N-CSRS 1 dncsrs.htm MFS SERIES TRUST III N-CSRS MFS SERIES TRUST III N-CSRS
Table of Contents

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 811-2794

 

 

MFS SERIES TRUST III

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

500 Boylston Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

 

 

Susan S. Newton

Massachusetts Financial Services Company

500 Boylston Street

Boston, Massachusetts 02116

(Name and address of agents for service)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (617) 954-5000

 

Date of fiscal year end: January 31

 

Date of reporting period: July 31, 2008


Table of Contents
ITEM 1. REPORTS TO STOCKHOLDERS.


Table of Contents

LOGO

 


Table of Contents

MFS® High Income Fund

 

LETTER FROM THE CEO      1
PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION      2
EXPENSE TABLE      3
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS      6
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES      19
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS      22
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS      23
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS      24
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS      35
RESULTS OF SHAREHOLDER MEETING      51
BOARD REVIEW OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT      52
PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND INFORMATION      57
QUARTERLY PORTFOLIO DISCLOSURE      57
CONTACT INFORMATION BACK COVER

Note to Shareholders: At the close of business on April 18, 2008, Class R shares and Class R2 shares converted into Class R3 shares.

Following this conversion, Class R3, Class R4, and Class R5 shares were renamed Class R2, Class R3, and Class R4 shares, respectively.

The report is prepared for the general information of shareholders. It is authorized for distribution to prospective investors only when preceded or accompanied by a current prospectus.

 

NOT FDIC INSURED Ÿ MAY LOSE VALUE Ÿ

NO BANK OR CREDIT UNION GUARANTEE Ÿ NOT A DEPOSIT Ÿ

NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY OR

NCUA/NCUSIF

 

7/31/08

MFH-SEM


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

LETTER FROM THE CEO

Dear Shareholders:

Negative headlines tend to resonate during difficult markets, and we certainly have had more than our share of tough news recently. As a result consumer, and particularly investor, sentiment are at all-time lows. That said, I do think it is helpful to remember there are always silver linings in the storm clouds if you look hard enough.

Through all of the challenges we have faced, there are some positive underlying trends. In the United States, for example, institutional traders and credit market followers are just now showing increasing signs of confidence and are beginning to take on more risk. At the corporate level, earnings continue to be relatively strong as companies have reduced labor costs, controlled inventories, and relied less on debt to finance expansion. More broadly, low interest rates and strong demand for consumer goods and industrial equipment are good signs for the global economy.

While I do not mean to minimize the risks inherent in today’s markets, periods such as these allow the talented fund managers and research analysts we have at MFS® to test their convictions, reevaluate existing positions, and identify new investment ideas. Our investment process also includes a significant risk management component, with constant attention paid to monitoring market risk, so we can do our best to minimize any surprises to your portfolio.

For investors, this is a great time to check in with your advisor and make sure you have a sound investment plan in place — one that can keep your hard-earned money working over the long term through a strategy that involves asset allocation, diversification, and periodic portfolio rebalancing and reviews. A plan tailored to your distinct needs and goals continues to be the best approach to help you take advantage of the inevitable challenges — and opportunities — that present themselves over time.

Respectfully,

LOGO

Robert J. Manning

Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer

MFS Investment Management®

September 15, 2008

The opinions expressed in this letter are subject to change, may not be relied upon for investment advice, and no forecasts can be guaranteed.

 

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PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION

 

Portfolio structure (i)

LOGO

 

Top five industries (i)  
Medical & Health Technology
& Services
  9.2%
Utilities - Electric Power   7.6%
Gaming & Lodging   7.5%
Broadcasting   6.7%
Energy - Independent   5.6%

 

Credit quality of bonds (r)  
AAA   3.7%
AA   1.0%
A   1.5%
BBB   0.7%
BB   20.4%
B   50.7%
CCC   19.6%
D   0.1%
Not Rated   2.3%
Portfolio facts  
Average Duration (d)(i)   4.2
Average Life (i)(m)   6.6 yrs.
Average Maturity (i)(m)   8.0 yrs.
Average Credit Quality of Rated Securities (long-term) (a)   B+
Average Credit Quality of Rated Securities (short-term) (a)   A-1

 

 

(a) The average credit quality of rated securities is based upon a market weighted average of portfolio holdings that are rated by public rating agencies.
(d) Duration is a measure of how much a bond’s price is likely to fluctuate with general changes in interest rates, e.g., if rates rise 1.00%, a bond with a 5-year duration is likely to lose about 5.00% of its value.
(i) For purposes of this presentation, the bond component includes accrued interest amounts and may be positively or negatively impacted by the equivalent exposure from any derivative holdings, if applicable.
(m) The average maturity shown is calculated using the final stated maturity on the portfolio’s holdings without taking into account any holdings which have been pre-refunded or pre-paid to an earlier date or which have a mandatory put date prior to the stated maturity. The average life shown takes into account these earlier dates.
(r) Each security is assigned a rating from Moody’s Investors Service. If not rated by Moody’s, the rating will be that assigned by Standard & Poor’s. Likewise, if not assigned a rating by Standard & Poor’s, it will be based on the rating assigned by Fitch, Inc. For those portfolios that hold a security which is not rated by any of the three agencies, the security is considered Not Rated. Holdings in U.S. Treasuries and government agency mortgage-backed securities, if any, are included in the “AAA”-rating category. Percentages are based on the total market value of investments as of 7/31/08.

Percentages are based on net assets as of 7/31/08, unless otherwise noted.

The portfolio is actively managed and current holdings may be different.

 

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EXPENSE TABLE

Fund expenses borne by the shareholders during the period,

February 1, 2008 through July 31, 2008

As a shareholder of the fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on certain purchase or redemption payments, and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and service (12b-1) fees; and other fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

The example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period February 1, 2008 through July 31, 2008.

The actual expenses include the payment of a portion of the transfer-agent-related expenses of MFS funds that invest in the fund. For further information, please see the Notes to the Financial Statements.

Actual Expenses

The first line for each share class in the following table provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The second line for each share class in the following table provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads). Therefore, the second line for each share class in the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

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Expense Table – continued

 

Share
Class
       Annualized
Expense
Ratio
  Beginning
Account Value
2/01/08
  Ending
Account Value
7/31/08
  Expenses
Paid During
Period (p)
2/01/08-7/31/08
A   Actual   1.02%   $1,000.00   $986.88   $5.04
  Hypothetical (h)   1.02%   $1,000.00   $1,019.79   $5.12
B   Actual   1.72%   $1,000.00   $983.57   $8.48
  Hypothetical (h)   1.72%   $1,000.00   $1,016.31   $8.62
C   Actual   1.72%   $1,000.00   $980.83   $8.47
  Hypothetical (h)   1.72%   $1,000.00   $1,016.31   $8.62
I   Actual   0.72%   $1,000.00   $985.47   $3.55
  Hypothetical (h)   0.72%   $1,000.00   $1,021.28   $3.62
R1   Actual   1.74%   $1,000.00   $980.60   $8.57
  Hypothetical (h)   1.74%   $1,000.00   $1,016.21   $8.72
R2
(formerly R3)
  Actual   1.22%   $1,000.00   $985.89   $6.02
  Hypothetical (h)   1.22%   $1,000.00   $1,018.80   $6.12
R3
(formerly R4)
  Actual   0.97%   $1,000.00   $984.25   $4.79
  Hypothetical (h)   0.97%   $1,000.00   $1,020.04   $4.87
R4
(formerly R5)
  Actual   0.72%   $1,000.00   $988.38   $3.56
  Hypothetical (h)   0.72%   $1,000.00   $1,021.28   $3.62
529A   Actual   1.22%   $1,000.00   $983.01   $6.02
  Hypothetical (h)   1.22%   $1,000.00   $1,018.80   $6.12
529B   Actual   1.87%   $1,000.00   $982.68   $9.22
  Hypothetical (h)   1.87%   $1,000.00   $1,015.56   $9.37
529C   Actual   1.87%   $1,000.00   $979.94   $9.21
  Hypothetical (h)   1.87%   $1,000.00   $1,015.56   $9.37

 

(h) 5% class return per year before expenses.
(p) Expenses paid is equal to each class’ annualized expense ratio, as shown above, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days in the period, divided by the number of days in the year. Expenses paid do not include any applicable sales charges (loads). If these transaction costs had been included, your costs would have been higher.

Expense Changes Impacting the Table

 

  Effective March 1, 2008 the fund’s Class R1 retirement plan administration and services fee was terminated and the Class R1 distribution fee was increased (as described in Note 3 of the Notes to the Financial Statements). Had these fee changes been in effect throughout the entire six month period, the annualized expense ratio would have been 1.72%; the actual expenses paid during the period would have been approximately $8.47; and the hypothetical expenses paid during the period would have been approximately $8.62.

 

 

Effective April 1, 2008 the fund’s Class 529A, Class 529B, and Class 529C shares program manager fee was reduced (as described in Note 3 of the Notes to Financial Statements). Had this fee change been in

 

4


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Expense Table – continued

 

 

effect throughout the entire six month period, the annualized expense ratio would have been 1.17%, 1.83%, and 1.82% for Class 529A, Class 529B, and Class 529C shares, respectively; the actual expenses paid during the period would have been approximately $5.77, $9.02, and $8.96 for Class 529A, Class 529B, and Class 529C shares, respectively; and the hypothetical expenses paid during the period would have been approximately $5.87, $9.17, and $9.12 for Class 529A, Class 529B, and Class 529C shares, respectively.

 

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PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS

7/31/08 (unaudited)

The Portfolio of Investments is a complete list of all securities owned by your fund. It is categorized by broad-based asset classes.

 

Bonds - 86.4%            
Issuer   Shares/Par   Value ($)
   
Aerospace - 1.2%            
Hawker Beechcraft Acquisition Co. LLC, 9.75%, 2017   $ 4,800,000   $ 4,740,000
Vought Aircraft Industries, Inc., 8%, 2011     6,690,000     6,171,523
       
          $ 10,911,523
Airlines - 0.7%            
Continental Airlines, Inc., 7.339%, 2014   $ 5,719,000   $ 4,289,250
Continental Airlines, Inc., 6.9%, 2017     991,856     803,403
Continental Airlines, Inc., 6.748%, 2017     1,595,724     1,244,665
       
          $ 6,337,318
Asset Backed & Securitized - 5.4%            
Airlie LCDO Ltd., CDO, FRN, 4.701%, 2011 (z)   $ 2,326,000   $ 1,505,387
Anthracite Ltd., CDO, 6%, 2037 (z)     5,148,000     2,574,000
Babson Ltd., CLO, “D”, FRN, 4.291%, 2018 (n)     2,385,000     1,469,160
Banc of America Commercial Mortgage, Inc., 5.39%, 2045     1,550,377     1,370,462
Banc of America Commercial Mortgage, Inc., FRN, 5.772%, 2051     6,400,848     5,614,014
Banc of America Commercial Mortgage, Inc., FRN, 5.812%, 2051     1,514,262     1,343,796
Citigroup Commercial Mortgage Trust, FRN, 5.7%, 2049     2,948,120     1,820,596
Credit Suisse Mortgage Capital Certificate, 5.343%, 2039     1,467,534     1,285,808
CWCapital Cobalt Ltd., CDO, “E2”, 6%, 2045 (z)     1,000,000     400,000
CWCapital Cobalt Ltd., CDO, “F”, FRN, 4.095%, 2050 (z)     610,000     158,758
CWCapital Cobalt Ltd., CDO, “G”, FRN, 4.295%, 2050 (z)     1,890,000     431,940
Falcon Franchise Loan LLC, FRN, 3.421%, 2025 (i)(z)     13,457,716     1,400,289
First Union National Bank Commercial Mortgage Trust, 6.75%, 2032     2,000,000     1,659,214
JPMorgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Corp., 5.44%, 2045     4,479,655     3,967,955
JPMorgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Corp., 5.372%, 2047     2,288,482     2,012,801
JPMorgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Corp., FRN,
5.466%, 2047
    3,063,359     2,657,939
JPMorgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Corp., FRN,
6.062%, 2051
    2,285,000     1,630,799
Lehman Brothers Commercial Conduit Mortgage Trust, FRN,
0.811%, 2030 (i)
    12,965,339     442,118
Merrill Lynch Mortgage Trust, FRN, 5.829%, 2050     2,285,000     1,610,466
Merrill Lynch/Countrywide Commercial Mortgage Trust, FRN,
5.204%, 2049
    4,845,929     4,220,529
Merrill Lynch/Countrywide Commercial Mortgage Trust, FRN,
5.749%, 2050
    1,241,000     1,098,113
Morgan Stanley Capital I, Inc., 1.444%, 2039 (i)(n)     23,489,233     614,243

 

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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer   Shares/Par   Value ($)
   
Bonds - continued            
Asset Backed & Securitized - continued            
TIERS Beach Street Synthetic, CLO, FRN, 6.788%, 2011 (z)   $ 2,750,000   $ 2,092,750
Wachovia Bank Commercial Mortgage Trust, FRN, 5.752%, 2047     1,738,692     1,182,516
Wachovia Bank Commercial Mortgage Trust, FRN, 5.903%, 2051     4,834,564     4,311,834
Wachovia Credit, CDO, FRN, 4.154%, 2026 (z)     1,320,000     462,000
       
          $ 47,337,487
Automotive - 3.0%            
Allison Transmission, Inc., 11%, 2015 (n)   $ 7,145,000   $ 6,466,225
Fce Bank PLC, 7.125%, 2012   EUR 4,950,000     6,406,179
Ford Motor Credit Co. LLC, 12%, 2015   $ 5,568,000     4,692,566
Ford Motor Credit Co. LLC, 8%, 2016     5,045,000     3,565,407
Ford Motor Credit Co. LLC, FRN, 4.361%, 2010     3,005,000     2,568,866
General Motors Corp., 8.375%, 2033     5,225,000     2,573,313
       
          $ 26,272,556
Broadcasting - 5.9%            
Allbritton Communications Co., 7.75%, 2012   $ 6,515,000   $ 5,993,800
Bonten Media Acquisition Co., 9%, 2015 (n)(p)     4,420,000     3,359,200
CanWest MediaWorks LP, 9.25%, 2015 (n)     2,890,000     2,239,750
DIRECTV Holdings LLC, 7.625%, 2016 (n)     4,895,000     4,858,287
Lamar Media Corp., 6.625%, 2015     4,660,000     4,194,000
Lamar Media Corp., “C”, 6.625%, 2015     2,950,000     2,655,000
LBI Media, Inc., 8.5%, 2017 (n)     3,205,000     2,455,831
LIN TV Corp., 6.5%, 2013     6,610,000     5,750,700
Local TV Finance LLC, 9.25%, 2015 (n)(p)     4,820,000     3,663,200
Newport Television LLC, 13%, 2017 (n)(p)     5,600,000     4,788,000
Nexstar Broadcasting Group, Inc., 7%, 2014     5,375,000     4,420,938
Univision Communications, Inc., 9.75%, 2015 (n)(p)     9,000,000     6,862,500
Young Broadcasting, Inc., 8.75%, 2014     1,640,000     701,100
       
          $ 51,942,306
Brokerage & Asset Managers - 0.5%            
Nuveen Investments, Inc., 10.5%, 2015 (n)   $ 5,265,000   $ 4,738,500
Building - 1.5%            
Associated Materials, Inc., 9.75%, 2012   $ 1,460,000   $ 1,438,100
Associated Materials, Inc., 0% to 2009, 11.25% to 2014     2,360,000     1,445,500
Building Materials Corp. of America, 7.75%, 2014     3,270,000     2,550,600
Nortek Holdings, Inc., 10%, 2013 (n)     2,270,000     2,031,650
Nortek Holdings, Inc., 8.5%, 2014     3,865,000     2,188,556
Ply Gem Industries, Inc., 9%, 2012     4,640,000     2,412,800
Ply Gem Industries, Inc., 11.75%, 2013 (n)     1,660,000     1,485,700
       
          $ 13,552,906

 

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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer   Shares/Par   Value ($)
   
Bonds - continued            
Business Services - 0.7%            
SunGard Data Systems, Inc., 10.25%, 2015   $ 6,493,000   $ 6,590,395
Cable TV - 3.8%            
CCH I Holdings LLC, 11%, 2015   $ 2,030,000   $ 1,537,725
CCH II Holdings LLC, 10.25%, 2010     7,675,000     7,310,437
CCO Holdings LLC, 8.75%, 2013     14,135,000     13,074,875
CSC Holdings, Inc., 6.75%, 2012     3,550,000     3,381,375
CSC Holdings, Inc., 8.5%, 2015 (n)     1,370,000     1,349,450
Mediacom LLC, 9.5%, 2013     1,890,000     1,786,050
NTL Cable PLC, 9.125%, 2016     5,428,000     5,020,900
       
          $ 33,460,812
Chemicals - 3.5%            
Innophos, Inc., 8.875%, 2014   $ 5,530,000   $ 5,530,000
KI Holdings, Inc., 0% to 2009, 9.875% to 2014     7,030,000     6,327,000
Koppers Holdings, Inc., 9.875%, 2013     4,665,000     4,892,419
Momentive Performance Materials, Inc., 9.75%, 2014     1,460,000     1,292,100
Momentive Performance Materials, Inc., 11.5%, 2016     5,901,000     4,543,770
Nalco Co., 7.75%, 2011     1,485,000     1,499,850
Nalco Co., 8.875%, 2013     6,215,000     6,416,988
       
          $ 30,502,127
Computer Software - 0.6%            
First Data Corp., 9.875%, 2015 (n)   $ 5,850,000   $ 5,177,250
Consumer Goods & Services - 2.6%            
Corrections Corp. of America, 6.25%, 2013   $ 2,330,000   $ 2,277,575
GEO Group, Inc., 8.25%, 2013     4,290,000     4,354,350
Jarden Corp., 7.5%, 2017     2,325,000     2,022,750
KAR Holdings, Inc., 10%, 2015     3,440,000     2,855,200
Service Corp. International, 7.375%, 2014     2,220,000     2,147,850
Service Corp. International, 7%, 2017     7,550,000     7,002,625
Ticketmaster, 10.75%, 2016 (z)     1,975,000     2,044,125
       
          $ 22,704,475
Containers - 1.5%            
Crown Americas LLC, 7.625%, 2013   $ 3,075,000   $ 3,121,125
Graham Packaging Co. LP, 9.875%, 2014     3,335,000     2,851,425
Greif, Inc., 6.75%, 2017     3,415,000     3,244,250
Owens-Brockway Glass Container, Inc., 8.25%, 2013     3,985,000     4,084,625
       
          $ 13,301,425

 

8


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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer   Shares/Par   Value ($)
   
Bonds - continued            
Defense Electronics - 1.0%            
L-3 Communications Corp., 6.125%, 2014   $ 4,685,000   $ 4,427,325
L-3 Communications Corp., 5.875%, 2015     4,475,000     4,150,563
       
          $ 8,577,888
Electronics - 0.8%            
Avago Technologies Finance, 11.875%, 2015   $ 2,340,000   $ 2,492,100
Flextronics International Ltd., 6.25%, 2014     2,430,000     2,247,750
Spansion LLC, 11.25%, 2016 (n)     3,575,000     2,216,500
       
          $ 6,956,350
Emerging Market Sovereign - 0.5%            
Republic of Argentina, FRN, 3.092%, 2012   $ 4,942,500   $ 4,003,005
Energy - Independent - 5.5%            
Chaparral Energy, Inc., 8.875%, 2017   $ 3,225,000   $ 2,781,562
Chesapeake Energy Corp., 7%, 2014     2,147,000     2,114,795
Chesapeake Energy Corp., 6.375%, 2015     5,625,000     5,315,625
Forest Oil Corp., 7.25%, 2019     2,760,000     2,594,400
Forest Oil Corp., 7.25%, 2019 (n)     780,000     733,200
Hilcorp Energy I LP, 7.75%, 2015 (n)     450,000     412,875
Hilcorp Energy I LP, 9%, 2016 (n)     2,215,000     2,170,700
Mariner Energy, Inc., 8%, 2017     2,775,000     2,615,438
Newfield Exploration Co., 6.625%, 2014     3,715,000     3,510,675
OPTI Canada, Inc., 8.25%, 2014     6,360,000     6,407,700
Plains Exploration & Production Co., 7%, 2017     6,490,000     6,068,150
Quicksilver Resources, Inc., 7.125%, 2016     7,100,000     6,123,750
SandRidge Energy, Inc., 8.625%, 2015 (n)(p)     1,840,000     1,856,100
SandRidge Energy, Inc., 8%, 2018 (n)     2,630,000     2,603,700
Southwestern Energy Co., 7.5%, 2018 (n)     2,855,000     2,926,375
       
          $ 48,235,045
Entertainment - 0.5%            
AMC Entertainment, Inc., 11%, 2016   $ 2,935,000   $ 2,971,688
Marquee Holdings, Inc., 12%, 2014     2,295,000     1,818,788
       
          $ 4,790,476
Financial Institutions - 0.6%            
General Motors Acceptance Corp., 6.875%, 2011   $ 4,897,000   $ 3,233,499
General Motors Acceptance Corp., 8%, 2031     4,380,000     2,454,298
       
          $ 5,687,797
Food & Beverages - 1.9%            
ARAMARK Corp., 8.5%, 2015   $ 2,046,000   $ 2,038,327
B&G Foods, Inc., 8%, 2011     3,570,000     3,498,600

 

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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer   Shares/Par   Value ($)
   
Bonds - continued            
Food & Beverages - continued            
Dean Foods Co., 7%, 2016   $ 4,625,000   $ 4,185,625
Del Monte Corp., 6.75%, 2015     3,920,000     3,665,200
Michael Foods, Inc., 8%, 2013     3,105,000     3,066,188
       
          $ 16,453,940
Forest & Paper Products - 2.5%            
Buckeye Technologies, Inc., 8%, 2010   $ 993,000   $ 995,482
Buckeye Technologies, Inc., 8.5%, 2013     7,725,000     7,705,687
Georgia-Pacific Corp., 7.125%, 2017 (n)     2,605,000     2,403,113
Georgia-Pacific Corp., 8%, 2024     1,490,000     1,370,800
Graphic Packaging International Corp., 9.5%, 2013     2,340,000     2,176,200
JSG Funding PLC, 7.75%, 2015     525,000     472,500
Millar Western Forest Products Ltd., 7.75%, 2013     4,885,000     2,857,725
NewPage Holding Corp., 10%, 2012     125,000     119,688
Smurfit-Stone Container Corp., 8%, 2017     4,285,000     3,502,987
       
          $ 21,604,182
Gaming & Lodging - 6.3%            
Firekeepers Development Authority, 13.875%, 2015 (z)   $ 2,950,000   $ 2,714,000
Fontainebleau Las Vegas Holdings LLC, 10.25%, 2015 (n)     6,865,000     3,638,450
Harrah’s Operating Co., Inc., 5.5%, 2010     2,795,000     2,431,650
Harrah’s Operating Co., Inc., 5.375%, 2013     660,000     353,100
Harrah’s Operating Co., Inc., 10.75%, 2016 (n)     8,245,000     6,224,975
Harrah’s Operating Co., Inc., 10.75%, 2018 (n)(p)     3,865,000     2,589,550
Host Marriott LP, 7.125%, 2013     2,770,000     2,548,400
Host Marriott LP, 6.75%, 2016     1,380,000     1,179,900
Mandalay Resort Group, 9.375%, 2010     3,525,000     3,436,875
MGM Mirage, 8.5%, 2010     3,075,000     2,959,688
MGM Mirage, 8.375%, 2011     4,045,000     3,650,613
MGM Mirage, 6.75%, 2013     4,020,000     3,356,700
MGM Mirage, 5.875%, 2014     3,010,000     2,377,900
Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc., 7.5%, 2015     6,360,000     4,738,200
Station Casinos, Inc., 6%, 2012     1,395,000     934,650
Station Casinos, Inc., 6.5%, 2014     8,305,000     4,007,162
Station Casinos, Inc., 6.875%, 2016     7,690,000     3,498,950
Trump Entertainment Resorts Holdings, Inc., 8.5%, 2015     9,875,000     4,863,437
       
          $ 55,504,200
Industrial - 1.4%            
Blount, Inc., 8.875%, 2012   $ 3,955,000   $ 4,004,437
JohnsonDiversey, Inc., 9.625%, 2012   EUR 1,405,000     2,103,116
JohnsonDiversey, Inc., “B”, 9.625%, 2012   $ 5,965,000     6,069,388
       
          $ 12,176,941

 

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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer   Shares/Par   Value ($)
   
Bonds - continued            
Insurance - Property & Casualty - 0.3%            
USI Holdings Corp., 9.75%, 2015 (n)   $ 3,165,000   $ 2,555,738
Machinery & Tools - 0.6%            
Case New Holland, Inc., 7.125%, 2014   $ 5,565,000   $ 5,384,137
Major Banks - 1.2%            
Bank of America Corp., 8% to 2018, FRN to 2059   $ 4,515,000   $ 4,165,088
JPMorgan Chase & Co., 7.9% to 2018, FRN to 2049     6,505,000     6,017,255
       
          $ 10,182,343
Medical & Health Technology & Services - 8.4%            
Biomet, Inc., 10%, 2017   $ 3,195,000   $ 3,434,625
Biomet, Inc., 11.625%, 2017     6,305,000     6,659,655
Community Health Systems, Inc., 8.875%, 2015     10,360,000     10,437,700
Cooper Cos., Inc., 7.125%, 2015     4,305,000     4,132,800
DaVita, Inc., 7.25%, 2015     7,980,000     7,850,325
HCA, Inc., 6.375%, 2015     8,905,000     7,302,100
HCA, Inc., 9.25%, 2016     16,355,000     16,845,650
Psychiatric Solutions, Inc., 7.75%, 2015     3,970,000     3,880,675
U.S. Oncology, Inc., 10.75%, 2014     6,330,000     6,219,225
Universal Hospital Services, Inc., 8.5%, 2015 (p)     3,330,000     3,330,000
Universal Hospital Services, Inc., FRN, 6.303%, 2015     1,015,000     943,950
VWR Funding, Inc., 10.25%, 2015 (p)     2,835,000     2,601,113
       
          $ 73,637,818
Metals & Mining - 4.7%            
Arch Western Finance LLC, 6.75%, 2013   $ 3,570,000   $ 3,561,075
FMG Finance Ltd., 10.625%, 2016 (n)     7,395,000     8,578,200
Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold, Inc., 8.375%, 2017     12,055,000     12,627,612
Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold, Inc., FRN, 5.883%, 2015     4,988,000     5,012,042
Peabody Energy Corp., 5.875%, 2016     4,440,000     4,229,100
Peabody Energy Corp., 7.375%, 2016     3,600,000     3,672,000
PNA Group, Inc., 10.75%, 2016     2,950,000     3,503,125
       
          $ 41,183,154
Municipals - 0.5%            
Regional Transportation Authority, IL, “A”, MBIA, 4.5%, 2035   $ 4,335,000   $ 4,010,092
Natural Gas - Distribution - 0.8%            
AmeriGas Partners LP, 7.125%, 2016   $ 4,575,000   $ 4,151,812
Inergy LP, 6.875%, 2014     3,625,000     3,262,500
       
