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Notes to Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
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|
1. Organization and Significant Accounting Policies:
BlackRock EuroFund
(EuroFund) and BlackRock Global SmallCap Fund, Inc. (Global SmallCap) (the Funds), are registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act), as diversified, open-end
management investment companies. EuroFund is organized as a Massachusetts business trust. Global SmallCap is organized as a Maryland corporation. The Funds financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States of America (US GAAP), which may require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and the reported amounts of
increases and decreases in net assets from operations during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Each Fund offers multiple classes of shares. Institutional Shares are sold without a sales charge and only to
certain eligible investors. Investor A Shares are generally sold with a front-end sales charge. Investor B and Investor C Shares may be subject to a CDSC. Class R Shares are sold without a sales charge and only to certain retirement and other
similar plans. All classes of shares have identical voting, dividend, liquidation and other rights and the same terms and conditions, except that Investor A, Investor B, Investor C and Class R Shares bear certain expenses related to the shareholder
servicing of such shares, and Investor B, Investor C and Class R Shares also bear certain expenses related to the distribution of such shares. Investor B Shares automatically convert to Investor A Shares after approximately eight years. Investor B
Shares are only available through exchanges, dividend reinvestment by existing shareholders or for purchase by certain qualified employee benefit plans. Each class has exclusive voting rights with respect to matters relating to its shareholder
servicing and distribution expenditures (except that Investor B shareholders may vote on material changes to the Investor A distribution plan).
The following is a
summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Funds:
Valuation: US GAAP defines fair value as the price the Funds would receive to sell an asset
or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The Funds determine the fair values of their financial instruments at market value using independent dealers or pricing services under
policies approved annually by the Board of Directors of each Fund (the Board). The BlackRock Global Valuation Methodologies Committee (the Global Valuation Committee) is the committee formed by management to develop global
pricing policies and procedures and to provide oversight of the pricing function for the Funds for all financial instruments.
Equity investments traded on a
recognized securities exchange or the NASDAQ Global Market System (NASDAQ) are valued at the last reported sale price that day or the NASDAQ official closing price, if applicable. For equity investments traded on more than one exchange,
the last reported sale price on the exchange where the stock is primarily traded is used. Equity investments traded on a recognized exchange for which there were no sales on that day are valued at the last available bid price. If no bid price is
available, the prior days price will be used, unless it is determined that such prior days price no longer reflects the fair value of the security. Investments in open-end registered investment companies are valued at NAV each business
day. Short-term securities with remaining maturities of 60 days or less may be valued at amortized cost, which approximates fair value. Financial futures contracts traded on exchanges are valued at their last sale price.
The Funds value their investments in BlackRock Liquidity Series, LLC Money Market Series (the Money Market Series) at fair value, which is ordinarily based
upon their pro rata ownership in the underlying funds net assets. The Money Market Series seeks current income consistent with maintaining liquidity and preserving capital. Although the Money Market Series is not registered under the 1940 Act,
its investments will follow the parameters of investments by a money market fund that is subject to Rule 2a-7 under the 1940 Act. The Funds may withdraw up to 25% of their investment daily, although the manager of the Money Market Series, in its
sole discretion, may permit an investor in the Money Market Series to withdraw more than 25% on any one day.
Securities and other assets and liabilities
denominated in foreign currencies are translated into US dollars using exchange rates determined as of the close of business on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). Foreign currency exchange contracts are valued at the mean between the
bid and ask prices and are determined as of the close of business on the NYSE. Interpolated values are derived when the settlement date of the contract is an interim date for which quotations are not available.
In the event that application of these methods of valuation results in a price for an investment that is deemed not to be representative of the market value of such
investment, or if a price is not available, the investment will be valued by the Global Valuation Committee, or its delegate, in accordance with a policy approved by the Board as reflecting fair value (Fair Value Assets). When
determining the price for Fair Value Assets, the Global Valuation Committee, or its delegate, seeks to determine the price that each Fund might reasonably expect to receive from the current sale of that asset in an arms-length transaction.
Fair value determinations shall be based upon all available factors that the investment advisor and/or sub-advisor deem relevant consistent with the principles of fair value measurement, which include the market approach, income approach and/or in
the case of recent investments, the cost approach, as appropriate. A market approach generally consists of using comparable market transactions. The income approach generally is used to discount future cash flows to present value and adjusted for
liquidity as appropriate. These factors include but are not limited to: (i) attributes specific to the investment or asset;
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SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
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DECEMBER 31, 2012
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33
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Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
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(ii) the principal market for the investment or asset; (iii) the customary participants in the principal market for the investment or asset; (iv) data assumptions by market
participants for the investment or asset, if reasonably available; (v) quoted prices for similar investments or assets in active markets; and (vi) other factors, such as future cash flows, interest rates, yield curves, volatilities,
prepayment speeds, loss severities, credit risks, recovery rates, liquidation amounts and/or default rates. Due to the inherent uncertainty of valuations of such investments, the fair values may differ from the values that would have been used had
an active market existed. The Global Valuation Committee, or its delegate, employs various methods for calibrating valuation approaches for investments where an active market does not exist, including regular due diligence of the Funds pricing
vendors, a regular review of key inputs and assumptions, transactional back-testing or disposition analysis to compare unrealized gains and losses to realized gains and losses, reviews of missing or stale prices and large movements in market values
and reviews of any market related activity. The pricing of all Fair Value Assets is subsequently reported to the Board or a committee thereof on a quarterly basis.
