BLACKROCK MUNIYIELD INVESTMENT QUALITY FUND

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM N-CSR

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED MANAGEMENT

INVESTMENT COMPANIES

Investment Company Act file number: 811-07156

Name of Fund: BlackRock MuniYield Investment Quality Fund (MFT)

Fund Address:    100 Bellevue Parkway, Wilmington, DE 19809

Name and address of agent for service: John M. Perlowski, Chief Executive Officer, BlackRock MuniYield Investment Quality Fund, 55 East 52nd Street, New York, NY 10055

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

Date of fiscal year end: 07/31/2017

Date of reporting period: 07/31/2017


Item 1 – Report to Stockholders


JULY 31, 2017

 

 

 

 

 

ANNUAL REPORT

 

    LOGO

 

BlackRock MuniHoldings California Quality Fund, Inc. (MUC)

BlackRock MuniHoldings New Jersey Quality Fund, Inc. (MUJ)

BlackRock MuniYield Investment Quality Fund (MFT)

BlackRock MuniYield Michigan Quality Fund, Inc. (MIY)

BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund (MPA)

 

Not FDIC Insured • May Lose Value • No Bank Guarantee


The Markets in Review

 

Dear Shareholder,

In the 12 months ended July 31, 2017, risk assets, such as stocks and high-yield bonds, continued to deliver strong performance. These markets showed great resilience during a period with big surprises, including the aftermath of the U.K.’s vote to leave the European Union and the outcome of the U.S. presidential election, which brought only brief spikes in equity market volatility. These expressions of isolationism and discontent were countered by the closely watched and less surprising elections in France, the Netherlands and Australia.

Interest rates rose, which worked against high-quality assets with more interest rate sensitivity. Aside from the shortest-term Treasury bills, most U.S. Treasuries posted negative returns, as rising energy prices, modest wage increases and steady job growth led to expectations of higher inflation and anticipation of interest rate increases by the U.S. Federal Reserve (the “Fed”).

The global reflationary theme — rising nominal growth, wages and inflation — was the dominant driver of asset returns during the period, outweighing significant political upheavals and economic uncertainty. Reflationary expectations accelerated after the U.S. election in November 2016 and continued into the beginning of 2017, stoked by expectations that the new administration’s policies would provide an extra boost to U.S. growth.

The Fed has responded to these positive developments by increasing interest rates three times in the last six months, setting expectations for additional interest rate increases and moving toward normalizing monetary policy. Divergent global monetary policy continued in earnest, as the European Central Bank and the Bank of Japan reiterated their commitments to economic stimulus despite nascent signs of sustained economic growth in both countries.

In recent months, growing skepticism about the near-term likelihood of significant U.S. tax reform and infrastructure spending has tempered enthusiasm around the reflation trade. Similarly, renewed concern about oversupply has weighed on energy prices. Nonetheless, financial markets — and to an extent the Fed — have adopted a “wait-and-see” approach to the economic data and potential fiscal stimulus. Although uncertainty has persisted, benign credit conditions, modest inflation and the positive outlook for economic growth have kept markets relatively tranquil.

Although economic momentum is gaining traction, the capacity for rapid global growth is restrained by structural factors, including an aging population, low productivity growth and excess savings, as well as cyclical factors, such as the Fed moving toward the normalization of monetary policy and the length of the current expansion. Tempered economic growth and high valuations across most assets have set the stage for muted returns going forward. At current valuation levels, potential equity gains will likely be closely tied to the pace of earnings growth, which has remained solid thus far in 2017.

In this environment, investors need to think globally, extend their scope across a broad array of asset classes, and be nimble as market conditions change. We encourage you to talk with your financial advisor and visit blackrock.com for further insight about investing in today’s markets.

Sincerely,

LOGO

Rob Kapito

President, BlackRock Advisors, LLC

LOGO

Rob Kapito

President, BlackRock Advisors, LLC

 

Total Returns as of July 31, 2017  
    6-month     12-month  

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

    9.51     16.04

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

    5.35       18.45  

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

    13.79       17.77  

Emerging market equities
(MSCI Emerging Markets Index)

    18.98       24.84  

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

    0.35       0.54  

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

    2.33       (5.73

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

    2.51       (0.51

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

    3.40       0.36  

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

    4.57       10.94  
Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Index performance is shown for illustrative purposes only. You cannot invest directly in an index.  

 

                
2    THIS PAGE NOT PART OF YOUR FUND REPORT      


Table of Contents     

 

     Page  

The Markets in Review

    2  

Annual Report:

 

Municipal Market Overview

    4  

The Benefits and Risks of Leveraging

    5  

Derivative Financial Instruments

    5  

Fund Summaries

    6  
Financial Statements:  

Schedules of Investments

    16  

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

    46  

Statements of Operations

    47  

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

    48  

Statements of Cash Flows

    50  

Financial Highlights

    51  

Notes to Financial Statements

    56  

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

    68  

Disclosure of Investment Advisory Agreements

    69  

Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan

    73  

Officers and Directors

    74  

Additional Information

    77  

 

                
   ANNUAL REPORT    JULY 31, 2017    3


Municipal Market Overview     

 

For the Reporting Period Ended July 31, 2017      

Municipal Market Conditions

Municipal bonds experienced modestly positive performance for the period as a result of vastly rising interest rates spurring from generally stronger economic data, signs of inflation pressures, Federal Reserve (“Fed”) monetary policy normalization, and market expectations for pro-growth fiscal policy. However, ongoing reassurance from the Fed that rates would be increased gradually and would likely remain low overall resulted in continued demand for fixed income investments. More specifically, investors favored the income, attractive relative yield, and stability of municipal bonds amid bouts of interest rate volatility (bond prices rise as rates fall) resulting from geopolitical tensions, the contentious U.S. election, and continued global central bank divergence — i.e., policy easing outside the United States while the Fed slowly engages in policy tightening. During the 12 months ended July 31, 2017, municipal bond funds garnered net inflows of approximately $593 million (based on data from the Investment Company Institute).

For the same 12-month period, total new issuance remained robust from a historical perspective at $412 billion (above the $397 billion issued in the prior 12-month period). A noteworthy portion of new supply during this period was attributable to refinancing activity (roughly 57%) as issuers continued to take advantage of low interest rates and a flat yield curve to reduce their borrowing costs.

S&P Municipal Bond Index

Total Returns as of July 31, 2017

  6 months: 3.40%

12 months: 0.36%

 

A Closer Look at Yields

 

LOGO

From July 31, 2016 to July 31, 2017, yields on AAA-rated 30-year municipal bonds increased by 62 basis points (“bps”) from 2.12% to 2.74%, while 10-year rates rose by 55 bps from 1.40% to 1.95% and 5-year rates increased 37 bps from 0.84% to 1.21% (as measured by Thomson Municipal Market Data). The municipal yield curve steepened over the 12-month period with the spread between 2- and 30-year maturities steepening by 20 bps.

 

During the same time period, on a relative basis, tax-exempt municipal bonds broadly outperformed U.S. Treasuries with the greatest outperformance experienced in the front and intermediate portions of the yield curve. The relative positive performance of municipal bonds was driven largely by a supply/demand imbalance within the municipal market as investors sought income and incremental yield in an environment where opportunities became increasingly scarce. Municipal bonds came under pressure post the November U.S. election as a result of uncertainty surrounding potential tax-reform, though growing expectation that tax reform is likely to be delayed or watered down quickly eased investor concerns. The asset class is known for its lower relative volatility and preservation of principal with an emphasis on income as tax rates rise.

Financial Conditions of Municipal Issuers

The majority of municipal credits remain strong, despite well-publicized distress among a few issuers. Four of the five states with the largest amount of debt outstanding — California, New York, Texas and Florida — have exhibited markedly improved credit fundamentals during the slow national recovery. However, several states with the largest unfunded pension liabilities have seen their bond prices decline noticeably and remain vulnerable to additional price deterioration. On the local level, Chicago’s credit quality downgrade is an outlier relative to other cities due to its larger pension liability and inadequate funding remedies. BlackRock maintains the view that municipal bond defaults will remain minimal and in the periphery while the overall market is fundamentally sound. We continue to advocate careful credit research and believe that a thoughtful approach to structure and security selection remains imperative amid uncertainty in a modestly improving economic environment.

The opinions expressed are those of BlackRock as of July 31, 2017, and are subject to change at any time due to changes in market or economic conditions. The comments should not be construed as a recommendation of any individual holdings or market sectors. Investing involves risk including loss of principal. Bond values fluctuate in price so the value of your investment can go down depending on market conditions. Fixed income risks include interest-rate and credit risk. Typically, when interest rates rise, there is a corresponding decline in bond values. Credit risk refers to the possibility that the bond issuer will not be able to make principal and interest payments. There may be less information on the financial condition of municipal issuers than for public corporations. The market for municipal bonds may be less liquid than for taxable bonds. Some investors may be subject to Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT). Capital gains distributions, if any, are taxable.

The Standard & Poor’s Municipal Bond Index, a broad, market value-weighted index, seeks to measure the performance of the U.S. municipal bond market. All bonds in the index are exempt from U.S. federal income taxes or subject to AMT. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Index performance is shown for illustrative purposes only. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

                
4    ANNUAL REPORT    JULY 31, 2017   


The Benefits and Risks of Leveraging     

 

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

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

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

However, in order to benefit Common Shareholders, the return on assets purchased with leverage proceeds must exceed the ongoing costs associated with the leverage. If interest and other costs of leverage exceed the Funds’ return on assets purchased with leverage proceeds, income to shareholders is lower than if the Funds had not used leverage. Furthermore, the value of the Funds’ portfolio investments generally varies inversely with the direction of long-term interest rates, although other factors can influence the value of portfolio investments. In contrast, the value of the Funds’ obligations under their respective leverage arrangements generally does not fluctuate in relation to interest rates. As a result, changes in interest rates can influence the Funds’ NAVs positively or

negatively. Changes in the future direction of interest rates are very difficult to predict accurately, and there is no assurance that the Fund’s intended leveraging strategy will be successful.

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

To obtain leverage, each Fund has issued Variable Rate Demand Preferred Shares (“VRDP Shares”), Variable Rate Muni Term Preferred Shares (“VMTP Shares”) (collectively, “Preferred Shares”) and/or leveraged its assets through the use of tender option bond trusts (“TOB Trusts”) as described in the Notes to Financial Statements.

Under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), each Fund is permitted to issue debt up to 33 1/3% of its total managed assets or equity securities (e.g., Preferred Shares) up to 50% of its total managed assets. A Fund may voluntarily elect to limit its leverage to less than the maximum amount permitted under the 1940 Act. In addition, a Fund may also be subject to certain asset coverage, leverage or portfolio composition requirements imposed by the Preferred Shares’ governing instruments or by agencies rating the Preferred Shares, which may be more stringent than those imposed by the 1940 Act.

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

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments     

 

The Funds may invest in various derivative financial instruments. These instruments are used to obtain exposure to a security, commodity, index, market, and/or other asset without owning or taking physical custody of securities, commodities and/or other referenced assets or to manage market, equity, credit, interest rate, foreign currency exchange rate, commodity and/or other risks. Derivative financial instruments may give rise to a form of economic leverage and involve risks, including the imperfect correlation between the value of a derivative financial instrument and the underlying asset, possible default of the counterparty to the transaction or

illiquidity of the instrument. The Funds’ successful use of a derivative financial instrument depends on the investment adviser’s ability to predict pertinent market movements accurately, which cannot be assured. The use of these instruments may result in losses greater than if they had not been used, may limit the amount of appreciation a Fund can realize on an investment and/or may result in lower distributions paid to shareholders. The Funds’ investments in these instruments, if any, are discussed in detail in the Notes to Financial Statements.

 

 

 

                
   ANNUAL REPORT    JULY 31, 2017    5


Fund Summary as of July 31, 2017    BlackRock MuniHoldings California Quality Fund, Inc.

 

Fund Overview      

BlackRock MuniHoldings California Quality Fund, Inc.’s (MUC) (the “Fund”) investment objective is to provide shareholders with current income exempt from U.S. federal income taxes and California personal income taxes. The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing primarily in municipal obligations exempt from U.S. federal income taxes (except that the interest may be subject to the U.S. federal alternative minimum tax) and California personal income taxes. Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests at least 80% of its assets in investment grade municipal obligations with remaining maturities of one year or more at the time of investment. The municipal obligations in which the Fund primarily invests are either rated investment grade quality, or are considered by the Fund’s investment adviser to be of comparable quality, at the time of investment. The Fund may invest directly in such securities or synthetically through the use of derivatives.

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

 

Fund Information      

 

Symbol on New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”)

  MUC

Initial Offering Date

  February 27, 1998

Yield on Closing Market Price as of July 31, 2017 ($14.75)1

  5.00%

Tax Equivalent Yield2

  10.19%

Current Monthly Distribution per Common Share3

  $0.0615

Current Annualized Distribution per Common Share3

  $0.7380

Economic Leverage as of July 31, 20174

  41%

 

  1   

Yield on closing market price is calculated by dividing the current annualized distribution per share by the closing market price. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

 

  2   

Tax equivalent yield assumes the maximum marginal U.S. federal and state tax rate of 50.93%, which includes the 3.8% Medicare tax. Actual tax rates will vary based on income, exemptions and deductions. Lower taxes will result in lower tax equivalent yields.

 

  3   

The distribution rate is not constant and is subject to change.

 

  4   

Represents VMTP Shares and TOB Trusts as a percentage of total managed assets, which is the total assets of the Fund, including any assets attributable to VMTP Shares and TOB Trusts, minus the sum of accrued liabilities. For a discussion of leveraging techniques utilized by the Fund, please see The Benefits and Risks of Leveraging on page 5.

 

Performance      

Returns for the 12 months ended July 31, 2017 were as follows:

 

    Returns Based On  
     Market Price      NAV  

MUC1,2

    (4.73)%        (1.08)%  

Lipper California Municipal Debt Funds3

    (4.75)%        (0.88)%  

 

  1   

All returns reflect reinvestment of dividends and/or distributions at actual reinvestment prices.

 

  2   

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

 

  3  

Average return. Returns reflect reinvestment of dividends and/or distributions at NAV on the ex-dividend date as calculated by Lipper.

Performance results may include adjustments made for financial reporting purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

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

 

 

The municipal bond market generated mixed returns in the 12-month reporting period. Municipal bonds initially moved lower in the third calendar quarter of 2016 due to a pick-up in new tax-exempt issuance and rising yields in the U.S. Treasury market. (Prices and yields move in opposite directions.) The weakness accelerated in November once Donald Trump’s election victory caused investors to factor in the possibility of faster economic growth and tighter Fed policy. As optimism for meaningful fiscal reforms subsequently waned and the economy failed to experience a significant acceleration, municipal bonds stabilized and retraced the majority of their post-election losses.

 

 

California municipal bonds performed slightly better than national municipal bonds during the period. California’s 2017—2018 budget demonstrated both spending restraint and growing reserves, with a forecast that projects structural balance through 2019. The state’s economy has grown at a healthy rate in recent years, with median household income and job gains outpacing U.S. growth rates.

 

 

Exposure to the school district and health care sectors detracted from performance. The Fund’s position in zero coupon bonds, while fairly limited, also detracted since the bonds’ longer durations accentuated impact of the down market. (Duration is a measure of interest rate sensitivity.)

 

 

Reinvestment was a further drag on results, as the proceeds of higher-yielding bonds that matured or were called needed to be reinvested at materially lower prevailing rates.

 

 

Portfolio income made the most significant positive contribution during a period in which bond prices lost ground. The Fund’s use of leverage, while enhancing the level of income, also exacerbated the impact of declining bond prices.

 

 

The Fund sought to manage interest rate risk using U.S. Treasury futures. Given that Treasury yields rose, as prices fell, this aspect of the Fund’s positioning had a positive effect on returns.

 

 

The Fund’s exposure to pre-refunded issues benefited performance, as their low duration enabled them to hold up better than longer-duration bonds at a time of rising yields.

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

 

                
6    ANNUAL REPORT    JULY 31, 2017   


     BlackRock MuniHoldings California Quality Fund, Inc.

 

 

Market Price and Net Asset Value Per Share Summary

 

     7/31/17      7/31/16      Change      High      Low  

Market Price

  $ 14.75      $ 16.28        (9.40)%      $ 16.35      $ 13.53  

Net Asset Value

  $ 15.53      $ 16.51        (5.94)%      $ 16.54      $ 14.92  

 

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

 

LOGO

 

Overview of the Fund’s Total Investments*      

 

Sector Allocation    7/31/17     7/31/16  

County/City/Special District/School District

     37     40

Health

     18       14  

Transportation

     18       15  

Utilities

     16       19  

State

     5       5  

Education

     4       5  

Corporate

     2       2  

For Fund compliance purposes, the Fund’s sector classifications refer to one or more of the sector sub-classifications used by one or more widely recognized market indexes or rating group indexes, and/or as defined by the investment adviser. These definitions may not apply for purposes of this report, which may combine such sector sub-classifications for reporting ease.

 

   
Call/Maturity Schedule2        
Calendar Year Ended December 31,   

2017

     2

2018

     12  

2019

     14  

2020

     5  

2021

     13  

 

  2  

Scheduled maturity dates and/or bonds that are subject to potential calls by issuers over the next five years.

 

  *   Excludes short-term securities.
Credit Quality Allocation1    7/31/17     7/31/16  

AAA/Aaa

     14     16

AA/Aa

     70       73  

A

     13       8  

BBB/Baa

     2       1  

N/R

     1       2  
  1   

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

 

 

                
   ANNUAL REPORT    JULY 31, 2017    7


Fund Summary as of July 31, 2017    BlackRock MuniHoldings New Jersey Quality Fund, Inc.

 

Fund Overview      

BlackRock MuniHoldings New Jersey Quality Fund, Inc.’s (MUJ) (the “Fund”) investment objective is to provide shareholders with current income exempt from U.S. federal income tax and New Jersey personal income taxes. The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing primarily in long-term, investment grade municipal obligations exempt from U.S federal income taxes (except that the interest may be subject to the U.S. federal alternative minimum tax) and New Jersey personal income taxes. The municipal obligations in which the Fund primarily invests are either rated investment grade quality, or are considered by the Fund’s investment adviser to be of comparable quality, at the time of investment. Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests at least 80% of its assets in municipal obligations with remaining maturities of one year or more at the time of investment. The Fund may invest directly in such securities or synthetically through the use of derivatives.

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

 

Fund Information      

 

Symbol on NYSE

  MUJ

Initial Offering Date

  March 11, 1998

Yield on Closing Market Price as of July 31, 2017 ($14.88)1

  5.44%

Tax Equivalent Yield2

  10.56%

Current Monthly Distribution per Common Share3

  $0.0675

Current Annualized Distribution per Common Share3

  $0.8100

Economic Leverage as of July 31, 20174

  39%

 

  1   

Yield on closing market price is calculated by dividing the current annualized distribution per share by the closing market price. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

 

  2   

Tax equivalent yield assumes the maximum marginal U.S. federal and state tax rate of 48.48%, which includes the 3.8% Medicare tax. Actual tax rates will vary based on income, exemptions and deductions. Lower taxes will result in lower tax equivalent yields.

 

  3   

The distribution rate is not constant and is subject to change.

 

  4   

Represents VRDP Shares and TOB Trusts as a percentage of total managed assets, which is the total assets of the Fund, including any assets attributable to VRDP Shares and TOB Trusts, minus the sum of accrued liabilities. For a discussion of leveraging techniques utilized by the Fund, please see The Benefits and Risks of Leveraging on page 5.

 

Performance      

Returns for the 12 months ended July 31, 2017 were as follows:

 

    Returns Based On  
     Market Price      NAV  

MUJ1,2

    (2.44 )%       (0.57 )% 

Lipper New Jersey Municipal Debt Funds3

    (4.61 )%       (0.95 )% 

 

  1   

All returns reflect reinvestment of dividends and/or distributions at actual reinvestment prices.

 

  2   

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

 

  3  

Average return. Returns reflect reinvestment of dividends and/or distributions at NAV on the ex-dividend date as calculated by Lipper.

Performance results may include adjustments made for financial reporting purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

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

 

 

The municipal bond market generated mixed returns in the 12-month reporting period. Municipal bonds initially moved lower in the third calendar quarter of 2016 due to a pick-up in new tax-exempt issuance and rising yields in the U.S. Treasury market. (Prices and yields move in opposite directions.) The weakness accelerated in November once Donald Trump’s election victory caused investors to factor in the possibility of faster economic growth and tighter Fed policy. As optimism for meaningful fiscal reforms subsequently waned and the economy failed to experience a significant acceleration, municipal bonds stabilized and retraced the majority of their post-election losses.

 

 

New Jersey state general obligations and appropriated issues underperformed the broader national market, as the major rating agencies downgraded the state’s credit rating over the past year.

 

 

The Fund’s position in zero coupon bonds, while fairly limited, detracted since the bonds’ longer durations accentuated impact of the down market. (Duration is a measure of interest rate sensitivity.)

 

 

Reinvestment was a further drag on results, as the proceeds of higher-yielding bonds that matured or were called needed to be reinvested at materially lower prevailing rates.

 

 

Portfolio income made the most significant positive contribution during a period in which bond prices lost ground. The Fund’s use of leverage, while enhancing the level of income, also exacerbated the impact of declining bond prices.

 

 

The Fund sought to manage interest rate risk using U.S. Treasury futures. Given that Treasury yields rose, as prices fell, this aspect of the Fund’s positioning had a positive effect on returns.

 

 

The Fund’s exposure to pre-refunded issues benefited performance, as their low duration enabled them to hold up better than longer-duration bonds at a time of rising yields. Positions in the transportation and housing sectors also contributed to performance.

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

 

                
8    ANNUAL REPORT    JULY 31, 2017   


     BlackRock MuniHoldings New Jersey Quality Fund, Inc.

 

 

Market Price and Net Asset Value Per Share Summary      

 

     7/31/17      7/31/16      Change      High      Low  

Market Price

  $ 14.88      $ 16.12        (7.69 )%     $ 16.25      $ 13.60  

Net Asset Value

  $ 15.57      $ 16.55        (5.92 )%     $ 16.57      $ 14.88  

 

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

 

LOGO

 

Overview of the Fund’s Total Investments*      

 

Sector Allocation    7/31/17     7/31/16  

Transportation

     27     24

Education

     20       21  

State

     19       20  

County/City/Special District/School District

     14       15  

Health

     12       11  

Housing

     4       4  

Utilities

     2       3  

Corporate

     2       2  

For Fund compliance purposes, the Fund’s sector classifications refer to one or more of the sector sub-classifications used by one or more widely recognized market indexes or rating group indexes, and/or as defined by the investment adviser. These definitions may not apply for purposes of this report, which may combine such sector sub-classifications for reporting ease.

 

   
Call/Maturity Schedule2        
Calendar Year Ended December 31,   

2017

     5

2018

     9  

2019

     4  

2020

     8  

2021

     16  

 

  2   

Scheduled maturity dates and/or bonds that are subject to potential calls by issuers over the next five years.

 

  *   Excludes short-term securities.
Credit Quality Allocation1   7/31/17     7/31/16  

AAA/Aaa

    8      

AA/Aa

    43       57

A

    31       35  

BBB/Baa

    18         8  

 

  1   

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

 

 

                
   ANNUAL REPORT    JULY 31, 2017    9


Fund Summary as of July 31, 2017    BlackRock MuniYield Investment Quality Fund

 

Fund Overview      

BlackRock MuniYield Investment Quality Fund’s (MFT) (the “Fund”) investment objective is to provide shareholders with as high a level of current income exempt from U.S. federal income taxes as is consistent with its investment policies and prudent investment management. The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing at least 80% of its assets in municipal obligations exempt from U.S. federal income taxes (except that the interest may be subject to the U.S. federal alternative minimum tax). Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests primarily in long-term municipal obligations that are investment grade quality, or are considered by the Fund’s investment adviser to be of comparable quality, at the time of investment. The Fund may invest directly in such securities or synthetically through the use of derivatives.

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

 

Fund Information      

Symbol on NYSE

  MFT

Initial Offering Date

  October 30, 1992

Yield on Closing Market Price as of July 31, 2017 ($14.67)1

  5.48%

Tax Equivalent Yield2

  9.68%

Current Monthly Distribution per Common Share3

  $0.0670

Current Annualized Distribution per Common Share3

  $0.8040

Economic Leverage as of July 31, 20174

  40%

 

  1   

Yield on closing market price is calculated by dividing the current annualized distribution per share by the closing market price. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

 

  2   

Tax equivalent yield assumes the maximum marginal U.S. federal tax rate of 43.4%, which includes the 3.8% Medicare tax. Actual tax rates will vary based on income, exemptions and deductions. Lower taxes will result in lower tax equivalent yields.

 

  3   

The distribution rate is not constant and is subject to change.

 

  4   

Represents VMTP Shares and TOB Trusts as a percentage of total managed assets, which is the total assets of the Fund, including any assets attributable to VMTP Shares and TOB Trusts, minus the sum of accrued liabilities. For a discussion of leveraging techniques utilized by the Fund, please see The Benefits and Risks of Leveraging on page 5.

 

Performance      

Returns for the 12 months ended July 31, 2017 were as follows:

 

    Returns Based On  
     Market Price      NAV  

MFT1,2

    (3.39 )%       (0.51 )% 

Lipper General & Insured Municipal Debt Funds (Leveraged)3

    (1.54 )%       (0.78 )% 

 

  1   

All returns reflect reinvestment of dividends and/or distributions at actual reinvestment prices.

 

  2   

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

 

  3  

Average return. Returns reflect reinvestment of dividends and/or distributions at NAV on the ex-dividend date as calculated by Lipper.

Performance results may include adjustments made for financial reporting purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

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

 

 

The municipal bond market generated mixed returns in the 12-month reporting period. Municipal bonds initially moved lower in the third calendar quarter of 2016 due to a pick-up in new tax-exempt issuance and rising yields in the U.S. Treasury market. (Prices and yields move in opposite directions.) The weakness accelerated in November once Donald Trump’s election victory caused investors to factor in the possibility of faster economic growth and tighter Fed policy. As optimism for meaningful fiscal reforms subsequently waned and the economy failed to experience a significant acceleration, municipal bonds stabilized and retraced the majority of their post-election losses.

 

 

Positions in intermediate- and longer-dated maturities declined the most in value, as they typically have longer durations relative to shorter maturities. (Duration is a measure of interest rate sensitivity.) In addition, the Fund’s exposure to 4% coupon bonds detracted given that lower coupons typically underperform in a rising-rate environment.

 

 

The Fund’s positions in high-quality, short-duration pre-refunded securities contributed positively to performance. At a time of rising yields, pre-refunded securities performed well relative to longer-duration issues due in part to their higher coupon income. However, positions in A-rated bonds generally lagged both their higher- and lower-rated counterparts.

 

 

Allocations to transportation and tax-backed (local) issues made the largest contributions to performance at the sector level, while positions in utilities and tax-backed (state) districts detracted.

 

 

The Fund sought to manage interest rate risk using U.S. Treasury futures. Given that Treasury yields rose, as prices fell, this aspect of the Fund’s positioning had a positive effect on returns.

 

 

While the Fund’s use of leverage enhanced portfolio income, the benefits of this strategy were somewhat reduced given the modest rise in funding costs associated with less accommodative central bank monetary policy. In addition, leverage exacerbated the impact of declining bond prices.

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

 

                
10    ANNUAL REPORT    JULY 31, 2017   


     BlackRock MuniYield Investment Quality Fund

 

Market Price and Net Asset Value Per Share Summary      

 

     7/31/17      7/31/16      Change      High      Low  

Market Price

  $ 14.67      $ 16.09        (8.83 )%     $ 16.43      $ 13.23  

Net Asset Value

  $ 14.60      $ 15.55        (6.11 )%     $ 15.55      $ 14.10  

 

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

 

LOGO

 

Overview of the Fund’s Total Investments*      

 

Sector Allocation   7/31/17     7/31/16  

Transportation

    39     40

County/City/Special District/School District

    17       15  

Utilities

    17       19  

Health

    11       10  

State

    7       9  

Education

    4       3  

Housing

    3       2  

Tobacco

    1       1  

Corporate

    1       1  

For Fund compliance purposes, the Fund’s sector classifications refer to one or more of the sector sub-classifications used by one or more widely recognized market indexes or rating group indexes, and/or as defined by the investment adviser. These definitions may not apply for purposes of this report, which may combine such sector sub-classifications for reporting ease.

 

   
Call/Maturity Schedule2        
Calendar Year Ended December 31,   

2017

     3 

2018

     10

2019

     24  

2020

     4  

2021

     20  

 

  2   

Scheduled maturity dates and/or bonds that are subject to potential calls by issuers over the next five years.

 

  3   

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

 

  *   Excludes short-term securities.
Credit Quality Allocation1   7/31/17     7/31/16  

AAA/Aaa

    7     6

AA/Aa

    59       62  

A

    22       25  

BBB/Baa

    11       7  

N/R

    1        

 

  1  

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

 

 

                
   ANNUAL REPORT    JULY 31, 2017    11


Fund Summary as of July 31, 2017    BlackRock MuniYield Michigan Quality Fund, Inc.

 

Fund Overview      

BlackRock MuniYield Michigan Quality Fund, Inc.’s (MIY) (the “Fund”) investment objective is to provide shareholders with as high a level of current income exempt from U.S. federal and Michigan income taxes as is consistent with its investment policies and prudent investment management. The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing at least 80% of its assets in municipal obligations exempt from U.S. federal income taxes (except that the interest may be subject to the U.S. federal alternative minimum tax) and Michigan income taxes. Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests primarily in long-term municipal obligations that are investment grade quality, or are considered by the Fund’s investment adviser to be of comparable quality, at the time of investment. The Fund may invest directly in such securities or synthetically through the use of derivatives.

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

 

Fund Information      

Symbol on NYSE

   MIY

Initial Offering Date

   October 30, 1992

Yield on Closing Market Price as of July 31, 2017 ($14.19)1

   5.41%

Tax Equivalent Yield2

   9.98%

Current Monthly Distribution per Common Share3

   $0.0640

Current Annualized Distribution per Common Share3

   $0.7680

Economic Leverage as of July 31, 20174

   38%

 

  1   

Yield on closing market price is calculated by dividing the current annualized distribution per share by the closing market price. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

 

  2   

Tax equivalent yield assumes the maximum marginal U.S. federal and state tax rate of 45.81%, which includes the 3.8% Medicare tax. Actual tax rates will vary based on income, exemptions and deductions. Lower taxes will result in lower tax equivalent yields.

 

  3   

The distribution rate is not constant and is subject to change.

 

  4   

Represents VRDP Shares and TOB Trusts as a percentage of total managed assets, which is the total assets of the Fund, including any assets attributable to VRDP Shares and TOB Trusts, minus the sum of accrued liabilities. For a discussion of leveraging techniques utilized by the Fund, please see The Benefits and Risks of Leveraging on page 5.

 

Performance      

Returns for the 12 months ended July 31, 2017 were as follows:

 

    Returns Based On  
     Market Price      NAV  

MIY1,2

    (2.56 )%       (0.07 )% 

Lipper Other States Municipal Debt Funds3

    (3.77 )%       (1.21 )% 

 

  1   

All returns reflect reinvestment of dividends and/or distributions at actual reinvestment prices.

 

  2   

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

 

  3  

Average return. Returns reflect reinvestment of dividends and/or distributions at NAV on the ex-dividend date as calculated by Lipper.

Performance results may include adjustments made for financial reporting purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

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

 

 

The municipal bond market generated mixed returns in the 12-month reporting period. Municipal bonds initially moved lower in the third calendar quarter of 2016 due to a pick-up in new tax-exempt issuance and rising yields in the U.S. Treasury market. (Prices and yields move in opposite directions.) The weakness accelerated in November once Donald Trump’s election victory caused investors to factor in the possibility of faster economic growth and tighter Fed policy. As optimism for meaningful fiscal reforms subsequently waned and the economy failed to experience a significant acceleration, municipal bonds stabilized and retraced the majority of their post-election losses.

 

 

Michigan municipal bonds solidly outperformed national municipals during the period. Michigan’s overall financial prospects exhibited positive trends. For example, the state’s unemployment rate fell below the national average in June after having trailed behind for several years, and it now stands at its lowest level since 2000. New issuance in the state was quite low, which was beneficial from a performance aspect. However, it also meant fewer investment opportunities.

 

 

The Fund’s exposure to the longer end of the yield curve detracted as longer-term bonds sold off more than the shorter-term issues. Positions in lower coupon securities also generally detracted from performance due to their longer duration characteristics. (Duration is a measure of interest rate sensitivity.)

 

 

Portfolio income made the most significant positive contribution to performance during a time in which bond prices lost ground. The Fund’s use of leverage, while enhancing income, also exacerbated the impact of declining bond prices.

 

 

The Fund sought to manage interest rate risk using U.S. Treasury futures. Given that Treasury yields rose, as prices fell, this aspect of the Fund’s positioning had a positive effect on returns.

 

 

The Fund’s exposure to the education sector was a positive contributor, as these holdings outperformed. Additionally, exposure to the pre-refunded sector was beneficial as these high-quality, short-duration securities outperformed at a time of rising yields.

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

 

                
12    ANNUAL REPORT    JULY 31, 2017   


     BlackRock MuniYield Michigan Quality Fund, Inc.

 

 

Market Price and Net Asset Value Per Share Summary                              

 

     7/31/17      7/31/16      Change      High      Low  

Market Price

  $ 14.19      $ 15.38        (7.74)%      $ 15.40      $ 13.17  

Net Asset Value

  $ 15.48      $ 16.36        (5.38)%      $ 16.36      $ 14.82  

 

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

 

LOGO

 

Overview of the Fund’s Total Investments*      

 

Sector Allocation    7/31/17     7/31/16  

Health

     26     25

Education

     24       23  

County/City/Special District/School District

     17       19  

State

     11       9  

Utilities

     10       10  

Transportation

     7       7  

Housing

     3       4  

Corporate

     2       3  

For Fund compliance purposes, the Fund’s sector classifications refer to one or more of the sector sub-classifications used by one or more widely recognized market indexes or rating group indexes, and/or as defined by the investment adviser. These definitions may not apply for purposes of this report, which may combine such sector sub-classifications for reporting ease.

 

Call/Maturity Schedule3        
Calendar Year Ended December 31,   

2017

     2

2018

     12  

2019

     5  

2020

     4  

2021

     17  

 

  3   

Scheduled maturity dates and/or bonds that are subject to potential calls by issuers over the next five years.

 

  *   Excludes short-term securities.
Credit Quality Allocation1   7/31/17     7/31/16  

AAA/Aaa

    5     3

AA/Aa

    64       69  

A

    26       26  

BBB/Baa

    3       1  

N/R

    2 2       1  

 

  1  

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

 

  2   

The investment adviser evaluates the credit quality of not-rated investments based upon certain factors including, but not limited to, credit ratings for similar investments and financial analysis of sectors and individual investments. Using this approach, the investment adviser has deemed certain of these unrated securities as investment grade quality. As of July 31, 2017, the market value of unrated securities deemed by the investment adviser to be investment grade represents 1% of the Fund’s total investments.

 

 

                
   ANNUAL REPORT    JULY 31, 2017    13


Fund Summary as of July 31, 2017    BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund

 

Fund Overview      

BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund’s (MPA) (the “Fund”) investment objective is to provide shareholders with as high a level of current income exempt from U.S. federal and Pennsylvania income taxes as is consistent with its investment policies and prudent investment management. The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing at least 80% of its assets in municipal obligations exempt from U.S. federal income taxes (except that the interest may be subject to the U.S. federal alternative minimum tax) and Pennsylvania income taxes. Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests primarily in long-term municipal obligations that are investment grade quality, or are considered by the Fund’s investment adviser to be of comparable quality, at the time of investment. The Fund may invest directly in such securities or synthetically through the use of derivatives.

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

 

Fund Information      

 

Symbol on NYSE

  MPA

Initial Offering Date

  October 30, 1992

Yield on Closing Market Price as of July 31, 2017 ($14.69)1

  5.09%

Tax Equivalent Yield2

  9.28%

Current Monthly Distribution per Common Share3

  $0.0623

Current Annualized Distribution per Common Share3

  $0.7476

Economic Leverage as of July 31, 20174

  40%

 

  1   

Yield on closing market price is calculated by dividing the current annualized distribution per share by the closing market price. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

 

  2   

Tax equivalent yield assumes the maximum marginal U.S. federal and state tax rate of 45.14%, which includes the 3.8% Medicare tax. Actual tax rates will vary based on income, exemptions and deductions. Lower taxes will result in lower tax equivalent yields.

 

  3   

The distribution rate is not constant and is subject to change.

 

  4   

Represents VRDP Shares and TOB Trusts as a percentage of total managed assets, which is the total assets of the Fund, including any assets attributable to VRDP Shares and TOB Trusts, minus the sum of accrued liabilities. For a discussion of leveraging techniques utilized by the Fund, please see The Benefits and Risks of Leveraging on page 5.

 

Performance      

Returns for the 12 months ended July 31, 2017 were as follows:

 

    Returns Based On  
     Market Price      NAV  

MPA1,2

    (3.83 )%       (1.20 )% 

Lipper Pennsylvania Municipal Debt Funds3

    (6.23 )%       (1.13 )% 

 

  1   

All returns reflect reinvestment of dividends and/or distributions at actual reinvestment prices.

 

  2   

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

 

  3  

Average return. Returns reflect reinvestment of dividends and/or distributions at NAV on the ex-dividend date as calculated by Lipper.

Performance results may include adjustments made for financial reporting purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

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

 

 

The municipal bond market generated mixed returns in the 12-month reporting period. Municipal bonds initially moved lower in the third calendar quarter of 2016 due to a pick-up in new tax-exempt issuance and rising yields in the U.S. Treasury market. (Prices and yields move in opposite directions.) The weakness accelerated in November once Donald Trump’s election victory caused investors to factor in the possibility of faster economic growth and tighter Fed policy. As optimism for meaningful fiscal reforms subsequently waned and the economy failed to experience a significant acceleration, municipal bonds stabilized and retraced the majority of their post-election losses.

 

 

Pennsylvania’s economic growth remained below the national rate, continuing a trend that has been in place since the 2008—2009 recession. In addition, the rating agency Standard & Poor’s placed the state on Credit Watch Negative for its failure to pass a balanced budget. While the state does have the ability to raise taxes, lawmakers instead have relied on optimistic revenue assumptions, leading to budget gaps. Despite these issues, Pennsylvania’s municipal market outpaced the broader national indices behind a positive balance of low new-issue supply and robust investor demand.

 

 

At the sector level, education was the largest detractor from performance. Holdings in the corporate municipal sector also detracted, as a specific issuer received a multi-notch downgrade due to its deteriorating credit fundamentals.

 

 

The Fund’s position in zero coupon bonds, while fairly limited, detracted since the bonds’ longer durations accentuated impact of the down market. (Duration is a measure of interest rate sensitivity.)

 

 

Reinvestment was a further drag on results, as the proceeds of higher-yielding bonds that matured or were called needed to be reinvested at materially lower prevailing rates.

 

 

Portfolio income made the most significant positive contribution during a period in which bond prices lost ground. The Fund’s use of leverage, while enhancing the level of income, also exacerbated the impact of declining bond prices.

 

 

The Fund sought to manage interest rate risk using U.S. Treasury futures. Given that Treasury yields rose, as prices fell, this aspect of the Fund’s positioning had a positive effect on returns.

 

 

The Fund’s exposure to pre-refunded issues benefited performance, as their low duration enabled them to hold up better than longer-duration bonds at a time of rising yields.

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

 

                
14    ANNUAL REPORT    JULY 31, 2017   


     BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund

 

 

Market Price and Net Asset Value Per Share Summary      

 

     7/31/17      7/31/16      Change      High      Low  

Market Price

  $ 14.69      $ 16.07        (8.59 )%     $ 16.66      $ 13.75  

Net Asset Value

  $ 15.74      $ 16.76        (6.09 )%     $ 16.77      $ 14.94  

 

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

 

LOGO

 

Overview of the Fund’s Total Investments*      

 

Sector Allocation    7/31/17     7/31/16  

Education

     22     20

Health

     20       20  

County/City/Special District/School District

     19       20  

State

     13       13  

Transportation

     12       12  

Housing

     7       7  

Utilities

     5       6  

Corporate

     2       2  

For Fund compliance purposes, the Fund’s sector classifications refer to one or more of the sector sub-classifications used by one or more widely recognized market indexes or rating group indexes, and/or as defined by the investment adviser. These definitions may not apply for purposes of this report, which may combine such sector sub-classifications for reporting ease.

 

   
Call/Maturity Schedule4        
Calendar Year Ended December 31,   

2017

     3

2018

     10  

2019

     11  

2020

     7  

2021

     14  

 

  4  

Scheduled maturity dates and/or bonds that are subject to potential calls by issuers over the next five years.

 

  *   Excludes short-term securities.
Credit Quality Allocation1   7/31/17     7/31/16  

AAA/Aaa

    1     1

AA/Aa

    62       62  

A

    27       23  

BBB/Baa

    8       6  

BB/Ba

    2      2  

N/R

    2       6 3  

 

  1   

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

 

  2   

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

 

  3  

The investment adviser evaluates the credit quality of unrated investments based upon certain factors including, but not limited to, credit ratings for similar investments and financial analysis of sectors and individual investments. Using this approach, the investment adviser has deemed certain of these unrated securities as investment grade quality. As of July 31, 2016, the market value of unrated securities deemed by the investment adviser to be investment grade represents 2% of the Fund’s total investments.