          $ 7,414,312

 

11


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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer   Shares/Par   Value ($)
   
Bonds - continued            
Natural Gas - Pipeline - 2.1%            
Atlas Pipeline Partners LP, 8.125%, 2015   $ 2,865,000   $ 2,800,537
Atlas Pipeline Partners LP, 8.75%, 2018 (n)     2,775,000     2,726,437
Deutsche Bank (El Paso Performance-Linked Trust, CLN),
7.75%, 2011 (n)
    4,380,000     4,432,236
El Paso Corp., 7.25%, 2018     2,840,000     2,811,600
Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Corp., 7%, 2011     1,094,000     1,137,760
Williams Partners LP, 7.25%, 2017     4,285,000     4,274,288
       
          $ 18,182,858
Network & Telecom - 3.5%            
Cincinnati Bell, Inc., 8.375%, 2014   $ 6,315,000   $ 6,015,037
Citizens Communications Co., 9.25%, 2011     4,461,000     4,639,440
Nordic Telephone Co. Holdings, 8.875%, 2016 (n)     3,965,000     3,826,225
Qwest Capital Funding, Inc., 7.25%, 2011     5,935,000     5,653,088
Qwest Corp., 7.875%, 2011     715,000     704,275
Qwest Corp., 8.875%, 2012     5,210,000     5,196,975
Windstream Corp., 8.625%, 2016     4,395,000     4,449,938
       
          $ 30,484,978
Oil Services - 0.8%            
Basic Energy Services, Inc., 7.125%, 2016   $ 5,755,000   $ 5,380,925
GulfMark Offshore, Inc., 7.75%, 2014     1,340,000     1,319,900
       
          $ 6,700,825
Printing & Publishing - 2.8%            
American Media Operations, Inc., 10.25%, 2009 (z)   $ 167,910   $ 131,809
American Media Operations, Inc., “B”, 10.25%, 2009     4,618,000     3,625,130
Dex Media West LLC, 9.875%, 2013     1,025,000     804,625
Dex Media, Inc., 0% to 2008, 9% to 2013     9,895,000     5,937,000
Dex Media, Inc., 0% to 2008, 9% to 2013     6,115,000     3,669,000
Idearc, Inc., 8%, 2016     7,309,000     3,325,595
Nielsen Finance LLC, 10%, 2014     4,545,000     4,579,088
Nielsen Finance LLC, 0% to 2011, 12.5% to 2016     615,000     419,738
Quebecor World, Inc., 6.125%, 2013 (d)     2,190,000     766,500
R.H. Donnelley Corp., 8.875%, 2016     2,670,000     1,288,275
       
          $ 24,546,760
Retailers - 0.2%            
Couche-Tard, Inc., 7.5%, 2013   $ 705,000   $ 657,412
Sally Holdings LLC, 10.5%, 2016     930,000     895,125
       
          $ 1,552,537

 

12


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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer   Shares/Par   Value ($)
   
Bonds - continued            
Specialty Stores - 0.3%            
Payless ShoeSource, Inc., 8.25%, 2013   $ 3,290,000   $ 2,961,000
Supermarkets - 0.1%            
Stater Brothers Holdings, Inc., 7.75%, 2015   $ 664,000   $ 634,120
Telecommunications - Wireless - 1.7%            
Alltel Corp., 7%, 2012   $ 4,894,000   $ 5,016,350
MetroPCS Wireless, Inc., 9.25%, 2014     5,430,000     5,267,100
Wind Acquisition Finance S.A., 10.75%, 2015 (n)     4,720,000     4,885,200
       
          $ 15,168,650
Transportation - Services - 0.3%            
Hertz Corp., 8.875%, 2014   $ 3,020,000   $ 2,770,850
Utilities - Electric Power - 6.2%            
Dynegy Holdings, Inc., 7.5%, 2015   $ 2,135,000   $ 2,022,912
Edison Mission Energy, 7%, 2017     6,865,000     6,487,425
Mirant Americas Generation LLC, 8.3%, 2011     2,900,000     2,958,000
Mirant North America LLC, 7.375%, 2013     4,870,000     4,870,000
NRG Energy, Inc., 7.375%, 2016     19,260,000     18,682,200
Reliant Energy, Inc., 6.75%, 2014     1,555,000     1,586,100
Reliant Energy, Inc., 7.875%, 2017     6,675,000     6,441,375
Sierra Pacific Resources, 8.625%, 2014     536,000     561,461
Texas Competitive Electric Holdings LLC, 10.25%, 2015 (n)     11,095,000     11,095,000
       
          $ 54,704,473
Total Bonds (Identified Cost, $830,809,023)         $ 758,893,549
Floating Rate Loans - 5.9% (g)(r)            
Aerospace - 0.6%            
Hawker Beechcraft Acquisition Co., Letter of Credit, 4.8%, 2014   $ 203,875   $ 189,540
Hawker Beechcraft Acquisition Co., Term Loan B, 4.8%, 2014     5,076,310     4,719,385
       
          $ 4,908,925
Automotive - 1.2%            
Federal Mogul Corp., Term Loan B, 4.4%, 2014   $ 3,751,524   $ 2,926,189
Ford Motor Co., Term Loan B, 5.46%, 2013     7,730,635     6,063,717
Mark IV Industries, Inc., Second Lien Term Loan, 11.39%, 2011     3,476,611     1,408,027
       
          $ 10,397,933
Broadcasting - 0.5%            
Young Broadcasting, Inc., Term Loan, 5.31%, 2012   $ 3,642,319   $ 3,132,395
Young Broadcasting, Inc., Term Loan B-1, 5.31%, 2012     1,356,995     1,167,016
       
          $ 4,299,411

 

13


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer   Shares/Par   Value ($)
   
Floating Rate Loans (g)(r) - continued            
Computer Software - 0.5%            
First Data Corp., Term Loan B-1, 5.24%, 2014   $ 4,936,458   $ 4,537,429
Forest & Paper Products - 0.1%            
Abitibi-Consolidated, Inc., Term Loan, 11.5%, 2009   $ 1,265,104   $ 1,258,778
Gaming & Lodging - 0.3%            
Green Valley Ranch Gaming LLC, Second Lien Term Loan,
5.89%, 2014 (o)
  $ 4,910,923   $ 2,848,335
Medical & Health Technology & Services - 0.6%            
Community Health Systems, Inc., Delayed Draw Term Loan B,
2014 (q)
  $ 88,142   $ 83,392
Community Health Systems, Inc., Term Loan, 4.85%, 2014     1,723,423     1,630,549
HCA, Inc., Term Loan B, 5.05%, 2013     4,015,350     3,772,755
       
          $ 5,486,696
Printing & Publishing - 0.5%            
Idearc, Inc., Term Loan B, 4.79%, 2014   $ 461,220   $ 341,687
Tribune Co., Term Loan B, 2014 (o)     5,724,803     3,889,317
       
          $ 4,231,004
Retailers - 0.1%            
Burlington Coat Factory, Term Loan B, 2013 (o)   $ 1,578,668   $ 1,253,726
Specialty Stores - 0.2%            
Michaels Stores, Inc., Term Loan B, 4.75%, 2013   $ 1,767,551   $ 1,419,197
Telecommunications - Wireless - 0.3%            
Alltel Corp., Term Loan B-2, 2015 (o)   $ 2,530,406   $ 2,498,303
Utilities - Electric Power - 1.0%            
Calpine Corp., Term Loan, 5.69%, 2014   $ 4,046,172   $ 3,795,455
TXU Corp. Term Loan B-3, 6.26%, 2014     5,227,099     4,893,056
       
          $ 8,688,511
Total Floating Rate Loans (Identified Cost, $57,268,278)         $ 51,828,248
Common Stocks - 2.1%            
Automotive - 0.0%            
Oxford Automotive, Inc. (a)     1,087   $ 0

 

14


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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer   Shares/Par   Value ($)
   
Common Stocks - continued          
Cable TV - 0.8%          
Cablevision Systems Corp., “A” (a)   41,600   $ 1,010,048
Comcast Corp., “A”   228,100     4,703,422
Time Warner Cable, Inc. (a)   59,500     1,691,585
       
        $ 7,405,055
Consumer Goods & Services - 0.0%          
Central Garden & Pet Co. (a)   47,600   $ 219,912
Electronics - 0.1%          
Intel Corp.   20,700   $ 459,333
Energy - Integrated - 0.1%          
Chevron Corp.   9,500   $ 803,320
Forest & Paper Products - 0.1%          
Louisiana-Pacific Corp.   52,900   $ 447,534
Gaming & Lodging - 0.3%          
MGM Mirage (a)   25,700   $ 745,814
Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc. (a)   131,800     1,489,340
       
        $ 2,235,154
Major Banks - 0.1%          
Bank of America Corp.   24,700   $ 812,630
JPMorgan Chase & Co.   12,000     487,560
       
        $ 1,300,190
Printing & Publishing - 0.0%          
Golden Books Family Entertainment, Inc. (a)   206,408   $ 0
Real Estate - 0.1%          
Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc., REIT   102,500   $ 1,343,775
Telephone Services - 0.2%          
Windstream Corp.   151,600   $ 1,807,072
Utilities - Electric Power - 0.3%          
Reliant Energy, Inc. (a)   123,500   $ 2,236,585
Total Common Stocks (Identified Cost, $24,175,932)       $ 18,257,930

 

15


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Preferred Stocks - 0.9%          
Issuer   Shares/Par   Value ($)
   
Broadcasting - 0.2%          
Spanish Broadcasting Systems, Inc., “B”, 10.75% (p)   2,034   $ 1,281,420
Brokerage & Asset Managers - 0.7%          
Merrill Lynch Co., Inc., 8.625% (a)   304,150   $ 6,250,283
Total Preferred Stocks (Identified Cost, $9,604,506)       $ 7,531,703
Money Market Funds (v) - 3.8%          
MFS Institutional Money Market Portfolio, 2.57%,
at Cost and Net Asset Value
  33,545,765   $ 33,545,765
Total Investments (Identified Cost, $955,403,504)       $ 870,057,195
Other Assets, Less Liabilities - 0.9%         7,729,474
Net Assets - 100.0%       $ 877,786,669

 

(a) Non-income producing security.
(d) Non-income producing security – in default.
(g) The rate shown represents a weighted average coupon rate on settled positions at period end, unless otherwise indicated.
(i) Interest only security for which the fund receives interest on notional principal (Par amount). Par amount shown is the notional principal and does not reflect the cost of the security.
(n) Securities exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be sold in the ordinary course of business in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At period end, the aggregate value of these securities was $117,433,520, representing 13.4% of net assets.
(o) All or a portion of this position has not settled. Upon settlement date, interest rates will be determined.
(p) Payment-in-kind security.
(q) All or a portion of this position represents an unfunded loan commitment. The rate shown represents a weighted average coupon rate on the full position, including the unfunded loan commitment which has no current coupon rate.
(r) Remaining maturities of floating rate loans may be less than stated maturities shown as a result of contractual or optional prepayments by the borrower. Such prepayments cannot be predicted with certainty. These loans may be subject to restrictions on resale. Floating rate loans generally have rates of interest which are determined periodically by reference to a base lending rate plus a premium.
(v) Underlying fund that is available only to investment companies managed by MFS. The rate quoted is the annualized seven-day yield of the fund at period end.

 

16


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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

(z) Restricted securities are not registered under the Securities Act of 1933 and are subject to legal restrictions on resale. These securities generally may be resold in transactions exempt from registration or to the public if the securities are subsequently registered. Disposal of these securities may involve time-consuming negotiations and prompt sale at an acceptable price may be difficult. The fund holds the following restricted securities:

 

Restricted Securities    Acquisition
Date
   Cost    Current
Market
Value
Airlie LCDO Ltd., CDO, FRN, 4.701%, 2011    10/13/06    $2,326,000    $1,505,387
American Media Operations, Inc.,
10.25%, 2009
   1/18/08    161,775    131,809
Anthracite Ltd., CDO, 6%, 2037    5/14/02    4,237,977    2,574,000
CWCapital Cobalt Ltd., CDO, “E2”, 6%, 2045    3/20/06    958,428    400,000
CWCapital Cobalt Ltd., CDO, “F”, FRN, 4.095%, 2050    4/12/06    610,000    158,758
CWCapital Cobalt Ltd., CDO, “G”, FRN, 4.295%, 2050    4/12/06    1,890,000    431,940
Falcon Franchise Loan LLC, FRN,
3.421%, 2025
   1/29/03    1,681,031    1,400,289
Firekeepers Development Authority, 13.875%, 2015    4/22/08    2,866,296    2,714,000
TIERS Beach Street Synthetic, CLO, FRN, 6.788%, 2011    5/17/06    2,750,000    2,092,750
Ticketmaster, 10.75%, 2016    7/16/08-7/17/08    1,995,881    2,044,125
Wachovia Credit, CDO, FRN, 4.154%, 2026    6/08/06    1,320,000    462,000
Total Restricted Securities          $13,915,058
% of Net Assets          1.6%

Derivative Contracts at 7/31/08

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts at 7/31/08

 

Type    Currency    Contracts to
Deliver/Receive
   Settlement
Date Range
   In Exchange
For
   Contracts
at Value
   Net
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Appreciation                                      

BUY

   EUR    1,555,723    8/25/08    $2,416,410    $2,423,038    $6,628  

SELL

   EUR    4,302,212    8/25/08    6,773,550    6,700,695    72,855  
                     
                  $79,483  
                     
Depreciation                                      

SELL

   EUR    2,701,892    8/25/08    $4,195,185    $4,208,196    $(13,011 )
                     

 

17


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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Swap Agreements at 7/31/08

 

Expiration   Notional
Amount
    Counterparty   Cash Flows
to Receive
    Cash Flows to
Pay
  Value  
Credit Default Swaps                          
6/20/09   USD   4,200,000     JPMorgan Chase Bank   4.10% (fixed rate )   (1)   $(740,737 )
6/20/09   USD   2,100,000     JPMorgan Chase Bank   4.80% (fixed rate )   (1)   (357,227 )
6/20/12   USD   4,200,000     Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.   3.76% (fixed rate )   (2)   (1,213,743 )
6/20/12   USD   2,100,000     Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.   4.15% (fixed rate )   (2)   (587,174 )
6/20/13   USD   4,045,000 (a)   Goldman Sachs International   5.00% (fixed rate )   (3)   (1,439,657 )
6/20/13   USD   16,000,000 (b)   Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.   (4)
 
  5.00% (fixed rate)   900,888  
9/20/13   USD   3,400,000     JPMorgan Chase Bank   5.30% (fixed rate )   (5)   73,070  
            $(3,364,580 )
               

 

(1) Fund to pay notional amount upon a defined credit event by Abitibi-Consolidated, Inc., 8.375%, 4/01/15.
(2) Fund to pay notional amount upon a defined credit event by Bowater, Inc. 6.5%, 6/15/13.
(3) Fund to pay notional amount upon a defined credit event by Station Casino’s, Inc., 6%, 4/01/12.
(4) Fund to receive notional amount upon a defined credit event by a reference obligation specified in the CDX High Yield Index.
(5) Fund to pay notional amount upon a defined credit event by Aramark Services, 8.5%, 2/01/15.
(a) Net unamortized premiums received by the fund amounted to $702,819.
(b) Net unamortized premiums paid by the fund amounted to $1,070,000.

At July 31, 2008, the fund had sufficient cash and/or other liquid securities to cover any commitments under these derivative contracts.

The following abbreviations are used in this report and are defined:

 

CDO   Collateralized Debt Obligation
CLN   Credit-Linked Note
CLO   Collateralized Loan Obligation
FRN   Floating Rate Note. Interest rate resets periodically and may not be the rate reported at period end.
REIT   Real Estate Investment Trust

Insurers

 

 

MBIA   MBIA Insurance Corp.

Abbreviations indicate amounts shown in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. All amounts are stated in U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated. A list of abbreviations is shown below:

 

EUR   Euro

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

18


Table of Contents

Financial Statements

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

At 7/31/08 (unaudited)

This statement represents your fund’s balance sheet, which details the assets and liabilities comprising the total value of the fund.

 

Assets

          

Investments -

    

Non-affiliated issuers, at value
(identified cost, $921,857,739)

   $836,511,430    

Underlying funds, at cost and value

   33,545,765      

Total investments, at value (identified cost, $955,403,504)

         $870,057,195

Cash

   $10,966    

Restricted cash

   1,875,580    

Receivable for forward foreign currency exchange contracts

   79,483    

Receivable for investments sold

   5,893,556    

Receivable for fund shares sold

   234,469    

Interest and dividends receivable

   18,601,390    

Swaps, at value (net unamortized premiums paid, $1,070,000)

   973,958    

Other assets

   4,560      

Total assets

         $897,731,157

Liabilities

          

Distributions payable

   $1,236,017    

Payable for forward foreign currency exchange contracts

   13,011    

Payable for investments purchased

   12,302,984    

Payable for fund shares reacquired

   1,567,570    

Swaps, at value (net unamortized premiums received, $702,819)

   4,338,538    

Payable to affiliates

    

Management fee

   22,056    

Shareholder servicing costs

   276,427    

Distribution and service fees

   16,106    

Administrative services fee

   688    

Program manager fees

   8    

Payable for independent trustees’ compensation

   119,675    

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

   51,408      

Total liabilities

         $19,944,488

Net assets

         $877,786,669

Net assets consist of

          

Paid-in capital

   $1,408,439,184    

Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments and
translation of assets and liabilities in foreign currencies

   (89,015,079 )  

Accumulated net realized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency transactions

   (436,978,274 )  

Accumulated distributions in excess of net investment income

   (4,659,162 )    

Net assets

         $877,786,669

Shares of beneficial interest outstanding

         258,392,312

 

19


Table of Contents

Statement of Assets and Liabilities (unaudited) – continued

 

Class A shares

         

Net assets

   $461,740,008   

Shares outstanding

   135,988,076     

Net asset value per share

        $3.40

Offering price per share (100/95.25 × net asset value per share)

        $3.57

Class B shares

         

Net assets

   $88,907,240   

Shares outstanding

   26,105,835     

Net asset value and offering price per share

        $3.41

Class C shares

         

Net assets

   $60,182,219   

Shares outstanding

   17,638,293     

Net asset value and offering price per share

        $3.41

Class I shares

         

Net assets

   $250,196,227   

Shares outstanding

   73,726,316     

Net asset value, offering price, and redemption price per share

        $3.39

Class R1 shares

         

Net assets

   $1,157,629   

Shares outstanding

   340,287     

Net asset value, offering price, and redemption price per share

        $3.40

Class R2 shares (formerly Class R3 shares)

         

Net assets

   $5,938,578   

Shares outstanding

   1,746,585     

Net asset value, offering price, and redemption price per share

        $3.40

Class R3 shares (formerly Class R4 shares)

         

Net assets

   $8,221,736   

Shares outstanding

   2,422,103     

Net asset value, offering price, and redemption price per share

        $3.39

Class R4 shares (formerly Class R5 shares)

         

Net assets

   $56,808   

Shares outstanding

   16,731     

Net asset value, offering price, and redemption price per share

        $3.40

 

20


Table of Contents

Statement of Assets and Liabilities (unaudited) – continued

 

Class 529A shares

         

Net assets

   $788,987   

Shares outstanding

   232,442     

Net asset value and redemption price per share

        $3.39

Offering price per share (100/95.25 × net asset value per share)

        $3.56

Class 529B shares

         

Net assets

   $258,546   

Shares outstanding

   76,149     

Net asset value and offering price per share

        $3.40

Class 529C shares

         

Net assets

   $338,691   

Shares outstanding

   99,495     

Net asset value and offering price per share

        $3.40

On sales of $50,000 or more, the offering prices of Class A and Class 529A shares are reduced. A contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on redemptions of Class A, Class B, Class C, Class 529B, and Class 529C shares.

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

21


Table of Contents

Financial Statements

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Six months ended 7/31/08 (unaudited)

This statement describes how much your fund earned in investment income and accrued in expenses. It also describes any gains and/or losses generated by fund operations.

 

Net investment income

             

Income

     

Interest

   $37,488,652     

Dividends from underlying funds

   485,718     

Dividends

   341,977     

Foreign taxes withheld

   (4,829 )       

Total investment income

          $38,311,518  

Expenses

     

Management fee

   $2,141,190     

Distribution and service fees

   1,606,092     

Program manager fees

   1,020     

Shareholder servicing costs

   874,818     

Administrative services fee

   62,727     

Retirement plan administration and services fees

   338     

Independent trustees’ compensation

   14,363     

Custodian fee

   80,800     

Shareholder communications

   61,277     

Auditing fees

   31,075     

Legal fees

   8,661     

Miscellaneous

   83,591         

Total expenses

          $4,965,952  

Reduction of expenses by investment adviser

   (2,740 )       

Net expenses

          $4,963,212  

Net investment income

          $33,348,306  
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments
and foreign currency transactions
             

Realized gain (loss) (identified cost basis)

     

Investment transactions:

     

Non-affiliated issuers

   $(17,704,643 )   

Futures contracts

   203,269     

Swap transactions

   1,005,931     

Foreign currency transactions

   (309,262 )       

Net realized gain (loss) on investments
and foreign currency transactions

          $(16,804,705 )

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     

Investments

   $(27,073,364 )   

Futures contracts

   (270,563 )   

Swap transactions

   (2,103,094 )   

Translation of assets and liabilities in foreign currencies

   80,448         

Net unrealized gain (loss) on investments
and foreign currency translation

          $(29,366,573 )

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments
and foreign currency

          $(46,171,278 )

Change in net assets from operations

          $(12,822,972 )

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

22


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Financial Statements

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

These statements describe the increases and/or decreases in net assets resulting from operations, any distributions, and any shareholder transactions.

 

     Six months ended
7/31/08
     Year ended
1/31/08
 
Change in net assets    (unaudited)         

From operations

             

Net investment income

   $33,348,306      $79,939,917  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments and foreign
currency transactions

   (16,804,705 )    (1,809,178 )

Net unrealized gain (loss) on investments and foreign
currency translation

   (29,366,573 )    (90,378,874 )

Change in net assets from operations

   $(12,822,972 )    $(12,248,135 )

Distributions declared to shareholders

             

From net investment income

     

Class A

   $(18,942,894 )    $(48,029,574 )

Class B

   (3,567,935 )    (11,005,810 )

Class C

   (2,286,751 )    (5,876,268 )

Class I

   (10,271,804 )    (21,291,854 )

Class R (b)

   (12,425 )    (243,806 )

Class R1

   (41,937 )    (56,111 )

Former Class R2 (b)

   (11,420 )    (38,427 )

Class R2 (formerly Class R3)

   (216,905 )    (261,511 )

Class R3 (formerly Class R4)

   (315,672 )    (587,093 )

Class R4 (formerly Class R5)

   (2,294 )    (4,732 )

Class 529A

   (30,555 )    (66,936 )

Class 529B

   (7,994 )    (15,465 )

Class 529C

   (11,441 )    (28,036 )

Total distributions declared to shareholders

   $(35,720,027 )    $(87,505,623 )

Change in net assets from fund share transactions

   $(35,942,342 )    $(157,432,891 )

Total change in net assets

   $(84,485,341 )    $(257,186,649 )

Net assets

             

At beginning of period

   962,272,010      1,219,458,659  

At end of period (including accumulated distributions in excess of net investment income of $4,659,162 and $2,287,441, respectively)

   $877,786,669      $962,272,010  

 

(b) At the close of business on April 18, 2008, Class R and Class R2 shares converted into Class R3 shares. Following the conversion, Class R3 shares were renamed Class R2 shares.

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

23


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Financial Statements

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

The financial highlights table is intended to help you understand the fund’s financial performance for the semiannual period and the past 5 fiscal years (or life of a particular share class, if shorter). Certain information reflects financial results for a single fund share. The total returns in the table represent the rate by which an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the fund share class (assuming reinvestment of all distributions) held for the entire period.