Generally, trading in foreign instruments is substantially completed each day at various times prior to the close of business on the NYSE. Occasionally, events
affecting the values of such instruments may occur between the foreign market close and the close of business on the NYSE that may not be reflected in the computation of each Funds net assets. If events (for example, a company announcement,
market volatility or a natural disaster) occur during such periods that are expected to affect the value of such instruments materially, those instruments may be Fair Value Assets and valued at their fair value, as determined in good faith by the
Global Valuation Committee using a pricing service and/or policies approved by the Board. Each business day, the Funds use a pricing service to assist with the valuation of certain foreign exchange-traded equity securities and foreign
exchange-traded and over-the counter (OTC) options (the Systematic Fair Value Price). Using current market factors, the Systematic Fair Value Price is designed to value such foreign securities and foreign options at fair
value as of the close of business on the NYSE, which follows the close of the local markets.
Foreign Currency: The Funds books and records are maintained in
US dollars. Purchases and sales of investment securities are recorded at the rates of exchange prevailing on the respective date of such transactions. Generally, when the US dollar rises in value against a foreign currency, the Funds
investments denominated in that currency will lose value because that currency is worth fewer US dollars; the opposite effect occurs if the US dollar falls in relative value.
The Funds do not isolate the portion of the results of operations arising as a result of changes in the foreign exchange rates from the changes in the market prices of
investments held or sold for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, the effects of changes in foreign currency exchange rates on investments are not segregated in the Statements of Operations from the effects of changes in market prices of those
investments but are included as a component of net realized and unrealized gain (loss) from investments. The Funds report realized currency gains (losses) on foreign currency related transactions as components of net realized gain (loss) for
financial reporting purposes, whereas such components are treated as ordinary income for federal income tax purposes.
Segregation and Collateralization: In cases
in which the 1940 Act and the interpretive positions of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) require that each Fund either deliver collateral or segregate assets in connection with certain investments (e.g., foreign currency
exchange contracts, and financial futures contracts), each Fund will, consistent with SEC rules and/or certain interpretive letters issued by the SEC, segregate collateral or designate on their books and records cash or liquid securities having a
market value at least equal to the amount that would otherwise be required to be physically segregated. Furthermore, based on requirements and agreements with certain exchanges and third party broker-dealers, each party to such transactions has
requirements to deliver/deposit securities as collateral for certain investments.
Investment Transactions and Investment Income: For financial reporting purposes,
investment transactions are recorded on the dates the transactions are entered into (the trade dates). Realized gains and losses on investment transactions are determined on the identified cost basis. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend
dates. Dividends from foreign securities where the ex-dividend date may have passed are subsequently recorded when the Funds are informed of the ex-dividend date. Under the applicable foreign tax laws, a withholding tax at various rates may be
imposed on capital gains, dividends and interest. Upon notification from issuers, some of the dividend income received from a real estate investment trust may be redesignated as a reduction of cost of the related investment and/or realized gain.
Interest income, including amortization and accretion of premiums and discounts on debt securities, is recognized on the accrual basis. Income and realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated daily to each class based on its relative net
assets.
Dividends and Distributions: Dividends and distributions paid by the Funds are recorded on the ex-dividend dates. The portion of distributions that exceeds
a Funds current and accumulated earnings and profits, which are measured on a tax basis, will constitute a nontaxable return of capital. Distributions in excess of a Funds taxable income and net capital gains, but not in excess of a
Funds earnings and profits, will be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income and will not constitute a nontaxable return of capital. Capital losses carried forward from years beginning before 2011 do not reduce earnings and profits, even if
such carried forward losses offset current year realized gains. The character
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34
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SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
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DECEMBER 31, 2012
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Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
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and timing of dividends and distributions are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from US GAAP.