 

 

                
   ANNUAL REPORT    JULY 31, 2017    15


Schedule of Investments July 31, 2017

  

BlackRock MuniHoldings California Quality Fund, Inc. (MUC)

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Municipal Bonds    Par
(000)
    Value  
California — 107.5%  
Corporate — 2.7%  

California Pollution Control Financing Authority, Refunding RB, Waste Management, Inc., AMT:

    

Series A-1, 3.38%, 7/01/25

   $ 5,000     $ 5,262,750  

Series B-1, 3.00%, 11/01/25

     9,000       9,298,710  

City of Chula Vista California, Refunding RB, San Diego Gas & Electric, Series A, 5.88%, 2/15/34

     2,435       2,632,040  
    

 

 

 
        17,193,500  
County/City/Special District/School District — 33.7%  

California Municipal Finance Authority, RB, Orange County Civic Center Infrastructure Improvement Program Phase I, 5.00%, 6/01/42

     4,445       5,201,139  

Centinela Valley Union High School District, GO, Election of 2010, Series A, 5.75%, 8/01/21 (a)

     9,120       10,775,736  

Chaffey Joint Union High School District, GO, CAB, Election of 2012, Series C (b):

    

0.00%, 8/01/32

     250       143,880  

0.00%, 8/01/33

     500       271,795  

0.00%, 8/01/34

     510       264,945  

0.00%, 8/01/35

     545       269,421  

0.00%, 8/01/36

     500       235,575  

0.00%, 8/01/37

     650       291,922  

0.00%, 8/01/38

     625       268,281  

0.00%, 8/01/39

     750       307,763  

0.00%, 8/01/40

     1,855       728,013  

0.00%, 8/01/41

     305       114,253  

0.00%, 2/01/42

     350       127,803  

County of Alameda Joint Powers Authority, Refunding RB, (AGM), 5.00%, 12/01/17 (a)

     12,180       12,352,469  

County of Kern California, COP, Capital Improvements Projects, Series A (AGC), 6.00%, 2/01/19 (a)

     3,500       3,766,805  

County of Los Angeles California Public Works Financing Authority, Refunding RB, Series D, 5.00%, 12/01/45

     1,430       1,650,835  

County of Orange California Sanitation District, COP, Series A, 5.00%, 2/01/19 (a)

     2,500       2,653,400  

County of San Joaquin California Transportation Authority, Refunding RB, Limited Tax, Measure K, Series A, 6.00%, 3/01/21 (a)

     2,665       3,123,646  

County of Ventura California Community College District, GO, Election of 2002, Series C, 5.50%, 8/01/18 (a)

     4,000       4,184,120  

Culver City Redevelopment Finance Authority California, Refunding, Tax Allocation Bonds, Series A (AGM), 5.60%, 11/01/25

     3,750       3,762,750  

Denair California Unified School District, GO, CAB (AGM), Election of 2007, 0.00%, 8/01/41 (b)

     4,260       1,589,576  

Foothill-De Anza Community College District, GO, Refunding, 4.00%, 8/01/40

     7,900       8,461,058  
Municipal Bonds    Par
(000)
    Value  
California (continued)  
County/City/Special District/School District (continued)  

Fremont Union High School District, GO, Refunding, 4.00%, 8/01/40

   $ 2,500     $ 2,655,175  

Garden Grove Unified School District, GO, Election of 2010, Series C, 5.25%, 8/01/40

     5,500       6,461,730  

Gavilan Joint Community College District, GO, Election of 2004, Series D:

    

5.50%, 8/01/31

     2,170       2,514,704  

5.75%, 8/01/35

     8,400       9,674,196  

Grossmont California Healthcare District, GO, Election of 2006, Series B, 6.13%, 7/15/21 (a)

     2,000       2,389,340  

Imperial Irrigation District, Series A, Electric System Revenue (a):

    

5.13%, 11/01/18

     6,530       6,879,616  

5.13%, 11/01/18

     1,470       1,548,704  

Kern Community College District, GO, Safety Repair & Improvements, Series C:

    

5.25%, 11/01/32

     5,715       6,797,250  

5.75%, 11/01/34

     12,085       14,735,966  

Los Alamitos Unified School District, GO, Refunding, School Facilities Improvement:

    

5.25%, 8/01/23 (a)

     2,185       2,680,099  

5.25%, 8/01/39

     1,515       1,780,852  

Los Rios Community College District, GO, Election of 2008, Series A, 5.00%, 8/01/35

     11,000       12,144,330  

Mount San Jacinto Community College District, GO, Series A, 5.00%, 8/01/35

     3,565       4,151,407  

Oxnard Union High School District, GO, Refunding, Election of 2004, Series A (AGM), 5.00%, 8/01/35

     10,000       10,966,100  

Redlands Unified School District California, GO, Election of 2008 (AGM), 5.25%, 7/01/33

     5,000       5,195,950  

Rio Elementary School District, GO, Series A (AGM), 5.25%, 8/01/40

     5,865       6,879,352  

Riverside County Public Financing Authority, Tax Allocation Bonds, Series A (BAM), 4.00%, 10/01/40

     2,545       2,655,198  

San Diego Regional Building Authority, RB, County Operations Center & Annex, Series A, 5.50%, 2/01/19 (a)

     905       967,264  

San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District, GO, Election of 2016, Green Bonds, Series A, 4.00%, 8/01/42

     11,585       12,444,723  

San Jose California Financing Authority, LRB, Convention Center Expansion & Renovation Project, Series A:

    

5.75%, 5/01/36

     2,560       2,567,424  

5.75%, 5/01/42

     4,500       5,157,540  

San Jose California Financing Authority, Refunding LRB, Civic Center Project, Series A, 5.00%, 6/01/39

     5,800       6,609,332  
 
Portfolio Abbreviations

 

AGC    Assured Guarantee Corp.      COP    Certificates of Participation    IDA    Industrial Development Authority
AGM    Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp.      COP    Colombian Peso    IDB    Industrial Development Board
AMBAC    American Municipal Bond Assurance Corp.      EDA    Economic Development Authority    ISD    Independent School District
AMT    Alternative Minimum Tax (subject to)      EDC    Economic Development Corp.    LRB    Lease Revenue Bonds
ARB    Airport Revenue Bonds      ERB    Education Revenue Bonds    M/F    Multi-Family
BAM    Build America Mutual Assurance Co.      GAB    Grant Anticipation Bonds    NPFGC    National Public Finance Guarantee Corp.
BARB    Building Aid Revenue Bonds      GARB    General Airport Revenue Bonds    RB    Revenue Bonds
BHAC    Berkshire Hathaway Assurance Corp.      GO    General Obligation Bonds    S/F    Single-Family
CAB    Capital Appreciation Bonds      HDA    Housing Development Authority    Syncora    Syncora Guarantee
CHF    Swiss Franc      HFA    Housing Finance Agency      

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.      
                
16    ANNUAL REPORT    JULY 31, 2017   


Schedule of Investments (continued)

  

BlackRock MuniHoldings California Quality Fund, Inc. (MUC)

 

Municipal Bonds    Par
(000)
    Value  
California (continued)  
County/City/Special District/School District (continued)  

San Marcos Redevelopment Agency Successor Agency, Refunding, Tax Allocation Bonds, Series A:

    

5.00%, 10/01/32

   $ 1,700     $ 1,986,144  

5.00%, 10/01/33

     1,125       1,308,983  

Snowline Joint Unified School District, COP, Refunding, Refining Project (AGC), 5.75%, 9/01/19 (a)

     5,635       6,197,767  

Solano County Community College District, GO, Election of 2012, Series C, 5.25%, 8/01/42

     1,150       1,407,761  

West Contra Costa California Unified School District, GO:

    

Election of 2010, Series A (AGM), 5.25%, 8/01/41

     5,390       6,166,807  

Election of 2010, Series B, 5.50%, 8/01/39

     3,195       3,806,363  

Election of 2012, Series A, 5.50%, 8/01/39

     2,500       2,978,375  

Yuba Community College District, GO, BAM, Election of 2006, Series C, 0.00%, 8/01/38 (b)

     5,150       2,326,512  
    

 

 

 
        214,580,149  
Education — 1.7%  

California Municipal Finance Authority, RB, Emerson College, 6.00%, 1/01/42

     2,750       3,148,805  

California Municipal Finance Authority, Refunding RB, Biola University:

    

5.00%, 10/01/37

     500       574,750  

5.00%, 10/01/39

     500       572,885  

University of California, Refunding RB, Series AO, 5.00%, 5/15/40

     5,430       6,322,529  
    

 

 

 
        10,618,969  
Health — 15.0%  

ABAG Finance Authority for Nonprofit Corps., Refunding RB, Sharp Healthcare, Series B, 6.25%, 8/01/39

     6,305       6,928,438  

California Health Facilities Financing Authority, RB:

    

Children’s Hospital, Series A, 5.25%, 11/01/41

     8,000       8,946,640  

Providence Health Services, Series B, 5.50%, 10/01/39

     4,130       4,477,085  

Sutter Health, Series B, 6.00%, 8/15/42

     9,655       10,984,204  

California Health Facilities Financing Authority, Refunding RB, Series A:

    

Dignity Health, 6.00%, 7/01/19 (a)

     3,700       4,054,016  

Providence Health and Services, 5.00%, 10/01/38

     10,970       12,634,478  

St. Joseph Health System, 5.00%, 7/01/37

     10,000       11,355,100  

California Municipal Finance Authority, Refunding RB, Series A:

    

Community Medical Centers, 5.00%, 2/01/32

     1,510       1,736,485  

Community Medical Centers, 5.00%, 2/01/37

     3,110       3,532,711  

Community Medical Centers, 5.00%, 2/01/42

     5,250       5,918,010  

Eisenhower Medical Center, 5.00%, 7/01/42

     6,370       7,164,594  

Eisenhower Medical Center, 5.00%, 7/01/47

     5,500       6,151,090  

California Statewide Communities Development Authority, Refunding RB:

    

CHF-Irvine LLC, 5.00%, 5/15/40

     750       840,473  

John Muir Health, Series A, 5.00%, 8/15/51

     1,635       1,846,389  

Trinity Health Credit Group Composite Issue, 5.00%, 12/01/41

     6,235       6,982,764  

Washington Township Health Care District, GO, Election of 2004, Series B, 5.50%, 8/01/38

     1,625       1,986,481  
    

 

 

 
        95,538,958  
Municipal Bonds    Par
(000)
    Value  
California (continued)  
State — 8.4%  

State of California, GO, Refunding, 5.00%, 8/01/30

   $ 5,000     $ 6,095,450  

State of California, GO:

    

Various Purposes, 6.00%, 3/01/33

     5,000       5,623,900  

Various Purposes, 6.00%, 4/01/38

     27,765       30,002,859  

Refunding, Veterans Bond, 4.00%, 12/01/40

     4,000       4,186,240  

State of California Public Works Board, LRB:

    

Department of Education, Riverside Campus Project, Series B, 6.50%, 4/01/34

     3,670       3,996,043  

Various Capital Projects, Series I, 5.50%, 11/01/33

     2,015       2,411,632  

State of California Public Works Board, RB, California State Prisons, Series C, 5.75%, 10/01/31

     1,205       1,403,114  
    

 

 

 
        53,719,238  
Transportation — 26.9%  

Alameda Corridor Transportation Authority, Refunding RB, 2nd Subordinate Lien, Series B, 5.00%, 10/01/35

     1,500       1,711,695  

Bay Area Toll Authority, Refunding RB, San Francisco Bay Area Toll Bridge, Series D, 1.46%, 4/01/45 (c)

     5,000       5,018,200  

City & County of San Francisco California Airports Commission, ARB, Series E, 6.00%, 5/01/39

     9,650       10,485,497  

City & County of San Francisco California Airports Commission, Refunding ARB, AMT:

    

2nd Series 34E (AGM), 5.75%, 5/01/22

     4,950       5,130,378  

2nd Series A, 5.00%, 5/01/29

     6,435       7,379,980  

City & County of San Francisco California Airports Commission, Refunding RB, AMT (AGM):

    

2nd Series 32, 5.75%, 5/01/18 (a)

     2,290       2,372,394  

2nd Series 34, 5.75%, 5/01/18 (a)

     1,870       1,937,283  

2nd Series 34E, 5.75%, 5/01/24

     840       870,475  

City of Long Beach California Harbor Revenue, Refunding RB, Series C, 5.00%, 5/15/47

     5,600       6,574,848  

City of Los Angeles California Department of Airports, ARB:

    

AMT, Senior Series A, 5.00%, 5/15/40

     3,830       4,355,514  

Los Angeles International Airport, Senior Series D, 5.25%, 5/15/29

     2,590       2,890,181  

Series D, AMT, 5.00%, 5/15/35

     2,000       2,295,360  

Series D, AMT, 5.00%, 5/15/36

     1,500       1,718,145  

City of Los Angeles California Department of Airports, Refunding ARB, Los Angeles International Airport, Series A:

    

Senior, 5.00%, 5/15/40

     3,000       3,300,330  

5.25%, 5/15/39

     5,845       6,271,100  

City of Los Angeles California Department of Airports, Sub-Series A, AMT, 5.00%, 5/15/47

     2,440       2,806,488  

City of San Jose California, Refunding ARB, Norman Y Mineta San Jose International Airport SJC, AMT:

    

Series A, 5.00%, 3/01/41

     3,075       3,539,602  

Series A-1, 5.25%, 3/01/23

     3,785       4,270,615  

Series A-1, 6.25%, 3/01/34

     1,400       1,633,030  

County of Sacramento California, Refunding ARB, Senior Series A, 5.00%, 7/01/41

     2,500       2,880,125  

County of Sacramento California, ARB:

    

Senior Series A (AGC), 5.50%, 7/01/18 (a)

     8,200       8,548,910  

Senior Series B, 5.75%, 7/01/39

     2,650       2,760,929  

Senior Series B, AMT (AGM), 5.75%, 7/01/28

     13,275       13,850,073  

Senior Series B, AMT (AGM), 5.25%, 7/01/33

     18,000       18,654,840  

Senior Series B, AMT (AGM), 5.25%, 7/01/39

     4,995       5,152,992  
 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.      
                
   ANNUAL REPORT    JULY 31, 2017    17


Schedule of Investments (continued)

  

BlackRock MuniHoldings California Quality Fund, Inc. (MUC)

 

Municipal Bonds    Par
(000)
    Value  
California (continued)  
Transportation (continued)  

County of Sacramento California Airport System Revenue, Refunding ARB, Airport System Subordinate Revenue, Sub-Series B, 5.00%, 7/01/41

   $ 1,250     $ 1,440,063  

County of San Bernardino California Transportation Authority, RB, Series A, 5.25%, 3/01/40

     4,545       5,320,332  

County of San Diego Regional Airport Authority, RB, Subordinate, Series B, AMT (d):

    

5.00%, 7/01/42

     7,015       8,099,379  

5.00%, 7/01/47

     3,750       4,309,012  

Norman Y Mineta San Jose International Airport SJC, Refunding ARB, Series A, AMT, 5.00%, 3/01/47

     11,770       13,475,002  

Port of Los Angeles California Harbor Department, RB, Series B, 5.25%, 8/01/19 (a)

     5,530       6,006,299  

Port of Los Angeles California Harbor Department, Refunding RB, Series A, AMT, 5.00%, 8/01/44

     500       558,370  

San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, RB, 4.00%, 3/01/46

     5,000       5,310,800  
    

 

 

 
        170,928,241  
Utilities — 19.1%  

Anaheim Public Financing Authority, RB, Electric System Distribution Facilities, Series A, 5.38%, 10/01/36

     2,200       2,493,524  

City of Los Angeles California Department of Water & Power, RB, Series A:

    

5.38%, 7/01/38

     9,375       9,940,875  

5.00%, 7/01/41

     1,705       1,991,457  

City of Los Angeles California Department of Water & Power, Refunding RB, Water System, Series A:

    

5.25%, 7/01/39

     16,000       18,191,520  

5.00%, 7/01/46

     5,845       6,788,851  

City of Los Angeles California Wastewater System Revenue, Refunding RB, Sub-Series A:

    

5.00%, 6/01/20 (a)

     1,325       1,472,155  

5.00%, 6/01/28

     675       747,475  

City of San Francisco California Public Utilities Commission Water Revenue, RB:

    

Series A, 5.00%, 11/01/39

     5,245       6,023,987  

Series B, 5.00%, 11/01/19 (a)

     10,000       10,904,000  

County of Kern California Water Agency Improvement District No. 4, Refunding RB, Series A (AGM):

    

4.00%, 5/01/35

     1,460       1,539,336  

4.00%, 5/01/36

     1,430       1,502,143  

County of Los Angeles Sanitation Districts Financing Authority, RB, Series A, 4.00%, 10/01/42

     4,935       5,190,189  

County of Sacramento California Sanitation Districts Financing Authority, RB, (NPFGC), 5.00%, 12/01/36

     1,010       1,027,412  

Dublin-San Ramon Services District Water Revenue, Refunding RB, 6.00%, 8/01/41

     4,000       4,635,600  

Eastern Municipal Water District, COP, Series H, 5.00%, 7/01/18 (a)

     2,505       2,599,464  

El Dorado Irrigation District/El Dorado County Water Agency, Refunding RB, Series A (AGM), 5.25%, 3/01/39

     10,000       11,692,600  

Los Angeles Department of Water & Power System Revenue, RB, Power System, Series C, 5.00%, 7/01/47

     2,090       2,473,766  
Municipal Bonds    Par
(000)
    Value  
California (continued)  
Utilities (continued)  

San Diego Public Facilities Financing Authority Sewer, Refunding RB, Senior Series A (a):

    

5.25%, 5/15/19

   $ 1,060     $ 1,141,726  

5.25%, 5/15/19

     10,000       10,771,000  

San Diego Public Facilities Financing Authority Water, Refunding RB, Series B, 5.50%, 8/01/19 (a)

     8,000       8,723,600  

San Juan Water District, Refunding RB, San Juan & Citrus Heights, 5.25%, 2/01/33

     7,325       8,409,759  

Santa Clara Valley Water District, Refunding RB, Series A, 5.00%, 6/01/46

     3,000       3,499,530  
    

 

 

 
        121,759,969  
Total Municipal Bonds — 107.5%       684,339,024  
    
                  

Municipal Bonds Transferred to

Tender Option Bond Trusts (e)

            
California — 60.7%  
County/City/Special District/School District — 28.0%  

County of Riverside California Public Financing Authority, RB, Capital Facilities Project, 5.25%, 11/01/45

     10,000       11,720,791  

County of San Luis California Obispo Community College District, GO, Refunding, Election of 2014, Series A, 4.00%, 8/01/40

     6,585       6,902,043  

County of San Mateo California Community College District, GO, Series A, 5.00%, 9/01/45

     17,615       20,428,102  

Foothill-De Anza Community College District, GO, Series C, 5.00%, 8/01/21 (a)

     40,000       46,210,000  

Los Angeles Community College District California, GO (a):

    

Election of 2001, Series E-1, 5.00%, 8/01/18

     11,770       12,253,394  

Election of 2003, Series F-1, 5.00%, 8/01/18

     10,000       10,410,700  

Los Angeles Community College District California, GO, Refunding, Election of 2008, Series A, 6.00%, 8/01/19 (a)

     9,596       10,564,666  

Palomar California Community College District, GO, Election of 2006, Series C, 5.00%, 8/01/44

     15,140       17,453,846  

Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency, Refunding RB, Consolidated Capital Assessment District No. 2, Series A, 5.00%, 10/01/43

     9,990       11,667,720  

Southwestern Community College District, GO, Election of 2008, Series D, 5.00%, 8/01/44

     10,820       12,456,958  

West Valley-Mission Community College District, GO, Election of 2012, Series B, 4.00%, 8/01/40

     17,000       18,151,240  
    

 

 

 
        178,219,460  
Education — 5.8%  

University of California, RB:

    

Series AM, 5.25%, 5/15/44

     10,210       12,078,737  

Series O, 5.75%, 5/15/19 (a)

     11,192       12,156,730  

University of California, Refunding RB:

    

Series A, 5.00%, 11/01/43

     6,001       7,005,507  

Series AF, 5.00%, 5/15/39

     5,000       5,786,350  
    

 

 

 
        37,027,324  
 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.      
                
18    ANNUAL REPORT    JULY 31, 2017   


Schedule of Investments (continued)

  

BlackRock MuniHoldings California Quality Fund, Inc. (MUC)

 

Municipal Bonds Transferred to

Tender Option Bond Trusts (e)

   Par
(000)
    Value  
California (continued)  
Health — 14.9%  

California Health Facilities Financing Authority, Refunding RB, Kaiser Permanent, Sub-Series A-2, 4.00%, 11/01/44

   $ 17,720     $ 18,554,612  

California Health Facilities Financing Authority, RB, Sutter Health, Series A, 5.00%, 8/15/52

     14,520       16,011,494  

California Health Facilities Financing Authority, Refunding RB:

    

Lucile Salter Packard Children’s Hospital, Series B, 5.00%, 8/15/55

     4,500       5,142,375  

Sutter Health, Series A, 5.00%, 8/15/43

     19,425       22,062,615  

California Statewide Communities Development Authority, RB, Kaiser Permanente, Series A, 5.00%, 4/01/42

     19,070       21,201,454  

Regents of the University of California Medical Center Pooled Revenue, Refunding RB, Series L, 5.00%, 5/15/41

     10,375       11,993,164  
    

 

 

 
        94,965,714  
Transportation — 4.0%  

City of Los Angeles California Department of Airports, RB, AMT:

    

Los Angeles International Airport, Series B, 5.00%, 5/15/41

     3,641       4,169,946  

Senior Revenue, Series A, 5.00%, 5/15/40

     5,500       6,254,655  

Series D, 5.00%, 5/15/41

     13,332       15,111,154  
    

 

 

 
        25,535,755  
Utilities — 8.0%  

City of Los Angeles California Wastewater System, RB, Green Bonds, Series A, 5.00%, 6/01/44

     13,790       16,025,911  

County of San Diego California Water Authority Financing Corp., COP, Refunding, Series A (AGM) (a):

    

5.00%, 5/01/18

     2,777       2,864,119  

5.00%, 5/01/18

     13,963       14,400,010  

Municipal Bonds Transferred to

Tender Option Bond Trusts (e)

   Par
(000)
    Value  
California (continued)  
Utilities (continued)  

East Bay California Municipal Utility District Water System Revenue, RB, Series C, 5.00%, 6/01/44

   $ 11,000     $ 12,672,440  

Rancho Water District Financing Authority, Refunding RB, Series A (AGM):

    

5.00%, 8/01/18 (a)

     2,013       2,094,944  

5.00%, 8/01/34

     2,995       3,117,009  
    

 

 

 
        51,174,433  

Total Municipal Bonds Transferred to

Tender Option Bond Trusts — 60.7%

 

 

    386,922,686  
Total Long-Term Investments
(Cost — $1,014,967,853) — 168.2%
      1,071,261,710  
    
                  
Short-Term Securities    Shares         

BlackRock Liquidity Funds, MuniCash, Institutional Class, 0.64% (f)(g)

     593,400       593,637  
Total Short-Term Securities
(Cost — $593,637) — 0.1%
      593,637  

Total Investments (Cost — $1,015,561,490) — 168.3%

 

    1,071,855,347  

Other Assets Less Liabilities — 0.2%

 

    1,250,256  

Liability for TOB Trust Certificates, Including Interest Expense and Fees Payable — (28.6)%

 

    (182,240,309

VMTP Shares at Liquidation Value — (39.9)%

 

    (254,000,000
    

 

 

 

Net Assets Applicable to Common Shares — 100.0%

 

  $ 636,865,294  
    

 

 

 
 
Notes to Schedule of Investments

 

(a)   U.S. Government securities, held in escrow, are used to pay interest on this security, as well as to retire the bond in full at the date indicated, typically at a premium to par.

 

(b)   Zero-coupon bond.

 

(c)   Variable rate security. Rate shown is the rate in effect as of period end.

 

(d)   When-issued security.

 

(e)   Represent bonds transferred to a TOB Trust in exchange of cash and residual certificates received by the Fund. These bonds serve as collateral in a secured borrowing. See Note 4 of the Notes to Financial Statements for details.

 

(f)   During the year ended July 31, 2017, investments in issuers considered to be an affiliate of the Fund for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

Affiliate    Shares Held
at July 31,
2016
     Net
Activity
     Shares Held
at July 31,
2017
    Value at
July 31,
2017
     Income      Net Realized
Gain1
     Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

BlackRock Liquidity Funds, MuniCash, Institutional Class

            593,400        593,400     $ 593,637      $ 45,495      $ 6,008         

1    Includes net capital gain distributions.

     

 

(g)   Current yield as of period end.

For Fund compliance purposes, the Fund’s sector classifications refer to one or more of the sector sub-classifications used by one or more widely recognized market indexes or rating group indexes, and/or as defined by the investment adviser. These definitions may not apply for purposes of this report, which may combine such sector sub-classifications for reporting ease.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.      
                
   ANNUAL REPORT    JULY 31, 2017    19


Schedule of Investments (continued)

  

BlackRock MuniHoldings California Quality Fund, Inc. (MUC)

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Outstanding as of Period End

 

Futures Contracts      
Description   Number of
Contracts
       Expiration Date      Notional
Amount
(000)
    Value /
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

Short Contracts

               

5-Year U.S. Treasury Note

    (28      September 2017      $ 3,308       $ (298

10-Year U.S. Treasury Note

    (112      September 2017      $ 14,100         2,932  

Long U.S. Treasury Bond

    (67      September 2017      $ 10,249         (27,312

Ultra U.S. Treasury Bond

    (24      September 2017      $ 3,948               (32,598

Total

 

    $ (57,276
               

 

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of period end, the fair values of derivative financial instruments located in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities were as follows:

 

Assets — Derivative Financial Instruments   Commodity
Contracts
    Credit
Contracts
    Equity
Contracts
    Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Contracts
    Interest
Rate
Contracts
    Other
Contracts
    Total  

Futures contracts

   Net unrealized appreciation1                           $ 2,932           $ 2,932  
Liabilities — Derivative Financial Instruments   Commodity
Contracts
    Credit
Contracts
    Equity
Contracts
    Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Contracts
    Interest
Rate
Contracts
    Other
Contracts
    Total  

Futures contracts

   Net unrealized depreciation1                           $ 60,208           $ 60,208  

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

    

For the year ended July 31, 2017, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:         Commodity
Contracts
    Credit
Contracts
    Equity
Contracts
    Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Contracts
    Interest
Rate
Contracts
    Other
Contracts
    Total  

Futures contracts

                          $ 1,586,520           $ 1,586,520  
Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:  

Futures contracts

                          $ 66,850           $ 66,850  

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

Futures contracts:  

Average notional value of contracts — short

  $ 48,141,676  

For more information about the Fund’s investment risks regarding derivative financial instruments, refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.      
                
20    ANNUAL REPORT    JULY 31, 2017   


Schedule of Investments (concluded)

  

BlackRock MuniHoldings California Quality Fund, Inc. (MUC)

 

 

Fair Value Hierarchy as of Period End

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

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

 

     Level 1        Level 2        Level 3     Total  

Assets:

 

Investments:  

Long Term Investments1

           $ 1,071,261,710              $ 1,071,261,710  

Short-Term Securities

  $ 593,637                         593,637  
 

 

 

 

Total

  $ 593,637        $ 1,071,261,710              $ 1,071,855,347  
 

 

 

 
             
Derivative Financial Instruments2                                      

Assets:

 

Interest rate contracts

  $ 2,932                       $ 2,932  

Liabilities:

 

Interest rate contracts

    (60,208                       (60,208
 

 

 

 

Total

  $ (57,276                     $ (57,276
 

 

 

 

1    See above Schedule of Investments for values in each sector.

     

2    Derivative financial instruments are futures contracts which are valued at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the instrument.

     

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

 

     Level 1        Level 2        Level 3     Total  

Liabilities:

 

TOB Trust Certificates

           $ (181,685,265            $ (181,685,265

VMTP Shares at Liquidation Value

             (254,000,000              (254,000,000
 

 

 

 

Total

           $ (435,685,265            $ (435,685,265
 

 

 

 

During the year ended July 31, 2017, there were no transfers between levels.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.      
                
   ANNUAL REPORT    JULY 31, 2017    21


Schedule of Investments July 31, 2017

  

BlackRock MuniHoldings New Jersey Quality Fund, Inc. (MUJ)

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Municipal Bonds    Par
(000)
    Value  
New Jersey — 138.1%  
Corporate — 3.5%  

New Jersey EDA, RB, Provident Group-Kean Properties, Series A, 5.00%, 7/01/47

   $ 795     $ 853,615  

New Jersey EDA, Refunding RB:

    

Duke Farms Foundation Project, 4.00%, 7/01/46

     2,770       2,946,560  

New Jersey American Water Co., Inc. Project, AMT, Series A, 5.70%, 10/01/39

     7,500       8,099,775  

New Jersey American Water Co., Inc. Project, AMT, Series B, 5.60%, 11/01/34

     3,150       3,428,302  

United Water of New Jersey, Inc., Series B (AMBAC), 4.50%, 11/01/25

     1,000       1,022,530  
    

 

 

 
        16,350,782  
County/City/Special District/School District — 16.9%  

Borough of Edgewater New Jersey Board of Education, GO, Refunding, (AGM) (a):

    

4.25%, 3/01/20

     1,535       1,660,809  

4.25%, 3/01/20

     1,600       1,731,136  

4.30%, 3/01/20

     1,670       1,809,361  

Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, Refunding RB:

    

5.25%, 11/01/39

     11,130       11,425,947  

5.25%, 11/01/44

     3,755       3,829,499  

City of Bayonne New Jersey, GO, Refunding, Qualified General Improvement (BAM), 5.00%, 7/01/39

     3,340       3,737,093  

City of Perth Amboy New Jersey, GO, CAB, Refunding (AGM):

    

5.00%, 7/01/32

     2,210       2,214,066  

5.00%, 7/01/33 (b)

     670       671,233  

5.00%, 7/01/35

     595       596,047  

5.00%, 7/01/37

     705       706,191  

County of Essex New Jersey, GO, Vocational School, Series B, 3.00%, 9/01/46

     2,700       2,409,372  

County of Essex New Jersey Improvement Authority, Refunding RB, Project Consolidation (NPFGC):

    

5.50%, 10/01/27

     250       322,935  

5.50%, 10/01/28

     4,840       6,295,001  

County of Hudson New Jersey Improvement Authority, RB:

    

CAB, Series A-1 (NPFGC), 0.00%, 12/15/32 (c)

     1,000       594,650  

Harrison Parking Facility Project, Series C (AGC), 5.25%, 1/01/39

     3,000       3,160,110  

Harrison Parking Facility Project, Series C (AGC), 5.38%, 1/01/44

     5,000       5,255,350  

County of Middlesex New Jersey Improvement Authority, RB, Senior Citizens Housing Project, AMT (AMBAC), 5.50%, 9/01/30

     500       501,510  

County of Monmouth New Jersey Improvement Authority, Refunding RB, Governmental Loan (AMBAC):

    

5.00%, 12/01/17

     5       5,014  

5.35%, 12/01/17

     5       5,016  

5.00%, 12/01/18

     5       5,013  

5.38%, 12/01/18

     5       5,016  

5.00%, 12/01/19

     5       5,012  

County of Union New Jersey, GO, Refunding:

    

4.00%, 3/01/21 (a)

     75       82,539  

4.00%, 3/01/21 (a)

     70       77,036  

4.00%, 3/01/21 (a)

     80       88,042  
Municipal Bonds    Par
(000)
    Value  
New Jersey (continued)  
County/City/Special District/School District (continued)  

County of Union New Jersey, GO, Refunding (continued):

    

4.00%, 3/01/29

   $ 3,575     $ 3,778,882  

4.00%, 3/01/30

     3,580       3,766,053  

4.00%, 3/01/31

     4,045       4,238,917  

County of Union New Jersey Utilities Authority, Refunding RB, Resources Recovery Facility, Covanta Union, Inc., AMT, Series A, 5.25%, 12/01/31

     650       725,712  

Morristown New Jersey Parking Authority, RB, (NPFGC):

    

5.00%, 8/01/30

     1,830       1,830,000  

5.00%, 8/01/33

     3,000       3,000,000  

New Jersey Sports & Exposition Authority, Refunding RB, (NPFGC) (d):

    

5.50%, 3/01/21

     7,430       8,592,646  

5.50%, 3/01/22

     4,200       5,001,402  

Township of Irvington New Jersey, GO, Refunding Series A (AGM), 5.00%, 7/15/33

     1,175       1,323,097  
    

 

 

 
        79,449,707  
Education — 28.3%  

County of Gloucester New Jersey Improvement Authority, RB, Rowan University General Capital Improvement Projects:

    

5.00%, 7/01/44

     1,985       2,219,826  

Series A, 5.00%, 7/01/31

     1,950       2,220,017  

Series A, 5.00%, 7/01/32

     1,775       2,022,133  

Series A, 5.00%, 7/01/33

     2,250       2,553,075  

Series A, 5.00%, 7/01/34

     1,200       1,360,740  

New Jersey EDA, LRB, Rutgers — The State University of New Jersey, College Avenue Redevelopment Project, 5.00%, 6/15/33

     3,065       3,480,982  

New Jersey EDA, RB, Provident Group — Rowan Properties LLC, Series A:

    

5.00%, 1/01/35

     2,000       2,159,160  

5.00%, 1/01/48

     2,000       2,133,800  

New Jersey Educational Facilities Authority, RB, Higher Educational Capital Improvement Fund, Series A, 5.00%, 9/01/33

     5,370       5,540,981  

New Jersey Educational Facilities Authority, Refunding RB:

    

City of New Jersey University Issue, Series D, 4.00%, 7/01/34

     320       331,286  

City of New Jersey University Issue, Series D, 4.00%, 7/01/35

     745       769,838  

College of New Jersey, Series D (AGM), 5.00%, 7/01/18 (a)

     10,000       10,376,200  

College of New Jersey, Series F, 4.00%, 7/01/35

     1,280       1,333,606  

Montclair State University, Series A, 5.00%, 7/01/39

     15,555       17,515,863  

Montclair State University, Series A, 5.00%, 7/01/44

     3,540       3,967,455  

Montclair State University, Series B, 5.00%, 7/01/34

     1,075       1,248,484  

New Jersey Institute of Technology, Series H, 5.00%, 7/01/31

     4,000       4,348,360  

Princeton University, Series B, 5.00%, 7/01/29

     4,600       5,762,880  

Princeton University, Series C, 5.00%, 7/01/29

     3,730       4,672,944  

Rowan University, Series B (AGC), 5.00%, 7/01/18 (a)

     2,575       2,671,614  
 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.      
                
22    ANNUAL REPORT    JULY 31, 2017   


Schedule of Investments (continued)

  

BlackRock MuniHoldings New Jersey Quality Fund, Inc.  (MUJ)

 

Municipal Bonds    Par
(000)
    Value  
New Jersey (continued)  
Education (continued)  

New Jersey Educational Facilities Authority, Refunding RB (continued):

    

Seton Hall University, Series D, 5.00%, 7/01/38

   $ 500     $ 558,425  

Seton Hall University, Series D, 5.00%, 7/01/43

     600       665,970  

Stevens Institute of Technology, Series A, 5.00%, 7/01/42

     1,150       1,314,174  

Stevens Institute of Technology, Series A, 4.00%, 7/01/47

     1,145       1,167,396  

Stockton University, Series A, 5.00%, 7/01/41

     2,370       2,587,068  

William Paterson University (AGC), 4.75%, 7/01/18 (a)

     4,735       4,902,335  

William Paterson University (AGC), 5.00%, 7/01/18 (a)

     230       238,653  

William Paterson University (AGC), 5.00%, 7/01/28

     20       20,709  

William Paterson University (AGC), 4.75%, 7/01/34

     380       391,320  

New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority, RB, Senior Student Loan, Series 1A, AMT:

    

4.00%, 12/01/28

     1,220       1,264,725  

4.50%, 12/01/28

     2,655       2,838,222  

4.00%, 12/01/29

     810       836,892  

4.00%, 12/01/29

     5,715       5,913,882  

4.50%, 12/01/29

     3,325       3,546,179  

4.63%, 12/01/30

     3,245       3,458,326  

4.00%, 12/01/31

     1,320       1,349,225  

4.25%, 12/01/32

     2,050       2,124,784  

4.13%, 12/01/35

     810       825,706  

4.50%, 12/01/36

     1,805       1,885,792  

New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority, Refunding RB, Series 1, AMT:

    

5.38%, 12/01/24

     940       1,040,984  

5.50%, 12/01/26

     1,125       1,234,553  

New Jersey Institute of Technology, RB, Series A:

    

5.00%, 7/01/22 (a)

     2,120       2,494,095  

5.00%, 7/01/42

     4,825       5,363,180  

5.00%, 7/01/45

     7,500       8,465,325  

Rutgers — The State University of New Jersey, Refunding RB, Series L, 5.00%, 5/01/30

     1,565       1,793,146  
    

 

 

 
        132,970,310  
Health — 18.6%  

County of Camden New Jersey Improvement Authority, Refunding RB, Cooper Healthcare System, Series A, 5.00%, 2/15/33

     2,000       2,198,480  

New Jersey Health Care Facilities Financing Authority, RB:

    

Meridian Health System Obligated Group, Series I (AGC), 5.00%, 7/01/18 (a)

     1,390       1,442,292  

Meridian Health System Obligated Group, Series II (AGC), 5.00%, 7/01/18 (a)

     6,865       7,123,261  

Meridian Health System Obligated Group, Series V (AGC), 5.00%, 7/01/18 (a)

     4,625       4,798,993  

Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, Series A, 5.50%, 7/01/43

     7,105       8,090,108  

Virtua Health, Series A (AGC), 5.50%, 7/01/38

     4,035       4,348,318  

New Jersey Health Care Facilities Financing Authority, Refunding RB:

    

AHS Hospital Corp., 5.50%, 7/01/21 (a)

     4,055       4,737,092  
Municipal Bonds    Par
(000)
    Value  
New Jersey (continued)  
Health (continued)  

New Jersey Health Care Facilities Financing Authority, Refunding RB (continued):

    

AHS Hospital Corp., 6.00%, 7/01/21 (a)

   $ 4,180     $ 4,963,039  

Catholic Health East Issue, 5.00%, 11/15/33

     1,925       2,108,530  

Hackensack University Medical Center (AGC), 5.13%, 1/01/18 (a)

     1,500       1,526,670  

Hackensack University Medical Center (AGM), 4.63%, 1/01/20 (a)

     7,795       8,469,891  

Meridian Health System Obligated Group, 5.00%, 7/01/25

     1,000       1,145,370  

Meridian Health System Obligated Group, 5.00%, 7/01/26

     3,720       4,231,723  

Princeton Healthcare System, 5.00%, 7/01/34

     1,330       1,514,405  

Princeton Healthcare System, 5.00%, 7/01/39

     1,825       2,059,914  

RWJ Barnabas Health Obligated Group, Series A, 4.00%, 7/01/43

     1,865       1,925,743  

RWJ Barnabas Health Obligated Group, Series A, 5.00%, 7/01/43

     3,080       3,489,147  

St. Barnabas Health Care System, Series A, 5.00%, 7/01/21 (a)

     3,640       4,175,153  

St. Barnabas Health Care System, Series A, 5.63%, 7/01/21 (a)

     4,450       5,210,460  

St. Barnabas Health Care System, Series A, 5.63%, 7/01/21 (a)

     4,860       5,690,525  

St. Joseph’s Healthcare System Obligated Group, 5.00%, 7/01/41

     1,520       1,655,614  

St. Joseph’s Healthcare System Obligated Group, 4.00%, 7/01/48

     2,020       1,959,723  

Virtua Health, 5.00%, 7/01/28

     3,000       3,431,520  

Virtua Health, 5.00%, 7/01/29

     715       812,183  
    

 

 

 
        87,108,154  
Housing — 6.8%  

County of Atlantic New Jersey Improvement Authority, RB, Stockton University Atlantic City, Series A (AGM), 4.00%, 7/01/46

     1,300       1,344,343  

New Jersey Housing & Mortgage Finance Agency, RB:

    

Capital Fund Program, Series A (AGM), 5.00%, 5/01/27

     6,450       6,507,018  

M/F Housing, Series A, 4.55%, 11/01/43

     4,710       4,882,763  

S/F Housing, Series AA, 6.50%, 10/01/38

     60       61,755  

S/F Housing, Series B, 4.50%, 10/01/30

     9,310       9,861,245  

New Jersey Housing & Mortgage Finance Agency, Refunding RB, AMT:

    

M/F Housing, Series 2, 4.60%, 11/01/38

     3,120       3,269,417  

M/F Housing, Series 2, 4.75%, 11/01/46

     3,795       3,979,665  

S/F Housing, Series T, 4.70%, 10/01/37

     600       600,432  

Series D, 4.25%, 11/01/37

     490       502,220  

Series D, 4.35%, 11/01/42

     1,000       1,029,300  
    

 

 

 
        32,038,158  
State — 25.3%  

Garden State Preservation Trust, RB, CAB, Series B (AGM) (c):

    

0.00%, 11/01/23

     15,725       13,472,865  

0.00%, 11/01/25

     10,000       7,939,200  

Garden State Preservation Trust, Refunding RB, Series C (AGM):

    

5.25%, 11/01/20

     5,000       5,603,750  

5.25%, 11/01/21

     7,705       8,859,209  
 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.      
                