 

    Six months
ended
7/31/08
    Years ended 1/31  
Class A     2008     2007     2006     2005     2004  
    (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning
of period

  $3.58     $3.92     $3.82     $3.98     $3.98     $3.52  
Income (loss) from
investment operations
                                   

Net investment income (d)

  $0.13     $0.27     $0.27     $0.27     $0.29     $0.30  

Net realized and
unrealized gain (loss)
on investments and
foreign currency

  (0.18 )   (0.31 )   0.11     (0.13 )   0.01 (g)   0.46  

Total from investment
operations

  $(0.05 )   $(0.04 )   $0.38     $0.14     $0.30     $0.76  
Less distributions declared
to shareholders
                                   

From net investment
income

  $(0.13 )   $(0.30 )   $(0.28 )   $(0.30 )   $(0.30 )   $(0.30 )

Redemption fees added to
paid-in capital (d)

  $—     $—     $0.00 (w)   $0.00 (w)   $0.00 (w)   $—  

Net asset value, end of
period

  $3.40     $3.58     $3.92     $3.82     $3.98     $3.98  

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)

  (1.31 )(n)   (1.20 )   10.30     3.61     7.74     22.83  
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

  1.02 (a)   0.97     1.00     1.00     0.99     0.99  

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

  1.02 (a)   0.97     1.00     1.00     0.99     N/A  

Net investment income

  7.18 (a)   7.17     7.09     6.85     7.31     7.87  

Portfolio turnover

  39     66     89     51     68     81  

Net assets at end of period
(000 Omitted)

  $461,740     $504,159     $671,019     $703,305     $799,651     $934,958  

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

24


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

    Six months
ended
7/31/08
    Years ended 1/31  
Class B     2008     2007     2006     2005     2004  
    (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning
of period

  $3.59     $3.93     $3.83     $3.99     $3.99     $3.53  
Income (loss) from
investment operations
                                   

Net investment income (d)

  $0.11     $0.25     $0.25     $0.24     $0.26     $0.27  

Net realized and
unrealized gain (loss)
on investments and
foreign currency

  (0.17 )   (0.32 )   0.10     (0.13 )   0.01 (g)   0.47  

Total from investment
operations

  $(0.06 )   $(0.07 )   $0.35     $0.11     $0.27     $0.74  
Less distributions declared
to shareholders
                                   

From net investment
income

  $(0.12 )   $(0.27 )   $(0.25 )   $(0.27 )   $(0.27 )   $(0.28 )

Redemption fees added to
paid-in capital (d)

  $—     $—     $0.00 (w)   $0.00 (w)   $0.00 (w)   $—  

Net asset value, end of
period

  $3.41     $3.59     $3.93     $3.83     $3.99     $3.99  

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)

  (1.64 )(n)   (1.87 )   9.53     2.90     7.10     21.65  
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

  1.72 (a)   1.67     1.71     1.72     1.69     1.69  

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

  1.72 (a)   1.67     1.71     1.72     1.69     N/A  

Net investment income

  6.47 (a)   6.47     6.40     6.26     6.63     7.18  

Portfolio turnover

  39     66     89     51     68     81  

Net assets at end of period
(000 Omitted)

  $88,907     $113,331     $195,028     $275,363     $379,253     $471,520  

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

25


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

     Six months
ended
7/31/08
    Years ended 1/31  
Class C      2008     2007     2006     2005     2004  
     (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning
of period

   $3.60     $3.94     $3.84     $4.00     $4.00     $3.54  
Income (loss) from
investment operations
                                    

Net investment income (d)

   $0.11     $0.25     $0.24     $0.24     $0.26     $0.27  

Net realized and
unrealized gain (loss)
on investments and
foreign currency

   (0.18 )   (0.32 )   0.11     (0.13 )   0.01 (g)   0.47  

Total from investment
operations

   $(0.07 )   $(0.07 )   $0.35     $0.11     $0.27     $0.74  
Less distributions declared
to shareholders
                                    

From net investment
income

   $(0.12 )   $(0.27 )   $(0.25 )   $(0.27 )   $(0.27 )   $(0.28 )

Redemption fees added to
paid-in capital (d)

   $—     $—     $0.00 (w)   $0.00 (w)   $0.00 (w)   $—  

Net asset value, end of
period

   $3.41     $3.60     $3.94     $3.84     $4.00     $4.00  

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)

   (1.92 )(n)   (1.84 )   9.52     2.91     7.10     21.61  
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

   1.72 (a)   1.67     1.70     1.72     1.69     1.69  

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

   1.72 (a)   1.67     1.70     1.72     1.69     N/A  

Net investment income

   6.45 (a)   6.46     6.39     6.26     6.63     7.18  

Portfolio turnover

   39     66     89     51     68     81  

Net assets at end of period
(000 Omitted)

   $60,182     $69,505     $92,050     $108,181     $148,073     $214,915  

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

26


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

    Six months
ended
7/31/08
    Years ended 1/31  
Class I     2008     2007     2006     2005     2004  
    (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning
of period

  $3.58     $3.92     $3.82     $3.98     $3.98     $3.52  
Income (loss) from
investment operations
                                   

Net investment income (d)

  $0.13     $0.29     $0.28     $0.28     $0.29     $0.30  

Net realized and
unrealized gain (loss)
on investments and
foreign currency

  (0.18 )   (0.32 )   0.11     (0.13 )   0.02 (g)   0.47  

Total from investment
operations

  $(0.05 )   $(0.03 )   $0.39     $0.15     $0.31     $0.77  
Less distributions declared
to shareholders
                                   

From net investment
income

  $(0.14 )   $(0.31 )   $(0.29 )   $(0.31 )   $(0.31 )   $(0.31 )

Redemption fees added to
paid-in capital (d)

  $—     $—     $0.00 (w)   $0.00 (w)   $0.00 (w)   $—  

Net asset value, end of
period

  $3.39     $3.58     $3.92     $3.82     $3.98     $3.98  

Total return (%) (r)(s)

  (1.45 )(n)   (0.90 )   10.62     3.92     8.17     22.88  
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

  0.72 (a)   0.67     0.70     0.71     0.68     0.69  

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

  0.72 (a)   0.67     0.70     0.71     0.68     N/A  

Net investment income

  7.50 (a)   7.47     7.38     7.24     7.55     8.03  

Portfolio turnover

  39     66     89     51     68     81  

Net assets at end of period
(000 Omitted)

  $250,196     $257,572     $246,306     $231,455     $170,679     $93,887  

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

27


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

     Six months
ended
7/31/08
    Years ended 1/31  
Class R1      2008     2007     2006 (i)  
     (unaudited)                    

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $3.59     $3.93     $3.83     $3.89  
Income (loss) from investment operations                         

Net investment income (d)

   $0.11     $0.24     $0.24     $0.19  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments and foreign currency

   (0.18 )   (0.31 )   0.11     (0.03 )(g)

Total from investment operations

   $(0.07 )   $(0.07 )   $0.35     $0.16  
Less distributions declared to shareholders                         

From net investment income

   $(0.12 )   $(0.27 )   $(0.25 )   $(0.22 )

Redemption fees added to paid-in capital (d)

   $—     $—     $0.00 (w)   $0.00 (w)

Net asset value, end of period

   $3.40     $3.59     $3.93     $3.83  

Total return (%) (r)(s)

   (1.94 )(n)   (1.96 )   9.41     4.28 (n)
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                        

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

   1.74 (a)   1.77     1.89     1.91 (a)

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

   1.74 (a)   1.76     1.79     1.85 (a)

Net investment income

   6.46 (a)   6.35     6.27     6.08 (a)

Portfolio turnover

   39     66     89     51  

Net assets at end of period (000 Omitted)

   $1,158     $1,273     $361     $231  

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

28


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

     Six months
ended
7/31/08
    Years ended 1/31  
Class R2 (formerly Class R3)      2008     2007     2006     2005     2004 (i)  
     (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning
of period

   $3.58     $3.93     $3.83     $3.98     $3.98     $3.85  
Income (loss) from
investment operations
                                    

Net investment income (d)

   $0.12     $0.26     $0.26     $0.24     $0.25     $0.07  

Net realized and
unrealized gain (loss)
on investments and
foreign currency

   (0.17 )   (0.32 )   0.10     (0.11 )   0.03 (g)   0.13 (g)

Total from investment
operations

   $(0.05 )   $(0.06 )   $0.36     $0.13     $0.28     $0.20  
Less distributions declared
to shareholders
                                    

From net investment
income

   $(0.13 )   $(0.29 )   $(0.26 )   $(0.28 )   $(0.28 )   $(0.07 )

Redemption fees added to
paid-in capital (d)

   $—     $—     $0.00 (w)   $0.00 (w)   $0.00 (w)   $—  

Net asset value, end of
period

   $3.40     $3.58     $3.93     $3.83     $3.98     $3.98  

Total return (%) (r)(s)

   (1.41 )(n)   (1.79 )   9.91     3.45     7.37     5.32 (n)
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                    

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

   1.22 (a)   1.30     1.44     1.46     1.49     1.43 (a)

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

   1.22 (a)   1.29     1.34     1.42     1.49     N/A  

Net investment income

   6.99 (a)   6.83     6.71     6.61     6.58     7.07 (a)

Portfolio turnover

   39     66     89     51     68     81  

Net assets at end of period
(000 Omitted)

   $5,939     $5,525     $2,406     $1,212     $246     $42  

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

29


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

     Six months
ended
7/31/08
    Years ended 1/31  
Class R3 (formerly Class R4)      2008     2007     2006 (i)  
     (unaudited)                    

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $3.58     $3.92     $3.82     $3.88  
Income (loss) from investment operations                         

Net investment income (d)

   $0.13     $0.27     $0.27     $0.21  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments and foreign currency

   (0.18 )   (0.31 )   0.10     (0.02 )(g)

Total from investment operations

   $(0.05 )   $(0.04 )   $0.37     $0.19  
Less distributions declared to shareholders                         

From net investment income

   $(0.14 )   $(0.30 )   $(0.27 )   $(0.25 )

Redemption fees added to paid-in capital (d)

   $—     $—     $0.00 (w)   $0.00 (w)

Net asset value, end of period

   $3.39     $3.58     $3.92     $3.82  

Total return (%) (r)(s)

   (1.57 )(n)   (1.28 )   10.18     4.94 (n)
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                        

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

   0.97 (a)   1.05     1.07     1.15 (a)

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

   0.97 (a)   1.05     1.07     1.15 (a)

Net investment income

   7.24 (a)   7.08     6.90     6.73 (a)

Portfolio turnover

   39     66     89     51  

Net assets at end of period (000 Omitted)

   $8,222     $8,065     $5,143     $393  

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

30


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

     Six months
ended
7/31/08
    Years ended 1/31  
Class R4 (formerly Class R5)      2008     2007     2006 (i)  
     (unaudited)                    

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $3.58     $3.92     $3.82     $3.88  
Income (loss) from investment operations                    

Net investment income (d)

   $0.13     $0.28     $0.28     $0.23  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments and foreign currency

   (0.17 )   (0.31 )   0.11     (0.03 )(g)

Total from investment operations

   $(0.04 )   $(0.03 )   $0.39     $0.20  
Less distributions declared to shareholders                    

From net investment income

   $(0.14 )   $(0.31 )   $(0.29 )   $(0.26 )

Redemption fees added to paid-in capital (d)

   $—     $—     $0.00 (w)   $0.00 (w)

Net asset value, end of period

   $3.40     $3.58     $3.92     $3.82  

Total return (%) (r)(s)

   (1.16 )(n)   (0.99 )   10.52     5.20 (n)
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                    

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

   0.72 (a)   0.76     0.80     0.80 (a)

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

   0.72 (a)   0.76     0.80     0.80 (a)

Net investment income

   7.49 (a)   7.38     7.29     7.11 (a)

Portfolio turnover

   39     66     89     51  

Net assets at end of period (000 Omitted)

   $57     $58     $58     $53  

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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Financial Highlights – continued

 

     Six months
ended
7/31/08
    Years ended 1/31  
Class 529A      2008     2007     2006     2005     2004  
     (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning
of period

   $3.58     $3.92     $3.82     $3.98     $3.98     $3.52  
Income (loss) from
investment operations
                                    

Net investment income (d)

   $0.12     $0.26     $0.26     $0.26     $0.27     $0.28  

Net realized and
unrealized gain (loss)
on investments and
foreign currency

   (0.18 )   (0.31 )   0.11     (0.14 )   0.02 (g)   0.47  

Total from investment
operations

   $(0.06 )   $(0.05 )   $0.37     $0.12     $0.29     $0.75  
Less distributions declared
to shareholders
                                    

From net investment
income

   $(0.13 )   $(0.29 )   $(0.27 )   $(0.28 )   $(0.29 )   $(0.29 )

Redemption fees added to
paid-in capital (d)

   $—     $—     $0.00 (w)   $0.00 (w)   $0.00 (w)   $—  

Net asset value, end of
period

   $3.39     $3.58     $3.92     $3.82     $3.98     $3.98  

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)

   (1.70 )(n)   (1.49 )   9.97     3.30     7.53     22.16  
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

   1.22 (a)   1.27     1.30     1.32     1.29     1.30  

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

   1.22 (a)   1.27     1.30     1.32     1.29     N/A  

Net investment income

   6.99 (a)   6.87     6.78     6.65     6.97     7.42  

Portfolio turnover

   39     66     89     51     68     81  

Net assets at end of period
(000 Omitted)

   $789     $849     $854     $776     $768     $406  

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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Financial Highlights – continued

 

     Six months
ended
7/31/08
    Years ended 1/31  
Class 529B      2008     2007     2006     2005     2004  
     (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning
of period

   $3.58     $3.92     $3.82     $3.97     $3.98     $3.52  
Income (loss) from
investment operations
                                    

Net investment income (d)

   $0.11     $0.24     $0.23     $0.23     $0.25     $0.25  

Net realized and
unrealized gain (loss)
on investments and
foreign currency

   (0.17 )   (0.32 )   0.11     (0.12 )   0.00 (g)(w)   0.48  

Total from investment
operations

   $(0.06 )   $(0.08 )   $0.34     $0.11     $0.25     $0.73  
Less distributions declared
to shareholders
                                    

From net investment
income

   $(0.12 )   $(0.26 )   $(0.24 )   $(0.26 )   $(0.26 )   $(0.27 )

Redemption fees added to
paid-in capital (d)

   $—     $—     $0.00 (w)   $0.00 (w)   $0.00 (w)   $—  

Net asset value, end of
period

   $3.40     $3.58     $3.92     $3.82     $3.97     $3.98  

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)

   (1.73 )(n)   (2.13 )   9.26     2.89     6.57     21.39  
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                    

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

   1.87 (a)   1.92     1.95     1.96     2.01     1.95  

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

   1.87 (a)   1.92     1.95     1.96     2.01     N/A  

Net investment income

   6.35 (a)   6.22     6.13     6.00     6.29     6.80  

Portfolio turnover

   39     66     89     51     68     81  

Net assets at end of period
(000 Omitted)

   $259     $213     $202     $157     $139     $119  

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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Financial Highlights – continued

 

     Six months
ended
7/31/08
    Years ended 1/31  
Class 529C      2008     2007     2006     2005     2004  
     (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning
of period

   $3.59     $3.93     $3.83     $3.99     $3.99     $3.53  
Income (loss) from
investment operations
                                    

Net investment income (d)

   $0.11     $0.24     $0.23     $0.23     $0.25     $0.26  

Net realized and
unrealized gain (loss)
on investments and
foreign currency

   (0.18 )   (0.32 )   0.11     (0.13 )   0.01 (g)   0.47  

Total from investment
operations

   $(0.07 )   $(0.08 )   $0.34     $0.10     $0.26     $0.73  
Less distributions declared
to shareholders
                                    

From net investment
income

   $(0.12 )   $(0.26 )   $(0.24 )   $(0.26 )   $(0.26 )   $(0.27 )

Redemption fees added to
paid-in capital (d)

   $—     $—     $0.00 (w)   $0.00 (w)   $0.00 (w)   $—  

Net asset value, end of
period

   $3.40     $3.59     $3.93     $3.83     $3.99     $3.99  

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)

   (2.01 )(n)   (2.11 )   9.26     2.64     6.84     21.35  
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                    

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

   1.87 (a)   1.92     1.95     1.96     1.97     1.95  

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

   1.87 (a)   1.91     1.95     1.96     1.97     N/A  

Net investment income

   6.33 (a)   6.21     6.13     6.00     6.31     6.79  

Portfolio turnover

   39     66     89     51     68     81  

Net assets at end of period
(000 Omitted)

   $339     $322     $500     $417     $347     $189  

 

(a) Annualized.
(d) Per share data are based on average shares outstanding.
(f) Ratios do not reflect reductions from fees paid indirectly, if applicable.
(g) The per share amount is not in accordance with the net realized and unrealized gain/loss for the period because of the timing of sales of fund shares and the per share amount of realized and unrealized gains and losses at such time.
(i) For the period from the class’ inception, October 31, 2003 (Class R2) and April 1, 2005 (Classes R1, R3, and R4) through the stated period end.
(n) Not annualized.
(r) Certain expenses have been reduced without which performance would have been lower.
(s) From time to time the fund may receive proceeds from litigation settlements, without which performance would be lower.
(t) Total returns do not include any applicable sales charges.
(w) Per share amount was less than $0.01

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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Table of Contents

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

 

(1)   Business and Organization

MFS High Income Fund (the fund) is a series of MFS Series Trust III (the trust). The trust is organized as a Massachusetts business trust and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as an open-end management investment company.

 

(2)   Significant Accounting Policies

General – The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The fund can invest up to 100% of its portfolio in high-yield securities rated below investment grade. Investments in high-yield securities involve greater degrees of credit and market risk than investments in higher-rated securities and tend to be more sensitive to economic conditions. The fund can invest in foreign securities, including securities of emerging market issuers. Investments in foreign securities are vulnerable to the effects of changes in the relative values of the local currency and the U.S. dollar and to the effects of changes in each country’s legal, political, and economic environment. The markets of emerging markets countries are generally more volatile than the markets of developed countries with more mature economies. All of the risks of investing in foreign securities previously described are heightened when investing in emerging markets countries.

Investment Valuations – Equity securities, including restricted equity securities, are generally valued at the last sale or official closing price as reported by an independent pricing service on the market or exchange on which they are primarily traded. For securities for which there were no sales reported that day, equity securities are generally valued at the last quoted daily bid quotation as reported by a third party pricing service on the market or exchange on which they are primarily traded. For securities held short for which there were no sales reported for the day, the position is generally valued at the last quoted daily ask quotation as reported by a third party pricing service on the market or exchange on which such securities are primarily traded. Debt instruments and floating rate loans (other than short-term instruments), including restricted debt instruments, are generally valued at an evaluated or composite bid as reported by a third party pricing service. Short-term instruments with a maturity at issuance of 60 days or less may be valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value. Futures contracts are generally valued at last posted settlement price as reported by a third party

 

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pricing service on the market on which they are primarily traded. Futures contracts for which there were no trades that day for a particular position are generally valued at the closing bid quotation as reported by a third party pricing service on the market on which such futures contracts are primarily traded. Forward foreign currency contracts are generally valued at the mean of bid and asked prices for the time period interpolated from rates reported by a third party pricing service for proximate time periods. Swaps are generally valued at an evaluated bid as reported by a third party pricing service. Open-end investment companies are generally valued at net asset value per share. Securities and other assets generally valued on the basis of information from an independent pricing service may also be valued at a broker-dealer bid quotation. Values obtained from pricing services can utilize both dealer-supplied valuations and electronic data processing techniques, which take into account factors such as institutional-size trading in similar groups of securities, yield, quality, coupon rate, maturity, type of issue, trading characteristics, and other market data. The values of foreign securities and other assets and liabilities expressed in foreign currencies are converted to U.S. dollars using the mean of bid and asked prices for rates reported by a third party pricing service.

The Board of Trustees has delegated primary responsibility for determining or causing to be determined the value of the fund’s investments (including any fair valuation) to the adviser pursuant to valuation policies and procedures approved by the Board. If the adviser determines that reliable market quotations are not readily available, investments are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the adviser in accordance with such procedures under the oversight of the Board of Trustees. Under the fund’s valuation policies and procedures, market quotations are not considered to be readily available for most types of debt instruments and floating rate loans and many types of derivatives. These investments are generally valued at fair value based on information from third party pricing services. In addition, investments may be valued at fair value if the adviser determines that an investment’s value has been materially affected by events occurring after the close of the exchange or market on which the investment is principally traded (such as foreign exchange or market) and prior to the determination of the fund’s net asset value, or after the halting of trading of a specific security where trading does not resume prior to the close of the exchange or market on which the security is principally traded. Events that occur on a frequent basis after foreign markets close (such as developments in foreign markets and significant movements in the U.S. markets) and prior to the determination of the fund’s net asset value may be deemed to have a material affect on the value of securities traded in foreign markets. Accordingly, the fund’s foreign equity securities may often be valued at fair value. The adviser may rely on third party pricing services or other information (such as the correlation with

 

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price movements of similar securities in the same or other markets; the type, cost and investment characteristics of the security; the business and financial condition of the issuer; and trading and other market data) to assist in determining whether to fair value and at what value to fair value an investment. The value of an investment for purposes of calculating the fund’s net asset value can differ depending on the source and method used to determine value. When fair valuation is used, the value of investments used to determine the fund’s net asset value may differ from quoted or published prices for the same investments.

The fund adopted FASB Statement No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (the “Statement”) in this reporting period. This Statement provides a single definition of fair value, a hierarchy for measuring fair value and expanded disclosures about fair value measurements.

Various inputs are used in determining the value of the fund’s assets or liabilities carried at market value. These inputs are categorized into three broad levels. Level 1 includes quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 includes other significant observable market-based inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speed, and credit risk). Level 3 includes unobservable inputs, which may include the adviser’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments. Other financial instruments are derivative instruments not reflected in total investments, such as futures, forwards, swap contracts and written options, which are valued at the unrealized appreciation/depreciation on the instrument. The following is a summary of the levels used as of July 31, 2008 in valuing the fund’s assets or liabilities carried at market value:

 

     Level 1    Level 2      Level 3    Total  
Investments in Securities    $91,599,742    $778,457,433      $—    $870,057,195  
Other Financial Instruments    $—    $(3,298,108 )    $—    $(3,298,108 )

Foreign Currency Translation – Purchases and sales of foreign investments, income, and expenses are converted into U.S. dollars based upon currency exchange rates prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions. Gains and losses attributable to foreign currency exchange rates on sales of securities are recorded for financial statement purposes as net realized gains and losses on investments. Gains and losses attributable to foreign exchange rate movements on income and expenses are recorded for financial statement purposes as foreign currency transaction gains and losses. That portion of both realized and unrealized gains and losses on investments that results from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates is not separately disclosed.

Derivative Risk – The fund may invest in derivatives for hedging or non-hedging purposes. While hedging can reduce or eliminate losses, it can also reduce or eliminate gains. When the fund uses derivatives as an

 

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investment to gain market exposure, or for hedging purposes, gains and losses from derivative instruments may be substantially greater than the derivative’s original cost. Cash that has been segregated on behalf of certain derivative contracts will be reported separately on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as restricted cash. On some over-the-counter derivatives, the fund attempts to reduce its exposure to counterparty credit risk by entering into an ISDA Master Agreement on a bilateral basis with each of the counterparties with whom it undertakes a significant volume of transactions. The ISDA Master Agreement gives the fund the right, upon an event of default by the applicable counterparty, to close out all transactions traded under such agreement and to net amounts owed under each transaction to one net amount payable by one party to the other. This right to close out and net payments across all transactions traded under the ISDA Master Agreement could result in a reduction of the fund’s credit risk to such counterparty equal to any amounts payable by the fund under the applicable transactions, if any. However, absent an event of default by the counterparty, the ISDA Master Agreement does not result in an offset of reported balance sheet assets and liabilities across transactions between the fund and the applicable counterparty. Derivative instruments include futures contracts, forward foreign currency exchange contracts, and swap agreements.

Futures Contracts – The fund may enter into futures contracts for the delayed delivery of securities or currency, or contracts based on financial indices at a fixed price on a future date. In entering such contracts, the fund is required to deposit with the broker either in cash or securities an amount equal to a certain percentage of the contract amount. Subsequent payments are made or received by the fund each day, depending on the daily fluctuations in the value of the contract, and are recorded for financial statement purposes as unrealized gains or losses by the fund. Upon entering into such contracts, the fund bears the risk of interest or exchange rates or securities prices moving unexpectedly, in which case, the fund may not achieve the anticipated benefits of the futures contracts and may realize a loss.

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts – The fund may enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts for the purchase or sale of a specific foreign currency at a fixed price on a future date. Risks may arise upon entering into these contracts from the potential inability of counterparties to meet the terms of their contracts and from unanticipated movements in the value of the contract. The fund may enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts for hedging purposes as well as for non-hedging purposes. For hedging purposes, the fund may enter into contracts to deliver or receive foreign currency it will receive from or require for its normal investment activities. The fund may also use contracts in a manner intended to protect foreign currency denominated securities from declines in value due to

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

unfavorable exchange rate movements. For non-hedging purposes, the fund may enter into contracts with the intent of changing the relative exposure of the fund’s portfolio of securities to different currencies to take advantage of anticipated changes. The forward foreign currency exchange contracts are adjusted by the daily exchange rate of the underlying currency and any gains or losses are recorded as unrealized until the contract settlement date. On contract settlement date, the gains or losses are recorded as realized gains or losses on foreign currency transactions.

Swap Agreements – The fund may enter into swap agreements. A swap is an exchange of cash payments between the fund and another party. Net cash payments are exchanged at specified intervals and are recorded as a realized gain or loss in the Statement of Operations. The value of the swap is adjusted daily and the change in value, including accruals of periodic amounts of interest to be paid or received, is recorded as unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the Statement of Operations. Amounts paid or received at the inception of the swap are reflected as premiums paid or received on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities and are amortized using the effective interest method over the term of the agreement. A liquidation payment received or made upon early termination is recorded as a realized gain or loss in the Statement of Operations. Collateral, in the form of cash or securities, may be required to be held in segregated accounts with the fund’s custodian in connection with these agreements. Risk of loss may exceed amounts recognized on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. These risks include the possible lack of a liquid market, failure of the counterparty to perform under the terms of the agreements, and unfavorable market and interest rate movements of the underlying instrument.

The fund may hold credit default swaps in which one party makes a stream of payments based on a fixed percentage applied to the notional amount to another party in exchange for the right to receive a specified return in the event of a default by a third party, such as a corporate issuer or foreign issuer, on its obligation. The fund may enter into credit default swaps to limit or to reduce its risk exposure to defaults of corporate and sovereign issuers or to create direct or synthetic short or long exposure to corporate debt securities or certain sovereign debt securities to which it is not otherwise exposed.

In March 2008, FASB Statement No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (the “Standard”) was issued, and is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008. This Standard provides enhanced disclosures about the fund’s use of and accounting for derivative instruments and the effect of derivative instruments on the fund’s results of operations and financial position. Management is evaluating the application of the Standard to

 

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the fund, and has not at this time determined the impact, if any, resulting from the adoption of this Standard on the fund’s financial statements.

Hybrid Instruments – The fund may invest in indexed or hybrid securities on which any combination of interest payments, the principal or stated amount payable at maturity is determined by reference to prices of other securities, currencies, indexes, economic factors or other measures, including interest rates, currency exchange rates, or securities indices. The risks of investing in hybrid instruments reflect a combination of the risks of investing in securities, swaps, options, futures and currencies. Hybrid instruments are potentially more volatile and carry greater market risks than traditional debt instruments. Depending on the structure of the particular hybrid instrument, changes in a benchmark, underlying assets or economic indicator may be magnified by the terms of the hybrid instrument and have an even more dramatic and substantial effect upon the value of the hybrid instrument. Also, the prices of the hybrid instrument and the benchmark, underlying asset or economic indicator may not move in the same direction or at the same time.

Loans and Other Direct Debt Instruments – The fund may invest in loans and loan participations or other receivables. These investments may include standby financing commitments, including revolving credit facilities, which obligate the fund to supply additional cash to the borrower on demand. At July 31, 2008, the portfolio had unfunded loan commitments of $88,142, which could be extended at the option of the borrower and which are covered by sufficient cash and/or liquid securities held by the fund. The market value and obligation of the fund on these unfunded loan commitments is included in Investments, at value and Payable for investments purchased, respectively, on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Loan participations involve a risk of insolvency of the lending bank or other financial intermediary.

Indemnifications – Under the fund’s organizational documents, its officers and trustees may be indemnified against certain liabilities and expenses arising out of the performance of their duties to the fund. Additionally, in the normal course of business, the fund enters into agreements with service providers that may contain indemnification clauses. The fund’s maximum exposure under these agreements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against the fund that have not yet occurred.

Investment Transactions and Income – Investment transactions are recorded on the trade date. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis. All premium and discount is amortized or accreted for financial statement purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The fund earns certain fees in connection with its floating rate loan purchasing activities. These fees are in addition to interest payments earned and may include amendment fees, commitment fees, facility fees, consent fees, and

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

prepayment fees. Commitment fees are recorded on an accrual basis as income in the accompanying financial statements. Dividends received in cash are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Dividend and interest payments received in additional securities are recorded on the ex-dividend or ex-interest date in an amount equal to the value of the security on such date. Dividends received in cash are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Certain dividends from foreign securities will be recorded when the fund is informed of the dividend if such information is obtained subsequent to the ex-dividend date. Dividend and interest payments received in additional securities are recorded on the ex-dividend or ex-interest date in an amount equal to the value of the security on such date.

The fund may receive proceeds from litigation settlements. Any proceeds received from litigation involving portfolio holdings are reflected in the Statement of Operations in realized gain/loss if the security has been disposed of by the fund or in unrealized gain/loss if the security is still held by the fund. Any other proceeds from litigation not related to portfolio holdings are reflected as other income in the Statement of Operations.

Fees Paid Indirectly – The fund’s custody fee may be reduced according to an arrangement that measures the value of cash deposited with the custodian by the fund. For the six months ended July 31, 2008, custody fees were not reduced.