Securities Lending: The Funds may lend securities to approved borrowers, such as banks, brokers and other financial institutions. The borrower pledges cash, securities
issued or guaranteed by the US government or irrevocable letters of credit issued by a bank as collateral. The initial collateral received by the Funds is required to have a value of at least 102% of the current value of the loaned securities for
securities traded on US exchanges and a value of at least 105% for all other securities. The collateral is maintained thereafter in an amount equal to at least 100% of the current market value of the loaned securities. The market value of the loaned
securities is determined at the close of business of the Funds and any additional required collateral is delivered to the Funds on the next business day. Securities lending income, as disclosed in the Statements of Operations, represents the income
earned from the investment of the cash collateral, net of rebates paid to, or fees paid by, borrowers and less the fees paid to the securities lending agent. During the term of the loan, the Funds earn dividend or interest income on the securities
loaned but do not receive interest income on the securities received as collateral. Loans of securities are terminable at any time and the borrower, after notice, is required to return borrowed securities within the standard time period for
settlement of securities transactions. The risks of securities lending include the risk that the borrower may not provide additional collateral when required or may not return the securities when due. To mitigate this risk the Funds benefit from a
borrower default indemnity provided by BlackRock, Inc. (BlackRock). BlackRocks indemnity allows for full replacement of securities lent. The Funds also could suffer a loss if the value of an investment purchased with cash
collateral falls below the market value of loaned securities or if the value of an investment purchased with cash collateral falls below the value of the original cash collateral received. During the six months ended December 31, 2012, any
securities on loan were collateralized by cash.
Income Taxes: It is the Funds policy to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended, applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute substantially all of their taxable income to their shareholders. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required.
Each Fund files US federal and various state and local tax returns. No income tax returns are currently under examination. The statute of limitations on the Funds
US federal tax returns remains open for each of the four years ended June 30, 2012. The statutes of limitations on each Funds state and local tax returns may remain open for an additional year depending upon the jurisdiction. Management
does not believe there are any uncertain tax positions that require recognition of a tax liability.
Recent Accounting Standards: In December 2011, the Financial
Accounting Standards Board (the FASB) issued guidance that will expand current disclosure requirements on the offsetting of certain assets and liabilities. The new disclosures will be required for investments and derivative financial
instruments subject to master netting or similar agreements which are eligible for offset in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities and will require an entity to disclose both gross and net information about such investments and transactions in
the financial statements. In January 2013, the FASB issued guidance that clarifies which investments and transactions are subject to the offsetting disclosure requirements. The scope of the disclosure requirements for offsetting will be limited to
derivative instruments, repurchase agreements and reverse repurchase agreements, and securities borrowing and securities lending transactions. The guidance is effective for financial statements with fiscal years beginning on or after January 1,
2013, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Management is evaluating the impact of this guidance on the Funds financial statement disclosures.
Other: Expenses directly related to a Fund or its classes are charged to that Fund or class. Other operating expenses shared by several funds are pro rated among those
funds on the basis of relative net assets or other appropriate methods. Expenses directly related to the Funds and other shared expenses pro rated to the Funds are allocated daily to each class based on its relative net assets or other appropriate
methods.
The Funds have an arrangement with the custodian whereby fees may be reduced by credits earned on uninvested cash balances, which, if applicable, are
shown as fees paid indirectly in the Statements of Operations. The custodian imposes fees on overdrawn cash balances, which can be offset by accumulated credits earned or may result in additional custody charges.
2. Derivative Financial Instruments:
The Funds engage in various portfolio
investment strategies using derivative contracts both to increase the returns of the Funds and/or to economically hedge, or protect, their exposure to certain risks such as foreign currency exchange rate risk. These contracts may be transacted on an
exchange or OTC.
Losses may arise if the value of the contract decreases due to an unfavorable change in the market rates or values of the underlying instrument or
if the counterparty does not perform under the contract. The Funds maximum risk of loss from counterparty credit risk on OTC derivatives is generally the aggregate unrealized gain netted against any collateral pledged by/posted to the
counterparty.
The Funds may mitigate counterparty risk by procuring collateral and through netting provisions included within an International Swaps and
Derivatives Association, Inc. master agreement (ISDA Master Agreement) implemented between a Fund and each of its respective counterparties. An ISDA Master Agreement allows each Fund to offset with each separate counterparty certain
derivative financial instruments payables and/or receivables with collateral held. The amount of
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SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
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DECEMBER 31, 2012
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35
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Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
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|
collateral moved to/from applicable counterparties is generally based upon minimum transfer amounts of up to $500,000. To the extent amounts due to the Funds from their counterparties are not
fully collateralized, contractually or otherwise, the Funds bear the risk of loss from counterparty non-performance. See Note 1 Segregation and Collateralization for information with respect to collateral practices. In addition, the
Funds manage counterparty risk by entering into agreements only with counterparties that they believe have the financial resources to honor their obligations and by monitoring the financial stability of those counterparties.
Certain ISDA Master Agreements allow counterparties to OTC derivatives to terminate derivative contracts prior to maturity in the event the Funds net assets
decline by a stated percentage or the Funds fail to meet the terms of their ISDA Master Agreements, which would cause the Funds to accelerate payment of any net liability owed to the counterparty.
Financial Futures Contracts: The Funds purchase or sell financial futures contracts and options on financial futures contracts to gain exposure to, or economically
hedge against, changes in the value of equity securities (equity risk). Financial futures contracts are agreements between the Funds and the counterparty to buy or sell a specific quantity of an underlying instrument at a specified price and at a
specified date. Depending on the terms of the particular contract, financial futures contracts are settled either through physical delivery of the underlying instrument on the settlement date or by payment of a cash settlement amount on the
settlement date. Pursuant to the contract, the Funds agree to receive from or pay to the broker an amount of cash equal to the daily fluctuation in value of the contract. Such receipts or payments are known as variation margin and are recorded by
the Funds as unrealized appreciation or depreciation. When the contract is closed, the Funds record a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed.
