfolio companies were owned directly by the Fund by investing in such portfolio companies indirectly through a wholly owned Delaware subsidiary (the “Delaware Subsidiary” and together with the Cayman Subsidiary, “Subsidiaries”). The Delaware Subsidiary will be subject to federal (and potentially state and local) corporation income tax. Dividends from the Fund that are attributable to dividends from the Delaware Subsidiary may be eligible to be treated as qualified dividend income (for non-corporate shareholders) and may be eligible for the dividends received deduction (for corporate shareholders) to the extent properly reported as qualified dividend income or eligible for the dividends paid deduction, respectively.
Additionally, the Fund intends to gain exposure to commodities markets and other instruments that would generate “bad income” for purposes of RIC qualification if such investments were made directly by the Fund by making such investments indirectly through the Cayman Subsidiary. The Cayman Subsidiary is expected to be a “controlled foreign corporation” and all of its net income is expected to be “subpart F income” for U.S. federal income tax purposes. If that is the case, the Fund will be required to report all of the Cayman Subsidiary’s net income as ordinary income regardless of whether that income would be treated differently (for example, as capital gain) at the Cayman Subsidiary level and regardless of whether that income is distributed to the Fund. Dividends from the Fund that are attributable to
57


income of the Cayman Subsidiary will be ineligible to be treated as qualified dividend income (for non-corporate shareholders) or for the dividends received deduction (for corporate shareholders).
Dividends and interest received by the Fund and capital gains recognized by the Fund may give rise to withholding and other taxes imposed by foreign countries. Tax conventions between certain countries and the United States may reduce or eliminate such taxes. You may be able to claim a credit or take a deduction for foreign taxes paid by the Fund if certain requirements are met.
This section summarizes some of the consequences under current federal tax law of an investment in the Fund. It is not a substitute for individualized tax advice. Consult your tax adviser about the potential tax consequences of an investment in the Fund under all applicable tax laws.
58


Financial Highlights
The Financial Highlights tables are intended to help you understand the Fund’s financial performance for the periods shown. Certain information reflects the financial results for a single Fund share. The total returns in the tables represent the rate that an investor would have earned or lost on an investment in the Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and/or distributions). The information has been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, whose report, along with the Fund’s audited financial statements, is included in the Fund’s Annual Report, which is available upon request.
 
BlackRock Global Allocation Fund, Inc.
 
Institutional
 
Year Ended
04/30/23
Year Ended
04/30/22
Period from
11/01/20
to 04/30/21
Year Ended
10/31/20
Year Ended
10/31/19
Year Ended
10/31/18
(For a share outstanding throughout each period)
Net asset value, beginning of period
$18.50
$22.84
$19.93
$19.36
$18.81
$20.39
Net investment income(a)
0.36
0.27
0.11
0.17
0.30
0.28
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
(0.45
)
(2.45
)
3.82
1.75
1.45
(0.84
)
Net increase (decrease) from investment
operations
(0.09
)
(2.18
)
3.93
1.92
1.75
(0.56
)
Distributions(b)
From net investment income
(0.00
)(c)
(0.27
)
(0.14
)
(0.12
)
(0.22
)
(0.32
)
From net realized gain
(1.00
)
(1.89
)
(0.88
)
(1.23
)
(0.98
)
(0.70
)
Total distributions
(1.00
)
(2.16
)
(1.02
)
(1.35
)
(1.20
)
(1.02
)
Net asset value, end of period
$17.41
$18.50
$22.84
$19.93
$19.36
$18.81
Total Return(d)
Based on net asset value
(0.12
)%
(10.58
)%
20.07
%(e)
10.23
%(f)
9.96
%
(2.94
)%
Ratios to Average Net Assets(g)
Total expenses
0.87
%
0.88
%
0.86
%(h)
0.86
%
0.85
%
0.87
%
Total expenses after fees waived and/or
reimbursed
0.83
%
0.83
%
0.80
%(h)
0.81
%
0.80
%
0.80
%
Total expenses after fees waived and/or
reimbursed and excluding dividend
expense and professional fees for foreign
withholding tax claims
0.82
%
0.81
%
0.80
%(h)
0.81
%
0.80
%
0.79
%
Net investment income
2.09
%
1.25
%
1.04
%(h)
0.91
%
1.59
%
1.43
%
Supplemental Data
Net assets, end of period (000)
$7,134,880
$8,836,844
$9,749,544
$7,907,317
$8,617,256
$12,963,106
Portfolio turnover rate(i)
174
%
124
%
58
%
193
%
156
%
154
%
(a)
Based on average shares outstanding.
(b)
Distributions for annual periods determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations.
(c)
Amount is greater than $(0.005) per share.
(d)
Where applicable, assumes the reinvestment of distributions.
(e)
Not annualized.
(f)
Includes payment from an affiliate, which had no impact on the Fund’s total return.
(g)
Excludes fees and expenses incurred indirectly as a result of investments in underlying funds.
(h)
Annualized.
(i)
Includes mortgage dollar roll transactions (MDRs). Additional information regarding portfolio turnover rate is as follows:
 
Year Ended
04/30/23
Year Ended
04/30/22
Period from
11/01/20
to 04/30/21
Year Ended
10/31/20
Year Ended
10/31/19
Year Ended
10/31/18
 
Portfolio turnover rate (excluding
MDRs)
139
%
112
%
58
%
193
%
156
%
154
%
59


Financial Highlights (continued)
 
BlackRock Global Allocation Fund, Inc.
 