Tax Matters and Distributions – The fund intends to qualify as a regulated investment company, as defined under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code, and to distribute all of its taxable income, including realized capital gains. As a result, no provision for federal income tax is required. The fund adopted the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (“the Interpretation”). The Interpretation prescribes a minimum threshold for financial statement recognition of the benefit of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. There was no impact resulting from the adoption of this Interpretation on the fund’s financial statements. Each of the fund’s federal tax returns for the prior three fiscal years remains subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service. It is the fund’s policy to record interest and penalty charges on underpaid taxes associated with its tax positions as interest expense and miscellaneous expense, respectively. No such charges were recorded in the current financial statements. Foreign taxes, if any, have been accrued by the fund in the accompanying financial statements.

Distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Income and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Certain capital accounts in the financial statements are periodically

 

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adjusted for permanent differences in order to reflect their tax character. These adjustments have no impact on net assets or net asset value per share. Temporary differences which arise from recognizing certain items of income, expense, gain or loss in different periods for financial statement and tax purposes will reverse at some time in the future. Distributions in excess of net investment income or net realized gains are temporary overdistributions for financial statement purposes resulting from differences in the recognition or classification of income or distributions for financial statement and tax purposes.

Book/tax differences primarily relate to expiration of capital loss carryforwards and amortization and accretion of debt securities.

The tax character of distributions made during the current period will be determined at fiscal year end. The tax character of distributions declared to shareholders is as follows:

 

     1/31/08
Ordinary income (including any short-term capital gains)    $87,505,623

The federal tax cost and the tax basis components of distributable earnings were as follows:

 

As of 7/31/08       
Cost of investments    $958,787,831  
Gross appreciation    5,777,067  
Gross depreciation    (94,507,703 )
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)    $(88,730,636 )
As of 1/31/08       
Undistributed ordinary income    $2,305,483  
Capital loss carryforwards    (403,838,082 )
Post-October capital loss deferral    (12,726,203 )
Other temporary differences    (6,371,174 )
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)    (61,479,910 )

The aggregate cost above includes prior fiscal year end tax adjustments.

As of January 31, 2008, the fund had capital loss carryforwards available to offset future realized gains. Such losses expire as follows:

 

1/31/09    $(24,778,024 )
1/31/10    (137,538,425 )
1/31/11    (159,064,624 )
1/31/13    (19,406,719 )
1/31/14    (20,012,633 )
1/31/15    (43,037,657 )
   $(403,838,082 )

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

Multiple Classes of Shares of Beneficial Interest – The fund offers multiple classes of shares, which differ in their respective distribution, service, program manager, and retirement plan administration and services fees. The fund’s income, realized and unrealized gain (loss), and common expenses are allocated to shareholders based on the value of settled shares outstanding of each class, without distinction between share classes. Dividends are declared separately for each class. Differences in per share dividend rates are generally due to differences in separate class expenses. Class B and Class 529B shares will convert to Class A and Class 529A shares, respectively, approximately eight years after purchase. At the close of business on April 18, 2008, Class R and Class R2 shares converted into Class R3 shares. Following this conversion, Class R3, Class R4, and Class R5 shares were renamed Class R2, Class R3, and Class R4 shares, respectively.

 

(3)   Transactions with Affiliates

Investment Adviser – The fund has an investment advisory agreement with Massachusetts Financial Services Company (MFS) to provide overall investment management and related administrative services and facilities to the fund. The management fee is computed daily and paid monthly at the following annual rates:

 

First $1.4 billion of average daily net assets    0.46 %
Average daily net assets in excess of $1.4 million    0.44 %

As part of a settlement agreement with the New York Attorney General concerning market timing and related matters, MFS has agreed to reduce the management fee to 0.39% of the fund’s average daily net assets in excess of $1.4 billion for the period March 1, 2004 through February 28, 2009. For the six months ended July 31, 2008, the fund’s average daily net assets did not exceed $1.4 billion, and therefore, the management fee was not reduced.

The management fee incurred for the six months ended July 31, 2008 was equivalent to an annual effective rate of 0.46% of the fund’s average daily net assets.

Distributor – MFS Fund Distributors, Inc. (MFD), a wholly-owned subsidiary of MFS, as distributor, received $24,473 and $204 for the six months ended July 31, 2008, as its portion of the initial sales charge on sales of Class A and Class 529A shares of the fund, respectively.

The Board of Trustees has adopted a distribution plan for certain class shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 of the Investment Company Act of 1940.

The fund’s distribution plan provides that the fund will pay MFD for services provided by MFD and financial intermediaries in connection with the distribution and servicing of certain share classes. One component of the plan is a distribution fee paid to MFD and another component of the plan is a

 

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service fee paid to MFD. MFD may subsequently pay all, or a portion, of the distribution and/or service fees to financial intermediaries.

Distribution Plan Fee Table:

 

     Distribution
Fee Rate
  

Service

Fee Rate

  

Total

Distribution

Plan (d)

  

Annual

Effective
Rate (e)

   Distribution
and Service
Fees
Class A    0.10%    0.25%    0.35%    0.30%    $736,532
Class B    0.75%    0.25%    1.00%    1.00%    507,735
Class C    0.75%    0.25%    1.00%    1.00%    325,648
Class R (b)    0.25%    0.25%    0.50%    0.50%    796
Class R1    0.75%    0.25%    1.00%    0.96%    5,758
Former Class R2 (b)    0.25%    0.25%    0.50%    0.50%    732
Class R2 (formerly Class R3)    0.25%    0.25%    0.50%    0.50%    14,466
Class R3 (formerly Class R4)       0.25%    0.25%    0.25%    10,165
Class 529A    0.25%    0.25%    0.50%    0.35%    1,423
Class 529B    0.75%    0.25%    1.00%    1.00%    1,168
Class 529C    0.75%    0.25%    1.00%    1.00%    1,669
Total Distribution and Service Fees          $1,606,092

 

(b) At the close of business on April 18, 2008, Class R and Class R2 shares were converted into Class R3 shares. Following the conversion, Class R3 shares were renamed Class R2 shares.
(d) In accordance with the distribution plan for certain classes, the fund pays distribution and/or service fees up to these annual percentage rates of each class’ average daily net assets.
(e) The annual effective rates represent actual fees incurred under the distribution plan for the six months ended July 31, 2008 based on each class’ average daily net assets. Assets attributable to Class A shares sold prior to March 1, 1991 are subject to a service fee of 0.15% annually. 0.05% of the Class A and 0.10% of the Class 529A distribution fee is currently being paid by the fund. Payment of the remaining 0.05% of the Class A and 0.15% of the Class 529A distribution fee is not yet in effect and will be implemented on such date as the fund’s Board of Trustees may determine. Effective March 1, 2008, the distribution fee rate for Class R1 shares increased from 0.50% to 0.75%.

Certain Class A shares purchased prior to September 1, 2008 are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) in the event of a shareholder redemption within 12 months of purchase. Certain Class A shares purchased on or subsequent to September 1, 2008 are subject to a CDSC in the event of a shareholder redemption within 24 months of purchase. Class C and Class 529C shares are subject to a CDSC in the event of a shareholder redemption within 12 months of purchase. Class B and Class 529B shares are subject to a CDSC in the event of a shareholder redemption within six years of purchase. All contingent deferred sales charges are paid to MFD and during the six months ended July 31, 2008, were as follows:

 

     Amount
Class A    $4,201
Class B    $135,331
Class C    $3,911
Class 529B    $67
Class 529C    $8

 

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The fund has entered into and may from time to time enter into contracts with program managers and other parties which administer the tuition programs through which an investment in the fund’s 529 share classes is made. The fund has entered into an agreement with MFD pursuant to which MFD receives an annual fee of up to 0.35% of the average daily net assets attributable to each 529 share class. The fee is based on average daily net assets and is currently established at 0.10% annually of average daily net assets of the fund’s 529 share classes. Prior to April 1, 2008, the fee was established at 0.25% annually. The program manager fee incurred for the six months ended July 31, 2008 was equivalent to an annual effective rate of 0.15% of the fund’s average daily net assets. The fee may only be increased with the approval of the Board of Trustees who oversees the fund. The services provided by MFD, or a third party with which MFD contracts, include recordkeeping and tax reporting and account services, as well as services designed to maintain the program’s compliance with the Internal Revenue Code and other regulatory requirements. Program manager fees for the six months ended July 31, 2008, were as follows:

 

     Amount
Class 529A    $607
Class 529B    168
Class 529C    245
Total Program Manager Fees    $1,020

Shareholder Servicing Agent – MFS Service Center, Inc. (MFSC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of MFS, receives a fee from the fund for its services as shareholder servicing agent calculated as a percentage of the average daily net assets of the fund as determined periodically under the supervision of the fund’s Board of Trustees. For the six months ended July 31, 2008, the fee was $295,425, which equated to 0.0635% annually of the fund’s average daily net assets. MFSC also receives payment from the fund for out-of-pocket expenses, sub-accounting and other shareholder servicing costs which may be paid to affiliated and unaffiliated service providers. For the six months ended July 31, 2008, these out-of-pocket expenses, sub-accounting and other shareholder servicing costs amounted to $289,470. The fund may also pay shareholder servicing related costs directly to non-related parties.

Under a Special Servicing Agreement among MFS, each MFS fund which invests in other MFS funds (“MFS fund-of-funds”) and each underlying fund in which a MFS fund-of-funds invests (“underlying funds”), each underlying fund may pay a portion of each MFS fund-of-fund’s transfer agent-related expenses, including sub-accounting fees payable to financial intermediaries, to the extent such payments do not exceed the benefits realized or expected to be realized by the underlying fund from the investment in the underlying fund by the MFS fund-of-fund. For the six months ended July 31, 2008, these costs for the fund amounted to $289,923 and are reflected in the shareholder servicing costs on the Statement of Operations.

 

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Administrator – MFS provides certain financial, legal, shareholder communications, compliance, and other administrative services to the fund. Under an administrative services agreement, the fund partially reimburses MFS the costs incurred to provide these services. The fund is charged a fixed amount plus a fee based on average daily net assets. The fund’s annual fixed amount is $17,500.

The administrative services fee incurred for the six months ended July 31, 2008 was equivalent to an annual effective rate of 0.0135% of the fund’s average daily net assets.

In addition to the administrative services provided by MFS to the fund as described above, prior to March 1, 2008, MFS was responsible for providing certain retirement plan administration and services with respect to certain shares. These services included various administrative, recordkeeping, and communication/educational services with respect to the retirement plans which invest in these shares, and may have been provided directly by MFS or by a third party. MFS generally paid all, or a portion, of the retirement plan administration and services fee to affiliated or unaffiliated third parties. For the period February 1, 2008 through February 29, 2008, the fund paid MFS an annual retirement plan administration and services fee of 0.35% of the Class R1 average daily net assets. Effective March 1, 2008, the annual retirement plan administration and services fee was eliminated for Class R1. For the six months ended July 31, 2008, the retirement plan administration and services fee for Class R1 amounted to $338 which was equivalent to an annual effective rate of 0.06% of the Class R1 average daily net assets.

Trustees’ and Officers’ Compensation – The fund pays compensation to independent trustees in the form of a retainer, attendance fees, and additional compensation to Board and Committee chairpersons. The fund does not pay compensation directly to trustees or officers of the fund who are also officers of the investment adviser, all of whom receive remuneration for their services to the fund from MFS. Certain officers and trustees of the fund are officers or directors of MFS, MFD, and MFSC.

The fund has an unfunded, defined benefit plan for certain retired independent trustees which resulted in a pension expense of $3,357. The fund also has an unfunded retirement benefit deferral plan for certain independent trustees which resulted in a net decrease in expense of $3,847. Both amounts are included in independent trustees’ compensation for the six months ended July 31, 2008. The liability for deferred retirement benefits payable to certain independent trustees under both plans amounted to $119,675 at July 31, 2008, and is included in payable for independent trustees’ compensation.

Other – This fund and certain other MFS funds (the funds) have entered into a services agreement (the Agreement) which provides for payment of fees by the

 

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funds to Tarantino LLC in return for the provision of services of an Independent Chief Compliance Officer (ICCO) for the funds. The ICCO is an officer of the funds and the sole member of Tarantino LLC. The funds can terminate the Agreement with Tarantino LLC at any time under the terms of the Agreement. For the six months ended July 31, 2008, the fee paid by the fund to Tarantino LLC was $2,760 and is included in miscellaneous expense on the Statement of Operations. MFS has agreed to reimburse the fund for a portion of the payments made by the fund to Tarantino LLC in the amount of $2,740, which is shown as a reduction of total expenses in the Statement of Operations. Additionally, MFS has agreed to bear all expenses associated with office space, other administrative support, and supplies provided to the ICCO.

The fund may invest in a money market fund managed by MFS which seeks preservation of capital and current income. Income earned on this investment is included in dividends from underlying funds on the Statement of Operations. This money market fund does not pay a management fee to MFS.

 

(4)   Portfolio Securities

Purchases and sales of investments, other than U.S. Government securities, purchased option transactions, and short-term obligations, aggregated $346,901,828 and $375,338,372, respectively.

 

(5)   Shares of Beneficial Interest

The fund’s Declaration of Trust permits the Trustees to issue an unlimited number of full and fractional shares of beneficial interest. Transactions in fund shares were as follows:

 

     Six months ended
7/31/08
   Year ended
1/31/08
     Shares    Amount    Shares    Amount
Shares sold            

Class A

   15,239,113    $53,940,508    38,562,900    $147,292,626

Class B

   682,322    2,401,111    2,941,333    11,228,161

Class C

   1,142,587    4,044,140    2,894,221    11,072,220

Class I

   2,499,761    8,721,608    9,490,396    36,056,785

Class R (b)

   7,680    26,756    383,937    1,463,524

Class R1

   70,384    248,826    353,078    1,348,795

Former Class R2 (b)

   15,606    54,984    185,128    705,976

Class R2 (formerly Class R3)

   578,891    2,051,399    1,480,388    5,623,215

Class R3 (formerly Class R4)

   368,252    1,289,922    2,343,338    9,094,750

Class R4 (formerly Class R5)

   5       23    52

Class 529A

   14,599    50,581    46,353    174,605

Class 529B

   22,923    80,031    12,877    49,690

Class 529C

   14,768    52,957    18,772    71,221
   20,656,891    $72,962,823    58,712,744    $224,181,620

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

     Six months ended
7/31/08
    Year ended
1/31/08
 
     Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount  
Shares issued to shareholders in reinvestment of distributions         

Class A

   3,807,934     $13,465,177     8,482,288     $ 32,465,531  

Class B

   611,901     2,170,043     1,698,112     6,531,925  

Class C

   388,538     1,381,187     932,899     3,589,999  

Class I

   2,895,342     10,233,214     5,475,289     20,903,372  

Class R (b)

   3,511     12,355     66,020     243,806  

Class R1

   11,873     41,937     13,210     50,105  

Former Class R2 (b)

   3,593     11,420     9,428     35,936  

Class R2 (formerly Class R3)

   59,749     212,673     61,597     234,304  

Class R3 (formerly Class R4)

   88,405     312,450     145,329     553,004  

Class R4 (formerly Class R5)

   649     2,294     1,225     4,682  

Class 529A

   8,645     30,555     17,200     65,701  

Class 529B

   2,146     7,586     3,979     15,198  

Class 529C

   3,150     11,164     7,367     28,036  
   7,885,436     $27,892,055     16,913,943     $64,721,599  
Shares reacquired         

Class A

   (23,922,655 )   $(84,265,322 )   (77,224,190 )   $(292,987,315 )

Class B

   (6,757,969 )   (23,824,586 )   (22,633,463 )   (86,567,467 )

Class C

   (3,216,197 )   (11,331,881 )   (7,848,898 )   (29,930,027 )

Class I

   (3,678,898 )   (12,833,399 )   (5,776,262 )   (21,370,102 )

Class R (b)

   (216,978 )   (770,497 )   (1,535,470 )   (5,830,580 )

Class R1

   (97,089 )   (342,735 )   (102,945 )   (397,221 )

Former Class R2 (b)

   (204,368 )   (726,540 )   (126,552 )   (488,613 )

Class R2 (formerly Class R3)

   (434,067 )   (1,531,212 )   (612,741 )   (2,355,230 )

Class R3 (formerly Class R4)

   (288,987 )   (1,014,039 )   (1,545,791 )   (5,968,505 )

Class 529A

   (28,005 )   (98,414 )   (44,221 )   (164,872 )

Class 529B

   (8,579 )   (30,147 )   (8,721 )   (32,828 )

Class 529C

   (8,108 )   (28,448 )   (63,456 )   (243,350 )
   (38,861,900 )   $(136,797,220 )   (117,522,710 )   $(446,336,110 )

 

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     Six months ended
7/31/08
     Year ended
1/31/08
 
     Shares      Amount      Shares      Amount  
Net change            

Class A

   (4,875,608 )    $(16,859,637 )    (30,179,002 )    $(113,229,158 )

Class B

   (5,463,746 )    (19,253,432 )    (17,994,018 )    (68,807,381 )

Class C

   (1,685,072 )    (5,906,554 )    (4,021,778 )    (15,267,808 )

Class I

   1,716,205      6,121,423      9,189,423      35,590,055  

Class R (b)

   (205,787 )    (731,386 )    (1,085,513 )    (4,123,250 )

Class R1

   (14,832 )    (51,972 )    263,343      1,001,679  

Former Class R2 (b)

   (185,169 )    (660,136 )    68,004      253,299  

Class R2 (formerly Class R3)

   204,573      732,860      929,244      3,502,289  

Class R3 (formerly Class R4)

   167,670      588,333      942,876      3,679,249  

Class R4 (formerly Class R5)

   654      2,294      1,248      4,734  

Class 529A

   (4,761 )    (17,278 )    19,332      75,434  

Class 529B

   16,490      57,470      8,135      32,060  

Class 529C

   9,810      35,673      (37,317 )    (144,093 )
   (10,319,573 )    $(35,942,342 )    (41,896,023 )    $(157,432,891 )

 

(b) At the close of business on April 18, 2008, Class R and Class R2 shares were converted into Class R3 shares. Following the conversion, Class R3 shares were renamed Class R2 shares.

The fund is one of several mutual funds in which the MFS funds-of-funds may invest. The MFS funds-of-funds do not invest in the underlying MFS funds for the purpose of exercising management or control. At the end of the period, the MFS Moderate Allocation Fund and MFS Growth Allocation Fund were the owners of record of approximately 12% and 14%, respectively, of the value of outstanding voting shares of the fund. In addition, the MFS Lifetime 2020 Fund and the MFS Lifetime 2030 Fund were each the owners of record of less than 1% of the value of outstanding voting shares of the fund.

 

(6)   Line of Credit

The fund and other funds managed by MFS participate in a $1 billion unsecured committed line of credit provided by a syndication of banks under a credit agreement. In addition, the fund and other funds managed by MFS have established uncommitted borrowing arrangements with certain banks. Borrowings may be made for temporary financing needs. Interest is charged to each fund, based on its borrowings, generally at a rate equal to the Federal Reserve funds rate plus 0.30%. In addition, a commitment fee, based on the average daily, unused portion of the committed line of credit, is allocated among the participating funds at the end of each calendar quarter. For the six months ended July 31, 2008, the fund’s commitment fee and interest expense were $2,101 and $0, respectively, and are included in miscellaneous expense on the Statement of Operations.

 

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(7)   Transactions in Underlying Funds-Affiliated Issuers

An affiliated issuer may be considered one in which the fund owns 5% or more of the outstanding voting securities, or a company which is under common control. For the purposes of this report, the fund assumes the following to be affiliated issuers:

 

Underlying Fund    Beginning
Shares/Par
Amount
   Acquisitions
Shares/Par
Amount
   Dispositions
Shares/Par
Amount
     Ending
Shares/Par
Amount
MFS Institutional Money
Market Portfolio
   31,031,061    187,937,807    (185,423,103 )    33,545,765
Underlying Fund    Realized
Gain (Loss)
   Capital Gain
Distributions
   Dividend
Income
     Ending
Value
MFS Institutional Money
Market Portfolio
   $—    $—    $485,718      $33,545,765

 

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RESULTS OF SHAREHOLDER MEETING

(unaudited)

At a special meeting of Class R1 shareholders of MFS High Income Fund, which was held on February 15, 2008, the following actions were taken:

Item 1. To approve an amendment to the current Master Distribution Plan adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, with respect to Class R1 Shares of the Fund.

 

     Number of Dollars
For    742,885.72
Against    0.00
Abstain    183,034.59

 

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BOARD REVIEW OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT

The Investment Company Act of 1940 requires that both the full Board of Trustees and a majority of the non-interested (“independent”) Trustees, voting separately, annually approve the continuation of the Fund’s investment advisory agreement with MFS. The Trustees consider matters bearing on the Fund and its advisory arrangements at their meetings throughout the year, including a review of performance data at each regular meeting. In addition, the independent Trustees met several times over the course of three months beginning in May and ending in July, 2008 (“contract review meetings”) for the specific purpose of considering whether to approve the continuation of the investment advisory agreement for the Fund and the other investment companies that the Board oversees (the “MFS Funds”). The independent Trustees were assisted in their evaluation of the Fund’s investment advisory agreement by independent legal counsel, from whom they received separate legal advice and with whom they met separately from MFS during various contract review meetings. The independent Trustees were also assisted in this process by the MFS Funds’ Independent Chief Compliance Officer, a full-time senior officer appointed by and reporting to the independent Trustees.

In connection with their deliberations regarding the continuation of the investment advisory agreement, the Trustees, including the independent Trustees, considered such information and factors as they believed, in light of the legal advice furnished to them and their own business judgment, to be relevant. The investment advisory agreement for the Fund was considered separately, although the Trustees also took into account the common interests of all MFS Funds in their review. As described below, the Trustees considered the nature, quality, and extent of the various investment advisory, administrative, and shareholder services performed by MFS under the existing investment advisory agreement and other arrangements with the Fund.

In connection with their contract review meetings, the Trustees received and relied upon materials that included, among other items: (i) information provided by Lipper Inc., an independent third party, on the investment performance of the Fund for various time periods ended December 31, 2007 and the investment performance of a group of funds with substantially similar investment classifications/objectives (the “Lipper performance universe”), (ii) information provided by Lipper Inc. on the Fund’s advisory fees and other expenses and the advisory fees and other expenses of comparable funds identified by Lipper Inc. (the “Lipper expense group”), (iii) information provided by MFS on the advisory fees of comparable portfolios of other clients of MFS, including institutional separate accounts and other clients, (iv) information as to whether and to what extent applicable expense waivers, reimbursements or fee “breakpoints” are observed for the Fund, (v)

 

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information regarding MFS’ financial results and financial condition, including MFS’ and certain of its affiliates’ estimated profitability from services performed for the Fund and the MFS Funds as a whole, (vi) MFS’ views regarding the outlook for the mutual fund industry and the strategic business plans of MFS, (vii) descriptions of various functions performed by MFS for the Funds, such as compliance monitoring and portfolio trading practices, and (viii) information regarding the overall organization of MFS, including information about MFS’ senior management and other personnel providing investment advisory, administrative and other services to the Fund and the other MFS Funds. The comparative performance, fee and expense information prepared and provided by Lipper Inc. was not independently verified and the independent Trustees did not independently verify any information provided to them by MFS.

The Trustees’ conclusion as to the continuation of the investment advisory agreement was based on a comprehensive consideration of all information provided to the Trustees and not the result of any single factor. Some of the factors that figured particularly in the Trustees’ deliberations are described below, although individual Trustees may have evaluated the information presented differently from one another, giving different weights to various factors. It is also important to recognize that the fee arrangements for the Fund and other MFS Funds are the result of years of review and discussion between the independent Trustees and MFS, that certain aspects of such arrangements may receive greater scrutiny in some years than in others, and that the Trustees’ conclusions may be based, in part, on their consideration of these same arrangements during the course of the year and in prior years.

Based on information provided by Lipper Inc. and MFS, the Trustees reviewed the Fund’s total return investment performance as well as the performance of peer groups of funds over various time periods. The Trustees placed particular emphasis on the total return performance of the Fund’s Class A shares in comparison to the performance of funds in its Lipper performance universe over the three-year period ended December 31, 2007, which the Trustees believed was a long enough period to reflect differing market conditions. The total return performance of the Fund’s Class A shares was in the 3rd quintile relative to the other funds in the universe for this three-year period (the 1st quintile being the best performers and the 5th quintile being the worst performers). The total return performance of the Fund’s Class A shares was in the 3rd quintile for each of the one-year and five-year periods ended December 31, 2007 relative to the Lipper performance universe. Because of the passage of time, these performance results may differ from the performance results for more recent periods, including those shown elsewhere in this report.

 

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In the course of their deliberations, the Trustees took into account information provided by MFS in connection with the contract review meetings, as well as during investment review meetings conducted with portfolio management personnel during the course of the year regarding the Fund’s performance. After reviewing these and related factors, the Trustees concluded, within the context of their overall conclusions regarding the investment advisory agreement, that they were satisfied with MFS’ responses and efforts relating to investment performance.

In assessing the reasonableness of the Fund’s advisory fee, the Trustees considered, among other information, the Fund’s advisory fee and the total expense ratio of the Fund’s Class A shares as a percentage of average daily net assets and the advisory fee and total expense ratios of peer groups of funds based on information provided by Lipper Inc. The Trustees considered that there is an advisory fee reduction on average daily net assets over $1.4 billion, which is in effect for the Fund through February 28, 2009 as part of MFS’ settlement with the New York Attorney General concerning market timing and related matters (the “NYAG Settlement”). The Trustees also considered that, according to the Lipper data, the Fund’s effective advisory fee rate and total expense ratio were each lower than the Lipper expense group median.

The Trustees also considered the advisory fees charged by MFS to institutional accounts. In comparing these fees, the Trustees considered information provided by MFS as to the generally broader scope of services provided by MFS to the Fund in comparison to institutional accounts, the higher demands placed on MFS’ investment personnel and trading infrastructure as a result of the daily cash in-flows and out-flows of the Fund, and the impact on MFS and expenses associated with the more extensive regulatory regime to which the Fund is subject in comparison to institutional accounts.

The Trustees also considered whether the Fund is likely to benefit from any economies of scale in the management of the Fund in the event of growth in assets of the Fund. They noted that the Fund’s advisory fee rate schedule is subject to a contractual breakpoint that reduces the Fund’s advisory fee rate on average daily net assets over $1.4 billion and that the advisory fee rate associated with such breakpoint is reduced during the period in which the advisory fee reduction described above is in effect. The Trustees concluded that the existing breakpoint was sufficient to allow the Fund to benefit from economies of scale as its assets grow.

The Trustees also considered information prepared by MFS relating to MFS’ costs and profits with respect to the Fund, the MFS Funds considered as a group, and other investment companies and accounts advised by MFS, as well as MFS’ methodologies used to determine and allocate its costs to the MFS Funds, the Fund and other accounts and products for purposes of estimating profitability.