The use of financial futures contracts involves the risk of an imperfect correlation in the movements in the price of financial futures contracts, interest rates and the underlying assets.
Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts: The Funds enter into foreign currency exchange contracts as an economic hedge against either specific transactions or portfolio
instruments or to obtain exposure to foreign currencies (foreign currency exchange rate risk). A foreign currency exchange contract is an agreement between two parties to buy and sell a currency at a set exchange rate on a future date. Foreign
currency exchange contracts, when used by the Funds, help to manage the overall exposure to the currencies in which some of the investments held by the Funds are denominated. The contract is marked-to-market daily and the change in market value is
recorded by the Funds as an unrealized gain or loss. When the contract is closed, the Funds record a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed. The use of
foreign currency exchange contracts involves the risk that the value of a foreign currency exchange contract changes unfavorably due to movements in the value of the referenced foreign currencies and the risk that the counterparty to the contract
does not perform its obligations under the agreement.
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Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure:
|
|
Fair Values of Derivative Financial Instruments as of December 31,
2012
|
|
Assets Derivatives
|
|
|
|
|
|
EuroFund
|
|
|
Global
SmallCap
|
|
|
|
Statements of Assets
and Liabilities Location
|
|
Value
|
|
Equity contracts
|
|
Investments at value
affiliated
1
|
|
$
|
98,763
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liability Derivatives
|
|
|
|
|
|
EuroFund
|
|
|
Global
SmallCap
|
|
|
|
Statements of Assets
and Liabilities Location
|
|
Value
|
|
Foreign currency exchange contracts
|
|
Unrealized depreciation
on
foreign currency
exchange contracts
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
(12,518
|
)
|
1
|
|
Includes cumulative appreciation/depreciation on financial futures contracts as reported in the Schedules of
Investments. Only current days variation margin is reported within the Statements of Assets and Liabilities.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Effect of Derivative Financial
Instruments in the Statements of Operations
Six Months Ended December 31, 2012
|
|
Net Realized Gain (Loss) From
|
|
|
|
EuroFund
|
|
|
Global
SmallCap
|
|
Equity contracts:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financial futures contracts
|
|
$
|
2,525,669
|
|
|
|
|
|
Foreign currency exchange contracts:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Foreign currency transactions
|
|
|
(89,139
|
)
|
|
$
|
46,108
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
2,436,530
|
|
|
$
|
46,108
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation on
|
|
|
|
EuroFund
|
|
|
Global
SmallCap
|
|
Equity contracts:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financial futures contracts
|
|
$
|
98,763
|
|
|
|
|
|
Foreign currency exchange contracts:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Foreign currency translations
|
|
|
(8,049
|
)
|
|
$
|
(15,553
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
90,714
|
|
|
$
|
(15,553
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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36
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SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
|
|
DECEMBER 31, 2012
|
|
|
|
|
|
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
|
|
|
For the six months ended December 31, 2012, the average quarterly balances of outstanding derivative financial instruments were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EuroFund
|
|
|
Global
SmallCap
|
|
Financial futures contracts:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average number of contracts purchased
|
|
|
535
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average number of contracts sold
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average notional value of contracts purchased
|
|
$
|
3,465,204
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average notional value of contracts sold
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Foreign currency exchange contracts:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average number of contracts US dollars purchased
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
|
4
|
|
Average number of contracts US dollars sold
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
|
1
|
|
Average US dollar amount purchased
|
|
$
|
582,372
|
|
|
$
|
1,367,089
|
|
Average US dollar amount sold
|
|
$
|
594,603
|
|
|
$
|
550,922
|
|
3. Investment Advisory Agreement and Other Transactions with Affiliates:
The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (PNC) is the largest stockholder and an affiliate, for 1940 Act purposes, of BlackRock.
Each Fund entered into an Investment Advisory Agreement with BlackRock Advisors, LLC (the Manager), the Funds investment advisor, an indirect, wholly
owned subsidiary of BlackRock, to provide investment advisory and administration services. The Manager is responsible for the management of each Funds portfolio and provides the necessary personnel, facilities, equipment and certain other
services necessary to the operations of each Fund. For such services, each Fund pays the Manager a monthly fee based on a percentage of each Funds average daily net assets at the following annual rates:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment Advisory Fee
|
|
Average Daily Net Assets
|
|
EuroFund
|
|
|
Global
SmallCap
|
|
First $1 Billion
|
|
|
0.75
|
%
|
|
|
0.85
|
%
|
$1 $3 Billion
|
|
|
0.71
|
%
|
|
|
0.80
|
%
|
$3 $5 Billion
|
|
|
0.68
|
%
|
|
|
0.77
|
%
|
$5 to $10 Billion
|
|
|
0.65
|
%
|
|
|
0.74
|
%
|
Greater than $10 Billion
|
|
|
0.64
|
%
|
|
|
0.72
|
%
|
The Manager voluntarily agreed to waive its investment advisory fees by the amount of investment advisory fees each Fund pays to the
Manager indirectly through its investment in affiliated money market funds. However, the Manager does not waive its investment advisory fees by the amount of investment advisory fees paid in connection with each Funds investment in other
affiliated investment companies, if any. These amounts are shown as fees waived by Manager in the Statements of Operations.