Investor A
 
Year Ended
04/30/23
Year Ended
04/30/22
Period from
11/01/20
to 04/30/21
Year Ended
10/31/20
Year Ended
10/31/19
Year Ended
10/31/18
(For a share outstanding throughout each period)
Net asset value, beginning of period
$18.34
$22.65
$19.75
$19.23
$18.68
$20.26
Net investment income(a)
0.31
0.21
0.08
0.12
0.24
0.23
Net realized and unrealized gain
(loss)
(0.45
)
(2.42
)
3.80
1.72
1.46
(0.85
)
Net increase (decrease) from
investment operations
(0.14
)
(2.21
)
3.88
1.84
1.70
(0.62
)
Distributions(b)
From net investment income
(0.00
)(c)
(0.21
)
(0.10
)
(0.09
)
(0.17
)
(0.26
)
From net realized gain
(0.98
)
(1.89
)
(0.88
)
(1.23
)
(0.98
)
(0.70
)
Total distributions
(0.98
)
(2.10
)
(0.98
)
(1.32
)
(1.15
)
(0.96
)
Net asset value, end of period
$17.22
$18.34
$22.65
$19.75
$19.23
$18.68
Total Return(d)
Based on net asset value
(0.39
)%
(10.78
)%
19.95
%(e)
9.87
%(f)
9.71
%
(3.24
)%
Ratios to Average Net Assets(g)
Total expenses
1.12
%
1.13
%
1.12
%(h)
1.13
%
1.13
%
1.14
%
Total expenses after fees waived and/
or reimbursed
1.08
%
1.08
%
1.06
%(h)
1.08
%
1.08
%
1.07
%
Total expenses after fees waived and/
or reimbursed and excluding dividend
expense and professional fees for
foreign withholding tax claims
1.07
%
1.06
%
1.05
%(h)
1.08
%
1.08
%
1.07
%
Net investment income
1.84
%
0.98
%
0.78
%(h)
0.63
%
1.29
%
1.14
%
Supplemental Data
Net assets, end of period (000)
$9,083,078
$10,557,693
$13,806,271
$11,184,639
$10,601,653
$10,547,464
Portfolio turnover rate(i)
174
%
124
%
58
%
193
%
156
%
154
%
(a)
Based on average shares outstanding.
(b)
Distributions for annual periods determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations.
(c)
Amount is greater than $(0.005) per share.
(d)
Where applicable, excludes the effects of any sales charges and assumes the reinvestment of distributions.
(e)
Not annualized.
(f)
Includes payment from an affiliate, which had no impact on the Fund’s total return.
(g)
Excludes fees and expenses incurred indirectly as a result of investments in underlying funds.
(h)
Annualized.
(i)
Includes mortgage dollar roll transactions (MDRs). Additional information regarding portfolio turnover rate is as follows:
 
Year Ended
04/30/23
Year Ended
04/30/22
Period from
11/01/20
to 04/30/21
Year Ended
10/31/20
Year Ended
10/31/19
Year Ended
10/31/18
 
Portfolio turnover rate (excluding
MDRs)
139
%
112
%
58
%
193
%
156
%
154
%
60


Financial Highlights (continued)
 
BlackRock Global Allocation Fund, Inc.
 
Investor C
 
Year Ended
04/30/23
Year Ended
04/30/22
Period from
11/01/20
to 04/30/21
Year Ended
10/31/20
Year Ended
10/31/19
Year Ended
10/31/18
(For a share outstanding throughout each period)
Net asset value, beginning of period
$16.08
$20.11
$17.43
$17.17
$16.82
$18.33
Net investment income (loss)(a)
0.15
0.04
(0.00
)(b)
(0.02
)
0.09
0.07
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
(0.39
)
(2.13
)
3.36
1.53
1.30
(0.76
)
Net increase (decrease) from investment
operations
(0.24
)
(2.09
)
3.36
1.51
1.39
(0.69
)
Distributions(c)
From net investment income
(0.00
)(b)
(0.05
)
(0.00
)(b)
(0.02
)
(0.06
)
(0.12
)
From net realized gain
(0.93
)
(1.89
)
(0.68
)
(1.23
)
(0.98
)
(0.70
)
Total distributions
(0.93
)
(1.94
)
(0.68
)
(1.25
)
(1.04
)
(0.82
)
Net asset value, end of period
$14.91
$16.08
$20.11
$17.43
$17.17
$16.82
Total Return(d)
Based on net asset value
(1.12
)%
(11.50
)%
19.50
%(e)
9.06
%(f)
8.88
%
(3.95
)%
Ratios to Average Net Assets(g)
Total expenses
1.91
%
1.90
%
1.90
%(h)
1.89
%
1.88
%
1.88
%
Total expenses after fees waived and/or
reimbursed
1.87
%
1.85
%
1.84
%(h)
1.85
%
1.83
%
1.81
%
Total expenses after fees waived and/or
reimbursed and excluding dividend expense
and professional fees for foreign withholding
tax claims
1.86
%
1.84
%
1.83
%(h)
1.84
%
1.82
%
1.81
%
Net investment income (loss)
1.05
%
0.21
%
(0.01
)%(h)
(0.13
)%
0.56
%
0.38
%
Supplemental Data
Net assets, end of period (000)
$517,945
$780,451
$1,213,559
$1,547,011
$3,143,501
$5,402,163
Portfolio turnover rate(i)
174
%
124
%
58
%
193
%
156
%
154
%
(a)
Based on average shares outstanding.
(b)
Amount is greater than $(0.005) per share.
(c)
Distributions for annual periods determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations.
(d)
Where applicable, excludes the effects of any sales charges and assumes the reinvestment of distributions.
(e)
Not annualized.
(f)
Includes payment from an affiliate, which had no impact on the Fund’s total return.
(g)
Excludes fees and expenses incurred indirectly as a result of investments in underlying funds.
(h)
Annualized.
(i)
Includes mortgage dollar roll transactions (MDRs). Additional information regarding portfolio turnover rate is as follows:
 
Year Ended
04/30/23
Year Ended
04/30/22
Period from
11/01/20
to 04/30/21
Year Ended
10/31/20
Year Ended
10/31/19
Year Ended
10/31/18
 
Portfolio turnover rate (excluding MDRs)
139
%
112
%
58
%
193
%
156
%
154
%
61


Financial Highlights (concluded)
 
BlackRock Global Allocation Fund, Inc.
 