 

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After reviewing these and other factors described herein, the Trustees concluded, within the context of their overall conclusions regarding the investment advisory agreement, that the advisory fees charged to the Fund represent reasonable compensation in light of the services being provided by MFS to the Fund.

In addition, the Trustees considered MFS’ resources and related efforts to continue to retain, attract and motivate capable personnel to serve the Fund. The Trustees also considered current and developing conditions in the financial services industry, including the entry into the industry of large and well-capitalized companies which are spending, and appear to be prepared to continue to spend, substantial sums to engage personnel and to provide services to competing investment companies. In this regard, the Trustees also considered the financial resources of MFS and its ultimate parent, Sun Life Financial Inc. The Trustees also considered the advantages and possible disadvantages to the Fund of having an adviser that also serves other investment companies as well as other accounts.

The Trustees also considered the nature, quality, cost, and extent of administrative, transfer agency, and distribution services provided to the Fund by MFS and its affiliates under agreements and plans other than the investment advisory agreement, including any 12b-1 fees the Fund pays to MFS Fund Distributors, Inc. (“MFD”), an affiliate of MFS. The Trustees also considered the nature, extent and quality of certain other services MFS performs or arranges for on the Fund’s behalf, which may include securities lending programs, directed expense payment programs, class action recovery programs, and MFS’ interaction with third-party service providers, principally custodians and sub-custodians. The Trustees concluded that the various non-advisory services provided by MFS and its affiliates on behalf of the Funds were satisfactory.

The Trustees also considered benefits to MFS from the use of the Fund’s portfolio brokerage commissions, if applicable, to pay for investment research (excluding third-party research, for which MFS pays directly) and various other factors. Additionally, the Trustees considered so-called “fall-out benefits” to MFS such as reputational value derived from serving as investment manager to the Fund.

Based on their evaluation of factors that they deemed to be material, including those factors described above, the Board of Trustees, including a majority of the independent Trustees, concluded that the Fund’s investment advisory agreement with MFS should be continued for an additional one-year period, commencing August 1, 2008.

Note: The advisory fee reduction required by the NYAG Settlement with respect to the Fund will expire on February 28, 2009. At the time MFS entered

 

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Board Review of Investment Advisory Agreement – continued

 

into the NYAG Settlement, MFS also agreed with the Board that it would not eliminate such advisory fee reduction without the Board’s consent. Following discussions between MFS and the Board at the contract review meetings, MFS and the Board agreed that, effective March 1, 2009, MFS will no longer be required to observe an advisory fee reduction for this Fund.

In addition, MFD has agreed to the Trustees’ recommendation to eliminate the distribution fee component of the 12b-1 fee paid by the Fund’s Class A and Class 529A shares, effective March 1, 2009.

 

56


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PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND INFORMATION

A general description of the MFS funds’ proxy voting policies and procedures is available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-225-2606, by visiting the Proxy Voting section of mfs.com or by visiting the SEC’s Web site at http://www.sec.gov.

Information regarding how the fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30 is available without charge by visiting the Proxy Voting section of mfs.com or by visiting the SEC’s Web site at http://www.sec.gov.

QUARTERLY PORTFOLIO DISCLOSURE

The fund will file a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the Commission) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The fund’s Form N-Q may be reviewed and copied at the:

Public Reference Room

Securities and Exchange Commission

100 F Street, NE, Room 1580

Washington, D.C. 20549

Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the Commission at 1-800-SEC-0330. The fund’s Form N-Q is available on the EDGAR database on the Commission’s Internet Web site at http://www.sec.gov, and copies of this information may be obtained, upon payment of a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following e-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov or by writing the Public Reference Section at the above address.

A shareholder can also obtain the quarterly portfolio holdings report at mfs.com.

 

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CONTACT US

Web site

mfs.com

MFS TALK

1-800-637-8255

24 hours a day

Account service and literature

Shareholders

1-800-225-2606

8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time

Investment professionals

1-800-343-2829

8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time

Retirement plan services

1-800-637-1255

8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time

Mailing address

MFS Service Center, Inc.

P.O. Box 55824

Boston, MA

02205-5824

Overnight mail

MFS Service Center, Inc.

c/o Boston Financial Data Services

30 Dan Road

Canton, MA 02021-2809

Go paperless with eDelivery: Arrange to have MFS® send prospectuses, reports, and proxies directly to your e-mail inbox. You’ll get timely information and less clutter in your mailbox (not to mention help your fund save printing and postage costs).

Sign up: If your account is registered with us, simply go to mfs.com, log in to your account via MFS® Access, and select the eDelivery sign-up options.

If you own your MFS fund shares through a financial institution or a retirement plan, MFS® TALK, MFS Access, and eDelivery may not be available to you.

LOGO


Table of Contents

LOGO

 


Table of Contents

MFS® Municipal High Income Fund

 

LETTER FROM THE CEO      1
PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION      2
EXPENSE TABLE      3
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS      5
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES      39
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS      41
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS      42
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS      43
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS      47
BOARD REVIEW OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT      58
PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND INFORMATION      63
QUARTERLY PORTFOLIO DISCLOSURE      63
CONTACT INFORMATION     BACK COVER

 

The report is prepared for the general information of shareholders. It is authorized for distribution to prospective investors only when preceded or accompanied by a current prospectus.

 

NOT FDIC INSURED Ÿ MAY LOSE VALUE Ÿ

NO BANK OR CREDIT UNION GUARANTEE Ÿ NOT A DEPOSIT Ÿ

NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY OR

NCUA/NCUSIF

 

7/31/08

MMH-SEM


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

LETTER FROM THE CEO

Dear Shareholders:

Negative headlines tend to resonate during difficult markets, and we certainly have had more than our share of tough news recently. As a result consumer, and particularly investor, sentiment are at all-time lows. That said, I do think it is helpful to remember there are always silver linings in the storm clouds if you look hard enough.

Through all of the challenges we have faced, there are some positive underlying trends. In the United States, for example, institutional traders and credit market followers are just now showing increasing signs of confidence and are beginning to take on more risk. At the corporate level, earnings continue to be relatively strong as companies have reduced labor costs, controlled inventories, and relied less on debt to finance expansion. More broadly, low interest rates and strong demand for consumer goods and industrial equipment are good signs for the global economy.

While I do not mean to minimize the risks inherent in today’s markets, periods such as these allow the talented fund managers and research analysts we have at MFS® to test their convictions, reevaluate existing positions, and identify new investment ideas. Our investment process also includes a significant risk management component, with constant attention paid to monitoring market risk, so we can do our best to minimize any surprises to your portfolio.

For investors, this is a great time to check in with your advisor and make sure you have a sound investment plan in place — one that can keep your hard-earned money working over the long term through a strategy that involves asset allocation, diversification, and periodic portfolio rebalancing and reviews. A plan tailored to your distinct needs and goals continues to be the best approach to help you take advantage of the inevitable challenges — and opportunities — that present themselves over time.

Respectfully,

LOGO

Robert J. Manning

Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer

MFS Investment Management®

September 15, 2008

The opinions expressed in this letter are subject to change, may not be relied upon for investment advice, and no forecasts can be guaranteed.

 

1


Table of Contents

PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION

 

Portfolio structure (i)

LOGO

 

Top five industries (i)  
Healthcare Revenue - Hospitals   28.3%
Healthcare Revenue - Long Term Care   11.0%
Tax Assessment   8.1%

Water & Sewer Utility Revenue

  6.0%

Tobacco

  6.0%

 

Credit quality of bonds (r)  
AAA   11.5%
AA   10.8%
A   5.9%
BBB   25.5%
BB   6.7%
B   6.3%
CCC   1.8%
CC (o)   0.0%
C   0.1%
Not Rated   31.4%
Portfolio facts  
Average Duration (d)(i)   8.9
Average Life (i)(m)   19.1 yrs.
Average Maturity (i)(m)   21.1 yrs.
Average Credit Quality of Rated Securities (long-term) (a)   BBB+
Average Credit Quality of Rated Securities (short-term) (a)   A-1

 

(a) The average credit quality of rated securities is based upon a market weighted average of portfolio holdings that are rated by public rating agencies.
(d) Duration is a measure of how much a bond's price is likely to fluctuate with general changes in interest rates, e.g., if rates rise 1.00%, a bond with a 5-year duration is likely to lose about 5.00% of its value.
(i) For purposes of this presentation, the bond component includes accrued interest amounts and may be positively or negatively impacted by the equivalent exposure from any derivative holdings, if applicable.
(m) The average maturity shown is calculated using the final stated maturity on the portfolio's holdings without taking into account any holdings which have been pre-refunded or pre-paid to an earlier date or which have a mandatory put date prior to the stated maturity. The average life shown takes into account these earlier dates.
(o) Less than 0.1%
(r) Each security is assigned a rating from Moody's Investors Service. If not rated by Moody's, the rating will be that assigned by Standard & Poor's. Likewise, if not assigned a rating by Standard & Poor's, it will be based on the rating assigned by Fitch, Inc. For those portfolios that hold a security which is not rated by any of the three agencies, the security is considered Not Rated. Holdings in U.S. Treasuries and government agency mortgage-backed securities, if any, are included in the "AAA"-rating category. Percentages are based on the total market value of investments as of 7/31/08.

Percentages are based on net assets as of 7/31/08, unless otherwise noted.

The portfolio is actively managed and current holdings may be different.

From time to time “Cash & Other Net Assets” may be negative due to the timing of cash receipts and/or the equivalent exposure of any derivative holdings.

 

2


Table of Contents

 

EXPENSE TABLE

Fund expenses borne by the shareholders during the period, February 1, 2008 through July 31, 2008

As a shareholder of the fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on certain purchase or redemption payments, and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and service (12b-1) fees; and other fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

The example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period February 1, 2008 through July 31, 2008.

Actual Expenses

The first line for each share class in the following table provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The second line for each share class in the following table provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads). Therefore, the second line for each share class in the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

3


Table of Contents

Expense Table – continued

 

Share
Class
       Annualized
Expense
Ratio
  Beginning
Account Value
2/01/08
  Ending
Account Value
7/31/08
  Expenses
Paid During
Period (p)
2/01/08-7/31/08
A   Actual   0.70%   $1,000.00   $973.47   $3.43
  Hypothetical (h)   0.70%   $1,000.00   $1,021.38   $3.52
B   Actual   1.47%   $1,000.00   $970.95   $7.20
  Hypothetical (h)   1.47%   $1,000.00   $1,017.55   $7.37
C   Actual   1.70%   $1,000.00   $969.79   $8.33
  Hypothetical (h)   1.70%   $1,000.00   $1,016.41   $8.52

 

(h) 5% class return per year before expenses.
(p) Expenses paid is equal to each class’ annualized expense ratio, as shown above, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days in the period, divided by the number of days in the year. Expenses paid do not include any applicable sales charges (loads). If these transaction costs had been included, your costs would have been higher.

 

4


Table of Contents

 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS

7/31/08 (unaudited)

The Portfolio of Investments is a complete list of all securities owned by your fund. It is categorized by broad-based asset classes.

 

Municipal Bonds - 98.3%             
Issuer    Shares/Par   Value ($)
    
Airport & Port Revenue - 1.0%             
Branson, MO, Regional Airport Transportation Development District Airport Rev., “B”, 6%, 2025    $ 1,200,000   $ 1,054,943
Branson, MO, Regional Airport Transportation Development District Airport Rev., “B”, 6%, 2037      300,000     256,128
Branson, MO, Regional Airport Transportation Development District Airport Rev., “B”, 6%, 2037      2,480,000     2,055,474
Chicago, IL, O’Hare International Airport Rev. (Third Lien Passenger Facility), “B”, FSA, 5.75%, 2022 (u)      12,500,000     12,678,625
        
           $ 16,045,170
General Obligations - General Purpose - 2.4%             
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, 5.375%, 2011 (c)(u)    $ 4,000,000   $ 4,296,760
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, “A”, 5.25%, 2027      665,000     652,465
Kane Kendall County, IL, Capital Appreciation, “E”, FGIC, 0%, 2023      5,945,000     2,575,671
Kane Kendall County, IL, Capital Appreciation, “E”, FGIC, 0%, 2025      6,000,000     2,280,660
Little Rock, AR, Capital Improvement Rev., 5.7%, 2018      670,000     671,119
Los Angeles, CA, FGIC, 5.25%, 2015 (u)      10,620,000     11,691,346
State of California, FSA, 5%, 2037      6,345,000     6,362,512
Texas Department of Transportation, 7%, 2012      103,542     104,906
Texas Transportation Commission Mobility Fund, 5%, 2037      9,130,000     9,167,616
West Warwick, RI, 7.45%, 2013      315,000     320,456
        
           $ 38,123,511
General Obligations - Improvement - 0.1%             
Mississippi Development Bank Special Obligation (Greenville, MS Project), 5%, 2027    $ 1,750,000   $ 1,531,845
General Obligations - Schools - 2.2%             
DeSoto, TX, Independent School District, School Building, PSF,
0%, 2031
   $ 1,700,000   $ 450,602
DeSoto, TX, Independent School District, School Building, PSF,
0%, 2034
     1,285,000     283,612
DeSoto, TX, Independent School District, School Building, PSF,
0%, 2036
     1,715,000     335,197
Florida Board of Education, FGIC, 5.25%, 2013      10,000,000     10,825,200
Irving, TX, Independent School District, Capital Appreciation, PSF, 0%, 2026      3,495,000     1,343,408
Kane, Cook & DuPage Counties, IL, FSA, 6.375%, 2011 (c)      1,255,000     1,364,135

 

5


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par   Value ($)
    
Municipal Bonds - continued             
General Obligations - Schools - continued             
Kane, Cook & DuPage Counties, IL, FSA, 6.5%, 2011 (c)    $ 1,355,000   $ 1,476,747
Leander, TX, Independent School District, PSF, 0%, 2029      7,310,000     2,206,158
Leander, TX, Independent School District, PSF, 0%, 2030      6,480,000     1,839,283
Los Angeles, CA, Unified School District, Election 2002, “B”, AMBAC, 4.5%, 2031      10,000,000     9,026,200
Prosper, TX, Independent School District, Capital Appreciation, School Building, “N”, PSF, 0%, 2031      2,595,000     687,831
Royse City, TX, Independent School District, School Building, PSF, 0%, 2027      2,960,000     1,010,278
Royse City, TX, Independent School District, School Building, PSF, 0%, 2029      2,995,000     894,547
Santa Clarita Community College District, CA, Election 2006, MBIA, 0%, 2030      2,205,000     646,263
White Settlement, TX, Independent School District, School Building, PSF, 0%, 2033      8,965,000     2,107,134
        
           $ 34,496,595
Healthcare Revenue - Hospitals - 27.9%             
Alexander City, AL, Special Care Facilities Financing Authority Medical Facilities Rev., “A” (Russell Hospital Corp.), 5.75%, 2036    $ 1,900,000   $ 1,736,942
Allegheny County, PA, Hospital Development Authority Rev. (South Hills Health Systems), “B”, 6.75%, 2010 (c)      1,200,000     1,293,672
Allegheny County, PA, Hospital Development Authority Rev. (West Penn Allegheny Health), 9.25%, 2010 (c)      6,100,000     7,124,007
Allegheny County, PA, Hospital Development Authority Rev. (West Penn Allegheny Health), “A”, 5%, 2028      3,465,000     2,713,684
Allegheny County, PA, Hospital Development Authority Rev. (West Penn Allegheny Health), “A”, 5.375%, 2040      5,785,000     4,485,111
Allegheny County, PA, Hospital Development Authority Rev. (West Penn Allegheny Health), “B”, 9.25%, 2010 (c)      3,360,000     3,924,043
Arkansas Development Finance Authority Rev. (Washington Regional Medical Center), 7.25%, 2010 (c)      2,500,000     2,682,000
Athens County, OH, Hospital Facilities Rev. (O’Bleness Memorial Hospital), “A”, 7.125%, 2033      2,500,000     2,526,350
Boone County, MO, Hospital Rev., (Boone Hospital Center), 5.375%, 2038      1,260,000     1,192,829
Boone County, MO, Hospital Rev., (Boone Hospital Center), 5.625%, 2038      1,060,000     1,042,648
Brookhaven, NY, Industrial Development Agency Rev. (Memorial Hospital Medical Center, Inc.), “A”, 8.25%, 2010 (c)      2,500,000     2,838,025
California Statewide Communities Development Authority Rev. (Catholic Healthcare West) “K”, ASSD GTY, 5.5%, 2041      4,220,000     4,306,088

 

6


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par   Value ($)
    
Municipal Bonds - continued             
Healthcare Revenue - Hospitals - continued             
California Statewide Communities Development Authority Rev. (Children’s Hospital), 5%, 2047    $ 5,020,000   $ 4,039,694
California Statewide Communities Development Authority Rev. (St. Joseph Health System), FGIC, 5.75%, 2047      4,160,000     4,267,120
California Statewide Communities Development Authority Rev. (Sutter Health), “B”, AMBAC, 5%, 2038      4,575,000     4,429,103
California Statewide Communities Development Authority Rev. (Sutter Health), “B”, 5.25%, 2048      7,700,000     7,306,684
California Statewide Communities Development Authority Rev. (Valleycare Health Systems), “A”, 5%, 2022      600,000     533,412
California Statewide Communities Development Authority Rev. (Valleycare Health Systems), “A”, 5.125%, 2031      300,000     246,525
Cass County, MO, Hospital Rev., 5.625%, 2038      1,215,000     1,097,765
Chautauqua County, NY, Industrial Development Agency, Civic Facilities Rev. (Women’s Christian Assn.), “A”, 6.35%, 2017      1,000,000     994,350
Chautauqua County, NY, Industrial Development Agency, Civic Facilities Rev. (Women's Christian Assn.), “A”, 6.4%, 2029      3,350,000     3,160,558
Chemung County, NY, Civic Facilities Rev. (St. Joseph’s Hospital-Elmira), “A”, 6%, 2013      1,330,000     1,333,764
Chemung County, NY, Civic Facilities Rev. (St. Joseph’s Hospital-Elmira), “B”, 6.35%, 2013      995,000     1,006,990
Chester County, PA, Health & Educational Facilities Rev. (Chester County Hospital), “A”, 6.75%, 2031      2,500,000     2,541,675
Citrus County, FL, Hospital Development Authority Rev. (Citrus Memorial Hospital), 6.25%, 2023      865,000     886,288
Clinton County, MO, Industrial Development Agency, Health Facilities Rev. (Cameron Regional Medical Center), 5%, 2032      2,000,000     1,570,540
Coffee County, GA, Hospital Authority Rev. (Coffee Regional Medical Center, Inc.), 5%, 2026      110,000     92,468
Colorado Health Facilities Authority Rev. (Portercare Adventist Health Systems), 6.625%, 2011 (c)      2,200,000     2,477,332
Colorado Health Facilities Authority Rev. (Poudre Valley Health Care, Inc.), “B”, FSA, 5.25%, 2036      3,575,000     3,543,969
Colorado Health Facilities Authority Rev. (Poudre Valley Health Care, Inc.), “C”, FSA, 5.25%, 2040      3,630,000     3,591,195
Crittenden County, AR, Hospital Rev., Refunding & Improvement, 7.15%, 2010 (c)      1,165,000     1,281,337
Cuyahoga County, OH, Hospital Facilities Rev. (Canton, Inc.), 7.5%, 2030      5,020,000     5,186,262
Denver, CO, Health & Hospital Authority Rev., “A”, 6%, 2011 (c)      750,000     825,345
District of Columbia Hospital Rev. (Children’s Hospital Obligations Group), FSA, 5.25%, 2045      3,715,000     3,597,235

 

7


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer   Shares/Par   Value ($)
   
Municipal Bonds - continued            
Healthcare Revenue - Hospitals - continued            
Douglas County, NE, Hospital Authority Rev. (Methodist Health Partners), 5.75%, 2048   $ 2,600,000   $ 2,475,018
Fruita, CO, Rev. (Family Health West Project), 8%, 2043     4,690,000     4,734,790
Garden City, MI, Hospital Finance Authority Rev. (Garden City Hospital), “A”, 4.875%, 2027     4,725,000     3,649,023
Gaylord, MI, Hospital Finance Authority Rev. (Otsego Memorial Hospital), 6.2%, 2025     750,000     729,435
Gaylord, MI, Hospital Finance Authority Rev. (Otsego Memorial Hospital), 6.5%, 2031     865,000     817,295
Genesee County, NY, Industrial Development Agency Civic Facility Rev. (United Memorial Medical Center), 5%, 2027     1,320,000     1,107,599
Glendale, AZ, Industrial Development Authority (John C. Lincoln Health), 5%, 2042     565,000     471,815
Grand Forks, ND, Health Care Authority Rev. (Altru Health Systems Obligated Group), 7.125%, 2010 (c)     2,250,000     2,472,120
Hillsborough County, FL, Industrial Development Authority Rev. (University Community Hospital), “A”, 5.625%, 2029     4,700,000     4,432,053
Illinois Finance Authority Rev. (Children’s Memorial Hospital), “A”, ASSD GTY, 5.25%, 2047     4,045,000     3,933,803
Illinois Finance Authority Rev. (Edward Hospital), AMBAC, 5.5%, 2040     2,490,000     2,521,200
Illinois Finance Authority Rev. (Kewanee Hospital), 5.1%, 2031     2,085,000     1,671,357
Illinois Finance Authority Rev. (Rush University Medical Center), “B”, MBIA, 5.25%, 2035     1,325,000     1,249,886
Illinois Finance Authority Rev., (Silver Cross Hospital), “A”, 5.5%, 2030     4,000,000     3,747,960
Indiana Health & Educational Facilities Authority, Hospital Rev. (Community Foundation of Northwest Indiana), 5.5%, 2037     8,150,000     6,985,202
Indiana Health & Educational Facilities Authority, Hospital Rev. (Community Foundation of Northwest Indiana), “A”, 6.375%, 2011 (c)     360,000     400,406
Indiana Health & Educational Facilities Authority, Hospital Rev. (Community Foundation of Northwest Indiana), “A”, 6.375%, 2011 (c)     6,785,000     7,546,548
Indiana Health & Educational Facilities Authority, Hospital Rev. (Community Foundation of Northwest Indiana), “A”, 6.375%, 2021     2,940,000     3,008,855
Indiana Health & Educational Facilities Authority, Hospital Rev. (Community Foundation of Northwest Indiana), Unrefunded Balance, “A”, 6.375%, 2031     2,165,000     2,172,145
Indiana Health & Educational Facilities Authority, Hospital Rev. (Riverview Hospital), 6.125%, 2031     3,750,000     3,795,000
Indiana Health & Educational Facilities Financing Authority Rev. (Sisters of St. Francis Health Services, Inc.), FSA, 5.25%, 2041     4,500,000     4,471,740
Iron River, MI, Hospital Finance Authority Rev. (Iron County Community Hospital, Inc.), 6.5%, 2033     2,000,000     1,944,640

 

8


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par   Value ($)
    
Municipal Bonds - continued             
Healthcare Revenue - Hospitals - continued             
Iron River, MI, Hospital Finance Authority Rev. (Iron County Community Hospital, Inc.), 6.5%, 2040    $ 2,000,000   $ 1,917,020
Johnson City, TN, Health, Educational Facilities Board & Hospital Rev. (Mountain States Health), “A”, 5.5%, 2036      3,905,000     3,539,297
Joplin, MO, Industrial Development Authority Health Facilities Rev. (Freeman Health Systems), 5.5%, 2029      1,290,000     1,210,085
Joplin, MO, Industrial Development Authority Health Facilities Rev. (Freeman Health Systems), 5.75%, 2035      1,395,000     1,329,421
Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (Norton Healthcare), “A”, 6.5%, 2010 (c)      1,965,000     2,154,917
Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (Norton Healthcare), “A”, 6.625%, 2010 (c)      1,565,000     1,720,342
Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority, (Norton Healthcare), “A”, 6.5%, 2020      3,035,000     3,133,850
Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority, (Norton Healthcare), “A”, 6.625%, 2028      435,000     443,665
Knox County, TN, Health, Educational, Hospital & Housing Facilities Board Rev. (Baptist Health Systems), 6.5%, 2031      7,100,000     7,309,450
Knox County, TN, Health, Educational, Hospital & Housing Facilities Board Rev. (Covenant Health), “A”, 0%, 2035      3,795,000     690,728
Lake County, OH, Hospital Facilities Rev., (Lake Hospital), “C”,
6%, 2043
     2,870,000     2,721,765
Louisiana Public Facilities Authority Hospital Rev. (Lake Charles Memorial Hospital), 6.375%, 2034      5,575,000     5,214,855
Louisville & Jefferson County, KY, Metro Government Health Facilities Rev. (Jewish Hospital, St. Mary’s Healthcare),
6.125%, 2037
     2,305,000     2,325,584
Lufkin, TX, Health Facilities Development Corp. Rev. (Memorial Health System), 5.5%, 2032      410,000     372,354
Lufkin, TX, Health Facilities Development Corp. Rev. (Memorial Health System), 5.5%, 2037      5,400,000     4,816,692
Macomb County, MI, Hospital Finance Authority Rev. (Mount Clemens General Hospital), 5.875%, 2013 (c)      4,345,000     4,900,552
Macomb County, MI, Hospital Finance Authority Rev. (Mount Clemens General Hospital), 5.75%, 2013 (c)      2,080,000     2,333,427
Madison County, ID, Hospital Rev., COP, 5.25%, 2026      780,000     710,354
Madison County, ID, Hospital Rev., COP, 5.25%, 2037      2,640,000     2,220,240
Maryland Health & Higher Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Medstar Health), 5.25%, 2046      5,675,000     5,104,663
Maryland Health & Higher Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Medstar Health), BHAC, 5.25%, 2046      2,995,000     3,000,421
Maryland Health & Higher Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Mercy Medical Center), “A”, 5.5%, 2042      3,895,000     3,582,387

 

9


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par   Value ($)
    