The Manager, with respect to EuroFund,
entered into a sub-advisory agreement with BlackRock Investment Management, LLC (BIM) and BlackRock International Ltd, (BIL), both affiliates of the Manager. The Manager pays BIM and BIL, for services they provide, a monthly
fee that is a percentage of the investment advisory fees paid by the Fund to the Manager.
The Manager, with respect to Global SmallCap, entered into a sub-advisory
agreement with BIM. The Manager pays BIM, for services it provides, a monthly fee that is a percentage of the investment advisory fees paid by the Fund to the Manager.
For the six months ended December 31, 2012, each Fund reimbursed the Manager for certain accounting services, which is included in accounting services in the Statements
of Operations. The reimbursements were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
EuroFund
|
|
$
|
1,472
|
|
Global SmallCap
|
|
$
|
5,516
|
|
The Funds entered into a Distribution Agreement and Distribution and Service Plan with BlackRock Investments, LLC (BRIL), an
affiliate of the Manager. Pursuant to the Distribution and Service Plan and in accordance with Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, each Fund pays BRIL ongoing service and distribution fees. The fees are accrued daily and paid monthly at annual rates
based upon the average daily net assets of the shares of each Fund as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Service
Fee
|
|
|
Distribution
Fee
|
|
Investor A
|
|
|
0.25
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
Investor B
|
|
|
0.25
|
%
|
|
|
0.75
|
%
|
Investor C
|
|
|
0.25
|
%
|
|
|
0.75
|
%
|
Class R
|
|
|
0.25
|
%
|
|
|
0.25
|
%
|
Pursuant to sub-agreements with BRIL, broker-dealers and BRIL provide shareholder servicing and distribution services to each Fund. The
ongoing service and/or distribution fee compensates BRIL and each broker-dealer for providing shareholder servicing and/or distribution related services to Investor A, Investor B, Investor C and Class R shareholders.
Pursuant to written agreements, certain financial intermediaries, some of which may be affiliates, provide the Funds with sub-accounting, recordkeeping, sub-transfer
agency and other administrative services with respect to sub-accounts they service. For these services, these entities receive an annual fee per shareholder account, which will vary depending on share class and/or net assets. For the six months
ended December 31, 2012, the Funds paid the following to affiliates in return for these services, which are included in transfer agent class specific in the Statements of Operations:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EuroFund
|
|
|
Global
SmallCap
|
|
Institutional
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
610
|
|
Investor A
|
|
$
|
12
|
|
|
$
|
1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
|
|
DECEMBER 31, 2012
|
|
37
|
|
|
|
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
|
|
|
The Manager maintains a call center, which is responsible for providing certain shareholder services to the Funds, such as responding to shareholder inquiries and
processing transactions based upon instructions from shareholders with respect to the subscription and redemption of Fund shares. For the six months ended December 31, 2012, the Funds reimbursed the Manager the following amounts for costs
incurred in running the call center, which are included in transfer agent class specific in the Statements of Operations:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EuroFund
|
|
|
Global
SmallCap
|
|
Institutional
|
|
$
|
1,466
|
|
|
$
|
1,485
|
|
Investor A
|
|
$
|
2,719
|
|
|
$
|
4,135
|
|
Investor B
|
|
$
|
129
|
|
|
$
|
226
|
|
Investor C
|
|
$
|
211
|
|
|
$
|
2,693
|
|
Class R
|
|
$
|
29
|
|
|
$
|
365
|
|
For the six months ended December 31, 2012, affiliates earned underwriting discounts, direct commissions and dealer concessions on
sales of the Funds Investor A Shares as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investor A
|
|
EuroFund
|
|
$
|
729
|
|
Global SmallCap
|
|
$
|
25,633
|
|
For the six months ended December 31, 2012, affiliates received CDSCs as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investor A
|
|
|
Investor B
|
|
|
Investor C
|
|
EuroFund
|
|
$
|
4
|
|
|
$
|
299
|
|
|
$
|
5
|
|
Global SmallCap
|
|
$
|
694
|
|
|
$
|
4,211
|
|
|
$
|
7,812
|
|
The Funds received an exemptive order from the SEC permitting them, among other things, to pay an affiliated securities lending agent a
fee based on a share of the income derived from the securities lending activities and has retained BIM as the securities lending agent. BIM may, on behalf of the Funds, invest cash collateral received by the Funds for such loans, among other things,
in a private investment company managed by the Manager or in registered money market funds advised by the Manager or its affiliates. The market value of securities on loan and the value of the related collateral, if applicable, are shown in the
Statements of Assets and Liabilities as securities loaned at value and collateral on securities loaned at value, respectively. The cash collateral invested by BIM is disclosed in the Schedules of Investments, if any. Securities lending income is
equal to the total of income earned from the reinvestment of cash collateral, net of rebates paid to, or fees paid by, borrowers of securities. The Funds retain 65% of securities lending income and pay a fee to BIM equal to 35% of such income. The
Funds benefit from a borrower default indemnity provided by BlackRock. As securities lending agent, BIM bears all operational costs directly related to securities lending as well as the cost of borrower default indemnification. BIM does not receive
any fees for managing the cash collateral. The share of income earned by the Funds is shown as securities lending affiliated net in the Statements of Operations. For the six months ended December 31, 2012, BIM received $282,751 in
securities lending agent fees related to securities lending activities for Global SmallCap.