Class R
 
Year Ended
04/30/23
Year Ended
04/30/22
Period from
11/01/20
to 04/30/21
Year Ended
10/31/20
Year Ended
10/31/19
Year Ended
10/31/18
(For a share outstanding throughout each period)
Net asset value, beginning of period
$17.19
$21.37
$18.64
$18.24
$17.77
$19.32
Net investment income(a)
0.23
0.12
0.04
0.06
0.17
0.15
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
(0.42
)
(2.28
)
3.58
1.63
1.38
(0.80
)
Net increase (decrease) from investment
operations
(0.19
)
(2.16
)
3.62
1.69
1.55
(0.65
)
Distributions(b)
From net investment income
(0.00
)(c)
(0.13
)
(0.01
)
(0.06
)
(0.10
)
(0.20
)
From net realized gain
(0.96
)
(1.89
)
(0.88
)
(1.23
)
(0.98
)
(0.70
)
Total distributions
(0.96
)
(2.02
)
(0.89
)
(1.29
)
(1.08
)
(0.90
)
Net asset value, end of period
$16.04
$17.19
$21.37
$18.64
$18.24
$17.77
Total Return(d)
Based on net asset value
(0.75
)%
(11.15
)%
19.74
%(e)
9.54
%(f)
9.35
%
(3.56
)%
Ratios to Average Net Assets(g)
Total expenses
1.49
%
1.50
%
1.47
%(h)
1.47
%
1.46
%
1.47
%
Total expenses after fees waived and/or
reimbursed
1.45
%
1.46
%
1.41
%(h)
1.42
%
1.41
%
1.40
%
Total expenses after fees waived and/or
reimbursed and excluding dividend expense and
professional fees for foreign withholding tax
claims
1.44
%
1.44
%
1.40
%(h)
1.41
%
1.40
%
1.39
%
Net investment income
1.46
%
0.62
%
0.43
%(h)
0.31
%
0.98
%
0.81
%
Supplemental Data
Net assets, end of period (000)
$304,620
$329,831
$443,409
$405,400
$603,073
$785,653
Portfolio turnover rate(i)
174
%
124
%
58
%
193
%
156
%
154
%
(a)
Based on average shares outstanding.
(b)
Distributions for annual periods determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations.
(c)
Amount is greater than $(0.005) per share.
(d)
Where applicable, assumes the reinvestment of distributions.
(e)
Not annualized.
(f)
Includes payment from an affiliate, which had no impact on the Fund’s total return.
(g)
Excludes fees and expenses incurred indirectly as a result of investments in underlying funds.
(h)
Annualized.
(i)
Includes mortgage dollar roll transactions (MDRs). Additional information regarding portfolio turnover rate is as follows:
 
Year Ended
04/30/23
Year Ended
04/30/22
Period from
11/01/20
to 04/30/21
Year Ended
10/31/20
Year Ended
10/31/19
Year Ended
10/31/18
 
Portfolio turnover rate (excluding MDRs)
139
%
112
%
58
%
193
%
156
%
154
%
62


General Information
Shareholder Documents
Electronic Access to Annual Reports, Semi-Annual Reports and Prospectuses
Electronic copies of most financial reports and prospectuses are available on BlackRock’s website. Shareholders can sign up for e-mail notifications of annual and semi-annual reports and prospectuses by enrolling in the Fund’s electronic delivery program. To enroll:
Shareholders Who Hold Accounts with Investment Advisers, Banks or Brokerages: Please contact your Financial Intermediary. Please note that not all investment advisers, banks or brokerages may offer this service.
Shareholders Who Hold Accounts Directly With BlackRock:
Access the BlackRock website at http://www.blackrock.com/edelivery; and
Log into your account.
Delivery of Shareholder Documents
The Fund delivers only one copy of shareholder documents, including prospectuses, shareholder reports and proxy statements, to shareholders with multiple accounts at the same address. This practice is known as “householding” and is intended to eliminate duplicate mailings and reduce expenses. Mailings of your shareholder documents may be householded indefinitely unless you instruct us otherwise. If you do not want the mailing of these documents to be combined with those for other members of your household, please contact the Fund at (800) 441-7762.
Certain Fund Policies
Anti-Money Laundering Requirements
The Fund is subject to the USA PATRIOT Act (the “Patriot Act”). The Patriot Act is intended to prevent the use of the U.S. financial system in furtherance of money laundering, terrorism or other illicit activities. Pursuant to requirements under the Patriot Act, the Fund is required to obtain sufficient information from shareholders to enable it to form a reasonable belief that it knows the true identity of its shareholders. This information will be used to verify the identity of investors or, in some cases, the status of Financial Intermediaries . Such information may be verified using third-party sources. This information will be used only for compliance with the Patriot Act or other applicable laws, regulations and rules in connection with money laundering, terrorism or economic sanctions.
The Fund reserves the right to reject purchase orders from persons who have not submitted information sufficient to allow the Fund to verify their identity. The Fund also reserves the right to redeem any amounts in the Fund from persons whose identity it is unable to verify on a timely basis. It is the Fund’s policy to cooperate fully with appropriate regulators in any investigations conducted with respect to potential money laundering, terrorism or other illicit activities.
BlackRock Privacy Principles
BlackRock is committed to maintaining the privacy of its current and former fund investors and individual clients (collectively, “Clients”) and to safeguarding their non-public personal information. The following information is provided to help you understand what personal information BlackRock collects, how we protect that information and why in certain cases we share such information with select parties.
If you are located in a jurisdiction where specific laws, rules or regulations require BlackRock to provide you with additional or different privacy-related rights beyond what is set forth below, then BlackRock will comply with those specific laws, rules or regulations.
BlackRock obtains or verifies personal non-public information from and about you from different sources, including the following: (i) information we receive from you or, if applicable, your Financial Intermediary, on applications, forms or other documents; (ii) information about your transactions with us, our affiliates, or others; (iii) information we receive from a consumer reporting agency; and (iv) from visits to our website.
63


BlackRock does not sell or disclose to non-affiliated third parties any non-public personal information about its Clients, except as permitted by law, or as is necessary to respond to regulatory requests or to service Client accounts. These non-affiliated third parties are required to protect the confidentiality and security of this information and to use it only for its intended purpose.
We may share information with our affiliates to service your account or to provide you with information about other BlackRock products or services that may be of interest to you. In addition, BlackRock restricts access to non-public personal information about its Clients to those BlackRock employees with a legitimate business need for the information. BlackRock maintains physical, electronic and procedural safeguards that are designed to protect the non-public personal information of its Clients, including procedures relating to the proper storage and disposal of such information.
Statement of Additional Information
If you would like further information about the Fund, including how it invests, please see the SAI.
For a discussion of the Fund’s policies and procedures regarding the selective disclosure of its portfolio holdings, please see the SAI. The Fund makes its top ten holdings available on a monthly basis at www.blackrock.com generally within 5 business days after the end of the month to which the information applies.
64