Municipal Bonds - continued             
Healthcare Revenue - Hospitals - continued             
Maryland Health & Higher Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (University of Maryland Medical System), 6.75%, 2010 (c)    $ 1,000,000   $ 1,093,430
Maryland Health & Higher Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Washington County Hospital), 5.75%, 2038      465,000     445,293
Maryland Health & Higher Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Washington County Hospital), 6%, 2043      985,000     965,280
Massachusetts Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Caritas Christi), “A”, 5.7%, 2015      3,500,000     3,544,380
Massachusetts Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Caritas Christi), “B”, 6.5%, 2012      1,500,000     1,565,850
Massachusetts Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Jordan Hospital), “D”, 5.25%, 2018      4,600,000     4,560,440
Massachusetts Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Milford-Whitinsville Hospital), “D”, 6.35%, 2012 (c)      1,450,000     1,637,674
Massachusetts Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (North Adams Regional Hospital), “C”, 6.625%, 2018      1,405,000     1,409,004
Massachusetts Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Northern Berkshire Health), “B”, 6.375%, 2034      760,000     747,179
Massachusetts Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Quincy Medical Center), “A”, 6.5%, 2038      2,305,000     2,223,057
Massachusetts Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Saints Memorial Medical Center), “A”, 6%, 2023      5,885,000     5,719,220
Massachusetts Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (University of Massachusetts Memorial Hospital), “C”, 6.5%, 2021      500,000     511,210
Mecosta County, MI, General Hospital Rev., 6%, 2018      1,200,000     1,187,652
Miami Beach, FL, Health Facilities Authority Rev. (Mount Sinai Medical Center), 6.75%, 2029      2,490,000     2,484,074
Miami Beach, FL, Health Facilities Authority Rev. (Mount Sinai Medical Center), “A”, 6.7%, 2019      3,505,000     3,580,077
Michigan Hospital Finance Authority Rev. (Memorial Healthcare Center), 5.875%, 2021      1,000,000     1,005,950
Michigan State Hospital Finance Authority (McLaren Health Care), 5.75%, 2038      1,700,000     1,659,710
Monroe County, MI, Hospital Finance Authority, Hospital Rev. (Mercy Memorial Hospital Corp.), 5.375%, 2026      3,200,000     2,637,984
Monroe County, MI, Hospital Finance Authority, Hospital Rev. (Mercy Memorial Hospital Corp.), 5.5%, 2035      3,340,000     2,613,784
Monroe County, NY, Industrial Development Agency, Civic Facilities Rev. (Highland Hospital of Rochester), 5%, 2025      185,000     174,871
Montgomery, AL, Medical Clinic Board Health Care Facility Rev. (Jackson Hospital & Clinic), 5.25%, 2031      2,745,000     2,394,216
Montgomery, AL, Medical Clinic Board Health Care Facility Rev. (Jackson Hospital & Clinic), 5.25%, 2036      1,100,000     940,863

 

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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par   Value ($)
    
Municipal Bonds - continued             
Healthcare Revenue - Hospitals - continued             
Neosho County, KS, Hospital Authority Rev., “A”, 5.15%, 2031    $ 770,000   $ 643,381
New Hampshire Health & Education Facilities Authority Rev. (Covenant Health System), 6.5%, 2017      1,295,000     1,376,870
New Hampshire Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Catholic Medical Center), “A”, 6.125%, 2012 (c)      1,320,000     1,483,706
New Hampshire Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Catholic Medical Center), “A”, 6.125%, 2032      180,000     180,738
New Jersey Health Care Facilities Financing Authority Rev. (St. Joseph’s Healthcare System), 6.625%, 2038      8,000,000     7,625,440
New Jersey Health Care Facilities, Financing Authority Rev. (Palisades Medical Center), 6.625%, 2031      1,115,000     1,116,985
New Jersey Health Care Facilities, Financing Authority Rev. (St. Barnabas Health) Capital Appreciation, “B”, 0%, 2036      4,305,000     575,923
New Jersey Health Care Facilities, Financing Authority Rev. (St. Barnabas Health) Capital Appreciation, “B”, 0%, 2038      22,690,000     2,612,754
New Jersey Health Care Facilities, Financing Authority Rev. (St. Peter’s University Hospital), “A”, 6.875%, 2030      4,000,000     4,056,080
New Mexico State Hospital Equipment Loan Council, Hospital Rev. (Rehoboth McKinley Christian Hospital), “A”, 5%, 2017      500,000     463,550
New Mexico State Hospital Equipment Loan Council, Hospital Rev. (Rehoboth McKinley Christian Hospital), “A”, 5.25%, 2026      1,580,000     1,351,090
New York, NY, Industrial Development Agency, Civic Facilities Rev. (Staten Island University Hospital), “A”, 6.375%, 2031      480,000     464,549
New York, NY, Industrial Development Agency, Civic Facilities Rev. (Staten Island University Hospital), “B”, 6.375%, 2031      1,435,000     1,388,965
New York, NY, Industrial Development Agency, Civic Facilities Rev. (Staten Island University Hospital), “C”, 6.45%, 2032      910,000     887,223
Norman, OK, Regional Hospital Authority Rev., 5.375%, 2036      4,455,000     3,995,868
Northampton County, PA, General Purpose Authority Hospital Rev. (St. Luke’s Hospital), “A”, 5.5%, 2040      1,075,000     1,013,413
Northampton County, PA, General Purpose Authority Hospital Rev. (St. Luke’s Hospital), “A”, 5.5%, 2035      920,000     876,521
Northern Hospital District, Surry County, NC, Health Care Facilities Rev., 6.25%, 2038      1,000,000     982,580
Ohio County, WV, County Commission Health System Rev. (Ohio Valley Medical Center), 5.75%, 2013      5,000,000     4,839,450
Oklahoma Development Finance Authority Rev. (Comanche County Hospital), “B”, 6%, 2014      2,400,000     2,538,576
Oklahoma Development Finance Authority Rev. (Comanche County Hospital), “B”, 6.6%, 2031      4,080,000     4,161,396
Peninsula Ports Authority, VA, Hospital Facility Rev. (Whittaker Memorial), FHA, 8.7%, 2023      470,000     503,516

 

11


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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par   Value ($)
    
Municipal Bonds - continued             
Healthcare Revenue - Hospitals - continued             
Philadelphia, PA, Hospitals & Higher Education Facilities Authority Rev. (Temple University Hospital), “A”, 5.5%, 2030    $ 3,710,000   $ 3,359,702
Rhode Island Health & Educational Building Corp., Hospital Financing (Lifespan Obligated Group), 6.5%, 2012 (c)      4,000,000     4,538,760
Royston, GA, Hospital Authority Rev. (Ty Cobb Healthcare Systems, Inc.), 6.375%, 2014      1,395,000     1,404,612
Royston, GA, Hospital Authority Rev. (Ty Cobb Healthcare Systems, Inc.), 6.5%, 2027      1,855,000     1,804,767
Salida, CO, Hospital District Rev., 5.25%, 2036      6,045,000     4,844,403
Scioto County, OH, Hospital Facilities Rev. (Southern Ohio Medical Center), 5.75%, 2038      5,230,000     4,987,537
Shelby County, TN, Educational & Housing Facilities Board Hospital Rev. (Methodist Healthcare), 6%, 2012 (c)      450,000     499,919
Shelby County, TN, Educational & Housing Facilities Board Hospital Rev. (Methodist Healthcare), 6%, 2012 (c)      750,000     833,198
Shelby County, TN, Educational & Housing Facilities Board Hospital Rev. (Methodist Healthcare), 6%, 2012 (c)      745,000     827,643
Shelby County, TN, Educational & Housing Facilities Board Hospital Rev. (Methodist Healthcare), 6%, 2012 (c)      1,255,000     1,394,217
Shelby County, TN, Educational & Housing Facilities Board Hospital Rev. (Methodist Healthcare), 6.25%, 2012 (c)      750,000     840,315
Shelby County, TN, Educational & Housing Facilities Board Hospital Rev. (Methodist Healthcare), 6.25%, 2012 (c)      1,250,000     1,400,525
Skagit County, WA, Public Hospital District No. 001, 5.75%, 2032      615,000     580,412
South Broward, FL, Hospital District Rev., 5%, 2036      5,000,000     4,618,700
South Carolina Jobs & Economic Development Authority, Hospital Facilities Rev. (Palmetto Health Alliance), 6.25%, 2031      2,725,000     2,750,479
Southwestern, IL, Development Authority Rev. (Anderson Hospital), 5.375%, 2015      885,000     896,434
Southwestern, IL, Development Authority Rev. (Anderson Hospital), 5.5%, 2020      1,805,000     1,795,560
Southwestern, IL, Development Authority Rev. (Anderson Hospital), 5.625%, 2029      1,330,000     1,243,736
Southwestern, IL, Development Authority Rev. (Anderson Hospital), 5.125%, 2036      2,580,000     2,180,358
Springfield, TN, Health & Educational Facilities Rev. (Northcrest Medical Center), 5.25%, 2018      3,500,000     3,459,855
Springfield, TN, Health & Educational Facilities Rev. (Northcrest Medical Center), 5.375%, 2024      4,000,000     3,792,440
St. Genevieve County, MO, Hospital Rev., “B”, 5%, 2026      1,000,000     859,180
St. Louis County, MO, Industrial Development Authority, Health Facilities Rev. (Ranken Jordan Project), 5%, 2027      1,350,000     1,159,596

 

12


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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par   Value ($)
    
Municipal Bonds - continued             
Healthcare Revenue - Hospitals - continued             
St. Louis County, MO, Industrial Development Authority, Health Facilities Rev. (Ranken Jordan Project), 5%, 2035    $ 1,300,000   $ 1,046,656
St. Paul, MN, Housing & Redevelopment Hospital (Healthpartners Obligations Group), 5.25%, 2036      3,915,000     3,467,124
Sullivan County, TN, Health, Educational & Housing Facilities Board Hospital Rev. (Wellmont Health Systems Project), “C”, 5.25%, 2036      7,330,000     6,479,500
Sumner County, TN, Health, Educational & Housing Facilities Board Rev. (Sumner Regional Health), “A”, 5.5%, 2046      4,000,000     3,508,040
Tallahassee, FL, Health Facilities Rev. (Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare), 6.25%, 2020      4,500,000     4,566,330
Texas Metro Health Facilities Development Corp., Metro Health Facilities Development Rev. (Wilson N. Jones Memorial Hospital), 7.2%, 2021      4,300,000     4,340,033
Texas Metro Health Facilities Development Corp., Metro Health Facilities Development Rev. (Wilson N. Jones Memorial Hospital), 7.25%, 2031      2,000,000     2,013,780
Tom Green County, TX, Health Facilities Rev. (Shannon Health System), 6.75%, 2021      3,150,000     3,254,706
Tyler, TX, Health Facilities Development Corp. (East Texas Medical Center), “A”, 5.25%, 2032      3,515,000     3,070,880
Tyler, TX, Health Facilities Development Corp. (East Texas Medical Center), “A”, 5.375%, 2037      2,885,000     2,489,120
Upper Illinois River Valley Development, Health Facilities Rev. (Morris Hospital), 6.625%, 2031      1,900,000     1,941,952
Valley Health Systems, CA, Partners Refunding Project, 6.875%, 2023      1,745,000     1,448,350
Valley, AL, Financing Authority Rev. (Lanier Memorial Hospital), 5.45%, 2011      1,175,000     1,186,245
Vigo County, IN, Hospital Authority Rev. (Union Hospital),
5.75%, 2042
     780,000     663,733
Vigo County, IN, Hospital Authority Rev. (Union Hospital), 5.8%, 2047      3,750,000     3,189,750
Wapello County, IA, Hospital Authority Rev. (Ottumwa Regional Health Center), 6.25%, 2012 (c)      2,000,000     2,253,740
Wapello County, IA, Hospital Authority Rev. (Ottumwa Regional Health Center), 6.375%, 2012 (c)      2,595,000     2,936,813
Washington Health Care Facilities Authority Rev. (Mason Medical), “A”, 6.25%, 2042      5,075,000     4,802,574
Weirton, WV, Municipal Hospital Building, Commission Rev. (Weirton Hospital Medical Center), 6.375%, 2031      3,885,000     3,886,282
Weslaco, TX, Health Facilities Rev. (Knapp Medical Center),
6.25%, 2032
     4,000,000     4,015,720

 

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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par   Value ($)
    
Municipal Bonds - continued             
Healthcare Revenue - Hospitals - continued             
West Contra Costa, CA, Healthcare District, AMBAC, 5.5%, 2029    $ 700,000   $ 642,782
West Plains, MO, Industrial Development Authority Rev. (Ozarks Medical Center), 6.75%, 2024      810,000     810,899
West Shore, PA, Hospital Authority Rev. (Holy Spirit Hospital), 6.2%, 2026      4,500,000     4,531,140
West Virginia Hospital Finance Authority Rev. (Thomas Health System), 6.5%, 2038      3,320,000     3,180,361
Wichita, KS, Hospital Authority Rev. (Via Christi Health System), 6.25%, 2020      2,500,000     2,646,300
Wisconsin Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Aurora Health Care, Inc.), 6.875%, 2030      2,250,000     2,337,615
Wisconsin Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Aurora Health Care, Inc.), “B”, 5.625%, 2029      1,100,000     1,038,037
Wisconsin Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare), 5.25%, 2031      5,560,000     4,689,248
Wisconsin Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Wheaton Franciscan Services), 5.25%, 2034      4,155,000     3,466,143
Yonkers, NY, Industrial Development Agency, Civic Facilities Rev. (St. John’s Riverside Hospital), “B”, 6.8%, 2016      1,250,000     1,273,838
Yonkers, NY, Industrial Development Agency, Civic Facilities Rev. (St. John’s Riverside Hospital), “B”, 7.125%, 2031      2,000,000     2,002,840
Yonkers, NY, Industrial Development Agency, Civic Facilities Rev. (St. Joseph’s Hospital), “A”, 6.15%, 2015      2,000,000     1,956,880
Yonkers, NY, Industrial Development Agency, Civic Facilities Rev. (St. Joseph’s Hospital), “C”, 6.2%, 2020      250,000     236,228
        
           $ 440,650,728
Healthcare Revenue - Long Term Care - 10.8%             
Abilene, TX, Health Facilities Development Corp., Retirement Facilities Rev. (Sears Methodist Retirement), “A”, 7%, 2033    $ 1,155,000   $ 1,160,059
Arizona Health Facilities Authority Rev. (The Terraces Project), 7.75%, 2013 (c)      2,250,000     2,766,083
Bell County, TX, Health Facility Development Corp. (Advanced Living Technologies, Inc.), 4%, 2036      4,760,000     4,541,326
Bucks County, PA, Industrial Development Authority Retirement Community Rev. (Ann’s Choice, Inc.), “A”, 6.25%, 2035      3,000,000     2,902,020
Bucks County, PA, Industrial Development Authority Rev. (Lutheran Community Telford Center), 5.75%, 2027      620,000     556,369
Bucks County, PA, Industrial Development Authority Rev. (Lutheran Community Telford Center), 5.75%, 2037      800,000     682,520
Bucks County, PA, Industrial Development Authority, Retirement Community Rev. (Ann’s Choice, Inc.), 6.125%, 2025      1,320,000     1,301,797

 

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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par   Value ($)
    
Municipal Bonds - continued             
Healthcare Revenue - Long Term Care - continued             
Cambria County, PA, Industrial Development Authority Rev. (Beverly Enterprises, Inc.), ETM, 10%, 2012 (c)    $ 420,000   $ 486,398
Chartiers Valley, PA, Industrial & Commercial Development Authority (Asbury Health Center Project), 5.75%, 2022      500,000     475,155
Chester County, PA, Industrial Development Authority Rev. (RHA Nursing Home), 8.5%, 2032      1,090,000     1,099,178
Colorado Health Facilities Authority Rev. (American Baptist Homes), “A”, 5.9%, 2037      2,730,000     2,344,415
Colorado Health Facilities Authority Rev. (Christian Living Communities Project), “A”, 5.75%, 2037      3,355,000     2,910,463
Colorado Health Facilities Authority Rev. (Covenant Retirement Communities, Inc.), “B”, 6.125%, 2033      1,500,000     1,450,275
Cumberland County, PA, Municipal Authority Rev. (Wesley), “A”, 7.25%, 2013 (c)      760,000     893,152
Cumberland County, PA, Municipal Authority, Retirement Community Rev. (Wesley), “A”, 7.25%, 2035 (c)      1,965,000     2,309,268
Daphne, AL, Special Care Facilities Financing Authority (2nd Mortgage Presbyterian), 0%, 2008 (c)      48,475,000     13,749,449
Daphne, AL, Special Care Facilities Financing Authority (2nd Mortgage Presbyterian), 0%, 2008 (c)      4,500,000     4,497,435
Duluth, MN, Housing & Redevelopment Authority (Benedictine Health Center), 5.875%, 2033      585,000     524,394
East Rochester, NY, Housing Authority Rev. (Woodland Village Project), 5.5%, 2033      600,000     513,234
Fulton County, GA, Residential Care Facilities (Canterbury Court), “A”, 6.125%, 2034      1,020,000     935,942
Fulton County, GA, Residential Care Facilities, (Lenbrook Project), “A”, 5%, 2027      2,500,000     2,064,300
Fulton County, GA, Residential Care Facilities, (Lenbrook Project), “A”, 5.125%, 2042      2,750,000     2,093,190
Georgia Medical Center Hospital Authority Rev. (Spring Harbor Green Island Project), 5.25%, 2037      4,510,000     3,587,705
Hawaii Department of Budget & Finance, Special Purpose Rev. (Kahala Nui Senior Living Community), 8%, 2033      1,500,000     1,594,740
HFDC of Central Texas, Inc., Retirement Facilities Rev. (Legacy at Willow Bend), “A”, 5.625%, 2026      1,500,000     1,300,275
HFDC of Central Texas, Inc., Retirement Facilities Rev. (Legacy at Willow Bend), “A”, 5.75%, 2036      1,500,000     1,251,210
HFDC of Central Texas, Inc., Retirement Facilities Rev. (Village at Gleannloch Farms), “A”, 5.5%, 2037      3,050,000     2,419,382
Huntsville-Redstone Village, AL, Special Care Facilities Financing Authority (Redstone Village Project), 5.5%, 2028      2,265,000     1,922,056

 

15


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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par   Value ($)
    
Municipal Bonds - continued             
Healthcare Revenue - Long Term Care - continued             
Huntsville-Redstone Village, AL, Special Care Facilities Financing Authority (Redstone Village Project), 5.5%, 2043    $ 1,960,000   $ 1,558,220
Illinois Finance Authority Rev. (Clare at Water Tower), “A”, 6%, 2025      1,510,000     1,424,564
Illinois Finance Authority Rev. (Franciscan Communities, Inc.), “A”, 5.5%, 2027      1,600,000     1,430,912
Illinois Finance Authority Rev. (Franciscan Communities, Inc.), “A”, 5.5%, 2037      3,000,000     2,536,320
Illinois Finance Authority Rev. (Friendship Village), “A”, 5.375%, 2025      4,630,000     3,931,981
Illinois Finance Authority Rev. (Landing at Plymouth Place), “A”, 6%, 2037      1,510,000     1,313,881
Illinois Finance Authority Rev. (Montgomery Place), “A”, 5.75%, 2038      1,730,000     1,453,183
Illinois Finance Authority Rev., Bond Anticipation Notes (Tallgrass), 13%, 2012      790,000     782,890
Iowa Finance Authority Senior Housing Authority Rev. (Bethany Life Communities), “A”, 5.55%, 2041      770,000     625,771
Iowa Finance Authority, Health Care Facilities Rev. (Care Initiatives), 9.25%, 2011 (c)      3,805,000     4,497,738
Iowa Finance Authority, Health Care Facilities Rev. (Care Initiatives), “A”, 5.5%, 2025      2,495,000     2,234,098
Iowa Finance Authority, Health Care Facilities Rev. (Care Initiatives), “B”, 5.75%, 2018      2,520,000     2,447,701
James City County, VA, Economic Development (Virginia United Methodist Homes, Inc.), “A”, 5.4%, 2027      2,180,000     1,901,745
James City County, VA, Economic Development (Virginia United Methodist Homes, Inc.), “A”, 5.5%, 2037      3,375,000     2,786,366
Kalamazoo, MI, Economic Development Corp. Rev. (Heritage Community), 5.375%, 2027      750,000     642,488
Kalamazoo, MI, Economic Development Corp. Rev. (Heritage Community), 5.5%, 2036      2,200,000     1,808,400
Lancaster County, PA, Hospital Authority Rev. (Brethren), 6.5%, 2040      2,135,000     2,062,559
Lenexa, KS, Health Care Facilities Rev. (Lakeview Village, Inc.), 5.375%, 2027      1,580,000     1,415,427
Lenexa, KS, Health Care Facilities Rev. (Lakeview Village, Inc.), “C”, 6.875%, 2012 (c)      1,250,000     1,432,388
Loves Park, IL (Hoosier Care), 7.125%, 2034      1,845,000     1,740,259
Maine Health & Higher Educational Facilities Rev. (Piper Shores), 7.5%, 2009 (c)      1,320,000     1,347,654

 

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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par   Value ($)
    
Municipal Bonds - continued             
Healthcare Revenue - Long Term Care - continued             
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency Rev. (Adventcare), “A”, 6.75%, 2037    $ 4,640,000   $ 4,091,181
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency Rev. (Linden Ponds, Inc.), “A”, 5.5%, 2027      1,235,000     1,085,454
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency Rev. (Linden Ponds, Inc.), “A”, 5.75%, 2035      310,000     269,133
Massachusetts Industrial Finance Agency Rev. (GF/Revere, Inc.), 6.6%, 2025      6,430,000     6,019,895
Millbrae, CA, Residential Facilities Rev. (Magnolia of Millbrae), “A”, 7.375%, 2027      6,465,000     6,512,970
Montgomery County, PA, Higher Education & Health Authority Rev. (AHF/Montgomery), 6.875%, 2036      3,805,000     3,549,646
Montgomery County, PA, Industrial Development Authority Rev. (Whitemarsh Continuing Care), 6.125%, 2028      750,000     679,290
Montgomery County, PA, Industrial Development Authority Rev. (Whitemarsh Continuing Care), 6.25%, 2035      1,490,000     1,333,222
New Jersey Economic Development Authority Rev. (Lions Gate), “A”, 5.875%, 2037      2,200,000     1,940,356
New Jersey Economic Development Authority Rev. (Seabrook Village, Inc.), 5.25%, 2036      2,735,000     2,234,632
New Jersey Economic Development Authority Rev. (Seashore Gardens), 5.375%, 2036      300,000     242,481
New Jersey Health Care Facilities Financing Authority Rev. (Cherry Hill), 8%, 2027      4,000,000     4,012,960
Norfolk, VA, Redevelopment & Housing Authority Rev. (Fort Norfolk Retirement Community), “A”, 6%, 2025      375,000     352,631
Norfolk, VA, Redevelopment & Housing Authority Rev. (Fort Norfolk Retirement Community), “A”, 6.125%, 2035      340,000     308,686
Olathe, KS, Senior Living Facilities Rev. (Catholic Care Campus, Inc.), “A”, 6%, 2038      1,700,000     1,544,297
Orange County, FL, Health Facilities Authority Rev. (Orlando Lutheran Tower), 5.5%, 2038      1,180,000     968,166
Rochester, MN, Housing & Healthcare Rev. (Madonna Towers of Rochester, Inc.), 5.875%, 2028      855,000     786,215
Sarasota County, FL, Health Facility Authority Rev. (Sarasota Manatee), 5.75%, 2037      1,790,000     1,500,521
Sarasota County, FL, Health Facility Authority Rev. (Sarasota Manatee), 5.75%, 2045      395,000     323,414
Scott County, IA, Rev. (Ridgecrest Village), 5.25%, 2027      2,950,000     2,496,113
Shelby County, TN, Health, Educational & Housing Facilities Board Rev. (Germantown Village), “A”, 7.25%, 2034      2,470,000     2,310,883
South Carolina Jobs & Economic Development Authority Rev. (Woodlands at Furman), “A”, 6%, 2027      1,840,000     1,697,768

 

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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par   Value ($)
    
Municipal Bonds - continued             
Healthcare Revenue - Long Term Care - continued             
South Carolina Jobs & Economic Development Authority Rev. (Woodlands at Furman), “A”, 6%, 2042    $ 1,690,000   $ 1,465,365
South Carolina Jobs & Economic Development Authority Rev., (Lutheran Homes of South Carolina), 5.5%, 2028      870,000     754,803
South Carolina Jobs & Economic Development Authority Rev., (Lutheran Homes of South Carolina), 5.625%, 2042      550,000     454,317
St. Johns County, FL Industrial Development Authority (Bayview Project), “A”, 5.25%, 2041      2,800,000     2,139,480
St. Joseph County, IN, Economic Development Rev. (Holy Cross Village at Notre Dame), “A”, 6%, 2038      475,000     412,656
Stark County, ND, Healthcare Housing Rev. (Benedictine Living Communities, Inc.), 6.75%, 2033      1,175,000     1,104,289
Sterling, IL (Hoosier Care), 7.125%, 2034      1,295,000     1,217,339
Suffolk County, NY, Industrial Development Agency (Medford Hamlet Assisted Living), 6.375%, 2039      1,500,000     1,380,720
Travis County, TX, Health Facilities Development Corp., Retirement Facilities Rev. (Querencia Barton Creek), 5.5%, 2025      1,440,000     1,288,915
Ulster County, NY, Industrial Development Agency (Woodland Pond), “A”, 6%, 2037      3,925,000     3,533,364
Washington Housing Finance Commission Non-profit Rev. (Skyline at First Hill), “A”, 5.625%, 2027      785,000     711,053
Washington Housing Finance Commission Non-profit Rev. (Skyline at First Hill), “A”, 5.625%, 2038      3,980,000     3,428,571
Washington, IA, Senior Housing Rev. (United Presbyterian Home of Washington), “A”, 5.6%, 2036      1,615,000     1,334,426
Wisconsin Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (American Eagle Nursing Home), 7.15%, 2028      4,000,000     3,970,160
Wisconsin Health & Educational Facilities Board Rev. (All Saints Assisted Living Project), 5.9%, 2027      615,000     568,512
Wisconsin Health & Educational Facilities Board Rev. (All Saints Assisted Living Project), 6%, 2037      1,230,000     1,110,050
        
           $ 170,840,269
Human Services - 1.5%             
Alaska Industrial Development & Export Authority Community Provider Rev. (Boys & Girls Home of Alaska, Inc.), 5.875%, 2027    $ 3,790,000   $ 3,404,405
Alaska Industrial Development & Export Authority Community Provider Rev. (Boys & Girls Home of Alaska, Inc.), 6%, 2036      1,175,000     1,012,979
California Statewide Communities Development Authority (Prides Industries), 7.125%, 2009 (c)      1,315,000     1,403,105
Colorado Educational & Cultural Facilities Authority (Cerebral Palsy Project), “A”, 6.25%, 2036      775,000     712,117

 

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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par   Value ($)
    
Municipal Bonds - continued             
Human Services - continued             
Louisiana Local Government, Environmental Facilities & Community Development Authority Rev. (CDF Healthcare), “A”, 7%, 2036    $ 1,600,000   $ 1,550,352
Louisiana Local Government, Environmental Facilities & Community Development Authority Rev. (CDF Healthcare), “C”, 7%, 2036      1,270,000     1,216,012
Louisiana Local Government, Environmental Facilities & Community Development Authority Rev. (Westside Rehab Center Project), “A”, 6.85%, 2036      3,415,000     3,331,469
Louisiana Local Government, Environmental Facilities & Community Development Authority Rev. (Westside Rehab Center Project), “B”, 6.5%, 2013      235,000     236,791
Montgomery County, PA, Industrial Development Authority (Wordsworth Academy), 8%, 2024      2,850,000     2,850,057
New Hampshire Higher Educational & Health Facilities Authority Rev. (Child & Family Services), 6.125%, 2009 (c)      1,030,000     1,069,119
New York, NY, Industrial Development Agency Rev. (Special Needs Facilities Pooled Program), 6.1%, 2012      825,000     824,373
Orange County, FL, Health Facilities Authority Rev. (GF/Orlando Healthcare Facilities), 8.875%, 2021      1,925,000     2,077,114
Orange County, FL, Health Facilities Authority Rev. (GF/Orlando Healthcare Facilities), 9%, 2031      2,185,000     2,356,348
Osceola County, FL, Industrial Development Authority Rev. (Community Provider), 7.75%, 2017      506,000     507,776
Philadelphia, PA, Industrial Development Authority Rev., 6.125%, 2019      1,250,000     939,350
        