Certain officers and/or directors of the Funds are officers and/or
directors of BlackRock or its affiliates. The Funds reimburse the Manager for a portion of the compensation paid to the Funds Chief Compliance Officer.
4.
Investments:
Purchases and sales of investments, excluding short-term securities for the six months ended December 31, 2012, were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchases
|
|
|
Sales
|
|
EuroFund
|
|
$
|
139,373,375
|
|
|
$
|
152,225,113
|
|
Global SmallCap
|
|
$
|
278,841,929
|
|
|
$
|
284,143,395
|
|
5. Income Tax Information:
As of
June 30, 2012, the Funds had capital loss carryforwards available to offset future realized capital gains through the indicated expiration dates as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expires June 30,
|
|
EuroFund
|
|
|
Global
SmallCap
|
|
2017
|
|
$
|
38,781,995
|
|
|
|
|
|
2018
|
|
|
85,950,061
|
|
|
$
|
9,368,351
|
|
No expiration date
1
|
|
|
11,654,090
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
$136,386,146
|
|
|
|
$9,368,351
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1
|
|
Must be utilized prior to losses subject to expiration.
|
As of
December 31, 2012, gross unrealized appreciation and gross unrealized depreciation based on cost for federal income tax purposes were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EuroFund
|
|
|
Global
SmallCap
|
|
Tax cost
|
|
$
|
267,644,126
|
|
|
$
|
804,557,753
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross unrealized appreciation
|
|
$
|
52,097,109
|
|
|
$
|
194,679,959
|
|
Gross unrealized depreciation
|
|
|
(9,703,248
|
)
|
|
|
(82,699,936
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net unrealized appreciation
|
|
$
|
42,393,861
|
|
|
$
|
111,980,023
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6. Borrowings:
The Funds, along with
certain other funds managed by the Manager and its affiliates, are parties to a $500 million credit agreement with a group of lenders, which expired in November 2011. The Funds may borrow under the credit agreement to fund shareholder redemptions.
Effective November 2011 to November 2012, the credit agreement had the following terms: a commitment fee of 0.065% per annum based on the Funds pro rata share of the unused portion of the credit agreement and interest at a rate equal to the
higher of (a) the one-month LIBOR plus 0.80% per annum or (b) the Fed Funds rate plus 0.80% per annum on amounts borrowed. In addition, the Funds paid administration and arrangement fees which were allocated to the Funds based on their net
assets as of October 31, 2011. The credit agreement, which expired in
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
38
|
|
SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
|
|
DECEMBER 31, 2012
|
|
|
|
|
|
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
|
|
|
November 2012, was renewed with the same terms until November 2013. Effective November 2012 to November 2013, the credit agreement has the following terms: a commitment fee of 0.065% per
annum based on the Funds pro rata share of the unused portion of the credit agreement and interest at a rate equal to the higher of (a) the one-month LIBOR plus 0.80% per annum or (b) the Fed Funds rate plus 0.80% per annum
on amounts borrowed. In addition, the Funds paid administration and arrangement fees which were allocated to the Funds based on their net assets as of October 31, 2012. The Funds did not borrow under the credit agreement during the six months
ended December 31, 2012.
7. Concentration, Market and Credit Risk:
In the normal course of business, the Funds invest in securities and enter into transactions where risks exist due to fluctuations in the market (market risk) or
failure of the issuer of a security to meet all its obligations (issuer credit risk). The value of securities held by the Funds may decline in response to certain events, including those directly involving the issuers whose securities are owned by
the Funds; conditions affecting the general economy; overall market changes; local, regional or global political, social or economic instability; and currency and interest rate and price fluctuations. Similar to issuer credit risk, the Funds may be
exposed to counterparty credit risk, or the risk that an entity with which the Funds have unsettled or open transactions may fail to or be unable to perform on its commitments. The Funds manage counterparty credit risk by entering into transactions
only with counterparties that they believe have the financial resources to honor their obligations and by monitoring the financial stability of those counterparties. Financial assets, which potentially expose the Funds to market, issuer and
counterparty credit risks, consist principally of financial instruments and receivables due from counterparties. The extent of the Funds exposure to market, issuer and counterparty credit risks with respect to these financial assets is
generally approximated by their value recorded in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities, less any collateral held by the Funds.