   ANNUAL REPORT    JULY 31, 2017    23


Schedule of Investments (continued)

  

BlackRock MuniHoldings New Jersey Quality Fund, Inc.  (MUJ)

 

Municipal Bonds    Par
(000)
    Value  
New Jersey (continued)  
State (continued)  

New Jersey EDA, RB:

    

CAB, Motor Vehicle Surcharge, Series A (NPFGC), 0.00%, 7/01/21 (c)

   $ 2,325     $ 2,143,999  

Motor Vehicle Surcharge, Series A (NPFGC), 5.25%, 7/01/24

     1,785       2,064,924  

Motor Vehicle Surcharge, Series A (NPFGC), 5.25%, 7/01/25

     5,000       5,822,000  

Motor Vehicle Surcharge, Series A (NPFGC), 5.25%, 7/01/26

     7,500       8,728,725  

Motor Vehicle Surcharge, Series A (NPFGC), 5.25%, 7/01/33

     18,105       18,435,597  

School Facilities Construction (AGC), 6.00%, 12/15/18 (a)

     3,960       4,235,893  

School Facilities Construction (AGC), 6.00%, 12/15/18 (a)

     40       42,787  

School Facilities Construction, Series KK, 5.00%, 3/01/38

     325       332,300  

School Facilities Construction, Series U (AMBAC), 5.00%, 9/01/17 (a)

     1,070       1,073,756  

School Facilities Construction, Series Y, 5.00%, 9/01/18 (a)

     1,000       1,043,830  

Series WW, 5.25%, 6/15/33

     380       402,572  

Series WW, 5.00%, 6/15/34

     5,500       5,661,920  

Series WW, 5.00%, 6/15/36

     3,115       3,200,476  

Series WW, 5.25%, 6/15/40

     8,375       8,866,780  

New Jersey EDA, Refunding RB:

    

Cigarette Tax, 5.00%, 6/15/24

     5,000       5,460,950  

Cigarette Tax, 5.00%, 6/15/26

     1,250       1,348,113  

Cigarette Tax, 5.00%, 6/15/28

     2,430       2,602,408  

Cigarette Tax, 5.00%, 6/15/29

     3,195       3,407,595  

School Facilities Construction, Series N-1 (NPFGC), 5.50%, 9/01/27

     1,000       1,179,840  

School Facilities Construction, Series NN, 5.00%, 3/01/29

     5,000       5,218,650  

State of New Jersey, COP, Equipment Lease Purchase, Series A, 5.25%, 6/15/19 (a)

     1,580       1,703,935  
    

 

 

 
        118,852,074  
Transportation — 33.4%  

Delaware River Port Authority, RB:

    

5.00%, 1/01/29

     2,000       2,338,600  

5.00%, 1/01/37

     8,830       10,074,853  

Series D, 5.05%, 1/01/35

     1,430       1,547,675  

Series D (AGM), 5.00%, 1/01/40

     5,200       5,636,748  

New Brunswick New Jersey Parking Authority, Refunding RB, City Guaranteed, Series A (BAM), 5.00%, 9/01/39

     1,520       1,761,422  

New Brunswick Parking Authority, Refunding RB, City Guaranteed, Series B (AGM):

    

3.00%, 9/01/39

     2,500       2,316,825  

4.00%, 9/01/40

     2,000       2,101,040  

New Jersey EDA, RB, Goethals Bridge Replacement Project, AMT, Private Activity Bond:

    

5.38%, 1/01/43

     7,730       8,632,014  

5.13%, 1/01/34

     2,290       2,491,177  

New Jersey State Turnpike Authority, RB:

    

Series A, 5.00%, 1/01/35

     1,440       1,679,846  

Series E, 5.00%, 1/01/45

     8,000       9,079,440  

New Jersey State Turnpike Authority, Refunding RB:

    

Series A (AGM), 5.25%, 1/01/29

     4,000       5,063,800  

Series A (AGM), 5.25%, 1/01/30

     4,000       5,074,760  

Series A (BHAC), 5.25%, 1/01/29

     500       634,115  

Series B, 5.00%, 1/01/40 (e)

     11,360       13,311,875  
Municipal Bonds    Par
(000)
    Value  
New Jersey (continued)  
Transportation (continued)  

New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund Authority, RB:

    

CAB, Transportation System, Series A, 0.00%, 12/15/35 (c)

   $ 6,000     $ 2,370,120  

CAB, Transportation System, Series C (AMBAC), 0.00%, 12/15/36 (c)

     7,210       2,959,345  

CAB, Transportation System, Series C (AGM), 0.00%, 12/15/32 (c)

     8,800       4,666,112  

CAB, Transportation System, Series C (AMBAC), 0.00%, 12/15/35 (c)

     4,160       1,797,453  

Federal Highway Reimbursement Revenue Notes, Series A, 5.00%, 6/15/29

     1,300       1,327,495  

Federal Highway Reimbursement Revenue Notes, Series A, 5.00%, 6/15/30

     2,250       2,414,363  

Federal Highway Reimbursement Revenue Notes, Series A, 5.00%, 6/15/31

     1,150       1,172,310  

Federal Highway Reimbursement Revenue Notes, Series A-2, 5.00%, 6/15/30

     10,520       10,733,240  

Transportation Program, Series AA, 5.00%, 6/15/33

     3,000       3,108,630  

Transportation Program, Series AA, 5.25%, 6/15/33

     5,690       6,022,068  

Transportation Program, Series AA, 5.25%, 6/15/34

     1,305       1,388,781  

Transportation Program, Series AA, 5.00%, 6/15/38

     2,340       2,443,522  

Transportation System, Series A, 6.00%, 6/15/35

     6,365       6,931,421  

Transportation System, Series A (AGC), 5.63%, 12/15/28

     2,780       2,956,474  

Transportation System, Series A (NPFGC), 5.75%, 6/15/24

     1,205       1,430,901  

Transportation System, Series B, 5.25%, 6/15/36

     2,500       2,596,400  

Transportation System, Series D, 5.00%, 6/15/32

     3,300       3,474,273  

Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, ARB:

    

Consolidated, 93rd Series, 6.13%, 6/01/94

     1,000       1,217,260  

Special Project, JFK International Air Terminal LLC Project, Series 6, AMT (NPFGC), 5.75%, 12/01/25

     3,000       3,035,580  

Special Project, JFK International Air Terminal LLC Project, Series 8, 6.00%, 12/01/42

     4,000       4,484,440  

Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, Refunding ARB, AMT:

    

178th Series, 5.00%, 12/01/33

     4,005       4,490,726  

Consolidated, 152nd Series, 5.75%, 11/01/30

     6,000       6,212,640  

Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, Refunding RB, Consolidated, 206th Series, AMT (e):

    

5.00%, 11/15/42

     3,110       3,595,533  

5.00%, 11/15/47

     3,475       3,997,849  
    

 

 

 
        156,571,126  
Utilities — 5.3%  

County of Essex New Jersey Utilities Authority, Refunding RB, (AGC), 4.13%, 4/01/22

     2,000       2,090,040  

North Hudson New Jersey Sewerage Authority, Refunding RB, Series A (NPFGC), 5.13%, 8/01/20 (d)

     6,045       6,776,022  
 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.      
                
24    ANNUAL REPORT    JULY 31, 2017   


Schedule of Investments (continued)

  

BlackRock MuniHoldings New Jersey Quality Fund, Inc.  (MUJ)

 

Municipal Bonds    Par
(000)
    Value  
New Jersey (continued)  
Utilities (continued)  

Rahway Valley Sewerage Authority, RB, CAB, Series A (NPFGC) (c):

    

0.00%, 9/01/26

   $ 4,100     $ 3,193,449  

0.00%, 9/01/28

     6,600       4,739,526  

0.00%, 9/01/29

     9,650       6,654,157  

0.00%, 9/01/33

     2,350       1,379,427  
    

 

 

 
        24,832,621  
Total Municipal Bonds — 138.1%       648,172,932  
    
                  
Municipal Bonds Transferred to
Tender Option Bond Trusts (f)
            
New Jersey — 25.5%  
County/City/Special District/School District — 5.9%  

County of Union New Jersey Utilities Authority, Refunding LRB, Resource Recovery Facility, Covanta Union, Inc., Series A, AMT, 5.25%, 12/01/31

     17,300       19,315,104  

County of Union New Jersey Utilities Authority, Refunding RB, County Deficiency Agreement, Series A, 5.00%, 6/15/41

     7,573       8,241,330  
    

 

 

 
        27,556,434  
Education — 3.5%  

Rutgers — The State University of New Jersey, Refunding RB:

    

Series F, 5.00%, 5/01/19 (a)

     4,998       5,353,756  

Series L, 5.00%, 5/01/43

     10,000       11,228,300  
    

 

 

 
        16,582,056  
State — 4.7%  

Garden State Preservation Trust, RB, Election of 2005, Series A (AGM), 5.75%, 11/01/28

     12,460       15,200,951  

New Jersey EDA, Refunding RB, Series NN, School Facilities Construction, 5.00%, 3/01/29 (g)

     6,698       6,991,069  
    

 

 

 
        22,192,020  
Municipal Bonds Transferred to
Tender Option Bond Trusts (f)
   Par
(000)
    Value  
New Jersey (continued)  
Transportation — 11.3%  

County of Hudson New Jersey Improvement Authority, RB, Hudson County Vocational-Technical Schools Project, 5.25%, 5/01/51

   $ 3,120     $ 3,622,695  

New Jersey State Turnpike Authority, RB, Series A, 5.00%, 1/01/38 (g)

     9,300       10,484,076  

New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund Authority, RB, Transportation System, Series B, 5.25%, 6/15/36 (g)

     2,661       2,763,203  

Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, ARB, Consolidated, 163rd Series, AMT, 5.00%, 7/15/39

     15,545       17,121,996  

Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, RB, Consolidated, 169th Series, AMT, 5.00%, 10/15/41

     10,000       11,177,900  

Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, Refunding RB, Consolidated, 152nd Series, AMT, 5.25%, 11/01/35

     7,827       8,048,026  
    

 

 

 
        53,217,896  
Total Municipal Bonds Transferred to
Tender Option Bond Trusts — 25.4%
      119,548,406  
Total Long-Term Investments
(Cost — $719,420,402) — 163.5%
      767,721,338  
    
                  
Short-Term Securities    Shares         

BlackRock Liquidity Funds, MuniCash, Institutional Class, 0.64% (h)(i)

     20,456,541       20,464,723  
Total Short-Term Securities
(Cost — $20,463,427) — 4.4%
             20,464,723  

Total Investments (Cost — $739,883,829) — 167.9%

 

    788,186,061  

Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets — (3.9)%

 

    (18,180,108

Liability for TOB Trust Certificates, Including Interest Expense and Fees Payable — (13.6)%

 

    (63,979,797

VRDP Shares at Liquidation Value, Net of Deferred Costs — (50.4)%

 

    (236,608,821
    

 

 

 

Net Assets Applicable to Common Shares — 100.0%

 

  $ 469,417,335  
    

 

 

 
 
Notes to Schedule of Investments

 

(a)   U.S. Government securities, held in escrow, are used to pay interest on this security, as well as to retire the bond in full at the date indicated, typically at a premium to par.

 

(b)   Step-up bond that pays an initial coupon rate for the first period and then a higher coupon rate for the following periods. Rate as of period end.

 

(c)   Zero-coupon bond.

 

(d)   Security is collateralized by municipal bonds or U.S. Treasury obligations.

 

(e)   When-issued security.

 

(f)   Represent bonds transferred to a TOB Trust in exchange of cash and residual certificates received by the Fund. These bonds serve as collateral in a secured borrowing. See Note 4 of the Notes to Financial Statements for details.

 

(g)   All or a portion of security is subject to a recourse agreement. The aggregate maximum potential amount the Fund could ultimately be required to pay under the agreements, which expire between June 15, 2019 to September 1, 2020, is $13,907,845. See Note 4 of the Notes to Financial Statements for details.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.      
                
   ANNUAL REPORT    JULY 31, 2017    25


Schedule of Investments (continued)

  

BlackRock MuniHoldings New Jersey Quality Fund, Inc.  (MUJ)

 

 

(h)   During the year ended July 31, 2017, investments in issuers considered to be an affiliate of the Fund for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

Affiliate    Shares Held
at July 31,
2016
     Net
Activity
     Shares Held
at July 31,
2017
    Value at
July 31,
2017
     Income      Net Realized
Gain1
     Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
 

BlackRock Liquidity Funds, MuniCash, Institutional Class

     15,571,111        4,885,430        20,456,541     $ 20,464,723      $ 26,061      $ 5,806      $ 1,296  

1    Includes net capital gain distributions.

     

 

(i)   Current yield as of period end.

For Fund compliance purposes, the Fund’s sector classifications refer to one or more of the sector sub-classifications used by one or more widely recognized market indexes or rating group indexes, and/or as defined by the investment adviser. These definitions may not apply for purposes of this report, which may combine such sector sub-classifications for reporting ease.

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Outstanding as of Period End

 

Futures Contracts      
Description   Number of
Contracts
       Expiration Date      Notional
Amount
(000)
    Value /
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

Short Contracts

               

5-Year U.S. Treasury Note

    (30      September 2017      $ 3,544       $ (319

10-Year U.S. Treasury Note

    (120      September 2017      $ 15,107         3,141  

Long U.S. Treasury Bond

    (61      September 2017      $ 9,331         (24,866

Ultra U.S. Treasury Bond

    (8      September 2017      $ 1,316               (10,866

Total

                $ (32,910
               

 

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of period end, the fair values of derivative financial instruments located in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities were as follows:

 

Assets — Derivative Financial Instruments   Commodity
Contracts
    Credit
Contracts
    Equity
Contracts
    Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Contracts
    Interest
Rate
Contracts
    Other
Contracts
    Total         

Futures contracts

   Net unrealized appreciation1                           $ 3,141           $ 3,141          
Liabilities — Derivative Financial Instruments   Commodity
Contracts
    Credit
Contracts
    Equity
Contracts
    Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Contracts
    Interest
Rate
Contracts
    Other
Contracts
    Total         

Futures contracts

   Net unrealized depreciation1                           $ 36,051           $ 36,051          

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

    

                  
For the year ended July 31, 2017, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:  
                  
Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:         Commodity
Contracts
    Credit
Contracts
    Equity
Contracts
    Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Contracts
    Interest
Rate
Contracts
    Other
Contracts
    Total         

Futures contracts

                          $ 1,470,052           $ 1,470,052          
Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:         

Futures contracts

                          $ 387,566           $ 387,566          

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.      
                
26    ANNUAL REPORT    JULY 31, 2017   


Schedule of Investments (concluded)

  

BlackRock MuniHoldings New Jersey Quality Fund, Inc.  (MUJ)

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

Futures contracts:  

Average notional value of contracts — long

  $ 362,109 1  

Average notional value of contracts — short

  $ 47,729,063  

1   Actual amounts for the period are shown due to limited outstanding derivative financial instruments as of each quarter end.

    

For more information about the Fund’s investment risks regarding derivative financial instruments, refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

 

Fair Value Hierarchy as of Period End

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

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

 

     Level 1        Level 2        Level 3     Total  

Assets:

             
Investments:              

Long Term Investments1

           $ 767,721,338              $ 767,721,338  

Short-Term Securities

  $ 20,464,723                         20,464,723  
 

 

 

 

Total

  $ 20,464,723        $ 767,721,338              $ 788,186,061  
 

 

 

 
             
Derivative Financial Instruments2                                      

Assets:

             

Interest rate contracts

  $ 3,141                       $ 3,141  

Liabilities:

             

Interest rate contracts

    (36,051                       (36,051
 

 

 

 

Total

  $ (32,910                     $ (32,910
 

 

 

 

1    See above Schedule of Investments for values in each sector.

     

2    Derivative financial instruments are futures contracts which are valued at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the instrument.

     

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

 

     Level 1        Level 2        Level 3     Total  

Liabilities:

 

TOB Trust Certificates

           $ (63,876,946            $ (63,876,946

VRDP Shares at Liquidation Value

             (237,100,000              (237,100,000
 

 

 

 

Total

           $ (300,976,946            $ (300,976,946
 

 

 

 

During the year ended July 31, 2017, there were no transfers between levels.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.      
                
   ANNUAL REPORT    JULY 31, 2017    27


Schedule of Investments July 31, 2017

  

BlackRock MuniYield Investment Quality Fund (MFT)

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Municipal Bonds    Par
(000)
    Value  
Alabama — 4.3%             

City of Birmingham Alabama Special Care Facilities Financing Authority, RB, Children’s Hospital (AGC) (a):

    

6.00%, 6/01/19

   $ 2,985     $ 3,255,232  

6.13%, 6/01/19

     1,500       1,639,185  

City of Selma Alabama IDB, RB, Gulf Opportunity Zone, International Paper Co. Project, Series A, 5.38%, 12/01/35

     350       389,820  
    

 

 

 
               5,284,237  
California — 20.3%             

California Educational Facilities Authority, RB, University of Southern California, Series A, 5.25%, 10/01/18 (a)

     1,960       2,059,882  

California Health Facilities Financing Authority, RB, Sutter Health, Series B, 6.00%, 8/15/42

     1,150       1,308,320  

City & County of San Francisco California Airports Commission, Refunding ARB, AMT, Series A:

    

2nd, 5.50%, 5/01/28

     720       855,641  

2nd, 5.25%, 5/01/33

     560       644,896  

5.00%, 5/01/44

     745       837,335  

City of Los Angeles California Department of Airports, Sub-Series A, AMT, 5.00%, 5/15/47

     230       264,546  

City of San Jose California, Refunding ARB, Norman Y Mineta San Jose International Airport SJC, Series A-1, AMT:

    

5.50%, 3/01/30

     1,600       1,801,872  

6.25%, 3/01/34

     1,250       1,458,062  

County of Sacramento California, ARB, Senior Series A (AGC), 5.50%, 7/01/18 (a)

     1,400       1,459,570  

Kern Community College District, GO, Safety, Repair & Improvement, Series C, 5.50%, 11/01/33

     970       1,167,230  

Redondo Beach Unified School District, GO, Election of 2008, Series E, 5.50%, 8/01/21 (a)

     1,000       1,171,360  

Riverside County Public Financing Authority, RB, Capital Facilities Project, 5.25%, 11/01/40

     2,000       2,352,200  

San Diego Public Facilities Financing Authority Water, Refunding RB, Series B (AGC), 5.38%, 8/01/19 (a)

     1,020       1,109,740  

State of California, GO, Various Purposes (AGC), 5.50%, 11/01/39

     3,450       3,776,922  

State of California Public Works Board, LRB, Various Capital Projects, Series I, 5.50%, 11/01/31

     1,000       1,203,330  

State of California Public Works Board, RB, Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation, Series F, 5.25%, 9/01/33

     490       578,626  

Township of Washington California Health Care District, GO, Election of 2004, Series B, 5.50%, 8/01/40

     370       451,226  

University of California, Refunding RB, The Regents of Medical Center, Series J, 5.25%, 5/15/38

     2,235       2,628,785  
    

 

 

 
               25,129,543  
Colorado — 2.1%             

City & County of Denver Colorado Airport System, ARB, Series A, AMT:

    

5.50%, 11/15/28

     500       578,815  

5.50%, 11/15/30

     225       258,208  

5.50%, 11/15/31

     270       309,409  

Colorado Health Facilities Authority, RB, Hospital, NCMC, Inc. Project, Series B (AGM), 6.00%, 5/15/19 (a)

     1,300       1,415,427  
    

 

 

 
               2,561,859  
Municipal Bonds    Par
(000)
    Value  
Florida — 13.4%             

City of Jacksonville Florida, Refunding RB, Series A, 5.25%, 10/01/33

   $ 270     $ 313,856  

County of Broward Florida Airport System Revenue, ARB, Series A, AMT, 5.00%, 10/01/45

     575       640,533  

County of Hillsborough Florida Aviation Authority, Refunding ARB, Tampa International Airport,
Series A, AMT, 5.50%, 10/01/29

     1,170       1,351,128  

County of Lee Florida, Refunding ARB, Series A, AMT, 5.38%, 10/01/32

     1,000       1,118,110  

County of Lee Florida HFA, RB, S/F Housing, Multi-County Program, Series A-2, AMT (Ginnie Mae), 6.00%, 9/01/40

     90       90,128  

County of Manatee Florida HFA, RB, S/F Housing, Series A, AMT (Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac), 5.90%, 9/01/40

     70       70,920  

County of Miami-Dade Florida, RB, Seaport Department:

    

Series A, 6.00%, 10/01/38

     1,840       2,217,513  

Series A, 5.50%, 10/01/42

     2,125       2,481,851  

Series B, AMT, 6.00%, 10/01/26

     590       707,870  

Series B, AMT, 6.00%, 10/01/27

     775       926,280  

Series B, AMT, 6.25%, 10/01/38

     310       371,727  

Series B, AMT, 6.00%, 10/01/42

     410       479,511  

County of Miami-Dade Florida, Refunding RB:

    

Seaport Department, Series D, AMT, 6.00%, 10/01/26

     735       881,838  

Water & Sewer System, Series B, 5.25%, 10/01/29

     500       594,060  

County of Miami-Dade Florida Aviation, Refunding ARB, Series A, AMT, 5.00%, 10/01/31

     2,165       2,419,063  

County of Orange Florida Health Facilities Authority, Refunding RB, Presbyterian Retirement Communities Project, 5.00%, 8/01/41

     1,000       1,088,910  

Reedy Creek Florida Improvement District, GO,
Series A, 5.25%, 6/01/32

     710       833,441  
    

 

 

 
               16,586,739  
Hawaii — 1.9%             

State of Hawaii, Department of Transportation, COP, AMT:

    

5.25%, 8/01/25

     250       287,460  

5.25%, 8/01/26

     810       923,432  

State of Hawaii, Department of Transportation, RB, Series A, AMT, 5.00%, 7/01/45

     1,000       1,122,750  
    

 

 

 
               2,333,642  
Illinois — 17.7%             

City of Chicago Illinois, RB, Transit Authority, Sales Tax Receipts, 5.25%, 12/01/36

     1,000       1,080,190  

City of Chicago Illinois Midway International Airport, Refunding GARB, 2nd Lien, Series A,
5.00%, 1/01/41

     1,010       1,106,697  

City of Chicago Illinois O’Hare International Airport, GARB, 3rd Lien:

    

Series A, 5.75%, 1/01/21 (a)

     645       744,827  

Series A, 5.75%, 1/01/39

     125       141,778  

Series C, 6.50%, 1/01/21 (a)

     3,680       4,341,811  

City of Chicago Illinois Transit Authority, RB, Federal Transit Administration, Section 5309, Series A (AGC), 6.00%, 12/01/18 (a)

     1,400       1,493,716  

City of Chicago Illinois Transit Authority, Refunding RB, Federal Transit Administration, Section 5309 (AGM), 5.00%, 6/01/28

     3,000       3,179,730  

City of Chicago Illinois Wastewater Transmission, RB, 2nd Lien, 5.00%, 1/01/42

     1,375       1,448,329  
 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.      
                
28    ANNUAL REPORT    JULY 31, 2017   


Schedule of Investments (continued)

  

BlackRock MuniYield Investment Quality Fund (MFT)

 

Municipal Bonds    Par
(000)
    Value  
Illinois (continued)             

County of Cook Illinois Community College District No. 508, GO, City College of Chicago:

    

5.50%, 12/01/38

   $ 1,000     $ 1,072,720  

5.25%, 12/01/43

     1,160       1,216,527  

Illinois Finance Authority, RB, Carle Foundation, Series A, 6.00%, 8/15/41

     1,555       1,766,667  

Railsplitter Tobacco Settlement Authority, RB:

    

5.50%, 6/01/23

     940       1,071,092  

6.00%, 6/01/28

     270       307,624  

State of Illinois, GO:

    

5.25%, 2/01/32

     1,000       1,062,690  

5.50%, 7/01/33

     1,500       1,603,590  

5.50%, 7/01/38

     280       297,377  
    

 

 

 
               21,935,365  
Indiana — 4.0%             

Indianapolis Local Public Improvement Bond Bank, Refunding RB, Waterworks Project, Series A (AGC):

    

5.50%, 1/01/19 (a)

     840       894,020  

5.50%, 1/01/38

     3,470       3,666,298  

Indiana Finance Authority, RB, Private Activity Bond, Ohio River Bridges, Series A, AMT, 5.00%, 7/01/40

     375       401,194  
    

 

 

 
               4,961,512  
Kentucky — 0.8%             

Kentucky State Property & Building Commission, Refunding RB, Project No. 93, (AGC):

    

5.25%, 2/01/19 (a)

     885       941,180  

5.25%, 2/01/27

     115       121,962  
    

 

 

 
               1,063,142  
Louisiana — 2.1%             

City of New Orleans Louisiana Aviation Board, Refunding GARB, Restructuring (AGC) (a):

    

Series A-1, 6.00%, 1/01/19

     375       401,584  

Series A-2, 6.00%, 1/01/19

     160       171,342  

Lake Charles Louisiana Harbor & Terminal District, RB, Series B, AMT (AGM), 5.50%, 1/01/29

     1,000       1,165,850  

Tobacco Settlement Financing Corp., Refunding RB, Asset-Backed, Series A, 5.50%, 5/15/29

     805       835,663  
    

 

 

 
               2,574,439  
Massachusetts — 2.1%             

Massachusetts Development Finance Agency, RB, Emerson College Issue, Series A, 5.00%, 1/01/47

     645       715,473  

Massachusetts Development Finance Agency, Refunding RB, Emerson College, 5.00%, 1/01/41

     525       575,316  

Massachusetts HFA, Refunding RB, Series C, AMT, 5.35%, 12/01/42

     1,285       1,367,767  
    

 

 

 
               2,658,556  
Michigan — 2.7%             

City of Detroit Michigan Water Supply System Revenue, RB, 2nd Lien, Series B (AGM):

    

6.25%, 7/01/19 (a)

     1,795       1,974,518  

6.25%, 7/01/36

     5       5,419  

Royal Oak Michigan Hospital Finance Authority, Refunding RB, William Beaumont Hospital, Series V, 8.25%, 9/01/18 (a)

     1,265       1,364,556  
    

 

 

 
               3,344,493  
Minnesota — 2.6%             

City of Minneapolis Minnesota, Refunding RB, Fairview Health Services, Series B (AGC):

    

6.50%, 11/15/18 (a)

     460       492,619  
Municipal Bonds    Par
(000)
    Value  
Minnesota (continued)             

City of Minneapolis Minnesota, Refunding RB, Fairview Health Services, Series B (AGC) (continued):

    

6.50%, 11/15/38

   $ 2,540     $ 2,701,391  
    

 

 

 
               3,194,010  
Mississippi — 1.5%             

Mississippi Development Bank, RB, Jackson Water & Sewer System Project (AGM), 6.88%, 12/01/40

     1,190       1,524,390  

Mississippi State University Educational Building Corp., Refunding RB, Mississippi State University Improvement Project, 5.25%, 8/01/38

     260       303,709  
    

 

 

 
               1,828,099  
Nevada — 3.8%             

County of Clark Nevada, ARB, Las Vegas-McCarran International Airport, Series A (AGM), 5.25%, 7/01/39

     2,375       2,585,568  

County of Clark Nevada, GO, Limited Tax, 5.00%, 6/01/18 (a)

     500       517,125  

County of Clark Nevada Water Reclamation District, GO, Series A, 5.25%, 7/01/19 (a)

     1,500       1,621,905  
    

 

 

 
               4,724,598  
New Jersey — 5.0%             

New Jersey EDA, RB:

    

Goethals Bridge Replacement Project, AMT, Private Activity Bond, 5.38%, 1/01/43

     1,000       1,116,690  

Private Activity Bond, Goethals Bridge Replacement Project, AMT (AGM), 5.00%, 1/01/31

     530       583,959  

School Facilities Construction (AGC), 6.00%, 12/15/18 (a)

     980       1,048,277  

School Facilities Construction (AGC), 6.00%, 12/15/18 (a)

     20       21,393  

New Jersey Health Care Facilities Financing Authority, RB, Virtua Health, Series A (AGC), 5.50%, 7/01/38

     1,400       1,508,710  

New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund Authority, RB, Transportation System, Series AA, 5.50%, 6/15/39

     1,600       1,711,456  

New Jersey Turnpike Authority, Refunding RB, Series B, 4.00%, 1/01/37 (b)

     180       191,022  
    

 

 

 
               6,181,507  
New York — 7.0%             

City of New York New York Municipal Water Finance Authority, Refunding RB, Water & Sewer System, Series FF-2, 5.50%, 6/15/40

     1,545       1,666,900  

City of New York New York Transitional Finance Authority, BARB, Fiscal 2009, Series S-4 (AGC), 5.50%, 1/15/29

     2,000       2,128,720  

New York Transportation Development Corp., ARB, LaGuardia Airport Terminal B Redevelopment Project, Series A, AMT, 5.25%, 1/01/50

     600       658,080  

Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, Refunding ARB, Consolidated:

    

166th Series, 5.25%, 7/15/36

     2,500       2,817,825  

206th Series, AMT, 5.00%, 11/15/37 (b)

     1,175       1,367,371  
    

 

 

 
               8,638,896  
Ohio — 1.4%             

State of Ohio Turnpike Commission, RB, Junior Lien, Infrastructure Projects, Series A-1, 5.25%, 2/15/31

     1,500       1,769,040  
 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.      
                
   ANNUAL REPORT    JULY 31, 2017    29


Schedule of Investments (continued)

  

BlackRock MuniYield Investment Quality Fund (MFT)

 

Municipal Bonds    Par
(000)
    Value  
Oklahoma — 1.6%             

Norman Regional Hospital Authority, Refunding RB, 5.00%, 9/01/37

   $ 910     $ 1,013,904  

Oklahoma Development Finance Authority, RB, Provident Oklahoma Education Resources, Inc., Cross Village Student Housing Project, Series A, 5.25%, 8/01/57

     915       1,004,871  
    

 

 

 
               2,018,775  
Oregon — 0.2%             

County of Clackamas Oregon School District No. 12 North Clackamas, GO, CAB, Series A, 0.00%, 6/15/38 (c)

     475       203,671  
Pennsylvania — 1.0%             

Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, RB, S/F Housing Mortgage, Series 123-B, 4.00%, 10/01/42

     1,190       1,219,357  
Rhode Island — 0.3%             

Rhode Island Health & Educational Building Corp., RB, Series G (AGM), 5.00%, 5/15/42 (b)

     295       337,421  
South Carolina — 7.7%             

County of Charleston South Carolina, RB, Special Source, 5.25%, 12/01/38

     1,470       1,729,867  

County of Charleston South Carolina Airport District, ARB, Series A, AMT:

    

5.50%, 7/01/26

     1,810       2,107,998  

6.00%, 7/01/38

     1,155       1,336,116  

5.50%, 7/01/41

     1,000       1,126,500  

State of South Carolina Ports Authority, RB, AMT, 5.25%, 7/01/50

     750       843,360  

State of South Carolina Public Service Authority, RB, Series E, 5.50%, 12/01/53

     40       45,132  

State of South Carolina Public Service Authority, Refunding RB:

    

Series C, 5.00%, 12/01/46

     1,795       1,953,211  

Series E, 5.25%, 12/01/55

     350       391,387  
    

 

 

 
               9,533,571  
Tennessee — 0.7%             

Metropolitan Government of Nashville & Davidson County Health & Educational Facilities Board, RB, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Series A, 4.00%, 7/01/47

     800       819,648  
Texas — 19.3%             

Austin Community College District Public Facility Corp., RB, Educational Facilities Project, Round Rock Campus, 5.25%, 8/01/18 (a)

     2,250       2,347,785  

City of Beaumont Texas, GO, Certificates of Obligation, 5.25%, 3/01/37

     930       1,076,661  

City of Frisco Texas ISD, GO, School Building (AGC), 5.50%, 8/15/41

     1,210       1,309,704  

City of Houston Texas Combined Utility System Revenue, Refunding RB, Combined 1st Lien, Series A (AGC):

    

5.38%, 5/15/19 (a)

     950       1,024,204  

6.00%, 5/15/19 (a)

     2,560       2,788,275  

6.00%, 5/15/19 (a)

     1,945       2,118,436  

6.00%, 11/15/35

     140       152,610  

6.00%, 11/15/36

     110       119,908  

5.38%, 11/15/38

     50       53,460  

County of Tarrant Texas Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corp., Refunding RB, Christus Health, Series A (AGC):

    

6.50%, 1/01/19 (a)

     265       285,447  

6.50%, 7/01/37

     835       888,298  
Municipal Bonds    Par
(000)
    Value  
Texas (continued)             

Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, ARB, Joint Improvement, Series H, AMT, 5.00%, 11/01/37

   $ 980     $ 1,099,815  

Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, Refunding ARB, Joint Revenue, Series E, AMT, 5.50%, 11/01/27

     2,500       2,936,625  

Lower Colorado River Authority, Refunding RB, 5.50%, 5/15/33

     730       856,772  

North Texas Tollway Authority, RB, Special Projects, Series A, 5.50%, 9/01/41

     2,750       3,194,730  

North Texas Tollway Authority, Refunding RB, 1st Tier:

    

(AGM), 6.00%, 1/01/43

     1,000       1,141,410  

Series K-1 (AGC), 5.75%, 1/01/19 (a)

     1,400       1,493,912  

Red River Texas Education Financing Corp., RB, Texas Christian University Project, 5.25%, 3/15/38

     420       479,035  

Texas Private Activity Bond Surface Transportation Corp., RB, Senior Lien, Blueridge Transportation Group, AMT, 5.00%, 12/31/55

     525       571,499  
    

 

 

 
               23,938,586  
Virginia — 1.2%             

City of Lexington Virginia IDA, RB, Washington & Lee University, 5.00%, 1/01/43

     380       425,562  

State of Virginia Public School Authority, RB, Fluvanna County School Financing, 6.50%, 12/01/18 (a)

     1,000       1,074,150  
    

 

 

 
               1,499,712  
Washington — 1.6%             

City of Seattle Washington Municipal Light & Power, Refunding RB, Series A, 5.25%, 2/01/36

     1,000       1,121,300  

State of Washington, GO, Various Purposes, Series B, 5.25%, 2/01/36

     725       817,691  
    

 

 

 
               1,938,991  
Wisconsin — 0.8%             

Wisconsin Health & Educational Facilities Authority, Refunding RB, Froedtert Health, Inc. Obligated Group, 4.00%, 4/01/39

     270       279,188  

Wisconsin Housing & Economic Development Authority, RB, M/F Housing, WHPC Madison Pool Project, Series A, 4.70%, 7/01/47

     660       710,378  
    

 

 

 
               989,566  
Total Municipal Bonds — 127.1%       157,268,975  
    
   
Municipal Bonds Transferred to
Tender Option Bond Trusts (d)
              
Alabama — 0.8%             

Auburn University, Refunding RB, Series A, 4.00%, 6/01/41

     920       971,134  
California — 5.6%             

City of Los Angeles Department of Airports, RB, Los Angeles International Airport, AMT, Series B, 5.00%, 5/15/46

     2,050       2,339,091  

Fremont Union High School District, GO, Refunding, Series A, 4.00%, 8/01/46

     1,520       1,622,022  

Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency, Refunding RB, Consolidated Capital Assessment District No. 2, Series A, 5.00%, 10/01/43

     2,565       2,995,766  
    

 

 

 
               6,956,879  
Connecticut — 1.1%             

Connecticut State Health & Educational Facility Authority, Refunding RB, Trinity Health Credit Group, 5.00%, 12/01/45

     1,216       1,383,661  
 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.      
                
30    ANNUAL REPORT    JULY 31, 2017   


Schedule of Investments (continued)

  

BlackRock MuniYield Investment Quality Fund (MFT)

 

Municipal Bonds Transferred to
Tender Option Bond Trusts (d)
   Par
(000)
    Value  
District of Columbia — 0.7%             

District of Columbia Water & Sewer Authority, Refunding RB, Senior Lien, Series A, 6.00%, 10/01/18 (a)(e)

   $ 759     $ 804,288  
Florida — 2.1%             

County of Hillsborough Florida Aviation Authority, ARB, Tampa International Airport, Series A, AMT (AGC), 5.50%, 10/01/38

     2,499       2,610,452  
Illinois — 0.9%             

State of Illinois Toll Highway Authority, RB, Series C, 5.00%, 1/01/38

     1,004       1,135,829  
Nevada — 7.3%             

County of Clark Nevada Water Reclamation District, GO (a):

    

Limited Tax, 6.00%, 7/01/18

     2,010       2,103,927  

Series B, 5.50%, 7/01/19

     1,994       2,165,901  

Las Vegas Valley Water District, GO, Refunding, Series C, 5.00%, 6/01/28

     4,200       4,755,324  
    

 

 

 
               9,025,152  
New Jersey — 2.2%             

New Jersey Housing & Mortgage Finance Agency, RB, S/F Housing, Series CC, 5.25%, 10/01/29

     1,570       1,623,798  

New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund Authority, RB, Transportation System, Series B, 5.25%, 6/15/36 (e)

     1,000       1,038,798  
    

 

 

 
               2,662,596  
New York — 14.9%             

City of New York New York Municipal Water Finance Authority, Refunding RB, Water & Sewer System, 2nd General Resolution:

    

Series BB, 5.25%, 6/15/44

     2,998       3,409,380  

Series FF-2, 5.50%, 6/15/40

     1,095       1,181,396  

City of New York New York Transitional Finance Authority, BARB, Fiscal 2009, Series S-3, 5.25%, 1/15/39

     1,000       1,059,460  

Hudson Yards Infrastructure Corp., RB, Fiscal 2012, Series A, 5.75%, 2/15/47 (e)

     1,000       1,155,687  

Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Refunding RB, Series C-1, 5.25%, 11/15/56

     2,360       2,747,577  
Municipal Bonds Transferred to
Tender Option Bond Trusts (d)
   Par
(000)
    Value  
New York (continued)             

New York Liberty Development Corp., RB, 1 World Trade Center Port Authority Consolidated Bonds, 5.25%, 12/15/43

   $ 3,000     $ 3,400,696  

New York Liberty Development Corp., Refunding RB, 4 World Trade Center Project, 5.75%, 11/15/51 (e)

     1,770       2,043,128  

New York State Dormitory Authority, ERB, Personal Income Tax, Series B, 5.25%, 3/15/19 (a)

     3,250       3,474,087  
    

 

 

 
               18,471,411  
Pennsylvania — 1.6%             

Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, RB, Sub-Series A, 5.50%, 12/01/42

     1,664       1,972,095  
Texas — 2.2%             

City of San Antonio Texas Public Service Board, Refunding RB, Series A, 5.25%, 2/01/19 (a)(e)

     2,609       2,777,464  
Utah — 0.9%             

City of Riverton Utah, RB, IHC Health Services, Inc., 5.00%, 8/15/41

     1,005       1,067,966  
Total Municipal Bonds Transferred to Tender Option Bond Trusts — 40.3%       49,838,927  
Total Long-Term Investments
(Cost — $191,201,236) — 167.4%
      207,107,902  
    
   
Short-Term Securities    Shares         

BlackRock Liquidity Funds, MuniCash, Institutional Class, 0.64% (f)(g)

     623,916       624,165  
Total Short-Term Securities
(Cost — $624,103) — 0.5%
      624,165  

Total Investments (Cost — $191,825,339) — 167.9%

 

    207,732,067  

Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets — (0.1)%

 

    (244,021

Liability for TOB Trust Certificates, Including Interest
Expense and Fees Payable — (22.1)%

 

    (27,283,030

VMTP Shares at Liquidation Value — (45.7)%

 

    (56,500,000
    

 

 

 

Net Assets Applicable to Common Shares — 100.0%

 

  $ 123,705,016  
    

 

 

 
 
Notes to Schedule of Investments

 

(a)   U.S. Government securities, held in escrow, are used to pay interest on this security, as well as to retire the bond in full at the date indicated, typically at a premium to par.

 

(b)   When-issued security.

 

(c)   Zero-coupon bond.

 

(d)   Represent bonds transferred to a TOB Trust in exchange of cash and residual certificates received by the Fund. These bonds serve as collateral in a secured borrowing. See Note 4 of the Notes to Financial Statements for details.

 

(e)   All or a portion of security is subject to a recourse agreement. The aggregate maximum potential amount the Fund could ultimately be required to pay under the agreements, which expire between May 7, 2018 to November 15, 2019, is $4,627,650. See Note 4 of the Notes to Financial Statements for details.

 

(f)   During the year ended July 31, 2017, investments in issuers considered to be an affiliate of the Fund for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

Affiliate   Shares Held
at July 31,
2016
       Net
Activity
       Shares Held
at July 31,
2017
       Value at
July 31,
2017
       Income        Net Realized
Gain1
       Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
 

BlackRock Liquidity Funds, MuniCash, Institutional Class

    204,010          419,906          623,916        $ 624,165        $ 3,597        $ 2,132        $ 62  

1    Includes net capital gain distributions.

     

 

(g)   Current yield as of period end.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.      
                