Glossary
This glossary contains an explanation of some of the common terms used in this prospectus. For additional information about the Fund, please see the SAI.
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses — the Fund’s pro rata share of the fees and expenses incurred indirectly by the Fund as a result of investing in other investment companies.
Annual Fund Operating Expenses — expenses that cover the costs of operating the Fund.
Distribution Fees — fees used to support the Fund’s marketing and distribution efforts, such as compensating Financial Intermediaries, advertising and promotion.
Dividend Expense — represents dividends paid to lenders of borrowed securities. Dividend Expenses will vary depending on whether the securities the Fund sells short pay dividends and the amount of those dividends.
FTSE Non-U.S. Dollar World Government Bond Index — an unmanaged market capitalization-weighted index that tracks over 20 government bond indexes, excluding the United States.
FTSE World Index — a market-capitalization weighted index representing the performance of the large- and mid-cap stocks from the developed and advanced emerging segments of the FTSE Global Equity Index Series (GEIS) and covers 90-95% of the investable market capitalization.
FTSE World (ex U.S.) Index — an index comprised of large- and mid-cap stocks, providing coverage of developed and emerging markets excluding the United States. The index is derived from the FTSE Global Equity Index Series (GEIS), which covers 98% of the world’s investable market capitalization.
ICE BofA Current 5-Year U.S. Treasury Index — an unmanaged index designed to track the total return of the current coupon five-year U.S. Treasury bond.
Management Fee — a fee paid to BlackRock for managing the Fund.
Other Expenses — include accounting, transfer agency, custody, professional fees and registration fees.
Reference Benchmark — an unmanaged weighted index comprised as follows: 36% S&P 500® Index; 24% FTSE World (ex U.S.) Index; 24% ICE BofA Current 5-Year U.S. Treasury Index; and 16% FTSE Non-U.S. Dollar World Government Bond Index.
Service Fees — fees used to compensate Financial Intermediaries for certain shareholder servicing activities.
Shareholder Fees — fees paid directly by a shareholder, including sales charges that you may pay when you buy or sell shares of the Fund.
S&P 500® Index — an unmanaged index that covers 500 leading companies and captures approximately 80% coverage of available market capitalization.
65


Intermediary-Defined Sales Charge Waiver Policies
Intermediary-Defined Sales Charge Waiver Policies
Ameriprise Financial:
Investor A Shares Front-End Sales Charge Waivers Available at Ameriprise Financial:
The following information applies to Investor A Shares purchases if you have an account with or otherwise purchase Fund shares through Ameriprise Financial:
Shareholders purchasing Fund shares through an Ameriprise Financial retail brokerage account are eligible for the following front-end sales charge waivers, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this Fund’s prospectus or SAI:
Employer-sponsored retirement plans (e.g., 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase pension plans and defined benefit plans). For purposes of this provision, employer-sponsored retirement plans do not include SEP IRAs, Simple IRAs or SAR-SEPs.
Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same Fund (but not any other fund within BlackRock Funds).
Shares exchanged from Investor C Shares of the same fund in the month of or following the 7-year anniversary of the purchase date. To the extent that this prospectus elsewhere provides for a waiver with respect to exchanges of Investor C Shares or conversion of Investor C Shares following a shorter holding period, that waiver will apply.
Employees and registered representatives of Ameriprise Financial or its affiliates and their immediate family members.
Shares purchased by or through qualified accounts (including IRAs, Coverdell Education Savings Accounts, 401(k)s, 403(b) TSCAs subject to ERISA and defined benefit plans) that are held by a covered family member, defined as an Ameriprise financial advisor and/or the advisor’s spouse, advisor’s lineal ascendant (mother, father, grandmother, grandfather, great grandmother, great grandfather), advisor’s lineal descendant (son, step-son, daughter, step-daughter, grandson, granddaughter, great grandson, great granddaughter) or any spouse of a covered family member who is a lineal descendant.
Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within BlackRock Funds, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales charge (i.e. Rights of Reinstatement).
A-1


D.A. Davidson & Co. (“D.A. Davidson”):
Effective March 1, 2021, shareholders purchasing Fund shares including existing Fund shareholders, through a D.A. Davidson platform or account, or through an introducing broker-dealer or independent registered investment advisor for which D.A. Davidson provides trade execution, clearance, and/or custody services, will be eligible for the following sales charge waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred, or back-end, sales charge waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this Prospectus or the Fund’s SAI.
Front-End Sales Charge Waivers on Investor A Shares Available at D.A. Davidson
Shares purchased of the same Fund or another BlackRock Fund through a systematic reinvestment of capital gains and dividend distributions.
Shares purchased by employees and registered representatives of D.A. Davidson or its affiliates and their family members as designated by D.A. Davidson.
Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions of the same Fund or another BlackRock Fund, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales charge (known as Rights of Reinstatement).
A shareholder in the Fund’s Investor C Shares will have their shares converted at net asset value to Investor A Shares (or the appropriate share class) of the Fund if the shares are no longer subject to a CDSC and the conversion is consistent with D.A. Davidson’s policies and procedures.
CDSC Waivers on Investor A and C Shares Available at D.A. Davidson
Shares sold due to the death or disability of the shareholder.
Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the Fund’s prospectus.
Shares bought due to return of excess contributions from an IRA account.
Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA or other qualifying retirement accounts pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code.
Shares acquired through a Right of Reinstatement.
Front-End Sales Charge Discounts Available at D.A. Davidson: Breakpoints, Rights of Accumulation and/or Letters of Intent
Breakpoints as described in this Prospectus.
Rights of accumulation which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of BlackRock Fund assets held by accounts within the purchaser’s household at D.A. Davidson. Eligible BlackRock Fund assets not held at D.A. Davidson may be included in the calculation of rights of accumulation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.
Letters of intent which allow for breakpoint discounts based on anticipated purchases of BlackRock Funds, over a 13-month time period. Eligible BlackRock Fund assets not held at D.A. Davidson may be included in the calculation of letters of intent only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.
A-2


Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P. (“Edward Jones”):
Policies Regarding Transactions Through Edward Jones
The following information has been provided by Edward Jones:
Effective on or after January 15, 2021, the following information supersedes prior information with respect to transactions and positions held in fund shares through an Edward Jones system. Clients of Edward Jones (also referred to as “shareholders”) purchasing fund shares on the Edward Jones commission and fee-based platforms are eligible only for the following sales charge discounts (also referred to as “breakpoints”) and waivers, which may differ from discounts and waivers described elsewhere in this prospectus or statement of additional information (“SAI”) or through another broker-dealer. In all instances, it is the shareholder’s responsibility to inform Edward Jones at the time of purchase of any relationship, holdings of BlackRock Funds, or other facts qualifying the purchaser for discounts or waivers. Edward Jones can ask for documentation of such circumstance. Shareholders should contact Edward Jones if they have questions regarding their eligibility for these discounts and waivers.
Breakpoints
Breakpoint pricing, otherwise known as volume pricing, at dollar thresholds as described in the prospectus.
Rights of Accumulation (“ROA”)
The applicable sales charge on a purchase of Investor A Shares is determined by taking into account all share classes (except certain money market funds and any assets held in group retirement plans) of BlackRock Funds held by the shareholder or in an account grouped by Edward Jones with other accounts for the purpose of providing certain pricing considerations (“pricing groups”). If grouping assets as a shareholder, this includes all share classes held on the Edward Jones platform and/or held on another platform. The inclusion of eligible fund family assets in the ROA calculation is dependent on the shareholder notifying Edward Jones of such assets at the time of calculation. Money market funds are included only if such shares were sold with a sales charge at the time of purchase or acquired in exchange for shares purchased with a sales charge.
The employer maintaining a SEP IRA plan and/or SIMPLE IRA plan may elect to establish or change ROA for the IRA accounts associated with the plan to a plan-level grouping as opposed to including all share classes at a shareholder or pricing group level.
ROA is determined by calculating the higher of cost minus redemptions or market value (current shares multiplied by NAV).
Letter of Intent (“LOI”)
Through a LOI, a shareholder can receive the sales charge and breakpoint discounts for purchases such shareholder intends to make over a 13-month period from the date Edward Jones receives the LOI. The LOI is determined by calculating the higher of cost or market value of qualifying holdings at LOI initiation in combination with the value that the shareholder intends to buy over a 13-month period to calculate the front-end sales charge and any breakpoint discounts. Each purchase the shareholder makes during that 13-month period will receive the sales charge and breakpoint discount that applies to the total amount. The inclusion of eligible BlackRock Funds assets in the LOI calculation is dependent on the shareholder notifying Edward Jones of such assets at the time of calculation. Purchases made before the LOI is received by Edward Jones are not adjusted under the LOI and will not reduce the sales charges previously paid. Sales charges will be adjusted if the LOI is not met.
If the employer maintaining a SEP IRA plan and/or SIMPLE IRA plan has elected to establish or change ROA for the IRA accounts associated with the plan to a plan-level grouping, LOIs will also be at the plan-level and may only be established by the employer.
Sales Charge Waivers
Sales charges are waived for the following shareholders and in the following situations:
Associates of Edward Jones and its affiliates and their family members who are in the same pricing group (as determined by Edward Jones under its policies and procedures) as the associate. This waiver will continue for the remainder of the associate’s life if the associate retires from Edward Jones in good-standing and remains in good standing pursuant to Edward Jones’ policies and procedures.
Shares purchased in an Edward Jones fee-based advisory program.
Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment.
Shares purchased from the proceeds of redeemed shares of BlackRock Funds so long as the following conditions are met: 1) the proceeds are from the sale of shares within 60 days of the purchase, and 2) the sale and purchase
A-3


are made in the same share class and the same account or the purchase is made in an individual retirement account (“IRA”) with proceeds from liquidations in a non-retirement account.
Shares exchanged into Investor A Shares from another share class so long as the exchange is into the same fund and was initiated at the discretion of Edward Jones. Edward Jones is responsible for any remaining CDSCs due to BlackRock, if applicable. Any future purchases are subject to the applicable sales charge as disclosed in the prospectus.
Exchanges from Investor C Shares to Investor A Shares of the same fund, generally, in the 84th month following the anniversary of the purchase date or earlier at the discretion of Edward Jones.
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (“CDSC”) Waivers
If the shareholder purchases shares that are subject to a CDSC and those shares are redeemed before the CDSC is expired, the shareholder is responsible to pay the CDSC except in the following conditions:
The death or disability of the shareholder.
Systematic withdrawals with up to 10% per year of the account value.
Return of excess contributions from an IRA.
Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts if the redemption is taken in or after the year the shareholder reaches qualified age based on applicable IRS regulations.
Shares sold to pay Edward Jones fees or costs in such cases where the transaction is initiated by Edward Jones.
Shares exchanged in an Edward Jones fee-based program.
Shares acquired through a Right of Reinstatement.
Shares redeemed at the discretion of Edward Jones for Minimum Balances, as described below.
Other Important Information Regarding Transactions Through Edward Jones
Minimum Purchase Amounts for Investor A and Investor C Shares
Initial purchase minimum: $250
Subsequent purchase minimum: none
Minimum Balances
Edward Jones has the right to redeem at its discretion fund holdings with a balance of $250 or less. The following are examples of accounts that are not included in this policy:
A fee-based account held on an Edward Jones platform
A 529 account held on an Edward Jones platform
An account with an active systematic investment plan or LOI
Exchanging Share Classes
At any time it deems necessary, Edward Jones has the authority to exchange at NAV a shareholder’s holdings in a fund to Investor A Shares of the same fund at NAV, provided that Edward Jones will be responsible for any remaining CDSC due to BlackRock, if applicable, and that the shareholders meet the eligibility requirements of the new share class.
A-4