           $ 23,491,367
Industrial Revenue - Airlines - 3.9%             
Alliance Airport Authority, TX (American Airlines, Inc.), 5.25%, 2029    $ 6,495,000   $ 3,007,315
Chicago, IL, O’Hare International Airport Special Facilities Rev. (American Airlines, Inc.), 5.5%, 2030      11,605,000     5,267,277
Dallas Fort Worth, TX, International Airport Facility Improvement Corp. (American Airlines, Inc.), 5.5%, 2030      4,230,000     1,919,912
Denver, CO, City & County Airport Rev. (United Airlines), 5.25%, 2032      11,960,000     7,384,463
Denver, CO, City & County Airport Rev. (United Airlines), 5.75%, 2032      3,460,000     2,302,492
Houston, TX, Airport Systems Rev., Special Facilities (Continental, Inc.), “E”, 6.75%, 2029      5,045,000     3,826,885
Los Angeles, CA, Regional Airport Lease Rev. (AMR Corp.), “C”, 7%, 2012      1,700,000     1,636,488
Los Angeles, CA, Regional Airport Lease Rev. (AMR Corp.), “C”, 7.5%, 2024      5,450,000     4,514,726

 

19


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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par   Value ($)
    
Municipal Bonds - continued             
Industrial Revenue - Airlines - continued             
New Jersey Economic Development Authority, Special Facilities Rev. (Continental Airlines, Inc.), 6.25%, 2029    $ 3,880,000   $ 2,756,779
New York, NY, City Industrial Development Agencies Rev. (American Airlines, Inc.), 5.4%, 2020      1,250,000     611,225
New York, NY, City Industrial Development Agencies Rev. (American Airlines, Inc.), 7.625%, 2025      20,645,000     17,564,972
New York, NY, City Industrial Development Agencies Rev. (American Airlines, Inc.), 7.75%, 2031      11,660,000     9,870,307
New York, NY, Industrial Development Agencies Rev. (Continental Airlines, Inc.), 7.25%, 2008      155,000     154,213
New York, NY, Industrial Development Agencies Rev. (Continental Airlines, Inc.), 8%, 2012      950,000     905,018
        
           $ 61,722,072
Industrial Revenue - Chemicals - 0.6%             
Louisiana, Environmental Facilities & Community Development Authority Rev. (Westlake Chemical), 6.75%, 2032    $ 4,100,000   $ 4,018,041
Red River Authority, TX, Pollution Control Rev. (Celanese Project) “B”, 6.7%, 2030      5,380,000     5,021,208
York County, SC, Industrial Rev. (Hoechst Celanese), 5.7%, 2024      130,000     114,882
        
           $ 9,154,131
Industrial Revenue - Environmental Services - 1.6%             
California Pollution Control Financing Authority, Solid Waste Disposal Rev. (Browning Ferris, Inc.), “A”, 5.8%, 2016    $ 5,000,000   $ 4,893,200
Cobb County, GA, Development Authority, Solid Waste Disposal Rev. (Waste Management, Inc.), “A”, 5%, 2033      2,780,000     2,142,629
Colorado Housing & Finance Authority, Solid Waste Rev. (Waste Management, Inc.), 5.7%, 2018      540,000     510,921
Director of the State of Nevada Department of Business & Industry Rev. (Republic Services, Inc.), 5.625%, 2026 (a)      2,000,000     1,924,680
Gulf Coast Waste Disposal Authority (Waste Management, Inc.), 5.2%, 2028      3,260,000     2,639,785
Henrico County, VA, Industrial Development Authority Rev. (Browning Ferris, Inc.), 5.45%, 2014      2,000,000     1,960,540
Mission, TX, Economic Development Corp., Solid Waste Disposal Rev. (Allied Waste N.A., Inc.), “A”, 5.2%, 2018      3,060,000     2,798,278
New Hampshire Business Finance Authority, Solid Waste Disposal Rev. (Waste Management, Inc.), 5.2%, 2027      2,890,000     2,379,077
New Morgan, PA, Industrial Development Authority, Solid Waste Disposal Rev. (New Morgan Landfill Co., Inc./Browning Ferris, Inc.), 6.5%, 2019      2,500,000     2,499,525

 

20


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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par   Value ($)
    
Municipal Bonds - continued             
Industrial Revenue - Environmental Services - continued             
Yavapai County, AZ, Industrial Development Authority Rev. (Waste Management, Inc.), 4.9%, 2028    $ 4,615,000   $ 3,620,837
        
           $ 25,369,472
Industrial Revenue - Metals - 0.2%             
Burns Harbor, IN, Solid Waste Disposal Facilities Rev. (Bethlehem Steel), 8%, 2024 (d)    $ 10,455,000   $ 1,046
Cambria County, PA, Industrial Development Authority Rev. (Bethlehem Steel), 7.5%, 2015 (d)      3,890,000     389
Mobile County, AL, Industrial Development Authority Rev. (Ipsco, Inc.), 6.875%, 2030 (a)      2,850,000     2,923,331
        
           $ 2,924,766
Industrial Revenue - Other - 2.1%             
Aztalan, WI, Exempt Facility Rev. (Renew Energy LLC Project), 7.5%, 2018    $ 3,160,000   $ 2,880,877
Baker, FL, Correctional Development Corp. (Baker County Detention Center), 7.5%, 2030      1,560,000     1,517,412
Bayonne, NJ, Redevelopment Agency (Royal Caribbean Project), “A”, 5.375%, 2035      1,500,000     1,283,985
Gulf Coast, TX, Industrial Development Authority Rev. (Microgy Holdings LLC Project), 7%, 2036      2,060,000     1,883,479
Gulf Coast, TX, Waste Disposal Rev. (Valero Energy Corp.), 6.65%, 2032      1,500,000     1,508,490
Janesville, WI, Industrial Development Rev. (Simmons Manufacturing Co.), 7%, 2017      3,900,000     3,902,106
Liberty, NY, Development Corp. Rev. (Goldman Sachs Headquarters), 5.25%, 2035      2,640,000     2,662,730
New Jersey Economic Development Authority Rev. (Gloucester Marine), “C”, 6.5%, 2015      2,300,000     2,332,591
New Jersey Economic Development Authority Rev. (GMT Realty LLC), “B”, 6.875%, 2037      1,570,000     1,532,571
New York, NY, City Industrial Development Agency Rev., Liberty Bonds (IAC/InterActiveCorp), 5%, 2035      1,880,000     1,605,332
Park Creek Metropolitan District, CO, Rev. (Custodial Receipts), “CR-1”, 7.875%, 2032 (a)(n)      4,220,000     4,452,775
Park Creek Metropolitan District, CO, Rev. (Custodial Receipts), “CR-2”, 7.875%, 2032 (a)(n)      1,860,000     1,962,598
Philadelphia, PA, Industrial Development Authority Rev. (Host Marriott LP), 7.75%, 2017      2,000,000     2,008,420
St. John the Baptist Parish, LA (Marathon Oil Corp.), “A”, 5.125%, 2037      4,000,000     3,454,200
        
           $ 32,987,566

 

21


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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer   Shares/Par   Value ($)
   
Municipal Bonds - continued            
Industrial Revenue - Paper - 1.9%            
Arkansas Development Finance Authority, Industrial Facilities Rev. (Potlatch Corp.), “A”, 7.75%, 2025   $ 1,200,000   $ 1,269,588
Butler, AL, Industrial Development Board, Solid Waste Disposal Rev. (Georgia Pacific Corp.), 5.75%, 2028     1,510,000     1,229,895
Cass County, TX, Industrial Development Corp. (International Paper Co.), “A”, 4.625%, 2027     3,750,000     2,804,663
De Soto Parish, LA, Environmental Improvement Rev. (International Paper Co.), 6.35%, 2025     1,650,000     1,584,924
Delta County, MI, Economic Development Corp., Environmental Improvement Rev. (Mead Westvaco Escanaba), “A”, 6.25%, 2012 (c)     3,100,000     3,437,094
Delta County, MI, Economic Development Corp., Environmental Improvement Rev. (Mead Westvaco Escanaba), “B”, 6.45%, 2012 (c)     1,100,000     1,213,080
Escambia County, FL, Environmental Improvement Rev. (International Paper Co.), “A”, 4.75%, 2030     1,940,000     1,475,506
Hodge, LA, Utilities Rev. (Stone Container Corp.), 7.45%, 2024     3,000,000     2,887,740
Hopewell, VA, Industrial Development Authority, Environmental Improvement Rev. (Smurfit-Stone Container), 5.25%, 2015     2,700,000     2,309,958
Rockdale County, GA, Development Authority Project Rev. (Visy Paper Project), “A”, 6.125%, 2034     2,835,000     2,747,909
Sabine River Authority Rev., Louisiana Water Facilities (International Paper Co.), 6.2%, 2025     2,250,000     2,193,390
West Point, VA, Industrial Development Authority, Solid Waste Disposal Rev. (Chesapeake Corp.), 6.25%, 2019     6,830,000     5,622,046
West Point, VA, Industrial Development Authority, Solid Waste Disposal Rev. (Chesapeake Corp.), “A”, 6.375%, 2019     800,000     655,752
       
          $ 29,431,545
Miscellaneous Revenue - Entertainment & Tourism - 0.4%      
Mississippi Development Bank, Special Obligation (Diamond Lakes Utilities), 6.25%, 2017   $ 2,800,000   $ 2,807,056
New York Liberty Development Corp. Rev. (National Sports Museum), “A”, 6.125%, 2019     1,315,000     1,267,134
Seminole Tribe, FL, Special Obligation, “A”, 5.25%, 2027 (n)     1,840,000     1,689,856
Seneca Nation Indians, NY, Capital Improvements Authority, Special Obligation, 5%, 2023 (n)     1,040,000     920,421
       
          $ 6,684,467
Miscellaneous Revenue - Other - 1.9%            
Austin, TX, Convention Center (Convention Enterprises, Inc.), XLCA, 5.25%, 2024   $ 930,000   $ 862,222
Austin, TX, Convention Center (Convention Enterprises, Inc.), “A”, 6.6%, 2011 (c)     1,300,000     1,418,235

 

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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par   Value ($)
    
Municipal Bonds - continued             
Miscellaneous Revenue - Other - continued             
Austin, TX, Convention Center (Convention Enterprises, Inc.), “A”, 6.7%, 2011 (c)    $ 2,000,000   $ 2,186,520
Austin, TX, Convention Center (Convention Enterprises, Inc.), “B”, 5.75%, 2034      2,705,000     2,390,165
Cleveland-Cuyahoga County, OH, Port Authority Rev. (Columbia National Group), 5%, 2020      1,475,000     1,346,660
Cleveland-Cuyahoga County, OH, Port Authority Rev. (Fairmount), “B”, 5.125%, 2025      535,000     487,615
Cleveland-Cuyahoga County, OH, Port Authority Rev. (Myers University), “E”, 5.6%, 2025      395,000     375,973
Cleveland-Cuyahoga County, OH, Port Authority Rev. (Perrysburg Project), 4.8%, 2035      795,000     654,253
Hardeman County, TN, Correctional Facilities Rev., 7.75%, 2017      5,380,000     5,438,750
Madison County, FL, Rev. (Twin Oaks Project), “A”, 6%, 2025      1,570,000     1,511,235
New Jersey Economic Development Authority Rev. (Kapkowski Project), “B”, 6.8%, 2018      3,665,000     3,813,433
Riversouth, OH, Authority Rev. (Lazarus Building) “A”, 5.75%, 2027      3,975,000     3,702,872
Southwestern Illinois Development Authority Rev., Solid Waste Disposal Rev., 5.9%, 2014      1,525,000     1,529,484
Summit County, OH, Port Authority Building Rev. (Seville Project), “A”, 5.1%, 2025      600,000     555,390
Summit County, OH, Port Authority Building Rev. (Twinsburg Township), “D”, 5.125%, 2025      440,000     406,085
Summit County, OH, Port Authority Building Rev. (Workforce Policy Board), “F”, 4.875%, 2025      2,810,000     2,518,856
Toledo Lucas County, OH, Port Authority Development Rev. (Northwest Ohio Bond Fund), “B”, 4.8%, 2035      910,000     748,894
Toledo Lucas County, OH, Port Authority Development Rev. (Northwest Ohio Bond Fund), “C”, 5.125%, 2025      265,000     236,711
        
           $ 30,183,353
Multi-Family Housing Revenue - 2.2%             
Alexandria, VA, Redevelopment & Housing Finance Authority Rev. (Jefferson Village Apartments), “B”, 9%, 2018    $ 1,720,000   $ 1,728,996
Bay County, FL, Housing Finance Authority, Multi-Family Rev. (Andrews Place II Apartments), FSA, 5%, 2035      635,000     553,980
Bay County, FL, Housing Finance Authority, Multi-Family Rev. (Andrews Place II Apartments), FSA, 5.1%, 2046      1,155,000     1,005,243
Charter Mac Equity Issuer Trust, FRN, FHLMC, 6.625%, 2009 (a)(n)      8,000,000     8,210,560
Fairfax County, VA, Economic Development Authority, Senior Living (Lewinsville Retirement Village), “A”, 5.25%, 2032      1,215,000     1,006,360
GMAC Municipal Mortgage Trust, “B-1”, 5.6%, 2039 (a)(n)      4,000,000     3,822,960

 

23


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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par   Value ($)
    
Municipal Bonds - continued             
Multi-Family Housing Revenue - continued             
GMAC Municipal Mortgage Trust, “C-1”, 5.7%, 2040 (a)(n)    $ 2,000,000   $ 1,869,000
Indianapolis, IN, Multi-Family Rev. (Cambridge Station Apartments II), FNMA, 5.25%, 2039 (a)      1,430,000     1,277,676
Mississippi Home Corp., Rev. (Kirkwood Apartments), 6.8%, 2037      3,850,000     3,608,028
MuniMae TE Bond Subsidiary LLC, 6.875%, 2049 (a)(n)      6,000,000     6,150,600
MuniMae TE Bond Subsidiary LLC, 5.4%, 2049 (n)      2,000,000     2,005,040
MuniMae TE Bond Subsidiary LLC, 5.9%, 2049 (n)      2,000,000     1,880,840
North Charleston, SC, Housing Authority Rev. (Horizon Village), “A”, FHA, 5.15%, 2048      1,380,000     1,204,961
Seattle, WA, Housing Authority Rev., Capped Fund Program (High Rise Rehab), “I”, FSA, 5%, 2025      1,000,000     931,520
        
           $ 35,255,764
Parking - 0.1%             
Rail Connections, Inc., MA, Rev., “B”, 0%, 2009 (c)    $ 375,000   $ 258,098
Rail Connections, Inc., MA, Rev., “B”, 0%, 2009 (c)      450,000     289,796
Rail Connections, Inc., MA, Rev., “B”, 0%, 2009 (c)      975,000     587,106
Rail Connections, Inc., MA, Rev., “B”, 0%, 2009 (c)      1,235,000     696,503
        
           $ 1,831,503
Sales & Excise Tax Revenue - 1.0%             
Central, WA, Puget Sound Regional Transportation Authority, “A”, 5%, 2036    $ 10,000,000   $ 10,065,400
Desloge, MO, Tax Increment Rev. (U.S. Highway 67 Street Redevelopment), 5.2%, 2020      1,050,000     1,015,098
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Sales Tax Rev., 5%, 2031      4,000,000     4,138,520
        
           $ 15,219,018
Single Family Housing - Local - 0.8%             
California Rural Home Mortgage Finance Authority Rev., GNMA, 6.55%, 2030    $ 265,000   $ 268,270
Chicago, IL, Single Family Mortgage Rev., “C”, GNMA, 7.05%, 2030      25,000     25,338
Cook County, IL, Single Family Mortgage Rev., “A”, 0%, 2015      90,000     25,115
Corpus Christi, TX, Housing Finance Authority Rev., “B”, 0%, 2011      1,435,000     750,620
Escambia County, FL, Single Family Housing Rev., GNMA, 6.95%, 2024      180,000     183,074
Jefferson County, TX, Housing Finance Corp., MBIA, 0%, 2015      500,000     231,560
Jefferson Parish, LA, Single Family Mortgage Rev., “B-1”, GNMA, 6.625%, 2023      365,000     375,965
Jefferson Parish, LA, Single Family Mortgage Rev., “B-1”, GNMA, 6.75%, 2030      1,070,000     1,083,075

 

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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par   Value ($)
    
Municipal Bonds - continued             
Single Family Housing - Local - continued             
Jefferson Parish, LA, Single Family Mortgage Rev., “D-1”, GNMA, 7.5%, 2026    $ 80,000   $ 80,499
Nortex, TX, Housing Finance Corp., Single Family Mortgage Rev., “B”, 5.5%, 2038      285,000     262,137
Pima County, AZ, Industrial Development Authority Rev., “B-1”, GNMA, 7.05%, 2030      190,000     192,495
Sedgwick & Shawnee Counties, KS, Single Family Housing Rev., “A”, GNMA, 6.45%, 2029      245,000     244,701
Sedgwick & Shawnee Counties, KS, Single Family Housing Rev., “A”, GNMA, 5.9%, 2035      1,000,000     1,037,000
Sedgwick & Shawnee Counties, KS, Single Family Housing Rev., “A”, GNMA, 6.25%, 2035      410,000     422,308
Sedgwick & Shawnee Counties, KS, Single Family Housing Rev., “A-1”, GNMA, 5.75%, 2037      840,000     814,934
Sedgwick & Shawnee Counties, KS, Single Family Housing Rev., “A-2”, GNMA, 5.75%, 2037      1,490,000     1,503,678
Sedgwick & Shawnee Counties, KS, Single Family Housing Rev., “A-3”, GNMA, 6%, 2035      795,000     808,292
Sedgwick & Shawnee Counties, KS, Single Family Housing Rev., “A-4”, GNMA, 5.625%, 2036      915,000     924,150
Sedgwick & Shawnee Counties, KS, Single Family Housing Rev., “A-4”, GNMA, 5.85%, 2037      1,470,000     1,466,399
Sedgwick & Shawnee Counties, KS, Single Family Housing Rev., “A-5”, GNMA, 5.9%, 2037      560,000     561,428
Sedgwick & Shawnee Counties, KS, Single Family Housing Rev., “B-2”, GNMA, 6.45%, 2033      745,000     766,605
        
           $ 12,027,643
Single Family Housing - State - 1.3%             
Colorado Housing & Finance Authority Rev., “A-1”, 7.4%, 2027    $ 15,000   $ 15,075
Colorado Housing & Finance Authority Rev., “A-2”, 7.15%, 2014      2,000     2,023
Colorado Housing & Finance Authority Rev., “A-2”, AMBAC, 6.6%, 2028      810,000     805,213
Colorado Housing & Finance Authority Rev., “B-2”, 6.1%, 2023      295,000     307,726
Colorado Housing & Finance Authority Rev., “B-3”, 6.55%, 2025      37,000     37,588
Colorado Housing & Finance Authority Rev., “B-3”, 6.55%, 2033      290,000     295,820
Colorado Housing & Finance Authority Rev., “C-2”, 5.9%, 2023      445,000     452,409
Colorado Housing & Finance Authority Rev., “C-2”, FHA, 6.6%, 2032      440,000     453,275
Colorado Housing & Finance Authority Rev., “C-3”, 6.75%, 2021      135,000     138,355
Colorado Housing & Finance Authority Rev., “C-3”, 7.15%, 2030      60,000     60,845
Louisiana Housing Finance Agency, Single Family Mortgage Rev., “B-2”, GNMA, 7.55%, 2031      95,000     97,807

 

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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par   Value ($)
    
Municipal Bonds - continued             
Single Family Housing - State - continued             
Mississippi Home Corp. Rev., Single Family Rev., “A”, GNMA, 6.1%, 2034    $ 2,045,000   $ 2,095,164
Mississippi Home Corp. Rev., Single Family Rev., “A-2”, GNMA, 6.5%, 2032      1,950,000     2,004,912
Missouri Housing Development Commission, Single Family Mortgage Rev. (Home Loan Program), GNMA, 7.45%, 2031      85,000     86,828
Missouri Housing Development Commission, Single Family Mortgage Rev. (Home Loan Program), GNMA, 6.35%, 2032      330,000     334,953
Missouri Housing Development Commission, Single Family Mortgage Rev. (Home Loan Program), GNMA, 6.85%, 2032      265,000     271,731
Missouri Housing Development Commission, Single Family Mortgage Rev. (Home Loan Program), GNMA, 6.75%, 2034      270,000     273,758
Missouri Housing Development Commission, Single Family Mortgage Rev. (Home Loan Program), “B”, GNMA, 6.7%, 2030      560,000     572,852
Missouri Housing Development Commission, Single Family Mortgage Rev. (Home Loan Program), “B”, GNMA, 6.05%, 2037      3,215,000     3,285,505
New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority Rev., “B”, 5.875%, 2030      265,000     267,706
New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority Rev., “B”, 6.3%, 2031      190,000     190,808
New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority Rev., “B”, 6.5%, 2035      3,015,000     3,091,822
New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority Rev., “B-2”, GNMA, 6.35%, 2033      505,000     513,408
North Dakota Housing Finance Agency Rev., Housing Finance, “A”, 5%, 2033      650,000     648,830
Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency, Single Family, 7.55%, 2028      235,000     244,941
Texas Affordable Housing Corp. (Single Family Mortgage), “B”, GNMA, 5.25%, 2039      2,255,000     2,050,742
Texas Housing & Community Affairs, Residential Mortgage Rev., GNMA, 7.1%, 2021      1,465,000     1,499,970
        
           $ 20,100,066
Solid Waste Revenue - 0.7%             
Delaware County, PA, Industrial Development Authority, Resource Recovery Facilities Rev. (American Ref-Fuel Co.), “A”, 6.2%, 2019    $ 3,900,000   $ 3,907,488
Hudson County, NJ, Solid Waste System Rev., 6%, 2019      2,000,000     1,956,060
Massachusetts Industrial Finance Agency, Resource Recovery Rev. (Ogden Haverhill Associates), “A”, 5.6%, 2019      5,425,000     5,335,379
        
           $ 11,198,927
State & Agency - Other - 0.3%             
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico (Mepsi Campus), “A”, 6.25%, 2024    $ 900,000   $ 870,624
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico (Mepsi Campus), “A”, 6.5%, 2037      3,600,000     3,364,380
        
           $ 4,235,004

 

26


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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par   Value ($)
    
Municipal Bonds - continued             
State & Local Agencies - 1.6%             
Alabama Building Renovation Authority, AMBAC, 6%, 2018    $ 1,155,000   $ 1,211,237
Delaware Valley, PA, Regional Finance Authority, RITES, AMBAC, 4.617%, 2018 (p)      1,050,000     1,247,526
Delaware Valley, PA, Regional Financial Authority, AMBAC, 5.5%, 2018      11,900,000     13,019,314
Golden State, CA, Tobacco Securitization Corp., Tobacco Settlement Rev., “A-1”, AMBAC, 0% to 2010, 4.6% to 2023      1,185,000     982,341
Golden State, CA, Tobacco Securitization Corp., Tobacco Settlement Rev., Enhanced, “A”, 5%, 2045      5,000,000     4,403,250
Harris County, TX, 5.8%, 2014      987,508     988,456
Harris County, TX, 5.625%, 2020      2,104,112     2,069,563
Northumberland County, PA (Country Careers & Arts Center), 6.65%, 2020      1,030,000     1,040,372
Northumberland County, PA (Mountain View Manor), 7%, 2010 (c)      1,000,000     1,098,690
        
           $ 26,060,749
Student Loan Revenue - 0.3%             
Access to Loans for Learning, California Student Loan Rev.,
7.95%, 2030
   $ 2,700,000   $ 2,658,447
Arizona Student Loan Acquisition Authority, Student Loan Rev., 6.15%, 2029      1,500,000     1,503,750
        
           $ 4,162,197
Tax - Other - 0.4%             
Black Hawk, CO, Device Tax Rev., 5%, 2010    $ 280,000   $ 283,531
Black Hawk, CO, Device Tax Rev., 5%, 2013      180,000     180,320
Black Hawk, CO, Device Tax Rev., 5%, 2015      560,000     549,209
Harris County-Houston, TX, Sports Authority Rev., MBIA, 0%, 2032      6,310,000     1,376,779
New Jersey Economic Development Authority Rev. (Cigarette Tax), 5.75%, 2029      1,795,000     1,719,018
New Jersey Economic Development Authority Rev. (Cigarette Tax), 5.5%, 2031      800,000     737,392
Virgin Islands Public Finance Authority Rev., “E”, 5.875%, 2018      1,500,000     1,517,055
        
           $ 6,363,304
Tax Assessment - 8.0%             
Altoona, IA, Urban Renewal Tax Increment Rev., 6%, 2043    $ 3,000,000   $ 2,897,880
Arborwood Community Development District, FL, Capital Improvement Rev., 5.25%, 2016      465,000     410,846
Arborwood Community Development District, FL, Capital Improvement Rev. (Centex Homes Project), “A-1”, 5.5%, 2036      1,480,000     1,156,161

 

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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par   Value ($)
    
Municipal Bonds - continued             
Tax Assessment - continued             
Arborwood Community Development District, FL, Capital Improvement Rev. (Master Infrastructure Projects), “A”, 5.35%, 2036    $ 1,845,000   $ 1,419,377
Arborwood Community Development District, FL, Special Assessment (Master Infrastructure Projects), “B”, 5.1%, 2014      670,000     603,851
Atlanta, GA, Tax Allocation (Eastside Project), “B”, 5.6%, 2030      2,450,000     2,168,520
Atlanta, GA, Tax Allocation (Princeton Lakes Project), 5.5%, 2031      1,765,000     1,563,808
Ave Maria Stewardship Community District, FL, “A”, 5.125%, 2038      2,035,000     1,496,478
Baltimore, MD, Special Obligation, “A”, 7%, 2038      2,600,000     2,548,702
Belmont Community Development District, FL, Capital Improvement Rev., “B”, 5.125%, 2014      2,975,000     2,648,107
Capital Region Community Development District, FL, Capital Improvement Rev., “A-2”, 6.85%, 2031      690,000     705,139
Century Gardens Village Community Development District, FL, Special Assessment, 5.1%, 2037      970,000     713,881
Concord Station Community Development District, FL, Special Assessment, 5%, 2015      740,000     651,267
Concorde Estates Community Development District, FL, Special Assessment, “B”, 5%, 2011      410,000     398,541
Creekside Community Development District, FL, Special Assessment, 5.2%, 2038      2,700,000     2,007,342
Dardenne, MO, Town Square Transportation Development District, “A”, 5%, 2026      2,750,000     2,105,125
Du Page County, IL, Special Service Area No. 31 Special Tax (Monarch Landing Project), 5.625%, 2036      945,000     792,175
Durbin Crossing Community Development District, FL, Special Assessment, “B-1”, 4.875%, 2010      4,455,000     4,248,199
East Homestead Community Development District, FL, Special Assessment, “B”, 5%, 2011      500,000     472,330
Enclave at Black Point Marina Community Development District, FL, “B”, 5.2%, 2014      1,785,000     1,587,186
Fishhawk Community Development District, FL, 5.125%, 2009      995,000     989,139
Grand Bay at Doral Community Development District, FL,
“A”, 6%, 2039
     620,000     517,123
Grand Bay at Doral Community Development District, FL,
“B”, 6%, 2017
     3,685,000     3,383,420
Greyhawk Landing Community Development District, FL, Special Assessment, “B”, 6.25%, 2009      85,000     84,790
Hawks Point Community Development District, FL, Special Assessment, “A”, 5.3%, 2039      1,430,000     1,078,506
Heritage Harbour North Community Development District, FL, Capital Improvement Rev., 6.375%, 2038      2,105,000     1,855,810
Katy, TX, Development Authority Rev., “B”, 5.8%, 2011      1,690,000     1,690,507