   ANNUAL REPORT    JULY 31, 2017    31


Schedule of Investments (continued)

  

BlackRock MuniYield Investment Quality Fund (MFT)

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Outstanding as of Period End

Futures Contracts

 

Description   Number of
Contracts
       Expiration
Date
     Notional
Amount
(000)
    Value/
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

Short Contracts

               

5-Year U.S. Treasury Note

    (15      September 2017      $ 1,772       $ (160

10-Year U.S. Treasury Note

    (32      September 2017      $ 4,029         1,271  

Long U.S. Treasury Bond

    (17      September 2017      $ 2,600         (6,492

Ultra U.S. Treasury Bond

    (4      September 2017      $ 658               (5,433

Total

 

    $ (10,814
               

 

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of period end, the fair values of derivative financial instruments located in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities were as follows:

 

Assets — Derivative Financial Instruments   Commodity
Contracts
    Credit
Contracts
    Equity
Contracts
    Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Contracts
    Interest
Rate
Contracts
    Other
Contracts
    Total  

Futures contracts

   Net unrealized appreciation1                           $ 1,271           $ 1,271  
Liabilities — Derivative Financial Instruments   Commodity
Contracts
    Credit
Contracts
    Equity
Contracts
    Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Contracts
    Interest
Rate
Contracts
    Other
Contracts
    Total  

Futures contracts

   Net unrealized depreciation1                           $ 12,085           $ 12,085  

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

    

For the year ended July 31, 2017, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:   Commodity
Contracts
    Credit
Contracts
    Equity
Contracts
    Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Contracts
    Interest
Rate
Contracts
    Other
Contracts
    Total  

Futures contracts

                          $ 399,173           $ 399,173  
Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:                                                 

Futures contracts

                          $ 10,032           $ 10,032  

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

Futures contracts:  

Average notional value of contracts — short

  $ 10,926,402  

For more information about the Fund’s investment risks regarding derivative financial instruments, refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.      
                
32    ANNUAL REPORT    JULY 31, 2017   


Schedule of Investments (concluded)

  

BlackRock MuniYield Investment Quality Fund (MFT)

 

 

Fair Value Hierarchy as of Period End

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

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

 

     Level 1        Level 2        Level 3     Total  

Assets:

             
Investments:              

Long-Term Investments1

           $ 207,107,902              $ 207,107,902  

Short-Term Securities

  $ 624,165                         624,165  
 

 

 

 

Total

  $ 624,165        $ 207,107,902              $ 207,732,067  
 

 

 

 
             
Derivative Financial Instruments2                                      

Assets:

             

Interest rate contracts

  $ 1,271                       $ 1,271  

Liabilities:

             

Interest rate contracts

    (12,085                       (12,085
 

 

 

 

Total

  $ (10,814                     $ (10,814
 

 

 

 

1   See above Schedule of Investments for values in each state.

 

2   Derivative financial instruments are futures contracts which are valued at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the instrument.

    

    

 

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

 

     Level 1        Level 2        Level 3     Total  

Liabilities:

             

TOB Trust Certificates

           $ (27,228,737            $ (27,228,737

VMTP Shares at Liquidation Value

             (56,500,000              (56,500,000
 

 

 

 

Total

           $ (83,728,737            $ (83,728,737
 

 

 

 

During the year ended July 31, 2017, there were no transfers between levels.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.      
                
   ANNUAL REPORT    JULY 31, 2017    33


Schedule of Investments July 31, 2017

  

BlackRock MuniYield Michigan Quality Fund, Inc. (MIY)

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Municipal Bonds    Par
(000)
    Value  
Michigan — 137.7%  
Corporate — 4.0%             

County of Monroe Michigan EDC, Refunding RB, Detroit Edison Co. Project, Series AA (NPFGC), 6.95%, 9/01/22

   $ 14,500     $ 18,119,635  
County/City/Special District/School District — 25.7%        

Anchor Bay School District, GO, Refunding, (Q-SBLF):

    

4.38%, 5/01/27

     1,600       1,754,624  

4.50%, 5/01/29

     1,505       1,650,353  

Battle Creek School District Michigan, GO, Refunding, (Q-SBLF):

    

5.00%, 5/01/35

     1,100       1,260,864  

5.00%, 5/01/36

     1,500       1,715,640  

5.00%, 5/01/37

     1,170       1,336,280  

Berkley School District, GO, School Building & Site (Q-SBLF), 5.00%, 5/01/35

     2,965       3,370,019  

Byron Center Public Schools, GO, School Building & Site, Series I (Q-SBLF):

    

5.00%, 5/01/43

     1,580       1,816,510  

5.00%, 5/01/47

     3,635       4,166,001  

Columbia Michigan School District, GO, Unlimited Tax, School Building & Site (Q-SBLF), 5.00%, 5/01/38

     5,185       5,866,413  

Comstock Park Michigan Public Schools, GO, School Building & Site, Series B (Q-SBLF):

    

5.50%, 5/01/36

     1,200       1,353,300  

5.50%, 5/01/41

     2,185       2,464,134  

County of Genesee Michigan, GO, Refunding, Series A (NPFGC), 5.00%, 5/01/19

     1,000       1,009,940  

Dearborn Brownfield Redevelopment Authority, GO, Limited Tax, Redevelopment, Series A (AGC), 5.50%, 5/01/39

     5,300       5,642,221  

Dearborn School District, GO, School Building & Site, Series A (Q-SBLF):

    

5.00%, 5/01/32

     1,500       1,717,545  

5.00%, 5/01/33

     1,600       1,824,096  

5.00%, 5/01/34

     1,200       1,363,620  

Dowagiac Union School District, GO, (Q-SBLF), 5.00%, 5/01/41

     1,140       1,294,538  

East Lansing School District, GO, School Building & Site, Series I (Q-SBLF):

    

5.00%, 5/01/34

     600       701,874  

5.00%, 5/01/35

     700       816,914  

5.00%, 5/01/36

     550       639,337  

5.00%, 5/01/37

     550       638,330  

5.00%, 5/01/39

     740       856,143  

5.00%, 5/01/42

     1,000       1,151,500  

Farmington Public School District, GO, Refunding, School Building & Site (AGM):

    

5.00%, 5/01/33

     1,500       1,717,170  

5.00%, 5/01/34

     1,500       1,711,575  

5.00%, 5/01/35

     1,000       1,139,570  

Flint EDC, RB, Michigan Department of Human Services Office Building Project, 5.25%, 10/01/41

     4,950       5,516,973  

Fraser Public School District, Refunding, GO, School Building & Site (Q-SBLF):

    

5.00%, 5/01/38

     750       869,078  

5.00%, 5/01/43

     2,000       2,299,380  

5.00%, 5/01/47

     3,225       3,696,108  

Goodrich Area School District Michigan, GO, School Building & Site (Q-SBLF):

    

5.50%, 5/01/32

     1,000       1,127,750  

5.50%, 5/01/36

     2,000       2,255,500  

5.50%, 5/01/41

     2,575       2,903,956  
Municipal Bonds    Par
(000)
    Value  
Michigan (continued)  
County/City/Special District/School District (continued)        

Grand Rapids Public Schools, GO, Refunding Unlimited Tax (AGM), 5.00%, 5/01/29

   $ 1,000     $ 1,202,010  

Grandville Public Schools, GO, School Building & Site, Series II (AGM), 5.00%, 5/01/40

     3,250       3,648,580  

Hudsonville Michigan Public Schools, GO, School Building & Site (Q-SBLF), 5.25%, 5/01/41

     6,750       7,569,787  

Kentwood Public Schools, GO, School Building & Site:

    

5.00%, 5/01/41

     1,120       1,276,408  

5.00%, 5/01/44

     1,815       2,061,041  

Livonia Public Schools School District Michigan, GO, Series I (AGM), 5.00%, 5/01/43

     5,000       5,510,450  

Mattawan Consolidated School District, GO,
Series I (Q-SBLF), 5.00%, 5/01/39

     3,375       3,808,654  

Portage Public Schools, GO, Refunding School Building & Site:

    

5.00%, 11/01/34

     1,000       1,148,720  

5.00%, 11/01/36

     1,000       1,143,760  

5.00%, 11/01/37

     1,250       1,427,650  

5.00%, 11/01/35

     1,340       1,535,962  

Romeo Community School District, GO, Refunding School Building & Site, Series 1 (Q-SBLF), 5.00%, 5/01/41

     2,250       2,564,213  

Troy School District, GO, School Building & Site (Q-SBLF), 5.00%, 5/01/28

     2,000       2,329,940  

Walled Lake Consolidated School District, GO, School Building & Site (Q-SBLF):

    

5.00%, 5/01/37

     2,850       3,226,314  

5.00%, 5/01/40

     2,630       2,967,560  

5.00%, 5/01/43

     1,530       1,718,909  

West Bloomfield School District, GO, School Building & Site (AGM):

    

5.00%, 5/01/34

     1,285       1,500,803  

5.00%, 5/01/35

     1,800       2,097,324  

Zeeland Public Schools, GO, School Building & Site, Series A (AGM):

    

5.00%, 5/01/33

     1,000       1,128,490  

5.00%, 5/01/34

     1,000       1,124,830  

5.00%, 5/01/35

     1,000       1,122,640  
    

 

 

 
               117,761,301  
Education — 25.4%             

City of Grand Rapids Michigan, EDC, RB, Ferris State University Project, Series A, 5.50%, 10/01/35

     760       835,977  

Ferris State University, Refunding RB:

    

5.00%, 10/01/41

     2,250       2,590,695  

General (AGM), 4.50%, 10/01/24

     1,595       1,658,050  

General (AGM), 4.50%, 10/01/25

     1,405       1,460,540  

Grand Valley State University, RB, (NPFGC), 5.50%, 2/01/18

     390       395,990  

Michigan Finance Authority, Refunding RB:

    

College for Creative Studies, 4.00%, 12/01/33

     1,720       1,737,200  

College for Creative Studies, 5.00%, 12/01/36

     1,550       1,657,353  

College for Creative Studies, 5.00%, 12/01/40

     2,900       3,082,352  

College for Creative Studies, 5.00%, 12/01/45

     4,400       4,656,388  

Series 25 A, AMT, Student Loan Revenue, 4.00%, 11/01/28

     8,750       9,054,762  

Series 25 A, AMT, Student Loan Revenue, 4.00%, 11/01/29

     5,900       6,074,817  
 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.      
                
34    ANNUAL REPORT    JULY 31, 2017   


Schedule of Investments (continued)

  

BlackRock MuniYield Michigan Quality Fund, Inc. (MIY)

 

Municipal Bonds    Par
(000)
    Value  
Michigan (continued)  
Education (continued)             

Michigan Finance Authority, Refunding RB (continued):

    

Series 25 A, AMT, Student Loan Revenue, 4.00%, 11/01/30

   $ 2,850     $ 2,919,027  

Series 25 A, AMT, Student Loan Revenue, 4.00%, 11/01/31

     3,150       3,220,245  

Michigan State University, Refunding RB, General, Series C:

    

5.00%, 2/15/40

     8,470       9,141,078  

5.00%, 2/15/44

     1,000       1,079,230  

Michigan Technological University, RB, General, Series A, 5.00%, 10/01/45

     1,800       2,014,686  

Oakland University, RB:

    

5.00%, 3/01/41

     3,635       4,122,599  

General, 5.00%, 3/01/32

     400       446,164  

General, Series A, 5.00%, 3/01/38

     5,490       6,134,197  

General, Series A, 5.00%, 3/01/43

     16,845       18,720,185  

University of Michigan, RB, Series A, 5.00%, 4/01/39

     3,425       3,913,782  

University of Michigan, Refunding RB, 5.00%, 4/01/46

     10,000       11,657,100  

Wayne State University, RB, General, Series A, 5.00%, 11/15/40

     3,000       3,343,230  

Western Michigan University, Refunding RB, General, University and College Improvements:

    

5.25%, 11/15/40

     3,500       3,965,395  

5.25%, 11/15/43

     8,475       9,575,648  

(AGM), 5.25%, 11/15/33

     1,000       1,142,810  

(AGM), 5.00%, 11/15/39

     1,750       1,952,353  
    

 

 

 
               116,551,853  
Health — 34.3%             

Grand Traverse County Hospital Finance Authority, RB, Series A:

    

5.00%, 7/01/44

     4,230       4,657,611  

5.00%, 7/01/47

     2,200       2,418,130  

Kalamazoo Hospital Finance Authority, RB, Bronson Methodist Hospital (AGM):

    

5.25%, 5/15/20 (a)

     4,140       4,606,330  

5.25%, 5/15/36

     3,360       3,614,822  

Kent Hospital Finance Authority Michigan, Refunding RB, Spectrum Health, Series A, 5.00%, 11/15/29

     7,500       8,299,275  

Michigan Finance Authority, RB:

    

Beaumont Health Credit Group, 4.00%, 11/01/46

     1,025       1,052,521  

Sparrow Obligated Group, 5.00%, 11/15/36

     2,500       2,768,525  

Sparrow Obligated Group, 5.00%, 11/15/45

     3,750       4,179,075  

Michigan Finance Authority, Refunding RB:

    

Henry Ford Health System, 5.00%, 11/15/37

     3,000       3,381,990  

Henry Ford Health System, 3.25%, 11/15/42

     1,145       1,020,882  

Henry Ford Health System, 4.00%, 11/15/46

     8,500       8,585,170  

Hospital, McLaren Health Care, 5.00%, 5/15/32

     1,000       1,137,210  

Hospital, McLaren Health Care, 5.00%, 5/15/33

     2,000       2,265,520  

Hospital, McLaren Health Care, 5.00%, 5/15/34

     5,000       5,649,000  

Hospital, McLaren Health Care, 5.00%, 5/15/34

     1,500       1,694,700  
Municipal Bonds    Par
(000)
    Value  
Michigan (continued)  
Health (continued)             

Michigan Finance Authority, Refunding RB (continued):

    

Hospital, McLaren Health Care, 5.00%, 5/15/35

   $ 4,945     $ 5,575,933  

MidMichigan Health, 5.00%, 6/01/39

     1,500       1,667,400  

Trinity Health Credit Group, 5.00%, 12/01/21 (a)

     20       23,199  

Trinity Health Credit Group, 5.00%, 12/01/31

     5,000       5,668,450  

Trinity Health Credit Group, 5.00%, 12/01/35

     6,500       7,354,490  

Trinity Health Credit Group, 5.00%, 12/01/39

     4,980       5,619,133  

Michigan State Hospital Finance Authority, RB, Ascension Health Senior Credit Group, 5.00%, 11/15/25

     6,000       6,474,720  

Michigan State Hospital Finance Authority, Refunding RB:

    

Ascension Senior Credit Group, 5.00%, 11/15/47

     2,750       3,141,930  

Henry Ford Health System, 5.75%, 11/15/19 (a)

     3,165       3,501,439  

Hospital, Oakwood Obligated Group,
5.00%, 11/01/32

     4,000       4,426,720  

Hospital, Sparrow Obligated Group, 5.00%, 11/15/17 (a)

     3,330       3,369,127  

Hospital, Sparrow Obligated Group, 5.00%, 11/15/31

     1,365       1,376,876  

McLaren Health Care, Series A, 5.75%, 5/15/18 (a)

     6,000       6,228,540  

McLaren Health Care, Series A, 5.00%, 6/01/35

     2,250       2,459,453  

Trinity Health, 6.50%, 12/01/18 (a)

     425       456,318  

Trinity Health, 6.50%, 12/01/33

     80       85,375  

Trinity Health Credit Group, 6.50%, 12/01/18 (a)

     1,895       2,034,643  

Trinity Health Credit Group, Series A, 6.13%, 12/01/18 (a)

     940       1,004,606  

Trinity Health Credit Group, Series A, 6.25%, 12/01/18 (a)

     1,500       1,605,585  

Trinity Health Credit Group, Series C, 4.00%, 12/01/32

     5,300       5,488,309  

Royal Oak Hospital Finance Authority Michigan, Refunding RB:

    

Beaumont Health Credit Group, Series D, 5.00%, 9/01/39

     27,465       30,550,418  

William Beaumont Hospital, Series W, 6.00%, 8/01/19 (a)

     1,500       1,646,940  

Royal Oak Michigan Hospital Finance Authority, Refunding RB, William Beaumont Hospital, Series V, 8.25%, 9/01/18 (a)

     2,000       2,157,400  
    

 

 

 
               157,247,765  
Housing — 5.5%             

Michigan State HDA, RB:

    

M/F Housing, Rental Housing Revenue, Series A, 4.45%, 10/01/34

     1,000       1,055,780  

M/F Housing, Rental Housing Revenue, Series A, 4.63%, 10/01/39

     3,490       3,655,321  

M/F Housing, Rental Housing Revenue, Series A, 4.75%, 10/01/44

     5,000       5,226,900  

M/F Housing, Series A, 4.30%, 10/01/40

     3,320       3,435,802  

S/F Housing, Series A, 4.75%, 12/01/25

     2,260       2,408,505  
 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.      
                
   ANNUAL REPORT    JULY 31, 2017    35


Schedule of Investments (continued)

  

BlackRock MuniYield Michigan Quality Fund, Inc. (MIY)

 

Municipal Bonds    Par
(000)
    Value  
Michigan (continued)  
Housing (continued)             

Michigan State HDA, RB (continued):

    

Williams Pavilion, AMT (Ginnie Mae), 4.75%, 4/20/37

   $ 3,340     $ 3,342,171  

Michigan State HDA, Refunding RB, M/F Housing, Series A, 6.05%, 10/01/41

     5,460       5,819,595  
    

 

 

 
               24,944,074  
State — 16.2%             

Michigan Finance Authority, Refunding RB, Detroit Regional Convention Facility Authority Local Project Bonds, 5.00%, 10/01/39

     5,400       6,039,900  

Michigan State Finance Authority, RB, Local Government Loan Program, Series F, 5.00%, 4/01/31

     1,000       1,082,640  

Michigan Strategic Fund, RB, Michigan Senate Offices Project, Series A, 5.25%, 10/15/40

     3,000       3,403,530  

Michigan Strategic Fund, Refunding RB, Cadillac Place Office Building Project, 5.25%, 10/15/31

     7,000       8,053,150  

State of Michigan, COP, (AMBAC), 0.00%, 6/01/22 (b)(c)

     3,000       2,791,530  

State of Michigan Building Authority, RB, Local Government Loan Program, Series F, 5.25%, 10/01/41

     8,595       9,325,747  

State of Michigan Building Authority, Refunding RB:

    

Facilities Program, Series I, 6.25%, 10/15/18 (a)

     3,780       4,018,896  

Facilities Program, Series I, 6.25%, 10/15/18 (a)

     2,260       2,402,832  

Facilities Program, Series I, 6.25%, 10/15/38

     210       222,663  

Facilities Program, Series I (AGC), 5.25%, 10/15/24

     6,000       6,535,080  

Facilities Program, Series I (AGC), 5.25%, 10/15/25

     3,500       3,808,910  

Facilities Program, Series I (AGC), 5.25%, 10/15/26

     1,000       1,087,340  

Facilities Program, Series I-A, 5.50%, 10/15/45

     2,000       2,265,300  

Facilities Program, Series II (AGM), 5.00%, 10/15/26

     7,500       8,112,675  

Series I, 5.00%, 4/15/41

     4,750       5,439,083  

State of Michigan Trunk Line Fund, RB:

    

5.00%, 11/15/33

     3,000       3,401,280  

5.00%, 11/15/36

     5,345       6,038,674  
    

 

 

 
               74,029,230  
Transportation — 11.2%             

State of Michigan, RB, Garvee, GAB (AGM), 5.25%, 9/15/17 (a)

     8,500       8,546,410  

Wayne County Airport Authority, RB:

    

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, AMT (NPFGC), 5.00%, 12/01/39

     1,475       1,633,032  

Series D, 5.00%, 12/01/35

     3,850       4,359,239  

Series D, 5.00%, 12/01/45

     5,000       5,606,900  

Wayne County Airport Authority, Refunding RB, AMT:

    

(AGC), 5.75%, 12/01/25

     4,000       4,239,800  

(AGC), 5.75%, 12/01/26

     4,060       4,303,397  

(AGC), 5.38%, 12/01/32

     13,000       13,592,670  

Series F, 5.00%, 12/01/34

     8,000       9,026,960  
    

 

 

 
               51,308,408  
Municipal Bonds    Par
(000)
    Value  
Michigan (continued)  
Utilities — 15.4%             

City of Detroit Michigan Sewage Disposal System, Refunding RB, Senior Lien, Series A, 5.25%, 7/01/39

   $ 2,655     $ 2,950,501  

City of Detroit Michigan Water Supply System Revenue, RB, Series A:

    

Senior Lien, 5.25%, 7/01/41

     4,325       4,696,950  

(NPFGC), 5.00%, 7/01/34

     10       10,026  

City of Grand Rapids Michigan Sanitary Sewer System, Refunding RB, Series A (NPFGC), 5.50%, 1/01/22

     1,280       1,418,253  

City of Holland Michigan Electric Utility System, RB, Series A, 5.00%, 7/01/39

     10,000       11,263,500  

City of Lansing Michigan, RB, Board of Water & Light Utilities System, Series A:

    

5.00%, 7/01/27

     3,180       3,609,586  

5.00%, 7/01/31

     6,830       7,701,235  

5.00%, 7/01/37

     3,335       3,720,092  

5.50%, 7/01/41

     5,000       5,703,700  

City of Port Huron Michigan, RB, Water Supply System:

    

5.25%, 10/01/31

     500       557,270  

5.63%, 10/01/40

     1,500       1,696,560  

Great Lakes Water Authority Water Supply System Revenue, RB, Second Lien, Series B, 5.00%, 7/01/46

     10,000       11,067,500  

Michigan Finance Authority, Refunding RB:

    

Government Loan Program,
5.00%, 7/01/34

     2,000       2,263,400  

Government Loan Program,
5.00%, 7/01/35

     750       847,088  

Senior Lien, Detroit Water and Sewer, Series C-3 (AGM), 5.00%, 7/01/31

     1,000       1,141,500  

Senior Lien, Detroit Water and Sewer, Series C-3 (AGM), 5.00%, 7/01/32

     5,250       5,971,560  

Senior Lien, Detroit Water and Sewer, Series C-3 (AGM), 5.00%, 7/01/33

     3,000       3,400,230  

Michigan Municipal Bond Authority, RB, State Clean Water Revolving Fund, Pooled Project, 5.00%, 10/01/20 (a)

     2,000       2,242,400  
    

 

 

 
               70,261,351  
Total Municipal Bonds — 137.7%              630,223,617  
    
   
Municipal Bonds Transferred to
Tender Option Bond Trusts (d)
            
Michigan — 22.1%  
County/City/Special District/School District — 1.7%  

Portage Public Schools Michigan, GO, School Building & Site (AGM), 5.00%, 5/01/18 (a)

     7,500       7,731,525  
Education — 11.8%             

Michigan State University, Refunding RB, General, Series A, 5.00%, 8/15/38

     10,000       11,550,700  

Saginaw Valley State University, Refunding RB, General (AGM), 5.00%, 7/01/18 (a)

     10,000       10,373,400  

Wayne State University, RB, General, Series A, 5.00%, 11/15/40

     10,000       11,144,100  

Wayne State University, Refunding RB, General (AGM):

    

5.00%, 11/15/18 (a)

     8,880       9,288,921  

5.00%, 11/15/35

     11,120       11,632,073  
    

 

 

 
               53,989,194  
 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.      
                
36    ANNUAL REPORT    JULY 31, 2017   


Schedule of Investments (continued)

  

BlackRock MuniYield Michigan Quality Fund, Inc. (MIY)

 

Municipal Bonds Transferred to
Tender Option Bond Trusts (d)
   Par
(000)
    Value  
Michigan (continued)  
Health — 7.4%             

Michigan Finance Authority, RB, Beaumont Health Credit Group, 5.00%, 11/01/44

   $ 10,002     $ 11,213,160  

Michigan Finance Authority, Refunding RB:

    

Hospital, Trinity Health Credit Group, 5.00%, 12/01/39

     190       214,385  

Trinity Health Corp., Series 2016, 5.00%, 12/01/45

     19,735       22,399,988  
    

 

 

 
               33,827,533  
State — 1.2%             

Michigan State Building Authority, Refunding RB, Facilities Program, Series I, 5.00%, 10/15/45

     5,150       5,786,437  
Total Municipal Bonds Transferred to
Tender Option Bond Trusts — 22.1%
      101,334,689  
Total Long-Term Investments
(Cost — $688,902,693) — 159.8%
      731,558,306  
Short-Term Securities        
Shares
    Value  

BlackRock Liquidity Funds, MuniCash, Institutional Class, 0.64% (e)(f)

     4,666,675     $ 4,668,541  
Total Short-Term Securities
(Cost — $4,667,566) — 1.0%
      4,668,541  

Total Investments (Cost — $693,570,259) — 160.8%

 

    736,226,847  

Other Assets Less Liabilities — 1.3%

 

    5,737,859  

Liability for TOB Trust Certificates, Including Interest Expense and Fees Payable — (11.4)%

 

    (52,111,157

Loan for TOB Trust Certificates — (0.1)%

 

    (499,875

VRDP Shares at Liquidation Value, Net of Deferred Offering Costs — (50.6)%

 

    (231,466,131
    

 

 

 

Net Assets Applicable to Common Shares — 100.0%

 

  $ 457,887,543  
    

 

 

 
 
Notes to Schedule of Investments

 

(a)   U.S. Government securities, held in escrow, are used to pay interest on this security, as well as to retire the bond in full at the date indicated, typically at a premium to par.

 

(b)   Zero-coupon bond.

 

(c)   Security is collateralized by municipal bonds or U.S. Treasury obligations.

 

(d)   Represent bonds transferred to a TOB Trust in exchange of cash and residual certificates received by the Fund. These bonds serve as collateral in a secured borrowing. See Note 4 of the Notes to Financial Statements for details.

 

(e)   During the year ended July 31, 2017, investments in issuers considered to be an affiliate of the Fund for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

Affiliate    Shares Held
at July 31,
2016
     Net
Activity
     Shares Held
at July 31,
2017
    Value at
July 31,
2017
     Income      Net Realized
Gain1
     Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
 

BlackRock Liquidity Funds, MuniCash, Institutional Class

     4,096,066        570,609        4,666,675     $ 4,668,541      $ 25,925      $ 2,906      $ 975  

1    Includes net capital gain distributions.

     

 

(f)   Current yield as of period end.

For Fund compliance purposes, the Fund’s sector classifications refer to one or more of the sector sub-classifications used by one or more widely recognized market indexes or rating group indexes, and/or as defined by the investment adviser. These definitions may not apply for purposes of this report, which may combine such sector sub-classifications for reporting ease.

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Outstanding as of Period End

 

Futures Contracts  
Description   Number of
Contracts
       Expiration
Date
     Notional
Amount
(000)
    Value /
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

Short Contracts

               

5-Year U.S. Treasury Note

    (48      September 2017      $ 5,671       $ (511

10-Year U.S. Treasury Note

    (131      September 2017      $ 16,492         3,429  

Long U.S. Treasury Bond

    (93      September 2017      $ 14,226         (37,911

Ultra U.S. Treasury Bond

    (23      September 2017      $ 3,784               (31,239

Total

 

    $ (66,232
   

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.      
                
   ANNUAL REPORT    JULY 31, 2017    37


Schedule of Investments (continued)

  

BlackRock MuniYield Michigan Quality Fund, Inc. (MIY)

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of period end, the fair values of derivative financial instruments located in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities were as follows:

 

Assets — Derivative Financial Instruments   Commodity
Contracts
    Credit
Contracts
    Equity
Contracts
    Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Contracts
    Interest
Rate
Contracts
    Other
Contracts
    Total  

Futures contracts

   Net unrealized appreciation1                           $ 3,429           $ 3,429  
Liabilities — Derivative Financial Instruments   Commodity
Contracts
    Credit
Contracts
    Equity
Contracts
    Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Contracts
    Interest
Rate
Contracts
    Other
Contracts
    Total  

Futures contracts

   Net unrealized depreciation1                           $ 69,661           $ 69,661  

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

    

                
For the year ended July 31, 2017, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:  
                
Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:         Commodity
Contracts
    Credit
Contracts
    Equity
Contracts
    Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Contracts
    Interest
Rate
Contracts
    Other
Contracts
    Total  

Futures contracts

                          $ 1,647,826           $ 1,647,826  
Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:  

Futures contracts

                          $ 180,558           $ 180,558  

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

Futures contracts:  

Average notional value of contracts — long

  $ 482,813 1  

Average notional value of contracts — short

  $ 52,278,928  

1   Actual amounts for the period are shown due to limited outstanding derivative financial instruments as of each quarter end.

    

For more information about the Fund’s investment risks regarding derivative financial instruments, refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

 

Fair Value Hierarchy as of Period End

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

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

 

     Level 1        Level 2        Level 3     Total  

Assets:

 

Investments:  

Long-Term Investments1

           $ 731,558,306              $ 731,558,306  

Short-Term Securities

  $ 4,668,541                         4,668,541  
 

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ 4,668,541        $ 731,558,306              $ 736,226,847  
 

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 
             
Derivative Financial Instruments2  

Assets:

 

Interest rate contracts

  $ 3,429                       $ 3,429  

Liabilities:

 

Interest rate contracts

    (69,661                       (69,661
 

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ (66,232                     $ (66,232
 

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

1    See above Schedule of Investments for values in each sector.

     

2    Derivative financial instruments are futures contracts which are valued at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the instrument.

     

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.      
                
38    ANNUAL REPORT    JULY 31, 2017   


Schedule of Investments (concluded)

  

BlackRock MuniYield Michigan Quality Fund, Inc. (MIY)

 

 

Fair Value Hierarchy as of Period End (continued)

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

 

     Level 1        Level 2        Level 3     Total  

Liabilities:

 

TOB Trust Certificates

           $ (52,002,182            $ (52,002,182

Loan for TOB Trust Certificates

             (499,875              (499,875

VRDP Shares at Liquidation Value

             (231,900,000              (231,900,000
 

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

           $ (284,402,057            $ (284,402,057
 

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

During the year ended July 31, 2017, there were no transfers between levels.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.      
                
   ANNUAL REPORT    JULY 31, 2017    39


Schedule of Investments July 31, 2017

  

BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund (MPA)

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Municipal Bonds    Par
(000)
    Value  
Pennsylvania — 118.2%  
Corporate — 3.0%  

County of Beaver Pennsylvania IDA, Refunding RB, First Energy Nuclear Energy Project, Series B, 3.50%, 12/01/35 (a)

   $ 3,745     $ 1,675,887  

Pennsylvania Economic Development Financing Authority, RB:

    

American Water Co. Project, 6.20%, 4/01/39

     1,510       1,626,481  

Aqua Pennsylvania, Inc. Project, Series B, 4.50%, 12/01/42

     2,630       2,743,958  

Pennsylvania Economic Development Financing Authority, Refunding RB, AMT:

    

Aqua Pennsylvania, Inc. Project, Series A, 5.00%, 12/01/34

     180       192,631  

National Gypsum Co., 5.50%, 11/01/44

     135       144,859  
    

 

 

 
               6,383,816  
County/City/Special District/School District — 31.0%  

Allentown Neighborhood Improvement Zone Development Authority, Refunding RB, Series A:

    

5.00%, 5/01/35

     190       200,490  

5.00%, 5/01/42

     450       471,843  

Bethlehem Area School District, GO, (BAM), Series A:

    

5.00%, 8/01/34

     1,610       1,822,826  

5.00%, 8/01/35

     1,210       1,367,215  

Borough of West Chester Pennsylvania, GO, Refunding, 3.50%, 11/15/35

     1,095       1,114,907  

Boyertown Area School District, GO:

    

5.00%, 10/01/36

     610       695,851  

5.00%, 10/01/38

     920       1,047,678  

City of Philadelphia Pennsylvania, GO, Refunding, Series A (AGM), 5.25%, 12/15/18 (b)

     5,000       5,294,650  

City of Philadelphia Pennsylvania, GO, Refunding Series A (AGC):

    

5.00%, 8/01/19 (b)

     255       275,262  

5.00%, 8/01/24

     2,115       2,276,121  

City of Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, GO, Series B, 5.00%, 9/01/26

     1,095       1,269,083  

County of Bucks Pennsylvania Water & Sewer Authority, RB, Series A (AGM):

    

5.00%, 12/01/37

     780       886,922  

5.00%, 12/01/40

     1,000       1,133,550  

County of Dauphin General Authority, Refunding RB, Pinnacle Health System Project, 6.00%, 6/01/29

     260       282,612  

County of Lycoming Pennsylvania Water & Sewer Authority, RB, (AGM), 5.00%, 11/15/19 (b)

     500       544,810  

County of Northampton Pennsylvania IDA, Route 33 Project, Tax Allocation Bonds, 7.00%, 7/01/32

     175       202,200  

County of York Pennsylvania, GO, Refunding, 5.00%, 3/01/36

     500       549,295  

Dallastown Area School District, GO, Refunding, 5.00%, 4/15/34

     1,235       1,431,365  

East Stroudsburg Area School District, GO, Refunding, Series A (AGM), 5.00%, 9/01/25

     2,000       2,007,040  

Fox Chapel Area School District, GO:

    

5.00%, 2/01/39

     1,345       1,581,734  

5.00%, 2/01/42

     1,250       1,463,213  

Lower Merion School District, GO, Refunding, Series A, 3.25%, 11/15/27

     2,035       2,117,906  

Marple Newtown School District, GO, (AGM), 5.00%, 6/01/19 (b)

     4,100       4,399,997  

Owen J. Roberts School District, GO, 4.75%, 11/15/25

     700       720,398  

Philadelphia School District, GO, Series E (b):

    

2015, 6.00%, 9/01/18

     5       5,271  

2015-2, 6.00%, 9/01/18

     5       5,271  

6.00%, 9/01/18

     3,340       3,521,195  
Municipal Bonds    Par
(000)
    Value  
Pennsylvania (continued)  
County/City/Special District/School District (continued)  

Shaler Area School District Pennsylvania, GO, CAB (Syncora), 0.00%, 9/01/30 (c)

   $ 6,145     $ 4,013,054  

State Public School Building Authority, RB (AGM):

    

Community College, Allegheny County Project, 5.00%, 7/15/34

     2,190       2,430,878  

Corry Area School District, CAB, 0.00%, 12/15/22 (c)

     1,640       1,465,488  

Corry Area School District, CAB, 0.00%, 12/15/23 (c)

     1,980       1,716,442  

Corry Area School District, CAB, 0.00%, 12/15/24 (c)

     1,980       1,656,627  

Corry Area School District, CAB, 0.00%, 12/15/25 (c)

     1,770       1,425,310  

State Public School Building Authority, Refunding RB, Harrisburg School District Project, Series A (AGC) (b):

    

5.00%, 5/15/19

     215       230,368  

5.00%, 5/15/19

     215       230,289  

5.00%, 5/15/19

     855       915,799  

Township of Bristol Pennsylvania School District, GO:

    

5.00%, 6/01/40

     775       872,363  

5.25%, 6/01/43

     6,925       7,895,954  

(BAM), 5.00%, 6/01/42

     1,685       1,914,699  

Township of Falls Pennsylvania, Refunding RB, Water & Sewer Authority, 5.00%, 12/01/37

     1,270       1,390,282  

Township of Lower Paxton Pennsylvania, GO:

    

5.00%, 4/01/42

     435       489,997  

5.00%, 4/01/46

     1,435       1,611,806  

Township of Upper Moreland Pennsylvania School District, GO, 5.00%, 10/01/34

     130       147,684  
    

 

 

 
               65,095,745  
Education — 21.1%  

County of Adams Pennsylvania IDA, Refunding RB, Gettysburg College:

    

5.00%, 8/15/24

     100       110,077  

5.00%, 8/15/25

     100       109,827  

5.00%, 8/15/26

     100       109,827  

County of Chester Pennsylvania Health & Education Facilities Authority, Refunding RB, Main Line Health System, Series A, 5.00%, 10/01/52

     2,290       2,610,989  

County of Cumberland Pennsylvania Municipal Authority, RB, AICUP Financing Program, Dickinson College Project, 5.00%, 11/01/39

     200       211,950  

County of Cumberland Pennsylvania Municipal Authority, Refunding RB, Diakon Lutheran:

    

6.38%, 1/01/19 (b)

     900       968,265  

6.38%, 1/01/39

     100       107,041  

County of Delaware Pennsylvania Authority, RB, Villanova University:

    

5.00%, 8/01/40

     1,205       1,366,121  

5.00%, 8/01/45

     3,610       4,070,889  

County of Delaware Pennsylvania Authority, Refunding RB:

    

Cabrini University, 5.00%, 7/01/42

     815       899,410  

Cabrini University, 5.00%, 7/01/47

     2,480       2,723,908  

Haverford College, 5.00%, 5/15/20 (b)

     340       376,662  

Haverford College, 5.00%, 11/15/35

     75       81,582  

Villanova University, 5.25%, 12/01/19 (b)

     100       109,796  

County of Northampton Pennsylvania General Purpose Authority, Refunding RB:

    

Moravian College, 5.00%, 10/01/36

     610       676,649  

Moravian College, 3.88%, 10/01/45

     1,330       1,330,878  

St. Luke’s University Health Network Project, 5.00%, 8/15/46

     1,000       1,107,190  
 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.      
                
40    ANNUAL REPORT    JULY 31, 2017   


Schedule of Investments (continued)

  

BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund (MPA)

 

Municipal Bonds    Par
(000)
    Value  
Pennsylvania (continued)  
Education (continued)  

Pennsylvania Higher Educational Facilities Authority, RB:

    

Shippensburg University Student Services, Student Housing, 5.00%, 10/01/44

   $ 1,460     $ 1,527,467  

Thomas Jefferson University, 5.00%, 3/01/20 (b)

     1,000       1,100,490  

Pennsylvania Higher Educational Facilities Authority, Refunding RB:

    

Drexel University, Series A, 5.25%, 5/01/41

     3,930       4,395,194  

La Salle University, 5.00%, 5/01/37

     1,325       1,416,875  

La Salle University, 5.00%, 5/01/42

     1,855       1,974,481  

State System of Higher Education, Series AL, 5.00%, 6/15/35

     280       305,376  

Thomas Jefferson University,
5.00%, 9/01/45

     2,000       2,234,940  

University of the Sciences Philadelphia, 5.00%, 11/01/30

     940       1,072,634  

University of the Sciences Philadelphia, 5.00%, 11/01/31

     775       880,826  

University Properties, Inc. Student Housing Project, Series A, 5.00%, 7/01/35

     300       323,706  

Widener University, Series A,
5.25%, 7/15/33

     1,580       1,740,844  

Widener University, Series A,
5.50%, 7/15/38

     385       428,031  

Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, RB, University of Sciences, 5.00%, 11/01/42

     2,710       3,043,194  

Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, Refunding RB, 1st Series, 5.00%, 4/01/45

     2,170       2,447,760  

Reading School District, GO, Refunding, (AGM), 5.00%, 3/01/38

     530       605,308  

Swarthmore Borough Authority, Refunding RB, Swarthmore College Project, 5.00%, 9/15/38

     830       976,976  

Township of East Hempfield Pennsylvania IDA, RB, Student Services, Inc., Student Housing Project at Millersville University of Pennsylvania:

    

5.00%, 7/01/35

     485       512,669  

5.00%, 7/01/35

     435       464,254  

5.00%, 7/01/45

     300       314,208  

5.00%, 7/01/47

     820       864,329  

University of Pittsburgh, RB, Commonwealth System of Higher Education Capital Project, Series B, 5.00%, 3/15/19 (b)

     610       649,809  
    

 

 

 
               44,250,432  
Health — 19.5%  

City of Pottsville Pennsylvania Hospital Authority, Refunding RB, Lehigh Valley Health, Series B, 5.00%, 7/01/41

     3,000       3,373,650  

County of Allegheny Pennsylvania Hospital Development Authority, RB, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Health, Series B (NPFGC), 6.00%, 7/01/26

     2,000       2,600,080  

County of Berks Pennsylvania Municipal Authority, Refunding RB, Reading Hospital & Medical Center Project:

    

Series A, 5.00%, 11/01/40

     765       831,172  

Series A3, 5.50%, 11/01/31

     500       543,685  

County of Centre Pennsylvania Hospital Authority, RB, Mount Nittany Medical Center Project, 7.00%, 11/15/21 (b)

     2,410       2,989,725  

County of Cumberland Pennsylvania Municipal Authority, Refunding RB:

    

Asbury Pennsylvania Obligated Group, 5.25%, 1/01/41

     210       213,921  
Municipal Bonds    Par
(000)
    Value  
Pennsylvania (continued)  
Health (continued)  

County of Cumberland Pennsylvania Municipal Authority, Refunding RB (continued):

    

Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries, 5.00%, 1/01/38

   $ 2,600     $ 2,815,644  

County of Dauphin General Authority, Refunding RB, Pinnacle Health System Project, 6.00%, 6/01/19 (b)

     240       261,818  

County of Franklin Pennsylvania IDA, Refunding RB, Chambersburg Hospital Project, 5.38%, 7/01/42

     415       451,039  

County of Lancaster Pennsylvania Hospital Authority, Refunding RB, Masonic Villages of The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania Project:

    

5.00%, 11/01/28

     575       666,097  

5.00%, 11/01/35

     425       476,191  

County of Lehigh Pennsylvania, RB, Lehigh Valley Health Network, Series A (AGM), 5.00%, 7/01/18 (b)

     7,995       8,287,537  

County of Montgomery Pennsylvania Higher Education & Health Authority, Refunding RB, Abington Memorial Hospital Obligated Group, Series A, 5.13%, 6/01/19 (b)

     490       526,495  

County of Montgomery Pennsylvania IDA, RB, Acts Retirement-Life Communities, Series A-1, 6.25%, 11/15/19 (b)

     235       262,575  

County of Montgomery Pennsylvania IDA, Refunding RB:

    

Acts Retirement-Life Communities, 5.00%, 11/15/27

     865       953,420  

Acts Retirement-Life Communities, 5.00%, 11/15/28

     555       609,051  

Whitemarsh Continuing Care Retirement Community, 5.25%, 1/01/40

     220       222,548  

County of Union Pennsylvania Hospital Authority, Refunding RB, Evangelical Community Hospital Project, 7.00%, 8/01/41

     460       525,702  

Geisinger Authority Pennsylvania, RB, Health System, Series A, 5.25%, 6/01/19 (b)

     1,000       1,077,510  

Geisinger Authority Pennsylvania, Refunding RB, Health System, Series A-2, 5.00%, 2/15/39

     4,050       4,688,442  

Lancaster IDA, Refunding RB, Garden Spot Village Project:

    

5.38%, 5/01/28

     520       572,255  

5.75%, 5/01/35

     865       950,393  

Pennsylvania Higher Educational Facilities Authority, Refunding RB, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Series E, 5.00%, 5/15/31

     1,000       1,075,310  

Philadelphia Hospitals & Higher Education Facilities Authority, RB, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Project, Series C, 5.00%, 7/01/41

     940       1,052,490  

Philadelphia Hospitals & Higher Education Facilities Authority, Refunding RB, Presbyterian Medical Center, 6.65%, 12/01/19 (d)

     1,310       1,403,351  

South Fork Municipal Authority, Refunding RB, Conemaugh Valley Memorial Hospital, Series B (AGC), 5.38%, 7/01/20 (b)

     2,055       2,307,087  

Southcentral Pennsylvania General Authority, Refunding RB, Wellspan Health Obligation Group, Series A:

    

6.00%, 12/01/18 (b)

     595       633,378  

6.00%, 6/01/29

     655       691,117  
    

 

 

 
               41,061,683  
Housing — 8.5%  

City of Philadelphia Pennsylvania, GO, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 8/01/37 (e)

     1,360       1,545,586  
 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.      
                