J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES LLC
Effective September 29, 2023, if you purchase or hold Fund shares through an applicable J.P. Morgan Securities LLC brokerage account, you will be eligible for the following sales charge waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”), or back-end sales charge, waivers), share class conversion policy and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this Fund’s prospectus or SAI.
Front-end sales charge waivers on Investor A Shares available at J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
Shares exchanged from Investor C (i.e., level-load) Shares of the same Fund pursuant to J.P. Morgan Securities LLC’s policies relating to sales load discounts and waivers.
Qualified employer-sponsored defined contribution and defined benefit retirement plans, nonqualified deferred compensation plans, other employee benefit plans and trusts used to fund those plans. For purposes of this provision, such plans do not include SEP IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs, SAR-SEPs or 501(c)(3) accounts.
Shares of Funds purchased through J.P. Morgan Securities LLC Self-Directed Investing accounts.
Shares purchased through rights of reinstatement.
Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same Fund (but not any other fund within the fund family).
Shares purchased by employees and registered representatives of J.P. Morgan Securities LLC or its affiliates and their spouse or financial dependent.
Investor C to Investor A Share conversion
A shareholder in the Fund’s Investor C Shares will have their shares converted by J.P. Morgan Securities LLC to Investor A Shares (or the appropriate share class) of the same Fund if the shares are no longer subject to a CDSC and the conversion is consistent with J.P. Morgan Securities LLC’s policies and procedures.
CDSC waivers on Investor A and C Shares available at J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
Shares sold upon the death or disability of the shareholder.
Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the Fund’s prospectus.
Shares purchased in connection with a return of excess contributions from an IRA account.
Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code.
Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement.
Front-end load discounts available at J.P. Morgan Securities LLC: breakpoints, rights of accumulation & letters of intent
Breakpoints as described in the prospectus.
Rights of Accumulation (ROA) which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts as described in the Fund’s prospectus will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of fund family assets held by accounts within the purchaser’s household at J.P. Morgan Securities LLC. Eligible fund family assets not held at J.P. Morgan Securities LLC (including 529 program holdings, where applicable) may be included in the ROA calculation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.
Letters of Intent (LOI) which allow for breakpoint discounts based on anticipated purchases within a fund family, through J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, over a 13-month period of time (if applicable).
A-5


Janney Montgomery Scott LLC:
Effective May 1, 2020, if you purchase fund shares through a Janney Montgomery Scott LLC (“Janney”) brokerage account, you will be eligible for the following sales charge waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”), or back-end sales charge, waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this Fund’s prospectus or SAI.
Front-end sales charge* waivers on Investor A shares available at Janney
Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund (but not any other BlackRock Fund).
Shares purchased by employees and registered representatives of Janney or its affiliates and their family members as designated by Janney.
Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions from another BlackRock Fund, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within ninety (90) days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales charge (i.e., right of reinstatement).
Employer-sponsored retirement plans (e.g., 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase pension plans and defined benefit plans). For purposes of this provision, employer-sponsored retirement plans do not include SEP IRAs, Simple IRAs, SAR-SEPs or Keogh plans.
Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement.
Investor C shares that are no longer subject to a contingent deferred sales charge and are converted to Investor A shares of the same fund pursuant to Janney’s policies and procedures.
CDSC waivers on Investor A and C shares available at Janney
Shares sold upon the death or disability of the shareholder.
Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the Fund’s prospectus or SAI.
Shares purchased in connection with a return of excess contributions from an IRA account.
Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code.
Shares sold to pay Janney fees but only if the transaction is initiated by Janney.
Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement.
Shares exchanged into the same share class of a different fund.
Front-end sales charge* discounts available at Janney: breakpoints, rights of accumulation, and/or letters of intent
Breakpoints as described in the Fund’s prospectus or SAI.
Rights of accumulation (“ROA”), which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts, will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of BlackRock Fund assets held by accounts within the purchaser’s household at Janney. Eligible BlackRock Fund assets not held at Janney may be included in the ROA calculation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.
Letters of intent which allow for breakpoint discounts based on anticipated purchases within a BlackRock Fund, over a 13-month time period. Eligible BlackRock Fund assets not held at Janney Montgomery Scott may be included in the calculation of letters of intent only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.
*Also referred to as an “initial sales charge.”
A-6


Merrill Lynch:
Shareholders purchasing Fund shares through a Merrill Lynch platform or account (excluding shares purchased from or through the Fund, the Fund’s distributor or any non-Merrill Lynch platform or account, even if Merrill Lynch serves as broker-dealer of record for such shares) will be eligible only for the following sales charge waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and CDSC waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this Fund’s prospectus or SAI.
Front-end Sales Charge Waivers on Investor A Shares available at Merrill Lynch
Shares purchased by employer-sponsored retirement, deferred compensation and employee benefit plans (including health savings accounts) and trusts used to fund those plans, provided that the shares are not held in a commission-based brokerage account and shares are held for the benefit of the plan/plan participants
Shares purchased by a 529 Plan (does not include 529 Plan units or 529-specific share classes or equivalents)
Shares purchased through a Merrill Lynch affiliated investment advisory program
Exchanges of shares purchased through a Merrill Lynch affiliated investment advisory program due to the holdings moving from such Merrill Lynch affiliated investment advisory program to a Merrill Lynch brokerage (non-advisory) account pursuant to Merrill Lynch’s policies relating to sales charge discounts and waivers
Shares purchased by third party investment advisors on behalf of their advisory clients through Merrill Lynch’s platform
Shares of funds purchased through the Merrill Edge Self-Directed platform (if applicable)
Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund (but not any other BlackRock Fund)
Shares exchanged from Investor C (i.e. level-load) shares of the same Fund pursuant to Merrill Lynch’s policies relating to sales charge discounts and waivers
Shares purchased by employees and registered representatives of Merrill Lynch or its affiliates and their family members
Shares purchased by directors of the Fund, and employees of BlackRock or any of its affiliates, as described in the prospectus
Eligible shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions from another BlackRock Fund, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales charge (known as Rights of Reinstatement). Automated transactions (i.e., systematic purchases and withdrawals) and purchases made after shares are automatically sold to pay Merrill Lynch’s account maintenance fees are not eligible for reinstatement.
CDSC Waivers on Investor A and C Shares available at Merrill Lynch
Shares sold due to death or disability of the shareholder
Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the Fund’s prospectus
Shares bought due to return of excess contributions from an IRA Account
Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code
Shares sold to pay Merrill Lynch fees but only if the transaction is initiated by Merrill Lynch
Shares acquired through a Right of Reinstatement
Investor A and C Shares of a Fund held in the following IRA or other retirement brokerage accounts: Traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs, Rollover IRAs, Inherited IRAs, SEP IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs, BASIC Plans, Educational Savings Account and Medical Savings Accounts that are exchanged for Institutional shares of the same Fund due to transfer to certain fee based accounts or platforms
Investor A Shares sold, where such Investor A Shares were received as a result of exchanges of shares purchased through a Merrill Lynch affiliated investment advisory program due to the holdings moving from the program to a Merrill Lynch brokerage (non-advisory) account pursuant to Merrill Lynch’s policies relating to sales charge discounts and waivers
Front-end Sales Charge Discounts Available at Merrill Lynch: Breakpoints, Rights of Accumulation & Letters of Intent
Breakpoints as described in this prospectus
A-7