The Funds invest a substantial
amount of their assets in issuers located in a single country or a limited number of countries. When the Funds concentrate their investments in this manner, they assume the risk that economic, political and social conditions in those countries may
have a significant impact on their investment performance. Foreign issuers may not be subject to the same uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and practices as used in the US. Foreign securities markets may also be less
liquid, more volatile, and less subject to governmental supervision not typically associated with investing in US securities. Please see the Schedules of Investments for concentrations in specific countries.
Each Fund invests a significant portion of its assets in securities of issuers located in Europe or with significant exposure to European issuers or countries. 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, including Greece, Ireland, Italy, Portugal and Spain. As
of December 31, 2012, these events have adversely affected the exchange rate of the euro and may continue to spread to other countries in Europe, including countries that do not use the euro. These events may affect the value and liquidity of
certain of the Funds investments.
As of December 31, 2012, the Funds invested a significant portion of their assets in securities in the materials
sector. Changes in economic conditions affecting the materials sector would have a greater impact on the Funds and could affect the value, income and/or liquidity of positions in such securities.
As of December 31, 2012, the Funds had the following industry classifications:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Industry
|
|
EuroFund
|
|
|
Global
SmallCap
|
|
Chemicals
|
|
|
11
|
%
|
|
|
4
|
%
|
Commercial Banks
|
|
|
9
|
|
|
|
4
|
|
Metals & Mining
|
|
|
7
|
|
|
|
2
|
|
Pharmaceuticals..
|
|
|
7
|
|
|
|
3
|
|
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels
|
|
|
5
|
|
|
|
7
|
|
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods
|
|
|
5
|
|
|
|
5
|
|
Beverages
|
|
|
5
|
|
|
|
|
|
Machinery
|
|
|
4
|
|
|
|
6
|
|
Other
1
|
|
|
47
|
|
|
|
69
|
|
1
|
|
All other industries held were each less than 5% of long-term investments.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
|
|
DECEMBER 31, 2012
|
|
39
|
|
|
|
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
|
|
|
8. Capital Share Transactions:
Transactions in capital shares for each class were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Six Months Ended
December 31, 2012
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended
June 30, 2012
|
|
EuroFund
|
|
Shares
|
|
|
Amount
|
|
|
|
|
Shares
|
|
|
Amount
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Institutional
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares sold
|
|
|
364,724
|
|
|
$
|
4,620,593
|
|
|
|
|
|
685,205
|
|
|
$
|
8,168,297
|
|
Shares issued to shareholders in reinvestment of dividends
|
|
|
69,951
|
|
|
|
900,948
|
|
|
|
|
|
256,121
|
|
|
|
2,673,909
|
|
Shares redeemed
|
|
|
(770,803
|
)
|
|
|
(9,354,205
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
(1,959,636
|
)
|
|
|
(22,496,938
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net decrease
|
|
|
(336,128
|
)
|
|
$
|
(3,832,664
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
(1,018,310
|
)
|
|
$
|
(11,654,732
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investor A
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares sold and automatic conversion of shares
|
|
|
1,874,275
|
|
|
$
|
22,695,820
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,690,951
|
|
|
$
|
39,713,905
|
|
Shares issued to shareholders in reinvestment of dividends
|
|
|
161,813
|
|
|
|
2,045,171
|
|
|
|
|
|
433,126
|
|
|
|
4,444,241
|
|
Shares redeemed
|
|
|
(2,110,716
|
)
|
|
|
(25,361,224
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
(3,506,445
|
)
|
|
|
(39,515,691
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net increase (decrease)
|
|
|
(74,628
|
)
|
|
$
|
(620,233
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
617,632
|
|
|
$
|
4,642,455
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investor B
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares sold
|
|
|
3,663
|
|
|
$
|
35,703
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,126
|
|
|
$
|
57,666
|
|
Shares issued to shareholders in reinvestment of dividends
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
938
|
|
|
|
8,070
|
|
Shares redeemed and automatic conversion of shares
|
|
|
(24,610
|
)
|
|
|
(240,366
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
(96,167
|
)
|
|
|
(890,975
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net decrease
|
|
|
(20,947
|
)
|
|
$
|
(204,663
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
(89,103
|
)
|
|
$
|
(825,239
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investor C
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares sold
|
|
|
101,951
|
|
|
$
|
911,801
|
|
|
|
|
|
75,728
|
|
|
$
|
634,022
|
|
Shares issued to shareholders in reinvestment of dividends
|
|
|
8,037
|
|
|
|
73,853
|
|
|
|
|
|
65,405
|
|
|
|
489,907
|
|
Shares redeemed
|
|
|
(204,645
|
)
|
|
|
(1,757,488
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
(670,043
|
)
|
|
|
(5,483,698
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net decrease
|
|
|
(94,657
|
)
|
|
$
|
(771,834
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
(528,910
|
)
|
|