   ANNUAL REPORT    JULY 31, 2017    41


Schedule of Investments (continued)

  

BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund (MPA)

 

Municipal Bonds    Par
(000)
    Value  
Pennsylvania (continued)  
Housing (continued)  

Pennsylvania HFA, RB:

    

Brinton Manor Apartments & Brinton Towers, M/F Housing, Series A, 4.25%, 10/01/35

   $ 400     $ 422,592  

Brinton Manor Apartments & Brinton Towers, M/F Housing, Series A, 4.50%, 10/01/40

     400       424,096  

S/F Housing Mortgage, Series 114-C, 3.65%, 10/01/37

     1,705       1,720,055  

S/F Housing Mortgage, Series 118-B, 4.05%, 10/01/40

     1,000       1,033,940  

S/F Housing Mortgage, Series 2015-117-B, 4.05%, 10/01/40

     1,600       1,643,024  

Pennsylvania HFA, Refunding RB, S/F Housing Mortgage:

    

Series 099-A, AMT, 5.15%, 4/01/38

     1,065       1,121,594  

Series 115-A, AMT, 4.20%, 10/01/33

     730       770,450  

Series 119, 3.50%, 10/01/36

     1,515       1,524,075  

Philadelphia Housing Authority, RB, Capital Fund Program, M/F Housing, Series A (AGM), 5.50%, 12/01/18

     3,000       3,024,720  

Philadelphia IDA, RB, Series A:

    

3.50%, 12/01/36

     790       776,870  

4.00%, 12/01/46

     2,970       2,999,878  

4.00%, 12/01/51

     790       791,801  
    

 

 

 
               17,798,681  
State — 9.6%  

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, GO, 1st Series:

    

5.00%, 4/01/26

     1,385       1,602,916  

5.00%, 6/01/28

     2,460       2,811,853  

Pennsylvania Economic Development Financing Authority, RB, Pennsylvania Bridge Finco LP, AMT, 5.00%, 6/30/42

     7,500       8,330,850  

Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, RB:

    

Oil Franchise Tax, Remarketing, Series C (NPFGC), 5.00%, 12/01/18 (b)

     4,600       4,847,756  

Sub-Series B-1, 5.00%, 6/01/42

     2,345       2,635,405  
    

 

 

 
               20,228,780  
Transportation — 18.4%  

City of Philadelphia Pennsylvania, ARB, Series A:

    

5.00%, 6/15/40

     3,825       4,153,720  

AMT (AGM), 5.00%, 6/15/37

     5,900       5,915,576  

Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission, RB, Bridge System, 5.00%, 7/01/42

     1,500       1,741,680  

Delaware River Port Authority, RB:

    

5.00%, 1/01/29

     475       555,418  

5.00%, 1/01/37

     2,285       2,607,139  

Series D, 5.00%, 1/01/40

     750       810,757  

Series D (AGM), 5.00%, 1/01/40

     1,560       1,691,024  

Pennsylvania Economic Development Financing Authority, Refunding RB, Amtrak Project, Series A, AMT, 5.00%, 11/01/41

     6,025       6,545,018  

Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, RB:

    

CAB, Sub-Series A-3, 0.00%, 12/01/42 (c)

     4,760       1,660,764  

CAB, Sub-Series A-3 (AGM),
0.00%, 12/01/40 (c)

     1,275       522,495  

Sub-Series A, 5.13%, 12/01/20 (b)

     75       84,989  

Sub-Series A, 5.13%, 12/01/20 (b)

     25       28,303  

Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, Refunding RB:

    

Sub-Series A-1, 5.25%, 12/01/45

     3,270       3,728,552  

Sub-Series B (AGM), 5.25%, 6/01/19 (b)

     1,695       1,828,583  

Sub-Series B (AGM), 5.25%, 6/01/19 (b)

     1,805       1,944,563  
Municipal Bonds    Par
(000)
    Value  
Pennsylvania (continued)  
Transportation (continued)  

Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, RB, Capital Grant Receipts:

    

5.00%, 6/01/28

   $ 1,860     $ 2,086,678  

5.00%, 6/01/29

     2,465       2,761,515  
    

 

 

 
               38,666,774  
Utilities — 7.1%  

City of Philadelphia Pennsylvania Gas Works, RB, 9th Series:

    

5.25%, 8/01/20 (b)

     660       741,200  

5.25%, 8/01/40

     1,040       1,138,769  

City of Philadelphia Pennsylvania Gas Works, Refunding RB:

    

5.00%, 8/01/30

     800       916,168  

5.00%, 8/01/31

     600       684,330  

5.00%, 8/01/32

     800       909,392  

5.00%, 8/01/33

     400       453,180  

5.00%, 8/01/34

     700       790,419  

City of Philadelphia Pennsylvania Water & Wastewater, RB:

    

Series A, 5.25%, 1/01/19 (b)

     800       848,640  

Series A, 5.25%, 10/01/52

     810       950,000  

Series C (AGM), 5.00%, 8/01/40

     3,350       3,655,118  

County of Allegheny Pennsylvania Sanitary Authority, RB, Sewer Improvement (BAM), 5.25%, 12/01/41

     1,410       1,603,015  

County of Bucks Pennsylvania Water & Sewer Authority, RB, Water System (AGM), 5.00%, 12/01/41

     30       33,384  

County of Delaware Pennsylvania Regional Water Quality Control Authority, RB, Sewer Improvements, 5.00%, 5/01/33

     420       470,635  

Pennsylvania Economic Development Financing Authority, RB, Philadelphia Biosolids Facility, 6.25%, 1/01/32

     1,605       1,704,831  
    

 

 

 
               14,899,081  
Total Municipal Bonds — 118.2%       248,384,992  
    
                  
Municipal Bonds Transferred to
Tender Option Bond Trusts (f)
       
Pennsylvania — 47.4%  
Education — 15.5%             

Northampton County General Purpose Authority, Refunding RB, Lafayette College, 5.00%, 11/01/47

     3,900       4,531,371  

Pennsylvania Higher Educational Facilities Authority, RB, University of Pennsylvania Health System, Series A:

    

5.75%, 8/15/21 (b)

     5,120       6,052,454  

4.00%, 8/15/39

     7,815       8,026,691  

Pennsylvania Higher Educational Facilities Authority, Series AR, 4.00%, 6/15/38

     11,335       11,713,784  

University of Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, RB, The Commonwealth System of Higher Education, Capital Project, Series B, 5.00%, 3/15/19 (b)

     2,202       2,345,367  
    

 

 

 
               32,669,667  
Health — 13.4%  

Geisinger Authority Pennsylvania, RB, Health System:

    

Series A, 5.13%, 6/01/19 (b)

     3,000       3,225,720  

Series A, 5.25%, 6/01/19 (b)

     3,128       3,370,750  

Series A-1, 5.13%, 6/01/41

     7,430       8,061,915  
 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.      
                
42    ANNUAL REPORT    JULY 31, 2017   


Schedule of Investments (continued)

  

BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund (MPA)

 

Municipal Bonds Transferred to
Tender Option Bond Trusts (f)
   Par
(000)
    Value  
Pennsylvania (continued)  
Health (continued)  

Pennsylvania Economic Development Financing Authority, RB, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Series B, 4.00%, 3/15/40

   $ 8,000     $ 8,195,040  

Philadelphia Hospitals & Higher Education Facilities Authority, RB, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Project, Series C, 5.00%, 7/01/41

     4,680       5,240,056  
    

 

 

 
               28,093,481  
Housing — 2.8%  

Pennsylvania HFA, Refunding RB, S/F Mortgage, AMT:

    

Series 114A, 3.70%, 10/01/42

     2,835       2,916,682  

Series 115A, 4.20%, 10/01/33

     2,920       3,081,797  
    

 

 

 
               5,998,479  
State — 11.8%  

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, GO, 1st Series, 5.00%, 3/15/19 (b)

     6,028       6,421,604  

General Authority of Southcentral Pennsylvania, Refunding RB, Wellspan Health Obligated Group, Series A, 5.00%, 6/01/44

     7,000       7,763,070  

Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, RB, Oil Franchise Tax, Remarketing, Series C (NPFGC), 5.00%, 12/01/18 (b)

     10,000       10,538,600  
    

 

 

 
               24,723,274  
Transportation — 2.0%  

Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, RB, Sub-Series A, 5.50%, 12/01/42

     1,680       1,991,052  
Municipal Bonds Transferred to
Tender Option Bond Trusts (f)
   Par
(000)
    Value  
Pennsylvania (continued)  
Transportation (continued)  

Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, Refunding RB, Sub Series B-2 (AGM), 5.00%, 6/01/35

   $ 1,850     $ 2,123,911  
    

 

 

 
               4,114,963  
Utilities — 1.9%  

County of Westmoreland Pennsylvania Municipal Authority, Refunding RB, (BAM), 5.00%, 8/15/42

     3,493       3,967,252  
Total Municipal Bonds Transferred to
Tender Option Bond Trusts — 47.4%
      99,567,116  
Total Long-Term Investments
(Cost — $329,700,906) — 165.6%
      347,952,108  
    
                  
Short-Term Securities    Shares         

BlackRock Liquidity Funds, MuniCash,
Institutional Class, 0.64% (g)(h)

     489,482       489,678  
Total Short-Term Securities
(Cost — $489,678) — 0.2%
      489,678  

Total Investments (Cost — $330,190,584) — 165.8%

 

    348,441,786  

Other Assets Less Liabilities — 0.1%

 

    10,320  

Liability for TOB Trust Certificates, Including Interest
Expense and Fees Payable — (26.6)%

 

    (55,951,003

VRDP Shares at Liquidation Value, Net of Deferred
Offering Costs — (39.3)%

 

    (82,330,747
    

 

 

 

Net Assets Applicable to Common Shares — 100.0%

 

  $ 210,170,356  
    

 

 

 
 
Notes to Schedule of Investments

 

(a)   Variable rate security. Rate shown is the rate in effect as of period end.

 

(b)   U.S. Government securities, held in escrow, are used to pay interest on this security, as well as to retire the bond in full at the date indicated, typically at a premium to par.

 

(c)   Zero-coupon bond.

 

(d)   Security is collateralized by municipal bonds or U.S. Treasury obligations.

 

(e)   When-issued security.

 

(f)   Represent bonds transferred to a TOB Trust in exchange of cash and residual certificates received by the Fund. These bonds serve as collateral in a secured borrowing. See Note 4 of the Notes to Financial Statements for details.

 

(g)   During the year ended July 31, 2017, investments in issuers considered to be an affiliate of the Fund for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

Affiliate   Shares Held
at July 31,
2016
       Net
Activity
       Shares Held
at July 31,
2017
       Value at
July 31,
2017
       Income        Net
Realized
Gain1
       Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

BlackRock Liquidity Funds, MuniCash, Institutional Class

    455,980          33,502          489,482        $ 489,678        $ 16,035        $ 1,122          —    

1    Includes net capital gain distributions.

     

 

(h)   Current yield as of period end.

For Fund compliance purposes, the Fund’s sector classifications refer to one or more of the sector sub-classifications used by one or more widely recognized market indexes or rating group indexes, and/or as defined by the investment adviser. These definitions may not apply for purposes of this report, which may combine such sector sub-classifications for reporting ease.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.      
                
   ANNUAL REPORT    JULY 31, 2017    43


Schedule of Investments (continued)

  

BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund (MPA)

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Outstanding as of Period End

 

Futures Contracts  
Description   Number of
Contracts
       Expiration
Date
     Notional
Amount
(000)
    Value/
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

Short Contracts

               

5-Year U.S. Treasury Note

    (10      September 2017      $ 1,181       $ (107

10-Year U.S. Treasury Note

    (43      September 2017      $ 5,413         1,126  

Long U.S. Treasury Bond

    (30      September 2017      $ 4,589         (12,229

Ultra U.S. Treasury Bond

    (9      September 2017      $ 1,481               (12,224

Total

 

    $ (23,434
   

 

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of period end, the fair values of derivative financial instruments located in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities were as follows:

 

Assets — Derivative Financial Instruments   Commodity
Contracts
    Credit
Contracts
    Equity
Contracts
    Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Contracts
    Interest
Rate
Contracts
    Other
Contracts
    Total  

Futures contracts

   Net unrealized appreciation1                             $  1,126             $  1,126  
Liabilities — Derivative Financial Instruments   Commodity
Contracts
    Credit
Contracts
    Equity
Contracts
    Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Contracts
    Interest
Rate
Contracts
    Other
Contracts
    Total  

Futures contracts

   Net unrealized depreciation1                             $24,560             $24,560  

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

    

                
For the year ended July 31, 2017, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:  
                
Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:   Commodity
Contracts
    Credit
Contracts
    Equity
Contracts
    Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Contracts
    Interest
Rate
Contracts
    Other
Contracts
    Total  

Futures contracts

                          $ 715,588           $ 715,588  
Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:  

Futures contracts

                          $ 6,442           $ 6,442  

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

Futures contracts:  

Average notional value of contracts — long

  $ 241,406 1 

Average notional value of contracts — short

  $ 19,029,893  

1   Actual amounts for the period are shown due to limited outstanding derivative financial instruments as of each quarter end.

 

For more information about the Fund’s investment risks regarding derivative financial instruments, refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.      
                
44    ANNUAL REPORT    JULY 31, 2017   


Schedule of Investments (concluded)

  

BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund (MPA)

 

 

Fair Value Hierarchy as of Period End

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

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

 

     Level 1        Level 2        Level 3   Total  

Assets:

 

Investments:  

Long Term Investments1

           $ 347,952,108          $ 347,952,108  

Short-Term Securities

  $ 489,678                     489,678  
 

 

 

 

Total

  $ 489,678        $ 347,952,108          $ 348,441,786  
 

 

 

 
             
Derivative Financial Instruments2  

Assets:

 

Interest rate contracts

  $ 1,126                   $ 1,126  

Liabilities:

 

Interest rate contracts

    (24,560                   (24,560
 

 

 

 

Total

  $ (23,434                 $ (23,434
 

 

 

 

1    See above Schedule of Investments for values in each sector.

     

2    Derivative financial instruments are futures contracts which are valued at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the instrument.

     

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

 

     Level 1      Level 2        Level 3   Total  

Liabilities:

 

TOB Trust Certificates

       $ (55,826,390        $ (55,826,390

VRDP Shares at Liquidation Value

         (82,600,000          (82,600,000
 

 

 

Total

       $ (138,426,390        $ (138,426,390
 

 

 

During the year ended July 31, 2017, there were no transfers between levels.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.      
                
   ANNUAL REPORT    JULY 31, 2017    45


Statements of Assets and Liabilities     

 

July 31, 2017   BlackRock
MuniHoldings
California
Quality
Fund, Inc.
(MUC)
    BlackRock
MuniHoldings
New Jersey
Quality
Fund, Inc.
(MUJ)
    BlackRock
MuniYield
Investment
Quality
Fund
(MFT)
    BlackRock
MuniYield
Michigan
Quality
Fund, Inc.
(MIY)
    BlackRock
MuniYield
Pennsylvania
Quality
Fund
(MPA)
 
         
Assets  

Investments at value — unaffiliated1

  $ 1,071,261,710     $ 767,721,338     $ 207,107,902     $ 731,558,306     $ 347,952,108  

Investments at value — affiliated2

    593,637       20,464,723       624,165       4,668,541       489,678  

Cash pledged for futures contracts

    443,500       376,000       114,550       553,950       181,800  
Receivables:          

Interest — unaffiliated

    14,637,946       5,479,284       2,224,345       8,186,016       3,338,392  

Investments sold

    2,962,126             1,941,271              

Variation margin on futures contracts

    24,125       21,828       6,211       31,062       10,172  

Dividends — affiliated

    840       6,651       346       2,281       195  

Prepaid expenses

    23,722       34,065       15,637       33,810       16,505  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

    1,089,947,606       794,103,889       212,034,427       745,033,966       351,988,850  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         
Accrued Liabilities  

Bank overdraft

    380,930       324,275       88,573       320,848       114,282  
Payables:          

Investments purchased

    12,402,407       20,837,335       3,590,853             2,128,303  

Income dividends — Common Shares

    2,521,653       2,035,386       567,838       1,893,009       831,852  

Investment advisory fees

    898,649       636,055       172,753       606,373       284,002  

Interest expense and fees

    555,044       102,851       54,293       108,975       124,613  

Officer’s and Directors’ fees

    337,467       6,503       1,759       6,392       10,980  

Other accrued expenses

    300,897       258,382       124,605       242,638       167,325  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total accrued liabilities

    17,397,047       24,200,787       4,600,674       3,178,235       3,661,357  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         
Other Liabilities  

TOB Trust Certificates

    181,685,265       63,876,946       27,228,737       52,002,182       55,826,390  

Loan for TOB Trust Certificates

                      499,875        

VRDP Shares, at liquidation value of $100,000 per share, net of deferred offering costs3,4

          236,608,821             231,466,131       82,330,747  

VMTP Shares, at liquidation value of $100,000 per share3.4

    254,000,000             56,500,000              
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other liabilities

    435,685,265       300,485,767       83,728,737       283,968,188       138,157,137  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    453,082,312       324,686,554       88,329,411       287,146,423       141,818,494  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Assets Applicable to Common Shareholders

  $ 636,865,294     $ 469,417,335     $ 123,705,016     $ 457,887,543     $ 210,170,356  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         
Net Assets Applicable to Common Shareholders Consist of  

Paid-in capital5,6

  $ 581,297,061     $ 424,108,509     $ 118,023,311     $ 419,045,924     $ 195,608,177  

Undistributed net investment income

    2,937,108       3,543,469       1,294,135       1,601,266       766,735  

Accumulated net realized loss

    (3,605,456     (6,503,965     (11,508,344     (5,350,003     (4,432,324

Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    56,236,581       48,269,322       15,895,914       42,590,356       18,227,768  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Assets Applicable to Common Shareholders

  $ 636,865,294     $ 469,417,335     $ 123,705,016     $ 457,887,543     $ 210,170,356  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value per Common Share

  $ 15.53     $ 15.57     $ 14.60     $ 15.48     $ 15.74  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

1   Investments at cost — unaffiliated

  $ 1,014,967,853     $ 719,420,402     $ 191,201,236     $ 688,902,693     $ 329,700,906  

2   Investments at cost — affiliated

  $ 593,637     $ 20,463,427     $ 624,103     $ 4,667,566     $ 489,678  

3   Preferred Shares outstanding:

         

Par value $0.05 per share

                565             826  

Par value $0.10 per share

    2,540       2,371             2,319        

4    Preferred Shares authorized

    18,140       9,847       1,000,000       8,046       1,000,000  

5    Common Shares outstanding, par value $0.10 per share

    41,002,483       30,153,865       8,475,189       29,578,269       13,352,365  

6    Common Shares authorized

    199,981,860       199,990,153       unlimited       199,991,954       unlimited  

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.      
                
46    ANNUAL REPORT    JULY 31, 2017   


Statements of Operations     

 

Year Ended July 31, 2017   BlackRock
MuniHoldings
California
Quality
Fund, Inc.
(MUC)
    BlackRock
MuniHoldings
New Jersey
Quality
Fund, Inc.
(MUJ)
    BlackRock
MuniYield
Investment
Quality
Fund
(MFT)
    BlackRock
MuniYield
Michigan
Quality
Fund, Inc.
(MIY)
    BlackRock
MuniYield
Pennsylvania
Quality
Fund
(MPA)
 
         
Investment Income  

Interest — unaffiliated

  $ 40,921,146     $ 32,138,543     $ 9,225,420     $ 30,625,051     $ 14,151,998  

Dividends — affiliated

    45,495       26,061       3,597       25,925       16,035  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total investment income

    40,966,641       32,164,604       9,229,017       30,650,976       14,168,033  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         
Expenses  

Investment advisory

    5,898,729       3,813,049       1,031,502       3,647,822       1,687,173  

Accounting services

    139,317       107,609       37,077       102,864       55,974  

Professional

    129,838       111,011       57,158       113,523       78,973  

Officer and Directors

    106,415       51,661       13,414       50,234       23,773  

Custodian

    42,118       33,997       12,134       33,982       16,996  

Transfer agent

    40,933       37,210       21,420       39,443       29,665  

Registration

    16,492       12,148       9,829       11,914       9,797  

Printing

    10,250       9,601       6,770       3,404       7,032  

Liquidity fees

          24,148                    

Remarketing fees on Preferred Shares

          23,710                    

Rating agency

    39,064       39,038       38,754       39,029       38,795  

Miscellaneous

    37,126       27,946       15,667       28,886       20,386  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses excluding interest expense, fees and amortization of offering costs

    6,460,282       4,291,128       1,243,725       4,071,101       1,968,564  

Interest expense, fees and amortization of offering cost1

    6,596,709       4,604,216       1,326,139       4,537,774       2,048,522  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

    13,056,991       8,895,344       2,569,864       8,608,875       4,017,086  

Less fees waived by the Manager

    (493,644     (4,419     (581     (4,232     (2,624
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses after fees waived

    12,563,347       8,890,925       2,569,283       8,604,643       4,014,462  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

    28,403,294       23,273,679       6,659,734       22,046,333       10,153,571  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)  
Net realized gain (loss) from:          

Investments — unaffiliated

    (1,674,185     566,032       (118,546     528,099       (253,035

Investments — affiliated

    6,002       1,287       448       2,565       1,042  

Capital gain distributions from investment companies — affiliated

    6       4,519       1,684       341       80  

Futures contracts

    1,586,520       1,470,052       399,173       1,647,826       715,588  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    (81,657     2,041,890       282,759       2,178,831       463,675  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:          

Investments — unaffiliated

    (38,391,090     (30,867,568     (7,965,935     (27,730,772     (14,209,089

Investments — affiliated

          1,296       62       975        

Futures contracts

    66,850       387,566       10,032       180,558       6,442  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    (38,324,240     (30,478,706     (7,955,841     (27,549,239     (14,202,647
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (38,405,897     (28,436,816     (7,673,082     (25,370,408     (13,738,972
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Decrease in Net Assets Applicable to Common Shareholders Resulting from Operations

  $ (10,002,603   $ (5,163,137   $ (1,013,348   $ (3,324,075   $ (3,585,401
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

1    Related to TOB Trusts, VMTP Shares and/or VRDP Shares.

     

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.      
                
   ANNUAL REPORT    JULY 31, 2017    47


Statements of Changes in Net Assets     

 

    BlackRock MuniHoldings California
Quality Fund, Inc. (MUC)
          BlackRock MuniHoldings New Jersey
Quality Fund, Inc. (MUJ)
 
    Year Ended July 31,           Year Ended July 31,  
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Applicable to Common Shareholders:   2017     2016           2017     2016  
         
Operations                                        

Net investment income

  $ 28,403,294     $ 31,611,962       $ 23,273,679     $ 25,372,694  

Net realized gain (loss)

    (81,657     1,171,517         2,041,890       (584,863

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (38,324,240     30,181,072         (30,478,706     29,655,061  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets applicable to Common Shareholders resulting from operations

    (10,002,603     62,964,551         (5,163,137     54,442,892  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 
         
Distributions to Common Shareholders1                                        

From net investment income

    (30,259,832     (32,734,127       (24,477,822     (26,330,988
 

 

 

     

 

 

 
         
Net Assets Applicable to Common Shareholders                                        

Total increase (decrease) in net assets applicable to Common Shareholders

    (40,262,435     30,230,424         (29,640,959     28,111,904  

Beginning of year

    677,127,729       646,897,305         499,058,294       470,946,390  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

End of year

  $ 636,865,294     $ 677,127,729       $ 469,417,335     $ 499,058,294  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Undistributed net investment income, end of year

  $ 2,937,108     $ 5,007,780       $ 3,543,469     $ 4,730,530  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

1    Distributions for annual periods determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations.

     

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.      
                
48    ANNUAL REPORT    JULY 31, 2017   


Statements of Changes in Net Assets     

 

   

BlackRock MuniYield Investment
Quality Fund (MFT)

          BlackRock MuniYield Michigan Quality
Fund, Inc. (MIY)
 
    Year Ended July 31,           Year Ended July 31,  
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Applicable to Common Shareholders:   2017     2016           2017     2016  
         
Operations  

Net investment income

  $ 6,659,734     $ 7,023,158       $ 22,046,333     $ 22,416,196  

Net realized gain (loss)

    282,759       (38,686       2,178,831       2,417,391  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (7,955,841     5,278,415         (27,549,239     25,732,406  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets applicable to Common Shareholders resulting from operations

    (1,013,348     12,262,887         (3,324,075     50,565,993  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 
         
Distributions to Common Shareholders1  

From net investment income

    (7,050,927     (7,219,153       (22,756,840     (22,410,047
 

 

 

     

 

 

 
         
Capital Share Transactions  

Reinvestment of common distributions

    29,921                      

Net proceeds from the issuance of common shares due to reorganization

                        173,278,358  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 
         
Net Assets Applicable to Common Shareholders  

Total increase (decrease) in net assets applicable to Common Shareholders

    (8,034,354     5,043,734         (26,080,915     201,434,304  

Beginning of year

    131,739,370       126,695,636         483,968,458       282,534,154  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

End of year

  $ 123,705,016     $ 131,739,370       $ 457,887,543     $ 483,968,458  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Undistributed net investment income, end of year

  $ 1,294,135     $ 1,684,937       $ 1,601,266     $ 1,725,450  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

1   Distributions for annual periods determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations.

    

 

    BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania
Quality Fund (MPA)
 
    Year Ended July 31,  
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Applicable to Common Shareholders:   2017      2016  
    
Operations                 

Net investment income

  $ 10,153,571      $ 10,740,639  

Net realized gain

    463,675        60,829  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (14,202,647      13,470,414  
 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets applicable to Common Shareholders resulting from operations

    (3,585,401      24,271,882  
 

 

 

 
    
Distributions to Common Shareholders1                 

From net investment income

    (9,982,228      (11,082,463
 

 

 

 
    
Net Assets Applicable to Common Shareholders                 

Total increase (decrease) in net assets applicable to Common Shareholders

    (13,567,629      13,189,419  

Beginning of year

    223,737,985        210,548,566  
 

 

 

 

End of year

  $ 210,170,356      $ 223,737,985  
 

 

 

 

Undistributed net investment income, end of year

  $ 766,735      $ 601,817  
 

 

 

 

1    Distributions for annual periods determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations.

     

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.      
                
   ANNUAL REPORT    JULY 31, 2017    49


Statements of Cash Flows     

 

Year Ended July 31, 2017   BlackRock
MuniHoldings
California
Quality
Fund, Inc.
(MUC)
    BlackRock
MuniHoldings
New Jersey
Quality
Fund, Inc.
(MUJ)
    BlackRock
MuniYield
Investment
Quality
Fund
(MFT)
    BlackRock
MuniYield
Michigan
Quality
Fund, Inc.
(MIY)
    BlackRock
MuniYield
Pennsylvania
Quality
Fund
(MPA)
 
         
Cash Provided by (Used for) Operating Activities  

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (10,002,603   $ (5,163,137   $ (1,013,348   $ (3,324,075   $ (3,585,401

Adjustments to reconcile net decrease in net assets resulting from operations to net cash provided by (used for) operating activities:

         

Proceeds from sales of long-term investments

    194,182,499       60,305,715       72,171,839       94,282,577       55,877,157  

Purchases of long-term investments

    (213,395,807     (66,010,074     (77,967,536     (99,756,857     (64,905,188

Net purchases of short-term securities

    (599,639     (4,893,603     (420,541     (574,065     (34,740

Amortization of premium and accretion of discount on investments and other fees

    7,495,337       377,803       769,262       3,168,246       639,211  

Net realized (gain) loss on investments

    1,680,083       (567,319     118,098       (530,664     251,993  

Net unrealized loss on investments

    38,391,090       30,866,272       7,965,873       27,729,797       14,209,089  

(Increase) Decrease in Assets:

         

Cash pledged for futures contracts

    (20,000     135,000       (28,000     (224,000     (19,000

Receivables:

         

Interest — unaffiliated

    559,651       32,081       (49,918     4,708       41,450  

Dividends — affiliated

    (43     (3,568     (247     (1,746     (32

Variation margin on futures contracts

    (24,125     (21,828     (6,211     (31,062     (10,172

Prepaid expenses

    14,642       (45     12,924       (122     13,065  

Increase (Decrease) in Liabilities:

         

Payables:

         

Investment advisory fees

    411,725       301,437       84,347       287,444       137,688  

Interest expense and fees

    324,303       51,271       34,196       61,164       83,409  

Officer’s and Directors’ fees

    46,941       275       (240     381       807  

Variation margin on futures contracts

    (137,797     (167,767     (28,078     (107,485     (52,563

Other accrued expenses

    111,991       101,989       47,815       166,157       52,658  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities

    19,038,248       15,344,502       1,690,235       21,150,398       2,699,431  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         
Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing Activities  

Proceeds from TOB Trust Certificates

    40,569,127       8,788,240       7,509,247       24,771,914       9,922,945  

Repayments of TOB Trust Certificates

    (28,582,591           (2,233,795     (23,996,790     (2,806,336

Proceeds from Loan for TOB Trust Certificates

    5,405,131                   18,776,790        

Repayments of Loan for TOB Trust Certificates

    (5,405,131                 (18,276,915      

Cash dividends paid to Common Shareholders

    (30,259,832     (24,477,822     (7,054,764     (22,756,840     (9,982,229

Increase (decrease) in bank overdraft

    (764,952     324,275       88,573       320,848       114,282  

Amortization of deferred offering costs

          19,039             9,584       11,131  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used for financing activities

    (19,038,248     (15,346,268     (1,690,739     (21,151,409     (2,740,207
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         
Cash  

Net increase (decrease) in cash

          (1,766     (504     (1,011     (40,776

Cash at beginning of year

          1,766       504       1,011       40,776  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash at end of year

                             
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information  

Cash paid during the year for interest expense

  $ 6,272,406     $ 4,533,906     $ 1,291,943     $ 4,467,026     $ 1,953,982  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         
Non-Cash Financing Activities  

Capital shares issued in reinvestment of distributions paid to Common Shareholders

              $ 29,921              
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.      
                
50    ANNUAL REPORT    JULY 31, 2017   


Financial Highlights    BlackRock MuniHoldings California Quality Fund, Inc.  (MUC)

 

    Year Ended July 31,  
    2017     2016     2015     2014     2013  
         
Per Share Operating Performance  

Net asset value, beginning of year

  $ 16.51     $ 15.78     $ 15.82     $ 14.52     $ 16.41  
 

 

 

 

Net investment income1

    0.69       0.77       0.78       0.82       0.86  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

    (0.93     0.76       (0.00 )2      1.34       (1.82
 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

    (0.24     1.53       0.78       2.16       (0.96
 

 

 

 

Distributions to Common Shareholders from net investment income3

    (0.74     (0.80     (0.82     (0.86     (0.93
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of year

  $ 15.53     $ 16.51     $ 15.78     $ 15.82     $ 14.52  
 

 

 

 

Market price, end of year

  $ 14.75     $ 16.28     $ 14.28     $ 14.04     $ 13.31  
 

 

 

 
         
Total Return Applicable to Common Shareholders4  

Based on net asset value

    (1.08)%       10.20%       5.52%       15.94%       (6.16)%  
 

 

 

 

Based on market price

    (4.73)%       20.08%       7.60%       12.25%       (13.71)%  
 

 

 

 
         
Ratios to Average Net Assets Applicable to Common Shareholders  

Total expenses

    2.04%       1.60%       1.47%       1.57%       1.64%  
 

 

 

 

Total expenses after fees waived and paid indirectly

    1.96%       1.55%       1.45%       1.51%       1.56%  
 

 

 

 

Total expenses after fees waived and paid indirectly and excluding interest expense, fees and amortization of offering costs5

    0.93%       0.93%       0.93%       0.93%       0.92%  
 

 

 

 

Net investment income to Common Shareholders

    4.44%       4.79%       4.88%       5.44%       5.27%  
 

 

 

 
         
Supplemental Data  

Net assets applicable to Common Shareholders, end of year (000)

  $ 636,865     $ 677,128     $ 646,897     $ 648,837     $ 595,269  
 

 

 

 

VMTP Shares outstanding at $100,000 liquidation value, end of year (000)

  $ 254,000     $ 254,000     $ 254,000     $ 254,000     $ 254,000  
 

 

 

 

Asset coverage per VMTP Shares at $100,000 liquidation value, end of year

  $ 350,734     $ 366,586     $ 354,684     $ 355,448     $ 334,358  
 

 

 

 

Borrowings outstanding, end of year (000)

  $ 181,685     $ 169,699     $ 161,571     $ 88,271     $ 172,316  
 

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate

    19%       21%       25%       25%       34%  
 

 

 

 

 

  1  

Based on average Common Shares outstanding.

 

  2  

Amount is greater than $(0.005) per share.

 

  3  

Distributions for annual periods determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations.

 

  4  

Total returns based on market price, which can be significantly greater or less than the net asset value, may result in substantially different returns. Where applicable, excludes the effects of any sales charges and assumes the reinvestment of distributions at actual reinvestment prices.

 

  5  

Interest expense, fees and amortization of offering costs related to TOB Trusts and/or VMTP Shares. See Note 4 and Note 10 of the Notes to Financial Statements for details.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.      
                
   ANNUAL REPORT    JULY 31, 2017    51


Financial Highlights    BlackRock MuniHoldings New Jersey Quality Fund, Inc.  (MUJ)

 

    Year Ended July 31,  
    2017     2016     2015     2014     2013  
         
Per Share Operating Performance  

Net asset value, beginning of year

  $ 16.55     $ 15.62     $ 15.74     $ 14.51     $ 16.54  
 

 

 

 

Net investment income1

    0.77       0.84       0.84       0.86       0.86  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

    (0.94     0.96       (0.07     1.27       (2.00
 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

    (0.17     1.80       0.77       2.13       (1.14
 

 

 

 
Distributions to Common Shareholders:2          

From net investment income

    (0.81     (0.87     (0.89     (0.89     (0.89

From net realized gain

                      (0.01      
 

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.81     (0.87     (0.89     (0.90     (0.89
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of year

  $ 15.57     $ 16.55     $ 15.62     $ 15.74     $ 14.51  
 

 

 

 

Market price, end of year

  $ 14.88     $ 16.12     $ 13.55     $ 14.11     $ 13.30  
 

 

 

 
         
Total Return Applicable to Common Shareholders3  

Based on net asset value

    (0.57)%       12.39%       5.59%       15.79%       (7.19)%  
 

 

 

 

Based on market price

    (2.44)%       26.20%       2.18%       13.24%       (12.33)%  
 

 

 

 
         
Ratios to Average Net Assets Applicable to Common Shareholders  

Total expenses

    1.89%       1.52%       1.62% 4      1.64%       1.61%  
 

 

 

 

Total expenses after fees waived and/or reimbursed and paid indirectly

    1.89%       1.52%       1.57% 4      1.57%       1.58%  
 

 

 

 

Total expenses after fees waived and/or reimbursed and paid indirectly and excluding interest expense, fees and amortization of offering costs5

    0.91% 6      0.90% 6      1.02% 4,6      1.25% 6      1.33% 6 
 

 

 

 

Net investment income to Common Shareholders

    4.95%       5.27%       5.27%       5.78%       5.28%  
 

 

 

 
         
Supplemental Data  

Net assets applicable to Common Shareholders, end of year (000)

  $ 469,417     $ 499,058     $ 470,946     $ 335,425     $ 309,165  
 

 

 

 

VRDP Shares outstanding at $100,000 liquidation value, end of year (000)

  $ 237,100     $ 237,100     $ 237,100     $ 172,700     $ 172,700  
 

 

 

 

Asset coverage per VRDP Shares at $100,000 liquidation value, end of year

  $ 297,983     $ 310,484     $ 298,628     $ 294,224     $ 279,019  
 

 

 

 

Borrowings outstanding, end of year (000)

  $ 63,877     $ 55,089     $ 52,744     $ 34,699     $ 38,231  
 

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate

    8%       9%       10%       16%       10%  
 

 

 

 

 

  1  

Based on average Common Shares outstanding.

 

  2  

Distributions for annual periods determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations.

 

  3  

Total returns based on market price, which can be significantly greater or less than the net asset value, may result in substantially different returns. Where applicable, excludes the effects of any sales charges and assumes the reinvestment of distributions at actual reinvestment prices.

 

  4  

Includes reorganization costs associated with the Fund’s reorganization. Without these costs, total expenses, total expenses after fees waived and/or reimbursed and/or paid indirectly and total expenses after fees waived and/or reimbursed and/or paid indirectly and excluding interest expense, fees and amortization of offering costs would have been 1.52%, 1.50% and 0.95%, respectively.

 

  5  

Interest expense, fees and amortization of offering costs related to TOB Trusts and/or VRDP Shares. See Note 4 and Note 10 of the Notes to Financial Statements for details.

 

  6  

For the years ended July 31, 2017, July 31, 2016, July 31, 2015, July 31, 2014 and July 31, 2013, the total expense ratio after fees waived and/or reimbursed and/or paid indirectly and excluding interest expense, fees, amortization of offering costs, liquidity and remarketing fees was 0.91%, 0.89%, 1.01%, 0.95% and 0.93%, respectively.

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.      
                
52    ANNUAL REPORT    JULY 31, 2017   


Financial Highlights    BlackRock MuniYield Investment Quality Fund (MFT)

 

    Year Ended July 31,  
    2017     2016     2015     2014     2013  
         
Per Share Operating Performance  

Net asset value, beginning of year

  $ 15.55     $ 14.95     $ 14.83     $ 13.61     $ 15.73  
 

 

 

 

Net investment income1

    0.79       0.83       0.84       0.85       0.84  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

    (0.91     0.62       0.13       1.22       (2.11
 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

    (0.12     1.45       0.97       2.07       (1.27
 

 

 

 

Distributions to Common Shareholders from net investment income2

    (0.83     (0.85     (0.85     (0.85     (0.85
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of year

  $ 14.60     $ 15.55     $ 14.95     $ 14.83     $ 13.61  
 

 

 

 

Market price, end of year

  $ 14.67     $ 16.09     $ 13.37     $ 13.26     $ 12.20  
 

 

 

 
         
Total Return Applicable to Common Shareholders3  

Based on net asset value

    (0.51)%       10.31%       7.25%       16.40%       (8.41)%  
 

 

 

 

Based on market price

    (3.39)%       27.63%       7.27%       16.10%       (16.52)%  
 

 

 

 
         
Ratios to Average Net Assets Applicable to Common Shareholders  

Total expenses

    2.07%       1.61%       1.56%       1.67%       1.72%  
 

 

 

 

Total expenses after fees waived and/or reimbursed and paid indirectly

    2.07%       1.61%       1.56%       1.67%       1.72%  
 

 

 

 

Total expenses after fees waived and/or reimbursed and paid indirectly and excluding interest expense, fees and amortization of offering costs4

    1.00%       0.96%       0.98%       1.00%       1.00%  
 

 

 

 

Net investment income to Common Shareholders

    5.35%       5.45%       5.52%       6.04%       5.36%  
 

 

 

 
         
Supplemental Data  

Net assets applicable to Common Shareholders, end of year (000)

  $ 123,705     $ 131,739     $ 126,696     $ 125,647     $ 115,287  
 

 

 

 

VMTP Shares outstanding at $100,000 liquidation value, end of year (000)

  $ 56,500     $ 56,500     $ 56,500     $ 56,500     $ 56,500  
 

 

 

 

Asset coverage per VMTP Shares at $100,000 liquidation value, end of year

  $ 318,947     $ 333,167     $ 324,240     $ 322,384     $ 304,049  
 

 

 

 

Borrowings outstanding, end of year (000)

  $ 27,229     $ 21,953     $ 19,488     $ 20,284     $ 28,192  
 

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate

    34%       21%       13%       32%       51%  
 

 

 

 

 

  1  

Based on average Common Shares outstanding.

 

  2  

Distributions for annual periods determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations.

 

  3  

Total returns based on market price, which can be significantly greater or less than the net asset value, may result in substantially different returns. Where applicable, excludes the effects of any sales charges and assumes the reinvestment of distributions at actual reinvestment prices.