Rights of Accumulation (ROA) which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts as described in the Fund’s prospectus will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of BlackRock Fund assets held by accounts (including 529 program holdings, where applicable) within the purchaser’s household at Merrill Lynch. Eligible BlackRock Fund assets not held at Merrill Lynch may be included in the ROA calculation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets
Letters of Intent (LOI) which allow for breakpoint discounts based on anticipated purchases of BlackRock Funds, through Merrill Lynch, over a 13-month period of time
A-8


Morgan Stanley Wealth Management:
Morgan Stanley Wealth Management Investor A Share Front-End Sales Charge Waiver
Effective July 1, 2018, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management clients purchasing Investor A Shares of the Fund through Morgan Stanley’s transactional brokerage accounts are entitled to a waiver of the front-end sales charge in the following circumstances:
Employer-sponsored retirement plans (e.g., 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase pension plans and defined benefit plans). For purposes of this provision, employer-sponsored retirement plans does not include SEP IRAs, Simple IRAs, SAR-SEPs or Keogh plans
Morgan Stanley employee and employee-related accounts according to Morgan Stanley’s account linking rules
Shares purchased through reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions when purchasing shares of the same fund
Shares purchased through a Morgan Stanley self-directed brokerage account
Investor C Shares that are no longer subject to a contingent deferred sales charge and are exchanged for Investor A Shares of the same fund pursuant to Morgan Stanley Wealth Management’s share class conversion program
Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within BlackRock Funds under a Rights of Reinstatement provision, provided the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales charge
Unless specifically described above, no other front-end sales charge waivers are available to mutual fund purchases by Morgan Stanley Wealth Management clients through Morgan Stanley’s transactional brokerage accounts.
A-9


Oppenheimer & Co. Inc.:
Effective May 1, 2020, shareholders purchasing Fund shares through an Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. (“OPCO”) platform or account are eligible only for the following sales charge waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred, or back-end, sales charge waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this Fund’s prospectus or SAI.
Front-End Sales Charge Waivers on Investor A Shares available at OPCO
Shares purchased by employer-sponsored retirement, deferred compensation and employee benefit plans (including health savings accounts) and trusts used to fund those plans, provided that the shares are not held in a commission-based brokerage account and shares are held for the benefit of the plan
Shares purchased by or through a 529 Plan
Shares purchased through an OPCO affiliated investment advisory program
Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund (but not any other BlackRock Fund)
Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions from another BlackRock Fund, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales charge (known as Rights of Reinstatement)
A shareholder in the Fund’s Investor C Shares will have their shares converted at net asset value to Investor A Shares (or the appropriate share class) of the Fund if the shares are no longer subject to a CDSC and the conversion is in line with the policies and procedures of OPCO
Shares purchased by employees and registered representatives of OPCO or its affiliates and their family members
Shares purchased by directors or trustees of the Fund, and employees of the Fund’s investment adviser or any of its affiliates, as described in this prospectus
CDSC Waivers on Investor A and C Shares available at OPCO
Shares sold due to death or disability of the shareholder
Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the Fund’s prospectus
Shares bought due to return of excess contributions from an IRA account
Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts due to the shareholder reaching the qualified age based on applicable IRS regulations as described in the prospectus
Shares sold to pay OPCO fees but only if the transaction is initiated by OPCO
Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement
Front-End Sales Charge Discounts Available at OPCO: Breakpoints, Rights of Accumulation & Letters of Intent
Breakpoints as described in this prospectus
Rights of Accumulation (“ROA”) and Letters of Intent (“LOI”) which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of BlackRock Fund assets held by accounts within the purchaser’s household at OPCO. Eligible BlackRock Fund assets not held at OPCO may be included in the ROA or LOI calculation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets
A-10


Raymond James & Associates, Inc., Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. and Each Entity’s Affiliates (“Raymond James”):
Effective March 1, 2019, shareholders purchasing Fund shares through a Raymond James platform or account, or through an introducing broker-dealer or independent registered investment adviser for which Raymond James provides trade execution, clearance, and/or custody services, will be eligible only for the following sales charge waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and CDSC waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this prospectus or the SAI.
Front-End Sales Charge Waivers on Investor A Shares Available at Raymond James
Shares purchased in a Raymond James investment advisory program.
Shares purchased of the same Fund or another BlackRock Fund through a systematic reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend distributions.
Shares purchased by employees and registered representatives of Raymond James or its affiliates and their family members as designated by Raymond James.
Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions from another BlackRock Fund, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales charge (known as Rights of Reinstatement).
A shareholder in the Fund’s Investor C shares will have their shares converted at net asset value to Investor A shares of the Fund if the shares are no longer subject to a CDSC and the conversion is in line with the policies and procedures of Raymond James.
CDSC Waivers on Investor A and C Shares Available at Raymond James
Shares sold due to death or disability of the shareholder.
Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the Fund’s prospectus.
Shares bought due to return of excess contributions from an IRA Account.
Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts due to the shareholder reaching the qualified age based on applicable IRS regulations as described in the Fund’s prospectus or SAI.
Shares sold to pay Raymond James fees but only if the transaction is initiated by Raymond James.
Shares acquired through a Right of Reinstatement.
Front-End Sales Charge Discounts Available at Raymond James: Breakpoints, Rights of Accumulation and/or Letters of Intent
Breakpoints as described in this prospectus.
Rights of accumulation which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of BlackRock Fund assets held by accounts within the purchaser’s household at Raymond James. Eligible BlackRock Fund assets not held at Raymond James may be included in the calculation of rights of accumulation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.
Letters of intent which allow for breakpoint discounts based on anticipated purchases of BlackRock Funds over a 13-month time period. Eligible BlackRock Fund assets not held at Raymond James may be included in the calculation of letters of intent only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.
A-11