$
|
(4,359,769
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class R
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares sold
|
|
|
12,928
|
|
|
$
|
117,479
|
|
|
|
|
|
51,549
|
|
|
$
|
442,462
|
|
Shares issued to shareholders in reinvestment of dividends
|
|
|
1,197
|
|
|
|
11,725
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,434
|
|
|
|
67,140
|
|
Shares redeemed
|
|
|
(30,604
|
)
|
|
|
(293,073
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
(108,476
|
)
|
|
|
(961,981
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net decrease
|
|
|
(16,479
|
)
|
|
$
|
(163,869
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
(48,493
|
)
|
|
$
|
(452,379
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Net Decrease
|
|
|
(542,839
|
)
|
|
$
|
(5,593,263
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
(1,067,184
|
)
|
|
$
|
(12,649,664
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
40
|
|
SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
|
|
DECEMBER 31, 2012
|
|
|
|
|
|
Notes to Financial Statements (concluded)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Six Months Ended
December 31, 2012
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended
June 30, 2012
|
|
Global SmallCap
|
|
Shares
|
|
|
Amount
|
|
|
|
|
Shares
|
|
|
Amount
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Institutional
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares sold
|
|
|
1,263,210
|
|
|
$
|
28,834,379
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,090,218
|
|
|
$
|
67,963,631
|
|
Shares issued to shareholders in reinvestment of dividends
|
|
|
198,443
|
|
|
|
4,520,441
|
|
|
|
|
|
203,893
|
|
|
|
4,211,269
|
|
Shares redeemed
|
|
|
(1,134,732
|
)
|
|
|
(25,924,440
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
(13,670,299
|
)
|
|
|
(306,491,274
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net increase (decrease)
|
|
|
326,921
|
|
|
$
|
7,430,380
|
|
|
|
|
|
(10,376,188
|
)
|
|
$
|
(234,316,374
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investor A
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares sold and automatic conversion of shares
|
|
|
1,316,078
|
|
|
$
|
29,380,261
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,100,069
|
|
|
$
|
87,793,864
|
|
Shares issued to shareholders in reinvestment of dividends
|
|
|
350,905
|
|
|
|
7,825,098
|
|
|
|
|
|
160,457
|
|
|
|
3,246,090
|
|
Shares redeemed
|
|
|
(2,834,317
|
)
|
|
|
(63,100,211
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
(4,095,263
|
)
|
|
|
(88,021,246
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net increase (decrease)
|
|
|
(1,167,334
|
)
|
|
|
(25,894,852
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
165,263
|
|
|
$
|
3,018,708
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investor B
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares sold
|
|
|
9,276
|
|
|
$
|
194,349
|
|
|
|
|
|
29,526
|
|
|
$
|
596,466
|
|
Shares issued to shareholders in reinvestment of dividends
|
|
|
3,417
|
|
|
|
72,669
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares redeemed and automatic conversion of shares
|
|
|
(176,399
|
)
|
|
|
(3,717,316
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
(551,371
|
)
|
|
|
(11,157,741
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net decrease
|
|
|
(163,706
|
)
|
|
$
|
(3,450,298
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
(521,845
|
)
|
|
$
|
(10,561,275
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investor C
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares sold
|
|
|
622,766
|
|
|
$
|
12,704,927
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,754,462
|
|
|
$
|
34,339,410
|
|
Shares issued to shareholders in reinvestment of dividends
|
|
|
227,597
|
|
|
|
4,654,199
|
|
|
|
|
|
21,917
|
|
|
|
407,447
|
|
Shares redeemed
|
|
|
(1,554,230
|
)
|
|
|
(31,753,207
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
(4,752,464
|
)
|
|
|
(93,431,307
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net decrease
|
|
|
(703,867
|
)
|
|
$
|
(14,394,081
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
(2,976,085
|
)
|
|
$
|
(58,684,450
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class R
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares sold
|
|
|
154,681
|
|
|
$
|
3,285,816
|
|
|
|
|
|
511,380
|
|
|
$
|
10,528,036
|
|
Shares issued to shareholders in reinvestment of dividends
|
|
|
31,312
|
|
|
|
666,318
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,241
|
|
|
|
216,966
|
|
Shares redeemed
|
|
|
(292,509
|
)
|
|
|
(6,171,208
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
(1,144,810
|
)
|
|
|
(23,431,707
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net decrease
|
|
|
(106,516
|
)
|
|
$
|
(2,219,074
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
(622,189
|
)
|
|
$
|
(12,686,705
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Net Decrease
|
|
|
(1,814,502
|
)
|
|
$
|
(38,527,925
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
(14,331,044
|
)
|
|
$
|
(313,230,096
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9. Subsequent Events:
Management has
evaluated the impact of all subsequent events on each Fund through the date the financial statements were issued and has determined that there were no subsequent events requiring adjustment or additional disclosure in the financial statements.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
|
|
DECEMBER 31, 2012
|
|
41
|