 

  4  

Interest expense, fees and amortization of offering costs related to TOB Trusts and/or VMTP Shares. See Note 4 and Note 10 of the Notes to Financial Statements for details.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.      
                
   ANNUAL REPORT    JULY 31, 2017    53


Financial Highlights    BlackRock MuniYield Michigan Quality Fund, Inc.  (MIY)

 

    Year Ended July 31,  
    2017     2016     2015     2014     2013  
         
Per Share Operating Performance  

Net asset value, beginning of year

  $ 16.36     $ 15.48     $ 15.24     $ 14.16     $ 16.18  
 

 

 

 

Net investment income1

    0.75       0.79       0.83       0.86       0.90  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

    (0.86     0.92       0.27       1.12       (2.00
 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

    (0.11     1.71       1.10       1.98       (1.10
 

 

 

 

Distributions to Common Shareholders from net investment income2

    (0.77     (0.83     (0.86     (0.90     (0.92
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of year

  $ 15.48     $ 16.36     $ 15.48     $ 15.24     $ 14.16  
 

 

 

 

Market price, end of year

  $ 14.19     $ 15.38     $ 13.22     $ 13.47     $ 12.57  
 

 

 

 
         
Total Return Applicable to Common Shareholders3  

Based on net asset value

    (0.07)%       11.99%       8.08%       15.24%       (7.09)%  
 

 

 

 

Based on market price

    (2.56)%       23.28%       4.43%       14.74%       (16.86)%  
 

 

 

 
         
Ratios to Average Net Assets Applicable to Common Shareholders  

Total expenses

    1.88%       1.54% 4      1.52% 5      1.54%       1.50%  
 

 

 

 

Total expenses after fees waived and/or reimbursed and paid indirectly

    1.88%       1.54% 4      1.48% 5      1.54%       1.50%  
 

 

 

 

Total expenses after fees waived and/or reimbursed and paid indirectly and excluding interest expense, fees and amortization of offering costs6

    0.89%       0.93% 4      0.93% 5      0.93%       0.89%  
 

 

 

 

Net investment income to Common Shareholders

    4.81%       5.02%       5.30%       5.94%       5.62%  
 

 

 

 
         
Supplemental Data  

Net assets applicable to Common Shareholders, end of year (000)

  $ 457,888     $ 483,968     $ 282,534     $ 278,143     $ 258,341  
 

 

 

 

VRDP Shares outstanding at $100,000 liquidation value, end of year (000)

  $ 231,900     $ 231,900     $ 144,600     $ 144,600     $ 144,600  
 

 

 

 

Asset coverage per VRDP Shares at $100,000 liquidation value, end of year

  $ 297,450     $ 308,697     $ 295,390     $ 292,354     $ 278,659  
 

 

 

 

Borrowings outstanding, end of year (000)

  $ 52,002     $ 51,227     $ 23,487     $ 23,487     $ 34,876  
 

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate

    13%       19%       19%       16%       17%  
 

 

 

 

 

  1  

Based on average Common Shares outstanding.

 

  2  

Distributions for annual periods determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations.

 

  3  

Total returns based on market price, which can be significantly greater or less than the net asset value, may result in substantially different returns. Where applicable, excludes the effects of any sales charges and assumes the reinvestment of distributions at actual reinvestment prices.

 

  4  

Includes reorganization costs associated with the Fund’s reorganization. Without these costs total expenses, total expenses after fees waived and/or reimbursed and/or paid indirectly and total expenses after fees waived and/or reimbursed and/or paid indirectly and excluding interest expense, fees and amortization of offering costs would have been 1.49%, 1.49% and 0.88%, respectively.

 

  5  

Includes reorganization costs associated with the Fund’s reorganization. Without these costs total expenses, total expenses after fees waived and/or reimbursed and/or paid indirectly and total expenses after fees waived and/or reimbursed and/or paid indirectly and excluding interest expense, fees and amortization of offering costs would have been 1.48%, 1.48% and 0.92%, respectively

 

  6  

Interest expense, fees and amortization of offering costs related to TOB Trusts and/or VRDP Shares. See Note 4 and Note 10 of the Notes to Financial Statements for details.

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.      
                
54    ANNUAL REPORT    JULY 31, 2017   


Financial Highlights    BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund (MPA)

 

    Year Ended July 31,  
    2017     2016     2015     2014     2013  
         
Per Share Operating Performance  

Net asset value, beginning of year

  $ 16.76     $ 15.77     $ 15.77     $ 14.59     $ 16.57  
 

 

 

 

Net investment income1

    0.76       0.80       0.81       0.87       0.90  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

    (1.03     1.02       0.07       1.20       (1.99
 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

    (0.27     1.82       0.88       2.07       (1.09
 

 

 

 

Distributions to Common Shareholders from net investment income2

    (0.75     (0.83     (0.88     (0.89     (0.89
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of year

  $ 15.74     $ 16.76     $ 15.77     $ 15.77     $ 14.59  
 

 

 

 

Market price, end of year

  $ 14.69     $ 16.07     $ 13.50     $ 13.89     $ 13.07  
 

 

 

 
         
Total Return Applicable to Common Shareholders3  

Based on net asset value

    (1.20)%       12.38%       6.33%       15.39%       (6.78)%  
 

 

 

 

Based on market price

    (3.83)%       25.87%       3.34%       13.45%       (13.42)%  
 

 

 

 
         
Ratios to Average Net Assets Applicable to Common Shareholders  

Total expenses

    1.91%       1.46%       1.54% 4      1.48%       1.53%  
 

 

 

 

Total expenses after fees waived and/or reimbursed and paid indirectly

    1.91%       1.46%       1.45% 4      1.48%       1.53%  
 

 

 

 

Total expenses after fees waived and/or reimbursed and paid indirectly and excluding interest expense, fees and amortization of offering costs5

    0.94%       0.89%       0.96% 4      0.95%       0.94%  
 

 

 

 

Net investment income to Common Shareholders

    4.83%       4.98%       5.05%       5.79%       5.46%  
 

 

 

 
         
Supplemental Data  

Net assets applicable to Common Shareholders, end of year (000)

  $ 210,170     $ 223,738     $ 210,549     $ 181,459     $ 167,857  
 

 

 

 

VRDP Shares outstanding at $100,000 liquidation value, end of year (000)

  $ 82,600     $ 82,600     $ 82,600     $ 66,300     $ 66,300  
 

 

 

 

Asset coverage per VRDP Shares at $100,000 liquidation value, end of year

  $ 354,444     $ 370,869     $ 354,901     $ 373,693     $ 353,178  
 

 

 

 

Borrowings outstanding, end of year (000)

  $ 55,826     $ 48,710     $ 28,468     $ 37,066     $ 53,010  
 

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate

    15%       17%       21%       16%       8%  
 

 

 

 

 

  1  

Based on average Common Shares outstanding.

 

  2  

Distributions for annual periods determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations.

 

  3  

Total returns based on market price, which can be significantly greater or less than the net asset value, may result in substantially different returns. Where applicable, excludes the effects of any sales charges and assumes the reinvestment of distributions at actual reinvestment prices.

 

  4  

Includes reorganization costs associated with the Fund’s reorganization. Without these costs total expenses, total expenses after fees waived and/or reimbursed, and total expenses after fees waived and/or reimbursed and/or paid indirectly and excluding interest expense, fees and amortization of offering costs would have been 1.40%, 1.40% and 0.91%, respectively.

 

  5  

Interest expense, fees and amortization of offering costs related to TOB Trusts and/or VRDP Shares. See Note 4 and Note 10 of the Notes to Financial Statements for details.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.      
                
   ANNUAL REPORT    JULY 31, 2017    55


Notes to Financial Statements     

 

1. Organization:

The following are registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as closed-end management investment companies and are referred to herein collectively as the “Funds”, or individually as a “Fund”:

 

Fund Name   Herein Referred To As    Organized    Diversification Classification

BlackRock MuniHoldings California Quality Fund, Inc.

  MUC    Maryland    Diversified*

BlackRock MuniHoldings New Jersey Quality Fund, Inc.

  MUJ    Maryland    Non-diversified

BlackRock MuniYield Investment Quality Fund, Inc.

  MFT    Massachusetts    Diversified*

BlackRock MuniYield Michigan Quality Fund, Inc.

  MIY    Maryland    Non-diversified

BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund, Inc.

  MPA    Massachusetts    Non-diversified

 

  *   The Fund’s classification changed from non-diversified to diversified during the reporting period.

The Boards of Directors of the Funds are collectively referred to throughout this report as the “Board of Directors” or the “Board,” and the directors thereof are collectively referred to throughout this report as “Directors”. The Funds determine and make available for publication the NAVs of their Common Shares on a daily basis.

The Funds, together with certain other registered investment companies advised by BlackRock Advisors, LLC (the “Manager”) or its affiliates, are included in a complex of closed-end funds referred to as the Closed-End Complex.

Reorganization: The Board and shareholders of MIY and the Board and shareholders of BlackRock MuniYield Michigan Quality Fund II, Inc. (“MYM”) approved the reorganizations of MYM into MIY. As a result, MIY acquired substantially all of the assets and assumed substantially all of the liabilities of MYM in exchange for an equal aggregate value of newly-issued Common Shares and Preferred Shares of MIY.

Each MYM Common Shareholder received Common Shares of MIY in an amount equal to the aggregate NAV of such Common Shareholder’s MYM Common Shares, as determined at the close of business on September 11, 2015, less the costs of the MYM’s reorganization. Cash was distributed for any fractional Common Shares.

Each MYM VRDP Shareholder received on a one-for-one basis one newly issued VRDP Share of MIY, par value $0.10 per share and with a liquidation preference of $100,000 per share, in exchange for each MYM VRDP Share held by such MYM VRDP Shareholder.

The reorganizations were accomplished by a tax-free exchange of Common Shares and VRDP Shares of MIY in the following amounts and at the following conversion ratios:

 

Target Fund   Shares Prior to
Reorganization
     Conversion Ratio      Shares of MIY  

MYM Common Shares

    12,098,420        0.93643508        11,329,360  

MYM VRDP Shares

    873        1        873  

MYM’s common net assets and composition of common net assets on September 11, 2015, the valuation date of the reorganization, were as follows:

 

     MYM  

Net assets Applicable to Common Shares

  $ 173,278,358  

Paid-in-capital

  $ 162,329,528  

Undistributed net investment income

  $ 63,895  

Accumulated net realized loss

  $ (4,955,955

Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

  $ 15,840,890  

For financial reporting purposes, assets received and shares issued by MIY were recorded at fair value. However, the cost basis of the investments received from MYM was carried forward to align ongoing reporting of MIY’s realized and unrealized gains and losses with amounts distributable to shareholders for tax purposes.

The net assets of MIY before the acquisition were $279,109,521. The aggregate net assets of MIY immediately after the acquisition amounted to $452,388,270. MYM’s fair value and cost of investments and derivative financial instruments prior to the reorganization were as follows:

 

     Fair Value of
Investments and
Derivative
Financial
Instruments
     Cost of
Investments
     TOB Trust Certificate      Preferred Shares
Value
 

MYM

  $ 268,842,773      $ 253,001,883      $ 14,792,998      $ 87,300,000  

The purpose of these transactions was to combine two funds managed by the Manager with the same or substantially similar (but not identical) investment objectives, investment policies, strategies, risks and restrictions. Each reorganization was a tax-free event and was effective on September 14, 2015.

 

                
56    ANNUAL REPORT    JULY 31, 2017   


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)     

 

Assuming the acquisition had been completed on August 1, 2015, the beginning of the fiscal reporting period of MIY, the pro forma results of operations for the year ended July 31, 2016, are as follows:

 

 

Net investment income/loss: $23,313,730

 

 

Net realized and change in unrealized gain/loss on investments: $27,369,663

 

 

Net increase/decrease in net assets applicable to Common Shareholders resulting from operations: $50,683,393

Because the combined investment portfolios have been managed as a single integrated portfolio since the acquisition was completed, it is not practicable to separate the amounts of revenue and earnings of MYM that have been included in MIY’s Statement of Operations since September 14, 2015.

Reorganization costs incurred in connection with the reorganization were expensed by MIY.

2. Significant Accounting Policies:

The financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”), which may require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of increases and decreases in net assets from operations during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Each Fund is considered an investment company under U.S. GAAP and follows the accounting and reporting guidance applicable to investment companies. Below is a summary of significant accounting policies:

Investment Transactions and Income Recognition: 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. Interest income, including amortization and accretion of premiums and discounts on debt securities, is recognized on an accrual basis.

Segregation and Collateralization: In cases where a Fund enters into certain investments (e.g., futures contracts) or certain borrowings (e.g., TOB Trust transactions) that would be treated as “senior securities” for 1940 Act purposes, a Fund may segregate or designate on its books and records cash or liquid assets having a market value at least equal to the amount of its future obligations under such investments or borrowings. Doing so allows the investment or borrowing to be excluded from treatment as a “senior security.” Furthermore, if required by an exchange or counterparty agreement, the Funds may be required to deliver/deposit cash and/or securities to/with an exchange, or broker-dealer or custodian as collateral for certain investments or obligations.

Distributions: Distributions from net investment income are declared and paid monthly. Distributions of capital gains are recorded on the ex-dividend date and made at least annually. The character and timing of distributions are determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP.

Distributions to Preferred Shareholders are accrued and determined as described in Note 10.

Deferred Compensation Plan: Under the Deferred Compensation Plan (the “Plan”) approved by each Fund’s Board, the independent Directors (“Independent Directors”) may defer a portion of their annual complex-wide compensation. Deferred amounts earn an approximate return as though equivalent dollar amounts had been invested in common shares of certain other BlackRock Closed-End Funds selected by the Independent Directors. This has the same economic effect for the Independent Directors as if the Independent Directors had invested the deferred amounts directly in certain other BlackRock Closed-End Funds.

The Plan is not funded and obligations thereunder represent general unsecured claims against the general assets of each Fund, if applicable. Deferred compensation liabilities are included in the officer’s and directors’ fees payable in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities and will remain as a liability of the Funds until such amounts are distributed in accordance with the Plan.

Recent Accounting Standards: In November 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update “Restricted Cash” which will require entities to include the total of cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and restricted cash equivalents in the beginning and ending cash balances in the Statements of Cash Flows. The guidance will be applied retrospectively and is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those years. Management is evaluating the impact, if any, of this guidance on the Funds’ presentation in the Statements of Cash Flows.

In March 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update “Premium Amortization of Purchased Callable Debt Securities” which amends the amortization period for certain purchased callable debt securities. Under the new guidance, the premium amortization of purchased callable debt securities that have explicit, non-contingent call features and are callable at fixed prices will be amortized to the earliest call date. The guidance will be applied on a modified retrospective basis and is effective for fiscal years, and their interim periods, beginning after December 15, 2018. Management is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance to the Funds.

 

                
   ANNUAL REPORT    JULY 31, 2017    57


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)     

 

SEC Reporting Modernization: The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) adopted new rules and forms and amended other rules to enhance the reporting and disclosure of information by registered investment companies. As part of these changes, the SEC amended Regulation S-X to standardize and enhance disclosures in investment company financial statements. The compliance date for implementing the new or amended rules is August 1, 2017.

Indemnifications: In the normal course of business, a Fund enters into contracts that contain a variety of representations that provide general indemnification. A Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown because it involves future potential claims against a Fund, which cannot be predicted with any certainty.

Other: Expenses directly related to a Fund are charged to that Fund. Other operating expenses shared by several funds, including other funds managed by the Manager, are prorated among those funds on the basis of relative net assets or other appropriate methods.

Through May 31, 2016, the Funds had an arrangement with their custodian whereby credits were earned on uninvested cash balances, which could be used to reduce custody fees and/or overdraft charges. Credits previously earned have been utilized until December 31, 2016. Under current arrangements effective June 1, 2016, the Funds no longer earn credits on uninvested cash, and may incur charges on uninvested cash balances and overdrafts, subject to certain conditions.

3. Investment Valuation and Fair Value Measurements:

Investment Valuation Policies: The Funds’ investments are valued at fair value (also referred to as “market value” within the financial statements) as of the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) (generally 4:00 p.m., Eastern time). U.S. GAAP defines fair value as the price the Funds would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The Funds determine the fair values of their financial instruments using various independent dealers or pricing services under policies approved by the Board. The BlackRock Global Valuation Methodologies Committee (the “Global Valuation Committee”) is the committee formed by management to develop global pricing policies and procedures and to oversee the pricing function for all financial instruments.

Fair Value Inputs and Methodologies: The following methods and inputs are used to establish the fair value of each Fund’s assets and liabilities:

 

 

Municipal investments (including commitments to purchase such investments on a “when-issued” basis) are valued on the basis of prices provided by dealers or pricing services. In determining the value of a particular investment, pricing services may use certain information with respect to transactions in such investments, quotations from dealers, pricing matrixes, market transactions in comparable investments and information with respect to various relationships between investments.

 

 

Investments in open-end U.S. mutual funds are valued at net asset value (“NAV”) each business day.

 

 

Futures contracts traded on exchanges are valued at their last sale price.

If events (e.g., a company announcement, market volatility or a natural disaster) occur that are expected to materially affect the value of such investments, or in the event that the application of these methods of valuation results in a price for an investment that is deemed not to be representative of the market value of such investment, or if a price is not available, the investment will be valued by the Global Valuation Committee, or its delegate, in accordance with a policy approved by the Board as reflecting fair value (“Fair Valued Investments”). The fair valuation approaches that may be used by the Global Valuation Committee include Market approach, Income approach and Cost approach. Valuation techniques such as discounted cash flow, use of market comparables and matrix pricing are types of valuation approaches and are typically used in determining fair value. When determining the price for Fair Valued Investments, the Global Valuation Committee, or its delegate, seeks to determine the price that each Fund might reasonably expect to receive or pay from the current sale or purchase of that asset or liability in an arm’s-length transaction. Fair value determinations shall be based upon all available factors that the Global Valuation Committee, or its delegate, deems relevant and consistent with the principles of fair value measurement. The pricing of all Fair Valued Investments is subsequently reported to the Board or a committee thereof on a quarterly basis.

Fair Value Hierarchy: Various inputs are used in determining the fair value of investments and derivative financial instruments. These inputs to valuation techniques are categorized into a fair value hierarchy consisting of three broad levels for financial statement purposes as follows:

 

 

Level 1 — Unadjusted price quotations in active markets/exchanges for identical assets or liabilities that each Fund has the ability to access

 

 

Level 2 — Other observable inputs (including, but not limited to, quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in markets that are active, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the assets or liabilities (such as interest rates, yield curves, volatilities, prepayment speeds, loss severities, credit risks and default rates) or other market–corroborated inputs)

 

 

Level 3 — Unobservable inputs based on the best information available in the circumstances, to the extent observable inputs are not available (including each Fund’ own assumptions used in determining the fair value of investments and derivative financial instruments)

 

                
58    ANNUAL REPORT    JULY 31, 2017   


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)     

 

The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised in determining fair value is greatest for instruments categorized in Level 3. The inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, for disclosure purposes, the fair value hierarchy classification is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. Investments classified within Level 3 have significant unobservable inputs used by the Global Valuation Committee in determining the price for Fair Valued Investments. Level 3 investments include equity or debt issued by privately-held companies or funds. There may not be a secondary market, and/or there are a limited number of investors. Level 3 investments may also be adjusted to reflect illiquidity and/or non-transferability, with the amount of such discount estimated by the Global Valuation Committee in the absence of market information.

Changes in valuation techniques may result in transfers into or out of an assigned level within the hierarchy. In accordance with each Fund’s policy, transfers between different levels of the fair value hierarchy are deemed to have occurred as of the beginning of the reporting period. The categorization of a value determined for investments and derivative financial instruments is based on the pricing transparency of the investments and derivative financial instruments and is not necessarily an indication of the risks associated with investing in those securities.

4. Securities and Other Investments:

Zero-Coupon Bonds: Zero-coupon bonds, are normally issued at a significant discount from face value and do not provide for periodic interest payments. These bonds may experience greater volatility in market value than other debt obligations of similar maturity which provide for regular interest payments.

Forward Commitments and When-Issued Delayed Delivery Securities: Certain Funds may purchase securities on a when-issued basis and may purchase or sell securities on a forward commitment basis. Settlement of such transactions normally occurs within a month or more after the purchase or sale commitment is made. A Fund may purchase securities under such conditions with the intention of actually acquiring them, but may enter into a separate agreement to sell the securities before the settlement date. Since the value of securities purchased may fluctuate prior to settlement, a Fund may be required to pay more at settlement than the security is worth. In addition, a Fund is not entitled to any of the interest earned prior to settlement. When purchasing a security on a delayed delivery basis, a Fund assumes the rights and risks of ownership of the security, including the risk of price and yield fluctuations. In the event of default by the counterparty, a Fund’s maximum amount of loss is the unrealized appreciation of unsettled when-issued transactions.

Municipal Bonds Transferred to TOB Trusts: The Funds leverage their assets through the use of “TOB Trust” transactions. The Funds transfer municipal bonds into a special purpose trust (a “TOB Trust”). A TOB Trust issues two classes of beneficial interests: short-term floating rate interests (“TOB Trust Certificates”), which are sold to third party investors, and residual inverse floating rate interests (“TOB Residuals”), which are issued to the participating fund that contributed the municipal bonds to the TOB Trust. The TOB Trust Certificates have interest rates that reset weekly and their holders have the option to tender such certificates to the TOB Trust for redemption at par and any accrued interest at each reset date. The TOB Residuals held by a Fund provide the Fund with the right to cause the holders of a proportional share of the TOB Trust Certificates to tender their certificates to the TOB Trust at par plus accrued interest. The Funds may withdraw a corresponding share of the municipal bonds from the TOB Trust. Other funds managed by the investment adviser may also contribute municipal bonds to a TOB Trust into which a Fund has contributed bonds. If multiple BlackRock advised funds participate in the same TOB Trust, the economic rights and obligations under the TOB Residuals will be shared among the funds ratably in proportion to their participation in the TOB Trust.

TOB Trusts are supported by a liquidity facility provided by a third party bank or other financial institution (the “Liquidity Provider”) that allows the holders of the TOB Trust Certificates to tender their certificates in exchange for payment of par plus accrued interest on any business day. The tendered TOB Trust Certificates are remarketed by a Remarketing Agent. In the event of a failed remarketing, the TOB Trust may draw upon a loan from the Liquidity Provider to purchase the tendered TOB Trust Certificates. Any loans made by the Liquidity Provider will be secured by the purchased TOB Trust Certificates held by the TOB Trust and will be subject to an increased interest rate based on number of days the loan is outstanding.

The TOB Trust may be collapsed without the consent of a Fund, upon the occurrence of a termination event as defined in the TOB Trust agreement. Upon the occurrence of a termination event, a TOB Trust would be liquidated with the proceeds applied first to any accrued fees owed to the trustee of the TOB Trust, the Remarketing Agent and the Liquidity Provider. Upon certain termination events, TOB Trust Certificates holders will be paid before the TOB Residuals holders (i.e., the Funds) whereas in other termination events, TOB Trust Certificates holders and TOB Residuals holders will be paid pro rata.

While a Fund’s investment policies and restrictions expressly permit investments in inverse floating rate securities, such as TOB Residuals, they generally restrict the ability of a Fund to borrow money for purposes of making investments. The management of each of MFT, MIY and MPA believes that each Fund’s restrictions on borrowings do not apply to the Funds’ TOB Trust transactions. Each Fund’s transfer of the municipal bonds to a TOB Trust is considered a secured borrowing for financial reporting purposes. The cash received by the TOB Trust from the sale of the TOB Trust Certificates, less certain transaction expenses, is paid to a Fund. A Fund typically invests the cash received in additional municipal bonds.

Accounting for TOB Trusts: The municipal bonds deposited into a TOB Trust are presented in a Fund’s Schedule of Investments and the TOB Trust Certificates are shown in Other Liabilities in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. Any loans drawn by the TOB Trust pursuant to the liquidity facility to purchase tendered TOB Trust Certificates are shown as Loan for TOB Trust Certificates. The carrying amount of a Fund’s payable to the holder of the TOB Trust

 

                
   ANNUAL REPORT    JULY 31, 2017    59


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)     

 

Certificates or the Liquidity Provider, as reported in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities as TOB Trust Certificates or Loan for TOB Trust Certificates, approximates its fair value.

Interest income, including amortization and accretion of premiums and discounts, from the underlying municipal bonds is recorded by a Fund on an accrual basis. Interest expense incurred on the TOB Trust transaction and other expenses related to remarketing, administration, trustee, liquidity and other services to a TOB Trust are shown as interest expense, fees and amortization of offering costs in the Statements of Operations. Fees paid upon creation of the TOB Trust are recorded as debt issuance costs and are amortized to interest expense, fees and amortization of offering costs in the Statements of Operations to the expected maturity of the TOB Trust. In connection with the restructurings of the TOB Trusts to non-bank sponsored TOB Trusts, a Fund incurred non-recurring, legal and restructuring fees, which are recorded as interest expense, fees and amortization of deferred offering costs in the Statements of Operations.

For the year ended July 31, 2017, the following table is a summary of each Fund’s TOB Trusts:

 

     Underlying
Municipal Bonds
Transferred to
TOB Trusts1
     Liability for
TOB Trust
Certificates2
     Range of
Interest Rates
on TOB Trust
Certificates at
Period End
     Average
TOB Trust
Certificates
Outstanding
     Daily Weighted Average
Rate of Interest
and Other Expenses
on TOB Trusts
 

MUC

  $ 386,922,686      $ 181,685,265        0.84% - 1.02%      $ 179,258,205        1.36%  

MUJ

  $ 119,548,406      $ 63,876,946        0.82% - 1.02%      $ 55,570,254        1.44%  

MFT

  $ 49,838,927      $ 27,228,737        0.84% - 1.17%      $ 25,454,120        1.41%  

MIY

  $ 101,334,689      $ 52,002,182        0.85% - 1.04%      $ 52,703,140        1.42%  

MPA

  $ 99,567,116      $ 55,826,390        0.84% - 1.07%      $ 51,758,175        1.37%  

 

  1   

The municipal bonds transferred to a TOB Trust are generally high grade municipal bonds. In certain cases, when municipal bonds transferred are lower grade municipal bonds, the TOB Trust transaction may include a credit enhancement feature that provides for the timely payment of principal and interest on the bonds to the TOB Trust by a credit enhancement provider in the event of default of the municipal bond. The TOB Trust would be responsible for the payment of the credit enhancement fee and the Funds, as TOB Residuals holders, would be responsible for reimbursement of any payments of principal and interest made by the credit enhancement provider. The maximum potential amounts owed by the Funds, for such reimbursements, as applicable, are included in the maximum potential amounts disclosed for recourse TOB Trusts.

 

  2   

TOB Trusts may be structured on a non-recourse or recourse basis. When a Fund invests in TOB Trusts on a non-recourse basis, the Liquidity Provider may be required to make a payment under the liquidity facility to allow the TOB Trust to repurchase TOB Trust Certificates. The Liquidity Provider will be reimbursed from the liquidation of bonds held in the TOB Trust. If a Fund invests in a TOB Trust on a recourse basis, a Fund enters into a reimbursement agreement with the Liquidity Provider where a Fund is required to reimburse the Liquidity Provider for any shortfall between the amount paid by the Liquidity Provider and proceeds received from liquidation of municipal bonds held in the TOB Trust (the “Liquidation Shortfall”). As a result, if a Fund invests in a recourse TOB Trust, a Fund will bear the risk of loss with respect to any Liquidation Shortfall. If multiple funds participate in any such TOB Trust, these losses will be shared ratably, including the maximum potential amounts owed by a Fund at July 31, 2017, in proportion to their participation in the TOB Trust. The recourse TOB Trusts are identified in the Schedules of Investments including the maximum potential amounts owed by a Fund at July 31, 2017.

For the year ended July 31, 2017, the following table is a summary of each Fund’s Loan for TOB Trust Certificates:

 

    

Loan

Outstanding

at Period End

    

Interest Rate

on Loan at

Period End

    

Average Loans

Outstanding

    

Daily Weighted

Average

Rate of Interest

and Other Expenses

on Loans

 

MUC

                $ 162,894        0.78%  

MIY

  $ 499,875        0.25%      $ 1,682,098        0.82%  

5. Derivative Financial Instruments:

The Funds engage in various portfolio investment strategies using derivative contracts both to increase the returns of the Funds and/or to manage their exposure to certain risks such as credit risk, equity risk, interest rate risk, foreign currency exchange rate risk, commodity price risk or other risks (e.g., inflation risk). Derivative financial instruments categorized by risk exposure are included in the Schedules of Investments. These contracts may be transacted on an exchange over-the-counter (“OTC”).

Futures Contracts: Futures contracts are purchased or sold to gain exposure to, or manage exposure to, changes in interest rates (interest rate risk), changes in the value of equity securities (equity risk) or foreign currencies (foreign currency exchange rate risk).

Futures contracts are agreements between the Funds and a counterparty to buy or sell a specific quantity of an underlying instrument at a specified price and on a specified date. Depending on the terms of a contract, it is settled either through physical delivery of the underlying instrument on the settlement date or by payment of a cash amount on the settlement date. Upon entering into a futures contract, the Funds are required to deposit initial margin with the broker in the form of cash or securities in an amount that varies depending on a contract’s size and risk profile. The initial margin deposit must then be maintained at an established level over the life of the contract.

Securities deposited as initial margin are designated in the Schedules of Investments and cash deposited, if any, is shown as cash pledged for futures contracts in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. 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 market value of the contract (“variation margin”). Variation margin is recorded as unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

 

                
60    ANNUAL REPORT    JULY 31, 2017   


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)     

 

and, if any, shown as variation margin receivable (or payable) on futures contracts in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. When the contract is closed, a realized gain or loss is recorded in the Statements of Operations 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 futures contracts involves the risk of an imperfect correlation in the movements in the price of futures contracts and interest, foreign currency exchange rates or underlying assets.

6. Investment Advisory Agreement and Other Transactions with Affiliates:

The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. is the largest stockholder and an affiliate of BlackRock, Inc. (“BlackRock”) for 1940 Act purposes.

Investment Advisory: Each Fund entered into an Investment Advisory Agreement with the Manager, the Funds’ investment adviser, an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of BlackRock, to provide investment advisory and administrative services. The Manager is responsible for the management of each Fund’ portfolio and provides the 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 at an annual rate equal to the following percentages of the average daily value of each Fund’ NAV.

 

     MUC      MUJ      MFT      MIY      MPA  

Investment advisory fee

    0.55%        0.50%        0.50%        0.49%        0.49%  

For purposes of calculating these fees, “net assets” mean the total assets of each Fund minus the sum of its accrued liabilities (which does not include liabilities represented by TOB Trusts and the liquidation preference of any outstanding preferred shares). It is understood that the liquidation preference of any outstanding preferred shares (other than accumulated dividends) and TOB Trusts is not considered a liability in determining a Fund’s net asset value.

Waivers: With respect to each Fund, 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 (the “affiliated money market fund waiver”). These amounts are included in fees waived by the Manager in the Statements of Operations. For the year ended July 31, 2017, the amounts waived were as follows:

 

     MUC      MUJ      MFT      MIY      MPA  

Amounts waived

  $ 7,432      $ 4,419      $ 581      $ 4,232      $ 2,624  

Effective September 1, 2016, the Manager voluntarily agreed to waive its investment advisory fee with respect to any portion of each Fund’s assets invested in affiliated equity and fixed-income mutual funds and affiliated exchange-traded funds that have a contractual management fee. Prior to September 1, 2016, the Manager did not waive such fees. Effective December 2, 2016, the waiver became contractual through June 30, 2018. The agreement can be renewed for annual periods thereafter, and may be terminated on 90 days’ notice, each subject to approval by a majority of the Funds’ Independent Directors.

The Manager, for MUC, voluntarily agreed to waive its investment advisory fee on the proceeds of the Preferred Shares and TOB Trusts that exceed 35% of total assets minus the sum of its accrued liabilities (which does not include liabilities represented by TOB Trusts and the liquidation preference of any outstanding preferred shares). The voluntary waiver may be reduced or discontinued at any time without notice. This amount is included in fees waived by the Manager in the Statements of Operations. For the year ended July 31, 2017, the waiver was $486,212.

Officers and Directors: Certain officers and/or directors of the Funds are officers and/or directors of BlackRock or its affiliates. The Funds reimburse the Manager for a portion of the compensation paid to the Funds’ Chief Compliance Officer, which is included in Officer and Directors in the Statements of Operations.

7. Purchases and Sales:

For the year ended July 31, 2017, purchases and sales of investments, excluding short-term securities, were as follows:

 

     MUC      MUJ      MFT      MIY      MPA  

Purchases

  $ 221,428,499      $ 86,847,409      $ 77,094,891      $ 99,756,857      $ 53,246,134  

Sales

  $ 197,144,625      $ 60,305,715      $ 70,803,961      $ 94,282,577      $ 52,409,032  

8. Income Tax Information:

It is each Fund’s policy to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, applicable to regulated investment companies, and to distribute substantially all of their taxable income to their shareholders. Therefore, no U.S. federal income tax provision is required.

Each Fund files U.S. federal and various state and local tax returns. No income tax returns are currently under examination. The statute of limitations on each Fund’s U.S. federal tax returns generally remains open for each of the four years ended July 31, 2017. The statutes of limitations on each Fund’s state and local tax returns may remain open for an additional year depending upon the jurisdiction.

 

                
   ANNUAL REPORT    JULY 31, 2017    61


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)     

 

Management has analyzed tax laws and regulations and their application to the Funds as of July 31, 2017, inclusive of the open tax return years, and does not believe that there are any uncertain tax positions that require recognition of a tax liability in the Funds’ financial statements.

U.S. GAAP requires that certain components of net assets be adjusted to reflect permanent differences between financial and tax reporting. These reclassifications have no effect on net assets or net asset values per share. As of period end, the following permanent differences attributable to amortization methods on fixed income securities, non-deductible expenses, the expiration of capital loss carryforwards, distributions received from a regulated investment company and the sale of bonds received from TOB Trusts were reclassified to the following accounts:

 

      MUC        MUJ        MFT        MIY        MPA  

Paid-in capital

  $ (4,636,872    $ (19,040           $ (1,990,315    $ (1,664,650

Undistributed net investment income

  $ (214,134    $ 17,082      $ 391      $ 586,323      $ (6,425

Accumulated net realized loss

  $ 4,851,006      $ 1,958      $ (391    $ 1,403,992      $ 1,671,075  

The tax character of distributions paid was as follows:

 

               MUC        MUJ        MFT        MIY        MPA  

Tax-exempt income1

    7/31/2017      $ 34,401,011      $ 28,192,536      $ 8,017,243      $ 26,448,104      $ 11,312,425  
    7/31/2016      $ 35,447,940      $ 28,555,112      $ 7,871,314      $ 24,757,593      $ 11,948,617  

Ordinary income2 .

    7/31/2017               59,052               45,447         
    7/31/2016        15,155        237,316        7        41        4,471  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

    7/31/2017      $ 34,401,011      $ 28,251,588      $ 8,017,243      $ 26,493,551      $ 11,312,425  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
    7/31/2016      $ 35,463,095      $ 28,792,428      $ 7,871,321      $ 24,757,634      $ 11,953,088  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  1   

The Funds designate these amounts paid during the fiscal year ended July 31, 2017, as exempt-interest dividends.

 

  2   

Ordinary income consists primarily of taxable income recognized from market discount. Additionally, all ordinary income distributions are comprised of interest related dividends for non-U.S. residents and are eligible for exemption from U.S. withholding tax for nonresident aliens and foreign corporations.

 

As of July 31, 2017, the tax components of accumulated net earnings were as follows:

 

     MUC      MUJ      MFT      MIY      MPA  

Undistributed tax-exempt income .

  $ 2,506,818      $ 2,264,839      $ 1,093,499      $ 1,398,137      $ 169,650  

Undistributed ordinary income

           22,572               134,372        15,687  

Capital loss carryforwards .

           (4,130,585      (11,168,402      (4,458,634      (3,355,740

Net unrealized gains1

    54,964,434        47,152,000        15,756,608        41,767,744        17,732,582  

Qualified late-year losses2

    (1,903,019                            
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

  $ 55,568,233      $ 45,308,826      $ 5,681,705      $ 38,841,619      $ 14,562,179  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  1  

The difference between book-basis and tax-basis net unrealized gains was attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales and straddles, amortization methods of premiums and discounts on fixed income securities, the realization for tax purposes of unrealized gains/losses on certain futures contracts, the treatment of residual interests in TOB Trusts and the deferral of compensation to Directors.

 

  2   

The Funds have elected to defer certain qualified late-year losses and recognize such losses in the next taxable year.

As of July 31, 2017, the Funds had capital loss carryforwards available to offset future realized capital gains through the indicated expiration dates as follows:

 

Expires July 31,   MUJ      MFT      MIY      MPA  

No expiration date1

  $ 4,130,585      $ 6,551,720      $ 4,458,634      $ 2,411,529  

2018

           4,616,682               893,908  

2019

                         50,303  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

  $ 4,130,585      $ 11,168,402      $ 4,458,634      $ 3,355,740  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  1   

Must be utilized prior to losses subject to expiration.

During the year ended July 31, 2017, the Funds listed below utilized the following amounts of their respective capital loss carryforward:

 

     MUC   MUJ      MFT      MIY      MPA  

Amount utilized

 

$2,583,716

  $ 3,062,369      $ 153,723      $ 2,123,209      $ 185,294  

As of July 31, 2017, gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation based on cost for U.S. federal income-tax purposes were as follows:

 

     MUC      MUJ      MFT      MIY      MPA  

Tax cost

  $ 834,869,238      $ 677,157,102      $ 164,746,722      $ 641,175,315      $ 274,776,212  
 

 

 

 

Gross unrealized appreciation

  $ 57,516,013      $ 50,453,678      $ 15,977,977      $ 43,013,070      $ 20,482,842  

Gross unrealized depreciation

    (2,215,169      (3,301,665      (221,369      (463,595      (2,643,658
 

 

 

 

Net unrealized appreciation

  $ 55,300,844      $ 47,152,013      $ 15,756,608      $ 42,549,475      $ 17,839,184  
 

 

 

 

 

                
62    ANNUAL REPORT    JULY 31, 2017   


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)     

 

9. Principal Risks:

Many municipalities insure repayment of their bonds, which may reduce the potential for loss due to credit risk. The market value of these bonds may fluctuate for other reasons, including market perception of the value of such insurance, and there is no guarantee that the insurer will meet its obligation.

Inventories of municipal bonds held by brokers and dealers may decrease, which would lessen their ability to make a market in these securities. Such a reduction in market making capacity could potentially decrease a Fund’s ability to buy or sell bonds. As a result, a Fund may sell a security at a lower price, sell other securities to raise cash, or give up an investment opportunity, any of which could have a negative impact on performance. If a Fund needed to sell large blocks of bonds, those sales could further reduce the bonds’ prices and impact performance.

In the normal course of business, certain Funds invest in securities and enter into transactions where risks exist due to fluctuations in the market (market risk) or failure of the issuer to meet all its obligations, including the ability to pay principal and interest when due (issuer credit risk). The value of securities may also be affected by one or all of the following: (i) general economy; (ii) overall market as well as local, regional or global political and/or social instability; (iii) regulation, taxation or international tax treaties between various countries; and (iv) currency, interest rate and price fluctuations.

Each Fund may be exposed to prepayment risk, which is the risk that borrowers may exercise their option to prepay principal earlier than scheduled during periods of declining interest rates, which would force each Fund to reinvest in lower yielding securities. Each Fund may also be exposed to reinvestment risk, which is the risk that income from each Fund’s portfolio will decline if each Fund invests the proceeds from matured, traded or called fixed-income securities at market interest rates that are below each Fund portfolio’s current earnings rate.

The Funds may hold a significant amount of bonds subject to calls by the issuers at defined dates and prices. When bonds are called by issuers and the Funds reinvest the proceeds received, such investments may be in securities with lower yields than the bonds originally held, and correspondingly, could adversely impact the yield and total return performance of a Fund.

A Fund structures and “sponsors” the TOB Trusts in which it holds TOB Residuals and has certain duties and responsibilities, which may give rise to certain additional risks including, but not limited to, compliance, securities law and operational risks.

Should short-term interest rates rise, the Funds’ investments in TOB Trusts may adversely affect the Funds’ net investment income and dividends to Common Shareholders. Also, fluctuations in the market value of municipal bonds deposited into the TOB Trust may adversely affect the Funds’ NAVs per share.

The SEC and various federal banking and housing agencies have adopted credit risk retention rules for securitizations (the “Risk Retention Rules”). The Risk Retention Rules would require the sponsor of a TOB Trust to retain at least 5% of the credit risk of the underlying assets supporting the TOB Trust’s municipal bonds. The Risk Retention Rules may adversely affect the Funds’ ability to engage in TOB Trust transactions or increase the costs of such transactions in certain circumstances.

TOB Trusts constitute an important component of the municipal bond market. Any modifications or changes to rules governing TOB Trusts may adversely impact the municipal market and the Funds, including through reduced demand for and liquidity of municipal bonds and increased financing costs for municipal issuers. The ultimate impact of any potential modifications on the TOB Trust market and the overall municipal market is not yet certain.

Counterparty Credit Risk: Similar to issuer credit risk, the Funds may be exposed to counterparty credit risk, or the risk that an entity may fail to or be unable to perform on its commitments related to unsettled or open transactions. The Funds manage counterparty credit risk by entering into transactions only with counterparties that the Manager believes have the financial resources to honor their obligations and by monitoring the financial stability of those counterparties. Financial assets, which potentially expose the Funds to market, issuer and counterparty credit risks, consist principally of financial instruments and receivables due from counterparties. The extent of the Funds’ exposure to market, issuer and counterparty credit risks with respect to these financial assets is approximately their value recorded in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities, less any collateral held by the Funds.