Robert W. Baird & Co. (“Baird”):
Effective June 15, 2020, shareholders purchasing Fund shares through a Baird platform or account will only be eligible for the following sales charge waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and CDSC waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this Fund’s prospectus or SAI
Front-End Sales Charge Waivers on Investor A Shares Available at Baird
Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing share of the same fund
Shares purchased by employees and registered representatives of Baird or its affiliates and their family members as designated by Baird
Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions from another BlackRock Fund, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales charge (known as Rights of Reinstatement)
A shareholder in the Fund’s Investor C shares will have their shares converted at net asset value to Investor A shares of the fund if the shares are no longer subject to CDSC and the conversion is in line with the policies and procedures of Baird
Shares purchased by employer-sponsored retirement plans or charitable accounts in a transactional brokerage account at Baird, including 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase pension plans and defined benefit plans. For purposes of this provision, employer-sponsored retirement plans do not include SEP IRAs, Simple IRAs or SAR-SEPs
CDSC Waivers on Investor A and C Shares Available at Baird
Shares sold due to death or disability of the shareholder
Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the Fund’s prospectus
Shares bought due to returns of excess contributions from an IRA account
Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts due to the shareholder reaching the qualified age based on applicable Internal Revenue Service regulations as described in the Fund’s prospectus
Shares sold to pay Baird fees but only if the transaction is initiated by Baird
Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement
Front-End Sales Charge Discounts Available at Baird: Breakpoints, Rights of Accumulation, & Letters of Intent
Breakpoints as described in this prospectus
Rights of Accumulation (“ROA”) which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of BlackRock Fund assets held by accounts within the purchaser’s household at Baird. Eligible BlackRock Fund assets not held at Baird may be included in ROA calculation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets
Letters of Intent (“LOI”) allow for breakpoint discounts based on anticipated purchases of BlackRock Funds through Baird, over a 13-month period of time
A-12


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For More Information
Fund and Service Providers
FUND
BlackRock Global Allocation Fund, Inc.
100 Bellevue Parkway
Wilmington, Delaware 19809
Written Correspondence:
P.O. Box 534429
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15253-4429
Overnight Mail:
Attention: 534429
500 Ross Street 154-0520
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15262
(800) 441-7762
MANAGER
BlackRock Advisors, LLC
100 Bellevue Parkway
Wilmington, Delaware 19809
SUB-ADVISERS
BlackRock (Singapore) Limited
20 Anson Road #18-01
079912 Singapore
BlackRock International Limited
Exchange Place One
1 Semple Street
Edinburgh, EH3 8BL, United Kingdom
TRANSFER AGENT
BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc.
301 Bellevue Parkway
Wilmington, Delaware 19809
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Deloitte & Touche LLP
200 Berkeley Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02116
ACCOUNTING SERVICES PROVIDER
State Street Bank and Trust Company
One Congress Street, Suite 1
Boston, Massachusetts 02114-2016
DISTRIBUTOR
BlackRock Investments, LLC
50 Hudson Yards
New York, New York 10001
CUSTODIAN
Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.
40 Water Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02109
COUNSEL
Sidley Austin LLP
787 Seventh Avenue
New York, New York 10019


Additional Information
For more information:
This prospectus contains important information you should know before investing, including information about risks. Please read it before you invest and keep it for future reference. More information about the Fund is available at no charge upon request. This information includes:
Annual/Semi-Annual Reports
These reports contain additional information about the Fund’s investments. The annual report describes the Fund’s performance, lists portfolio holdings, and discusses recent market conditions, economic trends and Fund investment strategies that significantly affected the Fund’s performance for the last fiscal year.
Statement of Additional Information
A Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”), dated August 28, 2023 (as amended March 7, 2024), has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The SAI, which includes additional information about the Fund, may be obtained free of charge, along with the Fund’s annual and semi-annual reports, by calling (800) 441-7762. The SAI, as amended and/or supplemented from time to time, is incorporated by reference into this prospectus.
BlackRock Investor Services
Representatives are available to discuss account balance information, mutual fund prospectuses, literature, programs and services available. Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Eastern time), on any business day. Call: (800) 441-7762.
Purchases and Redemptions
Call your Financial Intermediary or BlackRock Investor Services at (800) 441-7762.
World Wide Web
General Fund information and specific Fund performance, including the SAI and annual/semi-annual reports, can be accessed free of charge at www.blackrock.com/prospectus. Mutual fund prospectuses and literature can also be requested via this website.
Written Correspondence
BlackRock Global Allocation Fund, Inc.
P.O. Box 534429
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15253-4429
Overnight Mail
BlackRock Global Allocation Fund, Inc.
Attention: 534429
500 Ross Street 154-0520
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15262
Internal Wholesalers/Broker Dealer Support
Available on any business day to support investment professionals. Call: (800) 882-0052.
Portfolio Characteristics and Holdings
A description of the Fund’s policies and procedures related to disclosure of portfolio characteristics and holdings is available in the SAI.
For information about portfolio holdings and characteristics, BlackRock fund shareholders and prospective investors may call (800) 882-0052.
Securities and Exchange Commission
You may also view and copy public information about the Fund, including the SAI, by visiting the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website (http://www.sec.gov). Copies of this information can be obtained, for a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following e-mail address: [email protected].
You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus. No one is authorized to provide you with information that is different from information contained in this prospectus.
The SEC has not approved or disapproved these securities or passed upon the adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT FILE # 811-05576
PRO-GA-0823R