A derivative contract may suffer a mark-to-market loss if the value of the contract decreases due to an unfavorable change in the market rates or values of the underlying instrument. Losses can also occur if the counterparty does not perform under the contract.

With exchange-traded futures, there is less counterparty credit risk to the Funds since the exchange or clearinghouse, as counterparty to such instruments, guarantees against a possible default. The clearinghouse stands between the buyer and the seller of the contract; therefore, credit risk is limited to failure of the clearinghouse. While offset rights may exist under applicable law, a Fund does not have a contractual right of offset against a clearing broker or clearinghouse in the event of a default (including the bankruptcy or insolvency). Additionally, credit risk exists in exchange-traded futures with respect to initial and variation margin that is held in a clearing broker’s customer accounts. While clearing brokers are required to segregate customer margin from their own assets, in the event that a clearing broker becomes insolvent or goes into bankruptcy and at that time there is a shortfall in the aggregate amount of margin held by the clearing broker for all its clients, typically the shortfall would be allocated on a pro rata basis across all the clearing broker’s customers, potentially resulting in losses to the Funds.

 

                
   ANNUAL REPORT    JULY 31, 2017    63


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)     

 

Concentration Risk: MUC, MUJ, MIY and MPA invest a substantial amount of their assets in issuers located in a single state or limited number of states. This may subject each Fund to the risk that economic, political or social issues impacting a particular state or group of states could have an adverse and disproportionate impact on the income from, or the value or liquidity of, the Funds’ respective portfolios. Investment percentages in specific states or U.S. territories are presented in the Schedules of Investments.

As of period end, MUC invested a significant portion of its assets in securities in the county, city, special district and school district sector, MUJ and MFT invested a significant portion of their assets in securities in the transportation sector and MIY invested a significant portion of its assets in securities in the health sector. Changes in economic conditions affecting such sectors would have a greater impact on the Funds and could affect the value, income and/or liquidity of positions in such securities.

Certain Funds invest a significant portion of their assets in fixed-income securities and/or use derivatives tied to the fixed-income markets. Changes in market interest rates or economic conditions may affect the value and/or liquidity of such investments. Interest rate risk is the risk that prices of bonds and other fixed-income securities will increase as interest rates fall and decrease as interest rates rise. The Funds may be subject to a greater risk of rising interest rates due to the current period of historically low rates.

10. Capital Share Transactions:

Common Shares

MFT and MPA each is authorized to issue an unlimited numbers of Common Shares and 1 million Preferred Shares, all of which were initially classified as Common Shares. MUC, MUJ and MIY each is authorized to issue 200 million shares, all of which were initially classified as Common Shares. The par value for each Fund’s Common Shares is $0.10. The par value for each Fund’s Preferred Shares outstanding is $0.10, except for MFT and MPA, which is $0.05. The Board is authorized, however, to reclassify any unissued Common Shares to Preferred Shares without the approval of Common Shareholders.

For the year ended July 31, 2017, Common Shares issued and outstanding increased by 2,005 for MFT. For the year ended July 31, 2016, Common Shares issued and outstanding remained constant for MFT.

For the years ended July 31, 2017 and July 31, 2016, shares issued and outstanding remained constant for MUC, MUJ and MPA.

For the year ended July 31, 2017, Common Shares issued and outstanding remained constant for MIY. For the year ended July 31, 2016, Common Shares issued and outstanding increased by 11,329,360 due to the reorganization for MIY.

Preferred Shares

Each Fund’s Preferred Shares rank prior to the Fund’s Common Shares as to the payment of dividends by the Fund and distribution of assets upon dissolution or liquidation of a Fund. The 1940 Act prohibits the declaration of any dividend on a Fund’s Common Shares or the repurchase of a Fund’s Common Shares if a Fund fails to maintain asset coverage of at least 200% of the liquidation preference of the Fund’s outstanding Preferred Shares. In addition, pursuant to the Preferred Shares’ governing instruments, a Fund is restricted from declaring and paying dividends on classes of shares ranking junior to or on parity with the Fund’s Preferred Shares or repurchasing such shares if a Fund fails to declare and pay dividends on the Preferred Shares, redeem any Preferred Shares required to be redeemed under the Preferred Shares’ governing instruments or comply with the basic maintenance amount requirement of the ratings agencies rating the Preferred Shares.

The holders of Preferred Shares have voting rights equal to the voting rights of the holders of Common Shares (one vote per share) and will vote together with holders of Common Shares (one vote per share) as a single class on certain matters. However, the holders of Preferred Shares, voting as a separate class, are also entitled to elect two Directors to the Board of each Fund. The holders of Preferred Shares are also entitled to elect the full Board of Directors if dividends on the Preferred Shares are not paid for a period of two years. The holders of Preferred Shares are also generally entitled to a separate class vote to amend the Preferred Share governing documents. In addition, the 1940 Act requires the approval of the holders of a majority of any outstanding Preferred Shares, voting as a separate class, to (a) adopt any plan of reorganization that would adversely affect the Preferred Shares, (b) change a Fund’s sub-classification as a closed-end investment company or change its fundamental investment restrictions or (c) change its business so as to cease to be an investment company.

 

                
64    ANNUAL REPORT    JULY 31, 2017   


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)     

 

VRDP Shares

MUJ, MIY and MPA (collectively, the “VRDP Funds”), have issued Series W-7 VRDP Shares, $100,000 liquidation preference per share, in privately negotiated offerings. The VRDP Shares were offered to qualified institutional buyers as defined pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, (the “Securities Act”). The VRDP Shares include a liquidity feature and are currently in a special rate period, each as described below.

As of period end, the VRDP Shares outstanding of each Fund were as follows:

 

     Issue Date      Shares Issued      Aggregate Principal      Maturity Date  

MUJ

    6/30/11        1,727      $ 172,700,000        7/01/41  
    4/13/15        644      $ 64,400,000        7/01/41  

MIY

    4/21/11        1,446      $ 144,600,000        5/01/41  
    9/14/15        873      $ 87,300,000        5/01/41  

MPA

    5/19/11        663      $ 66,300,000        6/01/41  
      4/13/15        163      $ 16,300,000        6/01/41  

Redemption Terms: Each VRDP Fund is required to redeem its VRDP Shares on the maturity date, unless earlier redeemed or repurchased. Six months prior to the maturity date, each VRDP Fund is required to begin to segregate liquid assets with the Fund’s custodian to fund the redemption. In addition, each VRDP Fund is required to redeem certain of its outstanding VRDP Shares if it fails to comply with certain asset coverage, basic maintenance amount or leverage requirements.

Subject to certain conditions, the VRDP Shares may also be redeemed, in whole or in part, at any time at the option of each VRDP Fund. The redemption price per VRDP Share is equal to the liquidation preference per share plus any outstanding unpaid dividends.

Liquidity Feature: Each VRDP Fund entered into a fee agreement with the liquidity provider that requires an initial commitment and a per annum liquidity fee payable to the liquidity provider. These fees, if applicable, are shown as liquidity fees in the Statements of Operations.

The fee agreements between VRDP Funds and the liquidity provider are for a 364 day term and are scheduled to expire, unless renewed or terminated in advance as follows:

 

     MUJ      MIY      MPA  

Expiration date

    4/15/20        7/05/18        7/05/18  

In the event the fee agreement is not renewed or is terminated in advance, and the VRDP Funds do not enter into a fee agreement with an alternate liquidity provider, the VRDP Shares will be subject to mandatory purchase by the liquidity provider prior to the termination of the fee agreement. In the event of such mandatory purchase, the VRDP Funds are required to redeem the VRDP Shares six months after the purchase date. Immediately after such mandatory purchase, each VRDP Fund is required to begin to segregate liquid assets with their custodian to fund the redemption. There is no assurance the VRDP Fund will replace such redeemed VRDP Shares with any other preferred shares or other form of leverage.

Remarketing: The VRDP Funds may incur remarketing fees of 0.10% on the aggregate principal amount of all the Funds’ VRDP Shares, which, if any, are included in remarketing fees on Preferred Shares in the Statements of Operations. During any special rate period (as described below), VRDP Funds may incur no remarketing fees.

Dividends: Dividends on the VRDP Shares are payable monthly at a variable rate set weekly by the remarketing agent. Such dividend rates are generally based upon a spread over a base rate and cannot exceed a maximum rate. In the event of a failed remarketing, the dividend rate of the VRDP Shares will be reset to a maximum rate. The maximum rate is determined based on, among other things, the long-term preferred share rating assigned to the VRDP Shares and the length of time that the VRDP Shares fail to be remarketed. At the date of issuance, the VRDP Shares were assigned long-term ratings of Aaa from Moody’s and AAA from Fitch. Subsequent to the issuance of the VRDP Shares, Moody’s completed a review of its methodology for rating securities issued by registered closed-end funds. As of period end, the VRDP Shares were assigned a long-term rating of Aa2 from Moody’s under its new ratings methodology. The VRDP Shares continue to be assigned a long-term rating of AAA from Fitch.

For the year ended July 31, 2017, the annualized dividend rates for the VRDP Shares were as follows:

 

     MUJ      MIY      MPA  

Rate

    1.59%        1.61%        1.61%  

Ratings: The short-term ratings on the VRDP Shares are directly related to the short-term ratings of the liquidity provider for such VRDP Shares. Changes in the credit quality of the liquidity provider could cause a change in the short-term credit ratings of the VRDP Shares as rated by Moody’s, Fitch and/or S&P. A change in the short-term credit rating of the liquidity provider or the VRDP Shares may adversely affect the dividend rate paid on such shares, although the dividend rate paid on the VRDP Shares is not directly based upon either short-term rating. The liquidity provider may be terminated prior to the scheduled termination date if the liquidity provider fails to maintain short-term debt ratings in one of the two highest rating categories.

 

 

                
   ANNUAL REPORT    JULY 31, 2017    65


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)     

 

Special Rate Period: On June 21, 2012, MIY and MPA commenced a three-year term ending June 24, 2015 (the “special rate period”) with respect to their VRDP Shares, during which the VRDP Shares will not be subject to any remarketing and the dividend rate will be based on a predetermined methodology. The special rate period has been extended each year for an additional one year term and is currently set to expire on June 20, 2018. Prior to June 20, 2018, the holder of the VRDP Shares and MIY and MPA may mutually agree to extend the special rate period. If the special rate period is not extended, the VRDP Shares will revert to remarketable securities upon the termination of the special rate period and will be remarketed and available for purchase by qualified institutional investors.

On April 17, 2014, MUJ commenced a three-year term ending April 19, 2017 (the “special rate period”) with respect to its VRDP Shares, during which the VRDP Shares will not be subject to any remarketing and the dividend rate will be based on a predetermined methodology. In April 2017, the special rate period was extended to April 15, 2020. Prior to April 15, 2020, the holder of the VRDP Shares and MUJ may mutually agree to extend the special rate period. If the special rate period is not extended, the VRDP Shares will revert to remarketable securities upon the termination of the special rate period and will be remarketed and available for purchase by qualified institutional investors.

During the special rate period, the liquidity and fee agreements remain in effect and the VRDP Shares remain subject to mandatory redemption by MUJ on the maturity date. The VRDP Shares will not be remarketed or subject to optional or mandatory tender events during the special rate period. During the special rate period, MUJ is required to comply with the same asset coverage, basic maintenance amount and leverage requirements for the VRDP Shares as is required when the VRDP Shares are not in a special rate period. MUJ will pay a nominal fee at the annual rate of 0.01% to the liquidity provider and remarketing agent during the special rate period. MUJ will also pay dividends monthly based on the sum of the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (“SIFMA”) Municipal Swap Index rate and a percentage per annum based on the long-term ratings assigned to the VRDP Shares.

If the VRDP Funds redeem the VRDP Shares prior to end of the special rate period and the VRDP Shares have long-term ratings above A1/A+ and its equivalent by all ratings agencies then rating the VRDP Shares, then such redemption may be subject to a redemption premium payable to the holder of the VRDP Shares based on the time remaining in the special rate period, subject to certain exceptions for redemptions that are required to comply with minimum asset coverage requirements.

For the year ended July 31, 2017, VRDP Shares issued and outstanding of the VRDP Funds remained constant.

For the year ended July 31, 2016, the VRDP Shares issued and outstanding for MUJ and MPA remained constant, and the VRDP Shares issued and outstanding increased by 873 due to the reorganization of MIY.

VMTP Shares

MUC and MFT (collectively, the “VMTP Funds”) have issued Series W-7 VMTP Shares, $100,000 liquidation preference per share, in privately negotiated offerings and sale of VMTP Shares exempt from registration under the Securities Act. The VMTP Shares are subject to certain restrictions on transfer, and VMTP Funds may also be required to register the VMTP Shares for sale under the Securities Act under certain circumstances. In addition, amendments to the VMTP governing documents generally require the consent of the holders of VMTP Shares.

As of period end, the VMTP Shares outstanding of each Fund were as follows:

 

     Issue Date      Shares Issued      Aggregate Principal      Term Redemption Date  

MUC

    3/22/12        2,540        254,000,000        3/30/19  

MFT

    12/16/11        565        56,500,000        1/2/19  

Redemption Terms: Each VMTP Fund is required to redeem its VMTP Shares on the term redemption date, unless earlier redeemed or repurchased or unless extended. In September 2015, the term redemption date for MUC was extended until March 30, 2019. There is no assurance that the term of a Fund’s VMTP Shares will be extended further or that a Fund’s VMTP Shares will be replaced with any other preferred shares or other form of leverage upon the redemption or repurchase of the VMTP Shares. Six months prior to the term redemption date, each VMTP Fund is required to begin to segregate liquid assets with the Funds’ custodian to fund the redemption. In addition, each VMTP Fund is required to redeem certain of its outstanding VMTP Shares if it fails to comply with certain asset coverage, basic maintenance amount or leverage requirements.

Subject to certain conditions, a Fund’s VMTP Shares may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at any time at the option of each VMTP Fund. The redemption price per VMTP Share is equal to the liquidation preference per share plus any outstanding unpaid dividends and applicable redemption premium. If the VMTP Fund redeems the VMTP Shares prior to the term redemption date and the VMTP Shares have long-term ratings above A1/A+ or its equivalent by the ratings agencies then rating the VMTP Shares, then such redemption may be subject to a prescribed redemption premium (up to 3% of the liquidation preference) payable to the holder of the VMTP Shares based on the time remaining until the term redemption date, subject to certain exceptions for redemptions that are required to comply with minimum asset coverage requirements.

Dividends: Dividends on the VMTP Shares are declared daily and payable monthly at a variable rate set weekly at a fixed rate spread to the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (“SIFMA”) Municipal Swap Index. The fixed spread is determined based on the long-term preferred share rating assigned to the VMTP Shares by the ratings agencies then rating the VMTP Shares. At the date of issuance, the VMTP Shares were assigned long-term

 

                
66    ANNUAL REPORT    JULY 31, 2017   


Notes to Financial Statements (concluded)     

 

ratings of Aaa from Moody’s and AAA from Fitch. Subsequent to the issuance of the VMTP Shares, Moody’s completed a review of its methodology for rating securities issued by registered closed-end funds. As of period end, the VMTP Shares were assigned a long-term rating of Aa1 for MFT and Aa2 for MUC from Moody’s under its new rating methodology. The VMTP Shares continue to be assigned a long-term rating of AAA from Fitch. The dividend rate on the VMTP Shares is subject to a step-up spread if the Funds fail to comply with certain provisions, including, among other things, the timely payment of dividends, redemptions or gross-up payments, and complying with certain asset coverage and leverage requirements.

For the year ended July 31, 2017, the annualized dividend rates for the VMTP Shares were as follows:

 

     MUC      MFT  

Rate

    1.63%        1.71%  

For the year ended July 31, 2017, VMTP Shares issued and outstanding of each VMTP Fund remained constant.

Offering Costs: The Funds incurred costs in connection with the issuance of VRDP and/or VMTP Shares, which were recorded as a direct deduction from the carrying value of the related debt liability and will be amortized over the life of the VRDP Shares with the exception of upfront fees paid to the liquidity provider which were amortized over the life of the liquidity agreement. Amortization of these costs is included in interest expense, fees and amortization of offering costs in the Statements of Operations.

Financial Reporting: The VRDP and VMTP Shares are considered debt of the issuer; therefore, the liquidation preference, which approximates fair value of the VRDP and VMTP Shares, is recorded as a liability in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities net of deferred offering costs. Unpaid dividends are included in interest expense and fees payable in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities, and the dividends accrued and paid on the VRDP and VMTP Shares are included as a component of interest expense, fees and amortization of offering costs in the Statements of Operations. The VRDP and VMTP Shares are treated as equity for tax purposes. Dividends paid to holders of the VRDP and VMTP Shares are generally classified as tax-exempt income for tax-reporting purposes.

11. Subsequent Events:

Management’s evaluation of the impact of all subsequent events on the Funds’ financial statements was completed through the date the financial statements were issued and the following items were noted:

 

     Common Dividend Per Share            Preferred Shares3  
     Paid1        Declared2            Shares        Series        Declared  

MUC

  $ 0.0615        $ 0.0615         VMTP          W-7        $ 367,361  

MUJ

  $ 0.0675        $ 0.0675         VRDP          W-7        $ 334,863  

MFT

  $ 0.0670        $ 0.0670         VMTP          W-7        $ 85,555  

MIY

  $ 0.0640        $ 0.0640         VRDP          W-7        $ 330,315  

MPA

  $ 0.0623        $ 0.0623               VRDP          W-7        $ 117,654  

 

  1   

Net investment income dividend paid on September 1, 2017, to Common Shareholders of record on August 15, 2017.

 

  2   

Net investment income dividend declared on September 1, 2017, payable to Common Shareholders of record on September 15, 2017.

 

  3   

Dividends declared for period August 1, 2017 to August 31, 2017.

 

                
   ANNUAL REPORT    JULY 31, 2017    67


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of BlackRock MuniHoldings California Quality Fund, Inc., BlackRock MuniHoldings New Jersey Quality Fund, Inc., BlackRock MuniYield Michigan Quality Fund, Inc., and to the Shareholders and Board of Trustees of BlackRock MuniYield Investment Quality Fund and BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund:

We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities of BlackRock MuniHoldings California Quality Fund, Inc., BlackRock MuniHoldings New Jersey Quality Fund, Inc., BlackRock MuniYield Investment Quality Fund, BlackRock MuniYield Michigan Quality Fund, Inc., and BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund (collectively, the “Funds”), including the schedules of investments, as of July 31, 2017, and the related statements of operations and the statements of cash flows for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Funds’ management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. The Funds are not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of their internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Funds’ internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of July 31, 2017, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; where replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial positions of BlackRock MuniHoldings California Quality Fund, Inc., BlackRock MuniHoldings New Jersey Quality Fund, Inc., BlackRock MuniYield Investment Quality Fund, BlackRock MuniYield Michigan Quality Fund, Inc., and BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund as of July 31, 2017, the results of their operations and their cash flows for the year then ended, the changes in their net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Deloitte & Touche LLP

Boston, Massachusetts

September 25, 2017

 

                
68    ANNUAL REPORT    JULY 31, 2017   


Disclosure of Investment Advisory Agreements

 

The Board of Directors (the “Board,” the members of which are referred to as “Board Members”) of BlackRock MuniHoldings California Quality Fund, Inc. (“MUC”), BlackRock New Jersey Quality Fund (“MUJ”), BlackRock MuniYield Investment Quality Fund (“MFT”), BlackRock MuniYield Michigan Quality Fund, Inc. (“MIY”) and BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund (“MPA” and together with MUC, MUJ, MFT and MIY, each a “Fund,” and, collectively, the “Funds”) met in person on April 27, 2017 (the “April Meeting”) and June 7-8, 2017 (the “June Meeting”) to consider the approval of each Fund’s investment advisory agreement (each an “Agreement,” and, collectively, the “Agreements”) with BlackRock Advisors, LLC (the “Manager”), each Fund’s investment advisor. The Manager is also referred to herein as “BlackRock”.

Activities and Composition of the Board

On the date of the June Meeting, the Board of each Fund consisted of eleven individuals, nine of whom were not “interested persons” of the Fund as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”) (the “Independent Board Members”). The Board Members are responsible for the oversight of the operations of its Fund and perform the various duties imposed on the directors of investment companies by the 1940 Act. The Independent Board Members have retained independent legal counsel to assist them in connection with their duties. The Chair of each Board is an Independent Board Member. Each Board has established five standing committees: an Audit Committee, a Governance and Nominating Committee, a Compliance Committee, a Performance Oversight Committee, and an Executive Committee, each of which is chaired by an Independent Board Member and composed of Independent Board Members (except for the Executive Committee, which also has one interested Board Member).

The Agreements

Pursuant to the 1940 Act, each Board is required to consider the continuation of the Agreement for its Fund on an annual basis. Each Board has four quarterly meetings per year, each extending over two days, a fifth one-day meeting to consider specific information surrounding the consideration of renewing the Agreement for its Fund and additional in-person and telephonic meetings as needed. In connection with this year-long deliberative process, each Board assessed, among other things, the nature, extent and quality of the services provided to its Fund by BlackRock, BlackRock’s personnel and affiliates, including, as applicable; investment management, administrative, and shareholder services; the oversight of fund service providers; marketing; risk oversight; compliance; and ability to meet applicable legal and regulatory requirements.

Each Board, acting directly and through its committees, considers at each of its meetings, and from time to time as appropriate, factors that are relevant to its annual consideration of the renewal of the Agreement for its Fund, including the services and support provided by BlackRock to the Fund and its shareholders. BlackRock also furnished additional information to each Board in response to specific questions from the Board. This additional information is discussed further below in the section titled “Board Considerations in Approving the Agreements.” Among the matters each Board considered were: (a) investment performance for one-year, three-year, five-year, ten-year, and/or since inception periods, as applicable, against peer funds, applicable benchmarks, and performance metrics, as applicable, as well as senior management’s and portfolio managers’ analysis of the reasons for any over-performance or underperformance relative to its peers, benchmarks, and other performance metrics, as applicable; (b) fees, including advisory, administration, if applicable, paid to BlackRock and its affiliates by the Fund for services; (c) Fund operating expenses and how BlackRock allocates expenses to the Fund; (d) the resources devoted to, risk oversight of, and compliance reports relating to, implementation of the Fund’s investment objective(s), policies and restrictions, and meeting regulatory requirements; (e) the Fund’s adherence to its compliance policies and procedures; (f) the nature, cost and character of non-investment management services provided by BlackRock and its affiliates; (g) BlackRock’s and other service providers’ internal controls and risk and compliance oversight mechanisms; (h) BlackRock’s implementation of the proxy voting policies approved by the Board; (i) execution quality of portfolio transactions; (j) BlackRock’s implementation of the Fund’s valuation and liquidity procedures; (k) an analysis of management fees for products with similar investment mandates across the open-end fund, closed-end fund, sub-advised mutual fund, collective investment trust, and institutional separate account product channels, as applicable, and the similarities and differences between these products and the services provided as compared to the Fund; (l) BlackRock’s compensation methodology for its investment professionals and the incentives and accountability it creates, along with investment professionals’ investments in the fund(s) they manage; and (m) periodic updates on BlackRock’s business.

The Board of each Fund considered BlackRock’s efforts during the past several years with regard to the redemption of outstanding auction rate preferred securities (“AMPS”). As of the date of this report, each Fund has redeemed all of its outstanding AMPS.

Board Considerations in Approving the Agreements

The Approval Process: Prior to the April Meeting, each Board requested and received materials specifically relating to the Agreement for its Fund. Each Board is continuously engaged in a process with its independent legal counsel and BlackRock to review the nature and scope of the information provided to better assist its deliberations. The materials provided to the Board of each Fund in connection with the April Meeting included (a) information independently compiled and prepared by Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (“Broadridge”) on Fund fees and expenses as compared with a peer group of funds as determined by Broadridge (“Expense Peers”) and the investment performance of the Fund as compared with a peer group of funds as determined by Broadridge1 and a customized peer group selected by BlackRock (“Customized Peer Group”); (b) information on the profits realized by BlackRock and its affiliates pursuant to the Fund’s Agreement and a discussion of fall-out benefits to BlackRock and its affiliates; (c) a general analysis provided by BlackRock concerning investment management fees charged to other clients, such as institutional clients, sub-advised mutual funds, and open-end funds,

 

1   

Funds are ranked by Broadridge in quartiles, ranging from first to fourth, where first is the most desirable quartile position and fourth is the least desirable.

 

                
   ANNUAL REPORT    JULY 31, 2017    69


Disclosure of Investment Advisory Agreements (continued)

 

under similar investment mandates, as applicable; (d) review of non-management fees; (e) the existence, impact and sharing of potential economies of scale; and (f) a summary of aggregate amounts paid by the Fund to BlackRock.

At the April Meeting, each Board reviewed materials relating to its consideration of the Agreement for its Fund. As a result of the discussions that occurred during the April Meeting, and as a culmination of each Board’s year-long deliberative process, each Board presented BlackRock with questions and requests for additional information. BlackRock responded to these requests with additional written information in advance of the June Meeting. Topics covered included: (a) fund repositionings and portfolio management changes, including additional information about the portfolio managers, research teams, organization and methods and historical track records of the teams, and the potential impact of such changes on fund performance and the costs of such changes; (b) scientific active equity management; (c) BlackRock’s option overwrite policy; (d) differences in services between closed-end funds and mutual funds; (d) market discount; and (e) adviser profitability.

At the June Meeting, each Board, including the Independent Board Members, unanimously approved the continuation of the Agreement between the Manager and its Fund for a one-year term ending June 30, 2018. In approving the continuation of the Agreement for its Fund, each Board considered: (a) the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by BlackRock; (b) the investment performance of the Fund; (c) the advisory fee and the cost of the services and profits to be realized by BlackRock and its affiliates from their relationship with the Fund; (d) the Fund’s costs to investors compared to the costs of Expense Peers and performance compared to the relevant performance metrics as previously discussed; (e) the sharing of potential economies of scale; (f) fall-out benefits to BlackRock and its affiliates as a result of its relationship with the Fund; and (g) other factors deemed relevant by the Board Members.

Each Board also considered other matters it deemed important to the approval process, such as other payments made to BlackRock or its affiliates relating to securities lending and cash management, services related to the valuation and pricing of Fund portfolio holdings, and advice from independent legal counsel with respect to the review process and materials submitted for the Board’s review. Each Board noted the willingness of BlackRock personnel to engage in open, candid discussions with the Board. Each Board did not identify any particular information as determinative, and each Board Member may have attributed different weights to the various items considered.

A. Nature, Extent and Quality of the Services Provided by BlackRock: Each Board, including the Independent Board Members, reviewed the nature, extent and quality of services provided by BlackRock, including the investment advisory services and the resulting performance of its Fund. Throughout the year, each Board compared its Fund’s performance to the performance of a comparable group of closed-end funds, relevant benchmark, and performance metrics, as applicable. Each Board met with BlackRock’s senior management personnel responsible for investment activities, including the senior investment officers. Each Board also reviewed the materials provided by its Fund’s portfolio management team discussing the Fund’s performance and the Fund’s investment objective(s), strategies and outlook.

Each Board considered, among other factors, with respect to BlackRock: the number, education and experience of investment personnel generally and its Fund’s portfolio management team; BlackRock’s research capabilities; investments by portfolio managers in the funds they manage; portfolio trading capabilities; use of technology; commitment to compliance; credit analysis capabilities; risk analysis and oversight capabilities; and the approach to training and retaining portfolio managers and other research, advisory and management personnel. Each Board engaged in a review of BlackRock’s compensation structure with respect to its Fund’s portfolio management team and BlackRock’s ability to attract and retain high-quality talent and create performance incentives.

In addition to investment advisory services, each Board considered the quality of the administrative and other non-investment advisory services provided to its Fund. BlackRock and its affiliates provide each Fund with certain administrative, shareholder, and other services (in addition to any such services provided to the Fund by third parties) and officers and other personnel as are necessary for the operations of the Fund. In particular, BlackRock and its affiliates provide each Fund with administrative services including, among others: (i) preparing disclosure documents, such as the prospectus and the statement of additional information in connection with the initial public offering and periodic shareholder reports; (ii) preparing communications with analysts to support secondary market trading of the Fund; (iii) oversight of daily accounting and pricing; (iv) preparing periodic filings with regulators and stock exchanges; (v) overseeing and coordinating the activities of other service providers; (vi) organizing Board meetings and preparing the materials for such Board meetings; (vii) providing legal and compliance support; (viii) furnishing analytical and other support to assist the Board in its consideration of strategic issues such as the merger, consolidation or repurposing of certain closed-end funds; and (ix) performing other administrative functions necessary for the operation of the Fund, such as tax reporting, fulfilling regulatory filing requirements and call center services. Each Board reviewed the structure and duties of BlackRock’s fund administration, shareholder services, and legal & compliance departments and considered BlackRock’s policies and procedures for assuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

B. The Investment Performance of the Funds and BlackRock: Each Board, including the Independent Board Members, also reviewed and considered the performance history of its Fund. In preparation for the April Meeting, the Board of each Fund was provided with reports independently prepared by Broadridge, which included a comprehensive analysis of the Fund’s performance. Each Board also reviewed a narrative and statistical analysis of the Broadridge data that was prepared by BlackRock. In connection with its review, the Board of each Fund received and reviewed information regarding the investment performance, based on net asset value (NAV), of the Fund as compared to other funds in its applicable Broadridge category and its Customized Peer Group. Each Board was provided with a description of the methodology used by Broadridge to select peer funds and periodically meets with Broadridge

 

                
70    ANNUAL REPORT    JULY 31, 2017   


Disclosure of Investment Advisory Agreements (continued)

 

representatives to review its methodology. Each Board was provided with information on the composition of the Broadridge performance universes and expense universes. Each Board and its Performance Oversight Committee regularly review, and meet with Fund management to discuss, the performance of its Fund throughout the year.

In evaluating performance, each Board recognized that the performance data reflects a snapshot of a period as of a particular date and that selecting a different performance period could produce significantly different results. Further, each Board recognized that it is possible that long-term performance can be adversely affected by even one period of significant underperformance so that a single investment decision or theme has the ability to affect long-term performance disproportionately.

The Boards of MUC, MFT and MIY noted that for each of its Funds for each of the one-, three- and five-year periods reported, MUC, MFT and MIY each ranked first out of two funds against its Customized Peer Group Composite. BlackRock believes that the Customized Peer Group Composite is an appropriate performance metric for MUC, MFT and MIY. The Composite measures a blend of total return and yield.

The Board of MUJ noted that for the one-, three- and five-year periods reported, MUJ ranked second out of three funds, first out of three funds, and first out of three funds, respectively, against its Customized Peer Group Composite. BlackRock believes that the Customized Peer Group Composite is an appropriate performance metric for MUJ. The Composite measures a blend of total return and yield. The Board and BlackRock reviewed MUJ’s underperformance during the one-year period.

The Board of MPA noted that for the one-, three- and five-year periods reported, MPA ranked second out of four funds, first out of four funds, and second out of four funds, respectively, against its Customized Peer Group Composite. BlackRock believes that the Customized Peer Group Composite is an appropriate performance metric for MPA. The Composite measures a blend of total return and yield.

C. Consideration of the Advisory/Management Fees and the Cost of the Services and Profits to be Realized by BlackRock and its Affiliates from their Relationship with the Funds: Each Board, including the Independent Board Members, reviewed its Fund’s contractual management fee rate compared with the other funds in its Broadridge category. The contractual management fee rate represents a combination of the advisory fee and any administrative fees, before taking into account any reimbursements or fee waivers. Each Board also compared its Fund’s total expense ratio, as well as its actual management fee rate as a percentage of total assets, to those of other funds in its Broadridge category. The total expense ratio represents a fund’s total net operating expenses, excluding any investment related expenses. The total expense ratio gives effect to any expense reimbursements or fee waivers that benefit a fund, and the actual management fee rate gives effect to any management fee reimbursements or waivers that benefit a fund. Each Board considered the services provided and the fees charged by BlackRock and its affiliates to other types of clients with similar investment mandates, as applicable, including institutional accounts and sub-advised mutual funds (including mutual funds sponsored by third parties).

Each Board received and reviewed statements relating to BlackRock’s financial condition. Each Board reviewed BlackRock’s profitability methodology and was also provided with a profitability analysis that detailed the revenues earned and the expenses incurred by BlackRock for services provided to its Fund. Each Board reviewed BlackRock’s profitability with respect to its Fund and other funds the Board currently oversees for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to available aggregate profitability data provided for the prior two years. Each Board reviewed BlackRock’s profitability with respect to certain other U.S. fund complexes managed by the Manager and/or its affiliates. Each Board reviewed BlackRock’s assumptions and methodology of allocating expenses in the profitability analysis, noting the inherent limitations in allocating costs among various advisory products. Each Board recognized that profitability may be affected by numerous factors including, among other things, fee waivers and expense reimbursements by the Manager, the types of funds managed, precision of expense allocations and business mix. As a result, calculating and comparing profitability at individual fund levels is difficult.

Each Board noted that, in general, individual fund or product line profitability of other advisors is not publicly available. Each Board reviewed BlackRock’s overall operating margin, in general, compared to that of certain other publicly-traded asset management firms. Each Board considered the differences between BlackRock and these other firms, including the contribution of technology at BlackRock, BlackRock’s expense management, and the relative product mix.

In addition, each Board considered the cost of the services provided to its Fund by BlackRock, and BlackRock’s and its affiliates’ profits relating to the management of its Fund and the other funds advised by BlackRock and its affiliates. As part of its analysis, each Board reviewed BlackRock’s methodology in allocating its costs of managing its Fund, to the Fund. Each Board may receive and review information from independent third parties as part of its annual evaluation. Each Board considered whether BlackRock has the financial resources necessary to attract and retain high quality investment management personnel to perform its obligations under the Fund’s Agreement and to continue to provide the high quality of services that is expected by the Board. Each Board further considered factors including but not limited to BlackRock’s commitment of time, assumption of risk, and liability profile in servicing its Fund in contrast to what is required of BlackRock with respect to other products with similar investment mandates across the open-end fund, closed-end fund, sub-advised mutual fund, collective investment trust, and institutional separate account product channels, as applicable.

The Boards of MUC, MUJ, MFT and MPA noted that each Fund’s contractual management fee rate ranked in the first quartile, and that the actual management fee rate and total expense ratio each ranked in the first quartile, relative to the Expense Peers.

 

                
   ANNUAL REPORT    JULY 31, 2017    71


Disclosure of Investment Advisory Agreements (concluded)

 

The Board of MIY noted that MIY’s contractual management fee rate ranked in the first quartile, and that the actual management fee rate and total expense ratio each ranked in the second quartile, relative to the Expense Peers.

D. Economies of Scale: Each Board, including the Independent Board Members, considered the extent to which economies of scale might be realized as the assets of its Fund increase. Each Board also considered the extent to which its Fund benefits from such economies in a variety of ways, and whether there should be changes in the advisory fee rate or breakpoint structure in order to enable the Fund to more fully participate in these economies of scale. Each Board considered its Fund’s asset levels and whether the current fee was appropriate.

Based on each Board’s review and consideration of the issue, each Board concluded that most closed-end funds do not have fund level breakpoints because closed-end funds generally do not experience substantial growth after the initial public offering. They are typically priced at scale at a fund’s inception.

E. Other Factors Deemed Relevant by the Board Members: Each Board, including the Independent Board Members, also took into account other ancillary or “fall-out” benefits that BlackRock or its affiliates may derive from their respective relationships with its Fund, both tangible and intangible, such as BlackRock’s ability to leverage its investment professionals who manage other portfolios and risk management personnel, an increase in BlackRock’s profile in the investment advisory community, and the engagement of BlackRock’s affiliates as service providers to the Fund, including for administrative, securities lending and cash management services. Each Board also considered BlackRock’s overall operations and its efforts to expand the scale of, and improve the quality of, its operations. Each Board also noted that BlackRock may use and benefit from third party research obtained by soft dollars generated by certain registered fund transactions to assist in managing all or a number of its other client accounts.

In connection with its consideration of the Agreement for its Fund, each Board also received information regarding BlackRock’s brokerage and soft dollar practices. Each Board received reports from BlackRock which included information on brokerage commissions and trade execution practices throughout the year.

Each Board noted the competitive nature of the closed-end fund marketplace, and that shareholders are able to sell their Fund shares in the secondary market if they believe that the Fund’s fees and expenses are too high or if they are dissatisfied with the performance of the Fund.

Each Board also considered the various notable initiatives and projects BlackRock performed in connection with its closed-end fund product line. These initiatives included the redemption of AMPS for the BlackRock closed-end funds with AMPS outstanding; developing equity shelf programs; efforts to eliminate product overlap with fund mergers; ongoing services to manage leverage that has become increasingly complex; periodic evaluation of share repurchases and other support initiatives for certain BlackRock funds; and continued communications efforts with shareholders, fund analysts and financial advisers. With respect to the latter, the Independent Board Members noted BlackRock’s continued commitment to supporting the secondary market for the common shares of its closed-end funds through a comprehensive secondary market communication program designed to raise investor and analyst awareness and understanding of closed-end funds. BlackRock’s support services included, among other things: continuing communications concerning the redemption efforts related to AMPS; sponsoring and participating in conferences; communicating with closed-end fund analysts covering the BlackRock funds throughout the year; providing marketing and product updates for the closed-end funds; and maintaining and enhancing its closed-end fund website.

Conclusion

Each Board, including the Independent Board Members, unanimously approved the continuation of the Agreement between the Manager and its Fund for a one-year term ending June 30, 2018. Based upon its evaluation of all of the aforementioned factors in their totality, as well as other information, each Board, including the Independent Board Members, was satisfied that the terms of the Agreement for its Fund were fair and reasonable and in the best interest of the Fund and its shareholders. In arriving at its decision to approve the Agreement for its Fund, each Board did not identify any single factor or group of factors as, all-important or controlling, but considered all factors together, and different Board Members may have attributed different weights to the various factors considered. The Independent Board Members were also assisted by the advice of independent legal counsel in making this determination. The contractual fee arrangements for each Fund reflect the results of several years of review by the Fund’s Board Members and predecessor Board Members, and discussions between such Board Members (and predecessor Board Members) and BlackRock. As a result, the Board Members’ conclusions may be based in part on their consideration of these arrangements in prior years.

 

                
72    ANNUAL REPORT    JULY 31, 2017   


Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plans

 

Pursuant to each Fund’s Dividend Reinvestment Plan (the “Reinvestment Plan”), Common Shareholders are automatically enrolled to have all distributions of dividends and capital gains and other distributions reinvested by Computershare Trust Company, N.A. (the “Reinvestment Plan Agent”) in the respective Fund’s Common Shares pursuant to the Reinvestment Plan. Shareholders who do not participate in the Reinvestment Plan will receive all distributions in cash paid by check and mailed directly to the shareholders of record (or if the shares are held in street name or other nominee name, then to the nominee) by the Reinvestment Plan Agent, which serves as agent for the shareholders in administering the Reinvestment Plan.

After the Funds declare a dividend or determine to make a capital gain or other distribution, the Reinvestment Plan Agent will acquire shares for the participants’ accounts, depending upon the following circumstances, either (i) through receipt of unissued but authorized shares from the Funds (“newly issued shares”) or (ii) by purchase of outstanding shares on the open market or on the Fund’s primary exchange (“open-market purchases”) . If, on the dividend payment date, the net asset value per share (“NAV”) is equal to or less than the market price per share plus estimated brokerage commissions (such condition often referred to as a “market premium”), the Reinvestment Plan Agent will invest the dividend amount in newly issued shares acquired on behalf of the participants. The number of newly issued shares to be credited to each participant’s account will be determined by dividing the dollar amount of the dividend by the NAV on the date the shares are issued. However, if the NAV is less than 95% of the market price on the dividend payment date, the dollar amount of the dividend will be divided by 95% of the market price on the dividend payment date. If, on the dividend payment date, the NAV is greater than the market price per share plus estimated brokerage commissions (such condition often referred to as a “market discount”), the Reinvestment Plan Agent will invest the dividend amount in shares acquired on behalf of the participants in open market purchases. If the Reinvestment Plan Agent is unable to invest the full dividend amount in open-market purchases, or if the market discount shifts to a market premium during the purchase period, the Reinvestment Plan Agent will invest any un-invested portion in newly issued shares. Investments in newly issued shares made in this manner would be made pursuant to the same process described above and the date of issue for such newly issued shares will substitute for the dividend payment date.

You may elect not to participate in the Reinvestment Plan and to receive all dividends in cash by contacting the Reinvestment Plan Agent, at the address set forth below.

Participation in the Reinvestment Plan is completely voluntary and may be terminated or resumed at any time without penalty by notice if received and processed by the Reinvestment Plan Agent prior to the dividend record date. Additionally, the Reinvestment Plan Agent seeks to process notices received after the record date but prior to the payable date and such notices often will become effective by the payable date. Where late notices are not processed by the applicable payable date, such termination or resumption will be effective with respect to any subsequently declared dividend or other distribution.

The Reinvestment Plan Agent’s fees for the handling of the reinvestment of distributions will be paid by each Fund. However, each participant will pay a pro rata share of brokerage commissions incurred with respect to the Reinvestment Plan Agent’s open market purchases in connection with the reinvestment of all distributions. The automatic reinvestment of all distributions will not relieve participants of any U.S. federal, state or local income tax that may be payable on such dividends or distributions.

Each Fund reserves the right to amend or terminate the Reinvestment Plan. There is no direct service charge to participants in the Reinvestment Plan. However, each Fund reserves the right to amend the Reinvestment Plan to include a service charge payable by the participants. Participants in MPA that request a sale of shares are subject to a $2.50 sales fee and a $0.15 per share fee. Per share fees include any applicable brokerage commissions the Reinvestment Plan Agent is required to pay. Participants in MUC, MUJ, MFT and MIY that request a sale of shares are subject to a $0.02 per share sold brokerage commission. All correspondence concerning the Reinvestment Plan should be directed to Computershare Trust Company, N.A., through the internet at http://www.computershare.com/blackrock, or in writing to Computershare, P.O. Box 505000, Louisville, KY 40233, Telephone:(800) 699-1236.

Overnight correspondence should be directed to the Reinvestment Plan Agent at Computershare, 462 South 4th Street, Suite 1600, Louisville, KY 40202.

 

                
   ANNUAL REPORT    JULY 31, 2017    73


Officers and Directors     

 

Name, Address1
and Year of Birth
  Position(s)
Held with
the Fund
  Length of
Time Served³
  Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years  

Number of BlackRock-

Advised Registered

Investment Companies

(“RICs”) Consisting of

Investment Portfolios

(“Portfolios”) Overseen4

 

Public Company
and Other
Investment Company
Directorships Held

During Past Five Years

Independent Directors2                    

Richard E. Cavanagh

1946

  Chair of the Board and Director   Since
2007
  Director, The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America since 1998; Board Chair, Volunteers of America (a not-for-profit organization) since 2015 (board member since 2009); Director, Arch Chemical (chemical and allied products) from 1999 to 2011; Trustee, Educational Testing Service from 1997 to 2009 and Chairman thereof from 2005 to 2009; Senior Advisor, The Fremont Group since 2008 and Director thereof since 1996; Faculty Member/Adjunct Lecturer, Harvard University since 2007; President and Chief Executive Officer, The Conference Board, Inc. (global business research organization) from 1995 to 2007.   75 RICs consisting of 75 Portfolios   None

Karen P. Robards

1950

  Vice Chair of the Board and Director   Since
2007
  Principal of Robards & Company, LLC (consulting and private investing) since 1987; Co-founder and Director of the Cooke Center for Learning and Development (a not-for-profit organization) since 1987; Investment Banker at Morgan Stanley from 1976 to 1987.   75 RICs consisting of 75 Portfolios   Greenhill & Co., Inc.; AtriCure, Inc. (medical devices) from 2000 until 2017

Michael J. Castellano

1946

  Director   Since
2011
  Chief Financial Officer of Lazard Group LLC from 2001 to 2011; Chief Financial Officer of Lazard Ltd from 2004 to 2011; Director, Support Our Aging Religious (non-profit) from 2009 to June 2015 and since 2017; Director, National Advisory Board of Church Management at Villanova University since 2010; Trustee, Domestic Church Media Foundation since 2012; Director, CircleBlack Inc. (financial technology company) since 2015.   75 RICs consisting of 75 Portfolios   None

Cynthia L. Egan

1955

  Director   Since
2016
  Advisor, U.S. Department of the Treasury from 2014 to 2015; President, Retirement Plan Services for T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. from 2007 to 2012; executive positions within Fidelity Investments from 1989 to 2007.   75 RICs consisting of 75 Portfolios   Unum (insurance); The Hanover Insurance Group (insurance); Envestnet (investment platform) from 2013 until 2016

Frank J. Fabozzi

1948

  Director   Since
2007
  Editor of and Consultant for The Journal of Portfolio Management since 2006; Professor of Finance, EDHEC Business School since 2011; Visiting Professor, Princeton University from 2013 to 2014 and since 2016; Professor in the Practice of Finance and Becton Fellow, Yale University School of Management from 2006 to 2011.   75 RICs consisting of 75 Portfolios   None

Jerrold B. Harris

1942

  Director   Since
2007
  Trustee, Ursinus College from 2000 to 2012; Director, Ducks Unlimited — Canada (conservation) since 2015; Director, Waterfowl Chesapeake (conservation) since 2014; Director, Ducks Unlimited, Inc. since 2013; Director, Troemner LLC (scientific equipment) from 2000 to 2016; Director of Delta Waterfowl Foundation from 2010 to 2012; President and Chief Executive Officer, VWR Scientific Products Corporation from 1990 to 1999.   75 RICs consisting of 75 Portfolios   BlackRock Capital Investment Corp. (business development company)

R. Glenn Hubbard

1958

  Director   Since
2007
  Dean, Columbia Business School since 2004; Faculty member, Columbia Business School since 1988.   75 RICs consisting of 75 Portfolios   ADP (data and information services); Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (insurance)

W. Carl Kester

1951

  Director   Since
2007
  George Fisher Baker Jr. Professor of Business Administration, Harvard Business School since 2008, Deputy Dean for Academic Affairs from 2006 to 2010, Chairman of the Finance Unit, from 2005 to 2006, Senior Associate Dean and Chairman of the MBA Program from 1999 to 2005; Member of the faculty of Harvard Business School since 1981.   75 RICs consisting of 75 Portfolios   None

Catherine A. Lynch

1961

  Director   Since
2016
  Chief Executive Officer, Chief Investment Officer and various other positions, National Railroad Retirement Investment Trust from 2003 to 2016; Associate Vice President for Treasury Management, The George Washington University from 1999 to 2003; Assistant Treasurer, Episcopal Church of America from 1995 to 1999.   75 RICs consisting of 75 Portfolios   None

 

                
74    ANNUAL REPORT    JULY 31, 2017   


Officers and Directors (continued)     

 

Name, Address1
and Year of Birth
  Position(s)
Held with
the Fund
  Length of
Time Served³
  Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years  

Number of BlackRock-

Advised Registered

Investment Companies

(“RICs”) Consisting of

Investment Portfolios

(“Portfolios”) Overseen4

 

Public Company
and Other
Investment Company
Directorships Held

During Past Five Years

Interested Directors5               

Barbara G. Novick

1960

  Director   Since
2014
  Vice Chairman of BlackRock, Inc. since 2006; Chair of BlackRock’s Government Relations Steering Committee since 2009; Head of the Global Client Group of BlackRock, Inc. from 1988 to 2008.   101 RICs consisting of 219 Portfolios   None

John M. Perlowski

1964

  Director, President and Chief Executive Officer   Since 2015 (Director); Since 2011 (President and Chief Executive Officer)   Managing Director of BlackRock, Inc. since 2009; Head of BlackRock Global Fund & Accounting Services since 2009; Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of the Global Product Group at Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. from 2003 to 2009; Treasurer of Goldman Sachs Mutual Funds from 2003 to 2009 and Senior Vice President thereof from 2007 to 2009; Director of Goldman Sachs Offshore Funds from 2002 to 2009; Advisory Director of Family Resource Network (charitable foundation) since 2009.   128 RICs consisting of 317 Portfolios   None
 

1    The address of each Director is c/o BlackRock, Inc., 55 East 52nd Street, New York, NY 10055.

 

2    Each Independent Director will serve until his or her successor is elected and qualifies, or until his or her earlier death, resignation, retirement or removal, or until December 31 of the year in which he or she turns 75. The maximum age limitation may be waived as to any Director by action of a majority of the Directors upon finding of good cause therefor.

 

3    Following the combination of Merrill Lynch Investment Managers, L.P. (“MLIM”) and BlackRock, Inc. (“BlackRock”) in September 2006, the various legacy MLIM and legacy BlackRock fund boards were realigned and consolidated into three new fund boards in 2007. As a result, although the chart shows certain Independent Directors as joining the Board in 2007, each Director first became a member of the boards of other legacy MLIM or legacy BlackRock funds as follows: Richard E. Cavanagh, 1994; Frank J. Fabozzi, 1988; Jerrold B. Harris, 1999; R. Glenn Hubbard, 2004; W. Carl Kester, 1995 and Karen P. Robards, 1998.

 

4    For purposes of this chart, “RICs” refers to investment companies registered under the 1940 Act and “Portfolios” refers to the investment programs of the BlackRock-advised funds. The Closed-End Complex is comprised of [# RICS from RICs/Ports] RICs. Ms. Novick and Mr. Perlowski are also board members of certain complexes of BlackRock registered open-end funds. Ms. Novick is also a board member of the BlackRock Equity-Liquidity Complex and Mr. Perlowski is also a board member of the BlackRock Equity-Bond Complex and the BlackRock Equity-Liquidity Complex.

 

5    Ms. Novick and Mr. Perlowski are both “interested persons,” as defined in the 1940 Act, of the Fund based on their positions with BlackRock and its affiliates. Ms. Novick and Mr. Perlowski are also board members of certain complexes of BlackRock registered open-end funds. Ms. Novick is also a board member of the BlackRock Equity-Liquidity Complex and Mr. Perlowski is also a board member of the BlackRock Equity-Bond Complex and the BlackRock Equity-Liquidity Complex. Interested Directors serve until their resignation, removal or death, or until December 31 of the year in which they turn 72. The maximum age limitation may be waived as to any Director by action of a majority of the Directors upon a finding of good cause therefor.

 

                
   ANNUAL REPORT    JULY 31, 2017    75


Officers and Directors (concluded)     

 

 

Name, Address1
and Year of Birth
  Position(s)
Held with
the Fund
  Length of
Time Served
as an Officer
  Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years
Officers Who Are Not Directors2          

Jonathan Diorio

1980

  Vice President   Since 2015   Managing Director of BlackRock, Inc. since 2015; Director of BlackRock, Inc. from 2011 to 2015; Director of Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management from 2009 to 2011.

Neal J. Andrews

1966

  Chief Financial Officer   Since 2007   Managing Director of BlackRock, Inc. since 2006; Senior Vice President and Line of Business Head of Fund Accounting and Administration at PNC Global Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc. from 1992 to 2006.

Jay M. Fife

1970

  Treasurer   Since 2007   Managing Director of BlackRock, Inc. since 2007; Director of BlackRock, Inc. in 2006; Assistant Treasurer of the MLIM and Fund Asset Management, L.P. advised funds from 2005 to 2006; Director of MLIM Fund Services Group from 2001 to 2006.

Charles Park

1967

  Chief Compliance Officer   Since 2014   Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer for the BlackRock-advised Funds in the Equity-Bond Complex, the Equity-Liquidity Complex and the Closed-End Complex from 2014 to 2015; Chief Compliance Officer of BlackRock Advisors, LLC and the BlackRock-advised Funds in the Equity-Bond Complex, the Equity-Liquidity Complex and the Closed-End Complex since 2014; Principal of and Chief Compliance Officer for iShares® Delaware Trust Sponsor LLC since 2012 and BlackRock Fund Advisors (“BFA”) since 2006; Chief Compliance Officer for the BFA-advised iShares® exchange traded funds since 2006; Chief Compliance Officer for BlackRock Asset Management International Inc. since 2012.

Janey Ahn

1975

  Secretary   Since 2012   Director of BlackRock, Inc. since 2009; Assistant Secretary of the funds in the Closed-End Complex from 2008 to 2012.
 

1    The address of each Officer is c/o BlackRock, Inc., 55 East 52nd Street, New York, NY 10055.

 

2    Officers of the Fund serve at the pleasure of the Board.

 

As of the date of this report:

 

   

The portfolio managers of MUJ are Phillip Soccio and Ted Jaeckel.

 

 

         

Investment Adviser

BlackRock Advisors, LLC

Wilmington, DE 19809

 

Accounting Agent and Custodian

State Street Bank and
Trust Company

Boston, MA 02111

 

VRDP Tender and Paying
Agent and VMTP Redemption
and Paying Agent

The Bank of New York Mellon

New York, NY 10286

 

Independent Registered
Public Accounting Firm

Deloitte & Touche LLP

Boston, MA 02116

 

Address of the Funds

100 Bellevue Parkway

Wilmington, DE 19809

 

Transfer Agent

Computershare Trust
Company, N.A.

Canton, MA 02021

 

VRDP Liquidity Providers

Citibank, N.A.1

New York, NY 10179

 

Bank of America, N.A.2

New York, NY 10036

 

Legal Counsel

Skadden, Arps, Slate,
Meagher & Flom LLP

Boston, MA 02116

 
   

VRDP Remarketing Agents

Citigroup Global Markets Inc.1

New York, NY 10179

 

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated2

New York, NY 10036

   

 

  1   

For MIY and MPA.

 

  2   

For MUJ.

 

                
76    ANNUAL REPORT    JULY 31, 2017   


Additional Information     

 

Proxy Results

The Annual Meeting of Shareholders was held on July 25, 2017 for shareholders of record on May 30, 2017, to elect director nominees for each Fund. There were no broker non-votes with regard to any of the Funds.

 

     Michael J. Castellano            Richard E. Cavanagh            Cynthia L. Egan  
     Votes For      Votes
Withheld
                   Votes For     

Votes

Withheld

                   Votes For      Votes
Withheld
         

MUC

    38,127,745        729,562            38,026,975        830,332            38,170,142        687,165     

MUJ

    27,790,272        721,153            27,553,399        958,026            27,720,023        791,401     

MIY

    26,342,370        1,668,070                        26,341,406        1,669,034                        26,350,554        1,659,886           
             Votes
Against
     Abstain                   

Votes

Against

     Abstain                    Votes
Against
     Abstain  

MFT

    7,894,690        79,097        68,961         7,852,579        121,208        68,961         7,845,350        130,886        66,512  

MPA

    11,577,366        358,219        40,322               11,564,277        366,744        44,885               11,710,254        205,633        60,019  
    Frank J. Fabozzi¹           Jerrold B. Harris           R. Glenn Hubbard  
     Votes For      Votes
Withheld
                   Votes For     

Votes

Withheld

                   Votes For      Votes
Withheld
         

MUC

    2,540        0            38,060,092        797,215            38,024,624        832,683     

MUJ

    2,371        0            27,773,179        738,246            27,637,313        874,112     

MIY

    2,319        0                        26,321,357        1,689,083                        26,324,108        1,686,332           
             Votes
Against
     Abstain                   

Votes

Against

     Abstain                    Votes
Against
     Abstain  

MFT

    565        0        0         7,852,637        121,149        68,962         7,812,434        144,982        85,332  

MPA

    826        0        0               11,539,308        395,310        41,289               11,593,701        315,748        66,458  
    W. Carl Kester¹           Catherine A. Lynch           Barbara G. Novick  
     Votes For      Votes
Withheld
                   Votes For     

Votes

Withheld

                   Votes For      Votes
Withheld
         

MUC

    2,540        0            37,936,533        920,774            38,026,126        831,181     

MUJ

    2,371        0            27,699,731        811,694            27,749,466        761,959     

MIY

    2,319        0                        26,381,431        1,629,009                        26,380,493        1,629,947           
             Votes
Against
     Abstain                    Votes
Against
     Abstain                    Votes
Against
     Abstain  

MFT

    565        0        0         7,849,013        124,774        68,961         7,814,805        154,122        73,821  

MPA

    826        0        0               11,729,350        203,746        42,811               11,739,373        186,473        50,061  
    John M. Perlowski           Karen P. Robards                            
     Votes For      Votes
Withheld
                   Votes For     

Votes

Withheld

                                   

MUC

    37,986,023        871,284            38,128,994        728,313               

MUJ

    27,715,093        796,332            27,679,105        832,320               

MIY

    26,393,671        1,616,769                        26,345,822        1,664,618                     
             Votes
Against
     Abstain                   

Votes

Against

     Abstain                            

MFT

    7,875,393        97,412        69,943         7,835,268        134,570        72,910            

MPA

    11,727,813        199,556        48,538               11,533,981        399,341        42,585                                    

 

  ¹   Voted on by holders of preferred shares only.

 

Fund Certification

Certain Funds are listed for trading on the NYSE and have filed with the NYSE their annual chief executive officer certification regarding compliance with the NYSE’s listing standards. The Funds filed with the SEC the certification of its chief executive officer and chief financial officer required by section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

 

                
   ANNUAL REPORT    JULY 31, 2017    77


Additional Information (continued)     

 

 

Dividend Policy

Each Fund’s dividend policy is to distribute all or a portion of its net investment income to its shareholders on a monthly basis. In order to provide shareholders with a more stable level of distributions, the Funds may at times pay out less than the entire amount of net investment income earned in any particular month and may at times in any particular month pay out such accumulated but undistributed income in addition to net investment income earned in that month. As a result, the distributions paid by the Funds for any particular month may be more or less than the amount of net investment income earned by the Funds during such month. The Funds’ current accumulated but undistributed net investment income, if any, is disclosed in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities, which comprises part of the financial information included in this report.

 

General Information

The Funds do not make available copies of their Statements of Additional Information because the Funds’ shares are not continuously offered, which means that the Statement of Additional Information of each Fund has not been updated after completion of the respective Fund’s offerings and the information contained in each Fund’s Statement of Additional Information may have become outdated.

During the period, there were no material changes in the Funds’ investment objectives or policies or to the Funds’ charters or by-laws that would delay or prevent a change of control of the Funds that were not approved by the shareholders or in the principal risk factors associated with investment in the Funds. Except as disclosed on page 76, there have been no changes in the persons who are primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Funds’ portfolios.

Effective September 26, 2016, BlackRock implemented a new methodology for calculating “effective duration” for BlackRock’s municipal bond portfolios. The new methodology replaces the model previously used by BlackRock to evaluate municipal bond duration and is a common indicator of an investment’s sensitivity to interest rate movements. The new methodology is applied to the Funds’ duration reported for any periods after September 26, 2016.

Quarterly performance, semi-annual and annual reports, current net asset value and other information regarding the Funds, including each Fund’s effective duration and additional information about the new methodology, may be found on BlackRock’s website, which can be accessed at http://www.blackrock.com. Any reference to BlackRock’s website in this report is intended to allow investors public access to information regarding the Funds and does not, and is not intended to, incorporate BlackRock’s website in this report.

Electronic Delivery

Shareholders can sign up for e-mail notifications of quarterly statements, annual and semi-annual shareholder reports by enrolling in the electronic delivery program. Electronic copies of shareholder reports are available on BlackRock’s website.

To enroll in electronic delivery:

Shareholders Who Hold Accounts with Investment Advisers, Banks or Brokerages:

Please contact your financial advisor. Please note that not all investment advisers, banks or brokerages may offer this service.

Householding

The Funds will mail only one copy of shareholder documents, including annual and semi-annual reports and proxy statements, to shareholders with multiple accounts at the same address. This practice is commonly called “householding” and is intended to reduce expenses and eliminate duplicate mailings of shareholder documents. Mailings of your shareholder documents may be householded indefinitely unless you instruct us otherwise. If you do not want the mailing of these documents to be combined with those for other members of your household, please call the Funds at (800) 882-0052.

Availability of Quarterly Schedule of Investments

The Funds file their complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Funds’ Forms N-Q are available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov and may also be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room or how to access documents on the SEC’s website without charge may be obtained by calling (800) SEC-0330. The Funds’ Forms N-Q may also be obtained upon request and without charge by calling (800) 882-0052.

 

                
78    ANNUAL REPORT    JULY 31, 2017   


Additional Information (concluded)     

 

 

General Information (concluded)

Availability of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures

A description of the policies and procedures that the Funds use to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is available upon request and without charge (1) by calling (800) 882-0052; (2) at http://www.blackrock.com; and (3) on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

Availability of Proxy Voting Record

Information about how the Funds voted proxies relating to securities held in the Funds’ portfolios during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available upon request and without charge (1) at http://www.blackrock.com; or by calling (800) 882-0052; and (2) on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

Availability of Fund Updates

BlackRock will update performance and certain other data for the Funds on a monthly basis on its website in the “Closed-end Funds” section of http://www.blackrock.com as well as certain other material information as necessary from time to time. Investors and others are advised to check the website for updated performance information and the release of other material information about the Funds. This reference to BlackRock’s website is intended to allow investors public access to information regarding the Funds and does not, and is not intended to, incorporate BlackRock’s website in this report.

 

BlackRock Privacy Principles

BlackRock is committed to maintaining the privacy of its current and former fund investors and individual clients (collectively, “Clients”) and to safeguarding their non-public personal information. The following information is provided to help you understand what personal information BlackRock collects, how we protect that information and why in certain cases we share such information with select parties.

If you are located in a jurisdiction where specific laws, rules or regulations require BlackRock to provide you with additional or different privacy-related rights beyond what is set forth below, then BlackRock will comply with those specific laws, rules or regulations.

BlackRock obtains or verifies personal non-public information from and about you from different sources, including the following: (i) information we receive from you or, if applicable, your financial intermediary, on applications, forms or other documents; (ii) information about your transactions with us, our affiliates, or others; (iii) information we receive from a consumer reporting agency; and (iv) from visits to our websites.

BlackRock does not sell or disclose to non-affiliated third parties any non-public personal information about its Clients, except as permitted by law or as is necessary to respond to regulatory requests or to service Client accounts. These non-affiliated third parties are required to protect the confidentiality and security of this information and to use it only for its intended purpose.

We may share information with our affiliates to service your account or to provide you with information about other BlackRock products or services that may be of interest to you. In addition, BlackRock restricts access to non-public personal information about its Clients to those BlackRock employees with a legitimate business need for the information. BlackRock maintains physical, electronic and procedural safeguards that are designed to protect the non-public personal information of its Clients, including procedures relating to the proper storage and disposal of such information.

 

                
   ANNUAL REPORT    JULY 31, 2017    79


This report is intended for current holders. It is not a prospectus. Past performance results shown in this report should not be considered a representation of future performance. The Funds have leveraged their Common Shares, which creates risks for Common Shareholders, including the likelihood of greater volatility of net asset value and market price of the Common Shares, and the risk that fluctuations in short-term interest rates may reduce the Common Shares’ yield. Statements and other information herein are as dated and are subject to change.

 

LOGO

 

MQUAL5-7/17-AR    LOGO


Item 2 – Code of Ethics – The registrant (or the “Fund”) has adopted a code of ethics, as of the end of the period covered by this report, applicable to the registrant’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions. During the period covered by this report, the code of ethics was amended to clarify an inconsistency in to whom persons covered by the code should report suspected violations of the code. The amendment clarifies that such reporting should be made to BlackRock’s General Counsel, and retains the alternative option of anonymous reporting following “whistleblower” policies. Other non-material changes were also made in connection with this amendment. During the period covered by this report, there have been no waivers granted under the code of ethics. The registrant undertakes to provide a copy of the code of ethics to any person upon request, without charge, by calling 1-800-882-0052, option 4.

 

Item 3 – Audit Committee Financial Expert – The registrant’s board of directors (the “board of directors”), has determined that (i) the registrant has the following audit committee financial experts serving on its audit committee and (ii) each audit committee financial expert is independent:

Michael Castellano

Frank J. Fabozzi

W. Carl Kester

Catherine A. Lynch

Karen P. Robards

The registrant’s board of directors has determined that W. Carl Kester and Karen P. Robards qualify as financial experts pursuant to Item 3(c)(4) of Form N-CSR.

Prof. Kester has a thorough understanding of generally accepted accounting principles, financial statements and internal control over financial reporting as well as audit committee functions. Prof. Kester has been involved in providing valuation and other financial consulting services to corporate clients since 1978. Prof. Kester’s financial consulting services present a breadth and level of complexity of accounting issues that are generally comparable to the breadth and complexity of issues that can reasonably be expected to be raised by the registrant’s financial statements.

Ms. Robards has a thorough understanding of generally accepted accounting principles, financial statements and internal control over financial reporting as well as audit committee functions. Ms. Robards has been Principal of Robards & Company, a financial advisory firm, since 1987. Ms. Robards was formerly an investment banker for more than 10 years where she was responsible for evaluating and assessing the performance of companies based on their financial results. Ms. Robards has over 30 years of experience analyzing financial statements. She also is a member of the audit committee of one publicly held company and a non-profit organization.

Under applicable securities laws, a person determined to be an audit committee financial expert will not be deemed an “expert” for any purpose, including without limitation for the purposes of Section 11 of the Securities Act of 1933, as a result of being designated or identified as an audit committee financial expert. The designation or identification as an audit committee financial expert does not impose on such person any duties, obligations, or liabilities greater than the duties, obligations, and liabilities imposed on such person as a member of the audit committee and board of directors in the absence of such designation or identification. The designation or identification of a person as an

 

2


audit committee financial expert does not affect the duties, obligations, or liability of any other member of the audit committee or board of directors.

 

Item 4 – Principal Accountant Fees and Services

The following table presents fees billed by Deloitte & Touche LLP (“D&T”) in each of the last two fiscal years for the services rendered to the Fund:

 

      (a) Audit Fees    (b) Audit-Related Fees1    (c) Tax Fees2    (d) All Other Fees
Entity Name    Current
Fiscal Year
End
        Previous
Fiscal Year
End
        Current
Fiscal Year
End
        Previous
Fiscal Year
End
        Current
Fiscal Year
End
        Previous
Fiscal Year
End
        Current
Fiscal Year
End
        Previous
Fiscal Year
End
BlackRock MuniYield Investment Quality Fund    $31,990        $31,990        $0        $0        $10,812        $10,812        $0        $0

The following table presents fees billed by D&T that were required to be approved by the registrant’s audit committee (the “Committee”) for services that relate directly to the operations or financial reporting of the Fund and that are rendered on behalf of BlackRock Advisors, LLC (“Investment Adviser” or “BlackRock”) and entities controlling, controlled by, or under common control with BlackRock (not including any sub-adviser whose role is primarily portfolio management and is subcontracted with or overseen by another investment adviser) that provide ongoing services to the Fund (“Affiliated Service Providers”):

 

     Current Fiscal Year End   Previous Fiscal Year End

(b) Audit-Related Fees1

  $0   $0

(c) Tax Fees2

  $0   $0

(d) All Other Fees3

  $2,129,000   $2,154,000

1 The nature of the services includes assurance and related services reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of financial statements not included in Audit Fees, including accounting consultations, agreed-upon procedure reports, attestation reports, comfort letters, out-of-pocket expenses and internal control reviews not required by regulators.

2 The nature of the services includes tax compliance and/or tax preparation, including services relating to the filing or amendment of federal, state or local income tax returns, regulated investment company qualification reviews, taxable income and tax distribution calculations.

3 Non-audit fees of $2,129,000 and $2,154,000 for the current fiscal year and previous fiscal year, respectively, were paid to the Fund’s principal accountant in their entirety by BlackRock, in connection with services provided to the Affiliated Service Providers of the Fund and of certain other funds sponsored and advised by BlackRock or its affiliates for a service organization review and an accounting research tool subscription. These amounts represent aggregate fees paid by BlackRock and were not allocated on a per fund basis.

(e)(1) Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures:

The Committee has adopted policies and procedures with regard to the pre-approval of services. Audit, audit-related and tax compliance services provided to the registrant on an annual basis require specific pre-approval by the Committee. The Committee also must approve other non-audit services provided to the registrant and those non-audit services provided to the Investment Adviser and Affiliated Service Providers that relate directly to the operations and the financial reporting of the registrant. Certain of these non-audit services that the Committee believes are (a) consistent with the SEC’s auditor independence rules and (b) routine and recurring services that will not impair the independence of the independent accountants may be approved by the Committee without consideration on a specific case-by-case basis (“general pre-approval”). The term of any general pre-approval is 12 months from the date of the pre-approval, unless the Committee provides for a different period. Tax or other non-audit services provided to the registrant which have a direct

 

3


impact on the operations or financial reporting of the registrant will only be deemed pre-approved provided that any individual project does not exceed $10,000 attributable to the registrant or $50,000 per project. For this purpose, multiple projects will be aggregated to determine if they exceed the previously mentioned cost levels.

Any proposed services exceeding the pre-approved cost levels will require specific pre-approval by the Committee, as will any other services not subject to general pre-approval (e.g., unanticipated but permissible services). The Committee is informed of each service approved subject to general pre-approval at the next regularly scheduled in-person board meeting. At this meeting, an analysis of such services is presented to the Committee for ratification. The Committee may delegate to the Committee Chairman the authority to approve the provision of and fees for any specific engagement of permitted non-audit services, including services exceeding pre-approved cost levels.

(e)(2) None of the services described in each of Items 4(b) through (d) were approved by the Committee pursuant to the de minimis exception in paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X.

(f) Not Applicable

(g) The aggregate non-audit fees, defined as the sum of the fees shown under “Audit-Related Fees,” “Tax Fees” and “All Other Fees,” paid to the accountant for services rendered by the accountant to the registrant, the Investment Adviser and the Affiliated Service Providers were:

 

Entity Name    Current Fiscal
Year End
        Previous Fiscal
Year End
         
BlackRock MuniYield Investment Quality Fund    $10,812        $10,812       

Additionally, the amounts billed by D&T in connection with services provided to the Affiliated Service Providers of the Fund and of other funds sponsored or advised by BlackRock or its affiliates during the current and previous fiscal years for a service organization review and an accounting research tool subscription were:

 

Current Fiscal
Year End
 

Previous Fiscal
Year End

$2,129,000

  $2,154,000

These amounts represent aggregate fees paid by BlackRock and were not allocated on a per fund basis.

(h) The Committee has considered and determined that the provision of non-audit services that were rendered to the Investment Adviser, and the Affiliated Service Providers that were not pre-approved pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(ii) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X is compatible with maintaining the principal accountant’s independence.

 

Item 5 – Audit Committee of Listed Registrants

 

4


  (a) The following individuals are members of the registrant’s separately-designated standing audit committee established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78c(a)(58)(A)):

Michael Castellano

Frank J. Fabozzi

W. Carl Kester

Catherine A. Lynch

Karen P. Robards

 

  (b) Not Applicable

 

Item 6 – Investments

(a) The registrant’s Schedule of Investments is included as part of the Report to Stockholders filed under Item 1 of this Form.

(b) Not Applicable due to no such divestments during the semi-annual period covered since the previous Form N-CSR filing.

 

Item 7 – Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies – The board of directors has delegated the voting of proxies for the Fund’s portfolio securities to the Investment Adviser pursuant to the Investment Adviser’s proxy voting guidelines. Under these guidelines, the Investment Adviser will vote proxies related to Fund securities in the best interests of the Fund and its stockholders. From time to time, a vote may present a conflict between the interests of the Fund’s stockholders, on the one hand, and those of the Investment Adviser, or any affiliated person of the Fund or the Investment Adviser, on the other. In such event, provided that the Investment Adviser’s Equity Investment Policy Oversight Committee, or a sub-committee thereof (the “Oversight Committee”) is aware of the real or potential conflict or material non-routine matter and if the Oversight Committee does not reasonably believe it is able to follow its general voting guidelines (or if the particular proxy matter is not addressed in the guidelines) and vote impartially, the Oversight Committee may retain an independent fiduciary to advise the Oversight Committee on how to vote or to cast votes on behalf of the Investment Adviser’s clients. If the Investment Adviser determines not to retain an independent fiduciary, or does not desire to follow the advice of such independent fiduciary, the Oversight Committee shall determine how to vote the proxy after consulting with the Investment Adviser’s Portfolio Management Group and/or the Investment Adviser’s Legal and Compliance Department and concluding that the vote cast is in its client’s best interest notwithstanding the conflict. A copy of the Fund’s Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures are attached as Exhibit 99.PROXYPOL. Information on how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available without charge, (i) at www.blackrock.com and (ii) on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Item 8 – Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies

(a)(1) As of the date of filing this Report:

 

5


The registrant is managed by a team of investment professionals comprised of Theodore R. Jaeckel, Jr., CFA, Managing Director at BlackRock, and Michael Perilli, Vice President at BlackRock. Each is a member of BlackRock’s municipal tax-exempt management group. Each is jointly responsible for the day-to-day management of the registrant’s portfolio, which includes setting the registrant’s overall investment strategy, overseeing the management of the registrant and/or selection of its investments. Messrs. Jaeckel and Perilli have been members of the registrant’s portfolio management team since 2006 and 2016, respectively.

 

Portfolio Manager    Biography
Theodore R. Jaeckel, Jr., CFA    Managing Director of BlackRock since 2006; Managing Director of Merrill Lynch Investment Managers, L.P. (“MLIM”) from 2005 to 2006; Director of MLIM from 1997 to 2005.
Michael Perilli    Vice President of BlackRock since 2014; Associate of BlackRock from 2008 to 2014.

 

  (a)(2) As of July 31, 2017:

 

     

(ii) Number of Other Accounts Managed

and Assets by Account Type

  

(iii) Number of Other Accounts and

Assets for Which Advisory Fee is

Performance-Based

(i) Name of

Portfolio Manager

  

Other

Registered

Investment

Companies

        

Other
Pooled

Investment

Vehicles

        

Other

Accounts

        

Other

Registered

Investment

Companies

        

Other Pooled

Investment

Vehicles

        

Other

Accounts

                       

Theodore R. Jaeckel, Jr., CFA

   38       0         0         0         0         0
                       
     $27.97 Billion       $0         $0         $0         $0         $0
                       

Michael Perilli

   9       0         0         0         0         0
                       
     $1.96 Billion         $0         $0         $0         $0         $0

 

  (iv) Portfolio Manager Potential Material Conflicts of Interest

BlackRock has built a professional working environment, firm-wide compliance culture and compliance procedures and systems designed to protect against potential incentives that may favor one account over another. BlackRock has adopted policies and procedures that address the allocation of investment opportunities, execution of portfolio transactions, personal trading by employees and other potential conflicts of interest that are designed to ensure that all client accounts are treated equitably over time. Nevertheless, BlackRock furnishes investment management and advisory services to numerous clients in addition to the Fund, and BlackRock may, consistent with applicable law, make investment recommendations to other clients or accounts (including accounts which are hedge funds or have performance or higher fees paid to BlackRock, or in which portfolio managers have a personal interest in the receipt of such fees), which may be the same as or different from those made to the Fund. In addition, BlackRock, Inc., its affiliates and significant shareholders and any officer, director, shareholder or employee may or may not have an interest in the securities whose purchase and sale BlackRock recommends to the Fund. BlackRock, Inc., or any of its affiliates or significant shareholders, or any officer, director, shareholder, employee or any member of their families may take different

 

6


actions than those recommended to the Fund by BlackRock with respect to the same securities. Moreover, BlackRock may refrain from rendering any advice or services concerning securities of companies of which any of BlackRock, Inc.’s (or its affiliates’ or significant shareholders’) officers, directors or employees are directors or officers, or companies as to which BlackRock, Inc. or any of its affiliates or significant shareholders or the officers, directors and employees of any of them has any substantial economic interest or possesses material non-public information. Certain portfolio managers also may manage accounts whose investment strategies may at times be opposed to the strategy utilized for a fund. It should also be noted that a portfolio manager may be managing hedge fund and/or long only accounts, or may be part of a team managing hedge fund and/or long only accounts, subject to incentive fees. Such portfolio managers may therefore be entitled to receive a portion of any incentive fees earned on such accounts. Currently, the portfolio managers of this Fund are not entitled to receive a portion of incentive fees of other accounts.

As a fiduciary, BlackRock owes a duty of loyalty to its clients and must treat each client fairly. When BlackRock purchases or sells securities for more than one account, the trades must be allocated in a manner consistent with its fiduciary duties. BlackRock attempts to allocate investments in a fair and equitable manner among client accounts, with no account receiving preferential treatment. To this end, BlackRock, Inc. has adopted policies that are intended to ensure reasonable efficiency in client transactions and provide BlackRock with sufficient flexibility to allocate investments in a manner that is consistent with the particular investment discipline and client base, as appropriate.

(a)(3) As of July 31, 2017:

Portfolio Manager Compensation Overview

The discussion below describes the portfolio managers’ compensation as of July 31, 2017.

BlackRock’s financial arrangements with its portfolio managers, its competitive compensation and its career path emphasis at all levels reflect the value senior management places on key resources. Compensation may include a variety of components and may vary from year to year based on a number of factors. The principal components of compensation include a base salary, a performance-based discretionary bonus, participation in various benefits programs and one or more of the incentive compensation programs established by BlackRock.

Base compensation. Generally, portfolio managers receive base compensation based on their position with the firm.

Discretionary Incentive Compensation. Discretionary incentive compensation is a function of several components: the performance of BlackRock, Inc., the performance of the portfolio manager’s group within BlackRock, the investment performance, including risk-adjusted returns, of the firm’s assets under management or supervision by that portfolio manager relative to predetermined benchmarks, and the individual’s performance and contribution to the overall performance of these portfolios and BlackRock. In most cases, these benchmarks are the same as the benchmark or benchmarks against which the performance of the Funds or other accounts managed by the portfolio managers are measured. Among other things, BlackRock’s Chief

 

7


Investment Officers make a subjective determination with respect to each portfolio manager’s compensation based on the performance of the Funds and other accounts managed by each portfolio manager relative to the various benchmarks. Performance of fixed income funds is measured on a pre-tax and/or after-tax basis over various time periods including 1-, 3- and 5- year periods, as applicable. With respect to these portfolio managers, such benchmarks for the Fund and other accounts are: a combination of market-based indices (e.g., Standard & Poor’s Municipal Bond Index), certain customized indices and certain fund industry peer groups.

Distribution of Discretionary Incentive Compensation. Discretionary incentive compensation is distributed to portfolio managers in a combination of cash, deferred BlackRock, Inc. stock awards, and/or deferred cash awards that notionally track the return of certain BlackRock investment products.

Typically, the cash portion of the discretionary incentive compensation, when combined with base salary, represents more than 60% of total compensation for the portfolio managers.

Portfolio managers generally receive deferred BlackRock, Inc. stock awards as part of their discretionary incentive compensation. Paying a portion of discretionary incentive compensation in the form of deferred BlackRock, Inc. stock puts compensation earned by a portfolio manager for a given year “at risk” based on BlackRock’s ability to sustain and improve its performance over future periods. Deferred BlackRock, Inc. stock awards are generally granted in the form of BlackRock, Inc. restricted stock units that vest ratably over a number of years and, once vested, settle in BlackRock, Inc. common stock. In some cases, additional deferred BlackRock, Inc. stock may be granted to certain key employees as part of a long-term incentive award to aid in retention, align their interests with long-term shareholder interests and motivate performance. Such equity awards are generally granted in the form of BlackRock, Inc. restricted stock units that vest pursuant to the terms of the applicable plan and, once vested, settle in BlackRock, Inc. common stock. With the exception of Mr. Perilli, the portfolio manager of this Fund has deferred BlackRock, Inc. stock awards.

For some portfolio managers, discretionary incentive compensation is also distributed in the form of deferred cash awards that notionally track the returns of select BlackRock investment products they manage. Providing a portion of discretionary incentive compensation in deferred cash awards that notionally track the BlackRock investment products they manage provides direct alignment with investment product results. Deferred cash awards vest ratably over a number of years and, once vested, settle in the form of cash. Any portfolio manager who is either a managing director or director at BlackRock with compensation above a specified threshold is eligible to participate in the deferred compensation program.

Other Compensation Benefits. In addition to base salary and discretionary incentive compensation, portfolio managers may be eligible to receive or participate in one or more of the following:

Incentive Savings Plans — BlackRock, Inc. has created a variety of incentive savings plans in which BlackRock, Inc. employees are eligible to participate, including a 401(k) plan, the BlackRock Retirement Savings Plan (RSP), and the BlackRock Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP). The employer contribution components of the RSP include a company match equal to 50%

 

8


of the first 8% of eligible pay contributed to the plan capped at $5,000 per year, and a company retirement contribution equal to 3-5% of eligible compensation up to the Internal Revenue Service limit ($270,000 for 2017). The RSP offers a range of investment options, including registered investment companies and collective investment funds managed by the firm. BlackRock, Inc. contributions follow the investment direction set by participants for their own contributions or, absent participant investment direction, are invested into a target date fund that corresponds to, or is closest to, the year in which the participant attains age 65. The ESPP allows for investment in BlackRock, Inc. common stock at a 5% discount on the fair market value of the stock on the purchase date. Annual participation in the ESPP is limited to the purchase of 1,000 shares of common stock or a dollar value of $25,000 based on its fair market value on the purchase date. All of the eligible portfolio managers are eligible to participate in these plans.

 

  (a)(4) Beneficial Ownership of Securities – As of July 31, 2017.

 

Portfolio Manager    Dollar Range of Equity
Securities of the Fund
Beneficially Owned

Theodore R. Jaeckel, Jr., CFA

 

  

None

 

Michael Perilli

 

  

None

 

 

  (b) Not Applicable

 

Item 9 – Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers – Not Applicable due to no such purchases during the period covered by this report.

 

Item 10 – Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders – There have been no material changes to these procedures.

 

Item 11 – Controls and Procedures

(a) – The registrant’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, have concluded that the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”)) are effective as of a date within 90 days of the filing of this report based on the evaluation of these controls and procedures required by Rule 30a-3(b) under the 1940 Act and Rule 13a-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

(b) – There were no changes in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the 1940 Act) that occurred during the second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Item 12 – Exhibits attached hereto

(a)(1) – Code of Ethics – See Item 2

 

9


(a)(2) – Certifications – Attached hereto

(a)(3) – Not Applicable

(b) – Certifications – Attached hereto

 

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Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

BlackRock MuniYield Investment Quality Fund

 

By:      

/s/ John M. Perlowski

          
  John M. Perlowski  
  Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer) of 
  BlackRock MuniYield Investment Quality Fund

Date: October 4, 2017

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

By:  

/s/ John M. Perlowski

          
  John M. Perlowski  
  Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer) of 
  BlackRock MuniYield Investment Quality Fund
  Date: October 4, 2017  
By:  

/s/ Neal J. Andrews

          
  Neal J. Andrews  
  Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer) of 
  BlackRock MuniYield Investment Quality Fund
Date: October 4, 2017

 

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