 

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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par   Value ($)
    
Municipal Bonds - continued             
Tax Assessment - continued             
Katy, TX, Development Authority Rev., “B”, 6%, 2018    $ 4,600,000   $ 4,444,106
Killarney Community Development District, FL, Special Assessment, “B”, 5.125%, 2009      660,000     653,532
Lakes by the Bay South Community Development District, FL, Rev., “B”, 5.3%, 2009      990,000     984,614
Lakeshore Villages Master Community Development District, LA, Special Assessment, 5.25%, 2017      2,959,000     2,632,504
Lancaster County, SC, Assessment Rev. (Sun City Carolina Lakes),
5.45%, 2037
     340,000     263,588
Landmark at Doral Community Development District, FL, Special Assessment, “B”, 5.2%, 2015      2,000,000     1,711,400
Legends Bay Community Development District, FL, “A”, 5.5%, 2014      1,580,000     1,444,926
Legends Bay Community Development District, FL, “A”,
5.875%, 2038
     1,370,000     1,110,330
Magnolia Park Community Development District, FL, Special Assessment Rev., “A”, 6.15%, 2039      4,150,000     3,554,434
Main Street Community Development District, FL, “A”, 6.8%, 2038      1,905,000     1,855,013
Main Street Community Development District, FL, “B”, 6.9%, 2017      1,495,000     1,477,464
Middle Village Community Development District, FL, Special Assessment, “A”, 5.8%, 2022      805,000     745,261
Morgantown, WV, Tax Increment Rev., Parking Garage Project, “A”,
4.8%, 2026
     1,215,000     1,083,525
Morgantown, WV, Tax Increment Rev., Parking Garage Project, “A”,
5%, 2033
     500,000     432,945
Naturewalk Community Development District, FL, Capital Improvement Rev., “B”, 5.3%, 2016      2,300,000     2,020,205
New Port Tampa Bay Community Development District, FL, Special Assessment, “B”, 5.3%, 2012      1,360,000     982,858
North Springs Improvement District, FL, Special Assessment (Parkland Golf Country Club), “B-1”, 5.125%, 2015      1,295,000     1,128,230
North Springs Improvement District, FL, Special Assessment (Parkland Golf Country Club), “B-2”, 5.125%, 2015      245,000     209,850
Ohio County, WV, Commission Tax Increment Rev. (Fort Henry Centre), “A”, 5.85%, 2034      865,000     854,698
Old Palm Community Development District, FL, Special Assessment (Palm Beach Gardens), “A”, 5.9%, 2035      715,000     550,893
Old Palm Community Development District, FL, Special Assessment (Palm Beach Gardens), “B”, 5.375%, 2014      785,000     700,840
Osage Beach, MO, Tax Increment Rev. (Prewitts), 4.8%, 2016      1,675,000     1,579,575
Osage Beach, MO, Tax Increment Rev. (Prewitts), 5%, 2023      1,500,000     1,326,255
OTC Community Development District, FL, Special Assessment, “A”,
5.3%, 2038
     4,000,000     3,064,880

 

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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par   Value ($)
    
Municipal Bonds - continued             
Tax Assessment - continued             
Overland Park, KS, Special Assessment (Tallgrass Creek), 4.85%, 2016    $ 565,000   $ 528,343
Overland Park, KS, Special Assessment (Tallgrass Creek), 5.125%, 2028      1,220,000     1,035,756
Palm Glades Community Development District, FL, Special Assessment, “A”, 5.3%, 2036      1,110,000     861,393
Palm River Community Development District, FL, Special Assessment, “A”, 5.375%, 2036      955,000     736,592
Palm River Community Development District, FL, Special Assessment, “B”, 5.15%, 2013      1,000,000     916,470
Panther Trace II, Community Development District, FL, Special Assessment, 5.125%, 2013      1,145,000     1,056,778
Panther Trace II, Community Development District, FL, Special Assessment, “B”, 5%, 2010      1,500,000     1,447,035
Parker Road Community Development District, FL, “A”, 5.6%, 2038      1,260,000     1,001,209
Parkway Center Community Development District, FL, Special Assessment, “B”, 5.625%, 2014      3,165,000     2,929,397
Paseo Community Development District, FL, “B”, 4.875%, 2010      2,990,000     2,877,935
Preserve at Wilderness Lake, FL, 6.2%, 2008      25,000     24,985
Prince George’s County, MD, Special Obligation (National Harbor Project), 5.2%, 2034      755,000     641,742
Riverwood Estates Community Development District, FL, Special Assessment, “B”, 5%, 2013      4,405,000     3,090,812
Rolling Hills Community Development District, FL, “B”, 5.125%, 2013      2,290,000     2,078,862
Sarasota National Community Development District, FL, Special Assessment Rev., 5.3%, 2039      3,215,000     2,369,648
Six Mile Creek Community Development District, FL, Capital Improvement Rev., 5.875%, 2038      5,000,000     3,707,150
Sterling Hill Community Development District, FL, Special Assessment, 5.5%, 2010      670,000     662,047
Stone Ridge, CO, Metropolitan District No. 2, 7.25%, 2031      2,700,000     2,452,869
Stonebrier Community Development District, FL, Special Assessment, 5.5%, 2037      1,820,000     1,412,138
Stoneybrook South Community Development District, FL, Special Assessment, “A”, 5.8%, 2039      2,000,000     1,634,140
Stoneybrook South Community Development District, FL, Special Assessment, “B”, 5.45%, 2015      2,000,000     1,796,500
Sweetwater Creek Community Development District, FL, Capital Improvement Rev., 5.3%, 2017      2,000,000     1,704,180
Sweetwater Creek Community Development District, FL, Capital Improvement Rev., 5.5%, 2038      1,500,000     1,102,935

 

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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par   Value ($)
    
Municipal Bonds - continued             
Tax Assessment - continued             
Tolomato Community Development District, FL, Special Assessment Rev., 6.65%, 2040    $ 3,825,000   $ 3,682,978
Tuscany Reserve Community Development District, FL, Special Assessment, “B”, 5.25%, 2016      2,550,000     2,201,186
Two Creeks Community Development District, FL, Capital Improvement Rev., 5.25%, 2037      2,155,000     1,610,259
Villa Portofino East Community Development District, FL, Special Assessment, 5.2%, 2037      2,260,000     1,690,254
Villa Portofino West Community Development District, FL, Special Assessment, “A”, 5.35%, 2036      940,000     722,249
Villa Vizcaya Community Development District, FL, “A”, 5.55%, 2039      790,000     614,344
Washington County, PA, Redevelopment Authority (Victory Centre Project), “A”, 5.45%, 2035      630,000     539,734
Watergrass Community Development District, FL, “A”, 5.375%, 2039      1,580,000     1,213,835
Watergrass Community Development District, FL, Special Assessment, “B”, 4.875%, 2010      2,065,000     1,977,341
Wentworth Estates Community Development District, FL, Special Assessment, “B”, 5.125%, 2012      1,110,000     1,022,821
        
           $ 126,350,053
Tobacco - 5.9%             
Badger, WI, Tobacco Asset Securitization Corp., 6.125%, 2027    $ 9,395,000   $ 9,183,237
Badger, WI, Tobacco Asset Securitization Corp., 6.375%, 2032      495,000     478,160
Buckeye, OH, Tobacco Settlement Financing Authority, 6%, 2042      780,000     652,805
Buckeye, OH, Tobacco Settlement Financing Authority Rev., 5.75%, 2034      2,500,000     2,079,950
Buckeye, OH, Tobacco Settlement Rev., Asset Backed, “A-2”, 5.875%, 2030      19,455,000     16,786,941
Buckeye, OH, Tobacco Settlement Rev., Asset Backed, “A-2”, 5.875%, 2047      6,835,000     5,513,521
Buckeye, OH, Tobacco Settlement Rev., Asset Backed, “A-2”, 6.5%, 2047      5,130,000     4,535,536
California County, CA, Tobacco Securitization Corp., Tobacco Settlement, L.A. County, “A”, 0% to 2010, 5.65% to 2041      1,525,000     985,791
California Statewide Financing Authority, Tobacco Settlement, 5.625%, 2029      4,075,000     3,624,020
Children’s Trust Fund, Tobacco Settlement Rev., Puerto Rico, “A”, 0%, 2050      8,000,000     320,640
Children’s Trust Fund, Tobacco Settlement Rev., Puerto Rico, “B”, 0%, 2055      14,000,000     318,920

 

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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par   Value ($)
    
Municipal Bonds - continued             
Tobacco - continued             
District of Columbia, Tobacco Settlement, 6.25%, 2024    $ 3,175,000   $ 3,120,676
District of Columbia, Tobacco Settlement, 6.75%, 2040      885,000     830,112
Golden State, CA, Tobacco Securitization Corp., Tobacco Settlement Rev., “A-4”, 7.8%, 2013 (c)      3,000,000     3,557,370
Golden State, CA, Tobacco Securitization Corp., Tobacco Settlement Rev., Asset Backed, “A-1”, 5.125%, 2047      1,740,000     1,262,022
Inland Empire, CA, Tobacco Securitization Corp., Tobacco Settlement Rev., Asset Backed, “C-1”, 0%, 2036      11,775,000     1,310,204
Iowa Tobacco Settlement Authority, Tobacco Settlement Rev., Asset Backed, “B”, 5.6%, 2034      4,295,000     3,635,073
Louisiana Tobacco Settlement Authority Rev., 5.5%, 2030      4,915,000     4,440,506
Louisiana Tobacco Settlement Authority Rev., “2001-B”, 5.875%, 2039      4,325,000     3,780,915
Michigan Tobacco Settlement Finance Authority Rev., Asset Backed, “A”, 6%, 2048      11,470,000     9,523,770
New Jersey Tobacco Settlement Financing Corp., 5.75%, 2012 (c)      2,370,000     2,543,200
New Jersey Tobacco Settlement Financing Corp., 7%, 2013 (c)      45,000     52,648
New Jersey Tobacco Settlement Financing Corp., “1-A”, 5%, 2041      1,000,000     708,540
Rhode Island Tobacco Settlement Financing Corp., “A”, 0%, 2052      41,525,000     1,081,726
Silicon Valley Tobacco Securitization Authority, CA, Tobacco Settlement Rev. (Turbo-Santa Clara), “A”, 0%, 2036      7,265,000     814,261
Silicon Valley Tobacco Securitization Authority, CA, Tobacco Settlement Rev. (Turbo-Santa Clara), “A”, 0%, 2041      5,640,000     418,544
South Carolina Tobacco Settlement Authority Rev., “B”, 6.375%, 2011 (c)      3,725,000     4,073,958
South Carolina Tobacco Settlement Authority Rev., “B”, 6%, 2022      2,235,000     2,368,407
South Carolina Tobacco Settlement Authority Rev., ETM, “B”, 6.375%, 2030 (c)      2,435,000     2,709,498
Virginia Tobacco Settlement Financing Corp., “B-1”, 5%, 2047      2,000,000     1,395,840
Washington Tobacco Settlement Authority, 6.5%, 2026      985,000     991,334
        
           $ 93,098,125
Toll Roads - 1.7%             
E-470 Public Highway Authority, Colorado Rev., Capital Appreciation, “B”, MBIA, 0%, 2027    $ 12,305,000   $ 4,051,790
New Jersey Turnpike Authority Rev., MBIA, 5.375%, 2010 (c)(u)      10,000,000     10,451,000
San Joaquin Hills, CA, Transportation Corridor Agency, Toll Road Rev., ETM, 0%, 2011 (c)      13,400,000     12,512,250
        
           $ 27,015,040
Transportation - Special Tax - 0.6%             
Telluride, CO, Real Estate Transfer Assessment Rev. (Gondola Transit Co.), ETM, 11.5%, 2012 (c)    $ 6,000,000   $ 7,495,080

 

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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par   Value ($)
    
Municipal Bonds - continued             
Transportation - Special Tax - continued             
Utah Transit Authority Sales Tax Rev., “A”, MBIA, 0%, 2028    $ 6,825,000   $ 2,283,236
        
           $ 9,778,316
Universities - Colleges - 2.4%             
Anderson, IN, Economic Development Rev. (Anderson University Project), 5%, 2028    $ 3,530,000   $ 3,138,982
Anderson, IN, Economic Development Rev. (Anderson University Project), 5%, 2032      1,025,000     889,188
California Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (California Lutheran University), 5.75%, 2038      2,320,000     2,261,466
California Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (University of La Verne), “A”, 5%, 2029      2,205,000     2,002,162
California Municipal Finance Authority Rev. (Biola University), 5.8%, 2028      900,000     894,636
California Statewide Communities Development Authority Rev. (California Baptist University), “A”, 5.4%, 2027      1,385,000     1,258,466
California Statewide Communities Development Authority Rev. (California Baptist University), “A”, 5.5%, 2038      1,580,000     1,396,436
Delaware County, PA, Authority College Rev. (Neumann College), 6.125%, 2034      250,000     248,203
Harrisburg, PA, University of Science, “A”, 5.4%, 2016      815,000     809,866
Houston, TX, Community College Systems, MBIA, 7.875%, 2025      9,150,000     10,579,871
Illinois Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Augustana College), “A”, 5.625%, 2022      1,300,000     1,317,888
Indiana Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Manchester College), 5.75%, 2018      1,000,000     1,001,370
Iowa Higher Education Loan Authority Rev. (Waldorf Lutheran Collage), “A”, 5%, 2034      1,000,000     858,210
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency Rev. (Curry College), “A”, ACA, 5%, 2036      1,135,000     989,709
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency Rev. (Smith College), 5%, 2035      2,755,000     2,767,645
Michigan Higher Education Facilities Authority Rev., 6.125%, 2037      4,315,000     4,180,501
Savannah, GA, Economic Development Authority Rev. (College of Art & Design, Inc.), 6.5%, 2009 (c)      2,000,000     2,140,360
Savannah, GA, Economic Development Authority Rev. (College of Art & Design, Inc.), ETM, 6.2%, 2009 (c)      450,000     461,331
        
           $ 37,196,290
Universities - Dormitories - 0.4%             
California Statewide Communities Development Authority Rev. (Lancer Educational Student Housing Project), 5.625%, 2033    $ 2,345,000   $ 2,088,340

 

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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par   Value ($)
    
Municipal Bonds - continued             
Universities - Dormitories - continued             
California Statewide Communities Development Authority Student Housing, (University of California-Irvine), 6%, 2040    $ 2,125,000   $ 2,110,146
Illinois Educational Facilities Authority, Educational Advancement Fund (University Center), 6.625%, 2012 (c)      1,500,000     1,703,715
        
           $ 5,902,201
Universities - Secondary Schools - 1.8%             
California Statewide Communities Development Authority Rev. (Escondido Charter High School), 7.5%, 2011 (c)    $ 1,710,000   $ 1,922,348
California Statewide Communities Development Authority Rev. (Escondido Charter High School), 7.5%, 2011 (c)      3,485,000     4,030,960
Colorado Housing Finance Development Rev. (Evergreen Country Day School), 5.875%, 2037      2,760,000     2,442,048
Deerfield, IL, Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Chicagoland Jewish High School Project), 6%, 2041      2,610,000     2,410,518
Lee County, FL, Industrial Development Authority Rev. (Lee Charter Foundation), “A”, 5.25%, 2027      1,570,000     1,306,099
Lee County, FL, Industrial Development Authority Rev. (Lee Charter Foundation), “A”, 5.375%, 2037      3,155,000     2,516,964
Maryland Health & Higher Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Washington Christian Academy), 5.25%, 2018      985,000     922,679
Maryland Health & Higher Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Washington Christian Academy), 5.5%, 2038      460,000     376,929
Maryland Industrial Development Financing Authority, Economic Development Authority Rev. (Our Lady of Good Council), “A”, 6%, 2035      450,000     437,697
Michigan Municipal Bond Authority Rev. (YMCA Service Learning Academy), 7.625%, 2021      550,000     565,279
Michigan Municipal Bond Authority Rev. (YMCA Service Learning Academy), 7.75%, 2031      2,450,000     2,515,464
Pima County, AZ, Industrial Development Authority Education Rev. (Arizona Charter Schools), “C”, 6.4%, 2013      980,000     1,008,616
Pima County, AZ, Industrial Development Authority Education Rev. (Arizona Charter Schools), “C”, 6.75%, 2031      2,955,000     2,960,910
Utah County, UT, Charter School Rev. (Lakeview Academy), “A”, 5.625%, 2037      1,815,000     1,579,359
Utah County, UT, Charter School Rev. (Renaissance Academy), “A”, 5.625%, 2037      1,065,000     923,078
Utah County, UT, Charter School Rev. (Ronald Wilson Reagan Academy), “A”, 6%, 2038      2,820,000     2,554,046
        
           $ 28,472,994

 

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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par   Value ($)
    
Municipal Bonds - continued             
Utilities - Cogeneration - 0.5%             
Alaska Industrial Development & Export Authority, 5.7%, 2012    $ 680,000   $ 678,300
Alaska Industrial Development & Export Authority, 5.875%, 2032      1,800,000     1,583,352
Ohio Water Development Authority (Bay Shore Power), 5.875%, 2020      1,700,000     1,689,035
Pennsylvania Economic Development Financing Authority Rev., Resource Recovery Rev. (Colver), “G”, 5.125%, 2015      1,050,000     1,009,323
Pennsylvania Economic Development Financing Authority Rev., Resources Recovery Rev. (Northampton Generating), “A”, 6.5%, 2013      2,300,000     2,303,542
        
           $ 7,263,552
Utilities - Investor Owned - 2.6%             
Brazos River Authority Texas Pollution Control Rev. (TXU Electric), 8.25%, 2030    $ 1,000,000   $ 975,050
Brazos River Authority, TX, Pollution Control Rev. (TXU Electric Co. LLC), “C”, 5.75%, 2036 (a)      7,265,000     6,664,330
Brazos River Authority, TX, Pollution Control Rev. (TXU Electric Co. LLC), “D”, 5.4%, 2029 (a)      310,000     273,581
Brazos River Authority, TX, Pollution Control Rev. (TXU Energy Co. LLC), 5%, 2041      3,015,000     1,871,380
Farmington, NM, Pollution Control Rev. (Public Service New Mexico), 4.875%, 2033      2,000,000     1,619,860
Farmington, NM, Pollution Control Rev. (Public Service New Mexico), “A”, 6.3%, 2016      3,240,000     3,225,776
Farmington, NM, Pollution Control Rev. (Public Service New Mexico), “A”, 5.8%, 2022      4,500,000     4,400,100
Farmington, NM, Pollution Control Rev. (Public Service New Mexico), “C”, 5.8%, 2022      1,390,000     1,359,142
Farmington, NM, Pollution Control Rev. (Tucson Electric), “A”, 6.95%, 2020      3,000,000     3,034,590
Matagorda County, TX, Pollution Control Rev. (Reliant Energy), 5.95%, 2030      3,095,000     2,794,909
Mecklenburg County, VA, Industrial Development Authority Rev. (UAE Mecklenburg LP), 6.5%, 2017      2,800,000     2,952,572
Pointe Coupee Parish, LA, Pollution Control Rev. (Gulf States Utilities Co.), 6.7%, 2013      1,000,000     1,005,910
Red River, TX, Authority Pollution Control (AEP Texas Central Co.), MBIA, 4.45%, 2020      2,635,000     2,503,382
Sabine River Authority, TX, Pollution Control Rev. (TXU Electric Co. LLC), 5.2%, 2028      1,255,000     903,123
Sabine River Authority, TX, Pollution Control Rev. (TXU Electric Co. LLC), 5.75%, 2030 (a)      2,250,000     2,063,970

 

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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par   Value ($)
    
Municipal Bonds - continued             
Utilities - Investor Owned - continued             
West Feliciana Parish, LA, Pollution Control Rev. (Entergy Gulf States), 6.6%, 2028    $ 3,335,000   $ 3,294,647
Yuma County, AZ, Industrial Development Authority (Far West Water & Sewer, Inc.), 6.375%, 2037      2,605,000     2,381,986
        
           $ 41,324,308
Utilities - Other - 1.3%             
Main Street Natural Gas, Inc., GA, Gas Project Rev., “A”, 5.5%, 2028    $ 2,245,000   $ 1,891,121
Public Authority for Colorado Energy Natural Gas Purchase Rev., 6.5%, 2038      4,300,000     4,183,083
SA Energy Acquisition Public Facility Corp. (Tex Gas Supply), 5.5%, 2027      4,000,000     3,756,360
Salt Verde Financial Corp., AZ, Senior Gas Rev., 5%, 2032      6,670,000     5,693,579
Salt Verde Financial Corp., AZ, Senior Gas Rev., 5%, 2037      2,275,000     1,901,445
Tennessee Energy Acquisition Corp., Gas Revenue, “A”, 5.25%, 2026      1,620,000     1,476,533
Tennessee Energy Acquisition Corp., Gas Revenue, “C”, 5%, 2025      1,665,000     1,489,875
        
           $ 20,391,996
Water & Sewer Utility Revenue - 5.9%             
Alabama Drinking Water Finance Authority, “A”, AMBAC, 4%, 2028    $ 5,000,000   $ 4,383,400
Forsyth County, GA, Water & Sewer Authority Rev., 6.25%, 2010 (c)      1,010,000     1,087,568
Forsyth County, GA, Water & Sewerage Authority Rev., 6.25%, 2010 (c)      1,000,000     1,076,800
Hampton Roads, VA, Sanitation District Wastewater Rev., 5%, 2033      5,785,000     5,877,676
Los Angeles County, CA, Sanitation Districts Financing Authority Rev., AMBAC, 4.5%, 2038      8,660,000     7,655,873
Los Angeles, CA, Department of Water & Power Waterworks Rev., “A-2”, AMBAC, 4.75%, 2039      5,020,000     4,703,489
Magnolia, TX, Water & Sewer System Rev., 5.15%, 2031      655,000     611,108
Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (Charlestown Navy Yard), FSA, 5.25%, 2029      5,185,000     5,577,297
Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, “A”, FSA, 4.375%, 2032      8,220,000     7,692,029
Michigan Municipal Bond Authority Rev., 5.5%, 2009 (c)(u)      15,170,000     15,950,041
Mississippi Development Bank Special Obligations, Grenada, MS, Water & Sewer Systems Project, “N”, FSA, 5%, 2030      2,155,000     2,170,236
New York, NY, Municipal Water & Sewer Finance Authority Rev., AMBAC, 5%, 2039      5,000,000     5,019,850
New York, NY, Municipal Water & Sewer Finance Authority Rev., “DD”, 5%, 2039      5,000,000     5,015,350

 

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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par   Value ($)
    
Municipal Bonds - continued             
Water & Sewer Utility Revenue - continued             
New York, NY, Municipal Water & Sewer Finance Authority Rev., “A”, 5%, 2035    $ 5,520,000   $ 5,548,042
Puerto Rico Aqueduct & Sewer Authority Rev., “A”, 6%, 2038      4,410,000     4,583,225
Puerto Rico Aqueduct & Sewer Authority Rev., “A”, 6%, 2044      1,215,000     1,258,971
San Luis Obispo County, CA, Financing Authority Rev. (Nacimiento Water Project), “A”, SBHAC, 5%, 2032      11,155,000     11,227,396
Tallahassee, FL, Consolidated Utility Systems Rev., 5%, 2037      4,000,000     4,023,120
        
           $ 93,461,471
Total Municipal Bonds (Identified Cost, $1,654,089,705)          $ 1,550,345,378
Floating Rate Demand Notes - 2.5%             
Jacksonville, FL, Pollution Control Rev. (Florida Power & Light Co.), 2.15%, due 8/01/08    $ 3,500,000   $ 3,500,000
Lincoln County, WY, Pollution Control Rev. (Exxon Mobil Corp.), 1.85%, due 8/01/08      2,900,000     2,900,000
Lincoln County, WY, Pollution Control Rev. (Exxon Mobil Corp.), “A”, 2.1%, due 8/01/08      3,940,000     3,940,000
Lincoln County, WY, Pollution Control Rev. (Exxon Mobil Corp.), “B”, 2.1%, due 8/01/08      13,700,000     13,700,000
Lincoln County, WY, Pollution Control Rev. (Exxon Mobil Corp.), “C”, 2.1%, due 8/01/08      15,505,000     15,505,000
New York, NY, “A-4”, 2%, due 8/01/08      400,000     400,000
Total Floating Rate Demand Notes, at Cost          $ 39,945,000
Total Investments (Identified Cost, $1,694,034,705)          $ 1,590,290,378
Other Assets, Less Liabilities - (0.8)%            (12,386,221)
Net Assets - 100.0%          $ 1,577,904,157

 

(a) Mandatory tender date is earlier than stated maturity date.
(c) Refunded bond.
(d) Non-income producing security – in default.
(n) Securities exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be sold in the ordinary course of business in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At period end, the aggregate value of these securities was $32,964,650, representing 2.1% of net assets.
(p) Primary inverse floater.
(u) Underlying security deposited into special purpose trust (“the trust”) by investment banker upon creation of self-deposited inverse floaters.

The following abbreviations are used in this report and are defined:

 

COP   Certificate of Participation
ETM   Escrowed to Maturity
FRN   Floating Rate Note. Interest rate resets periodically and may not be the rate reported at period end.

 

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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Insurers

 

 

ACA   ACA Financial Guaranty Corp.
AMBAC   AMBAC Indemnity Corp.
ASSD GTY   Assured Guaranty Insurance Co.
BHAC   Berkshire Hathaway Assurance Corp.
FGIC   Financial Guaranty Insurance Co.
FHA   Federal Housing Administration
FHLMC   Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp.
FNMA   Federal National Mortgage Assn.
FSA   Financial Security Assurance Inc.
GNMA   Government National Mortgage Assn.
MBIA   MBIA Insurance Corp.
PSF   Permanent School Fund
SBHAC   Secondary Berkshire Hathaway Assurance Corp.
XLCA   XL Capital Insurance Co.

Inverse Floaters

 

 

RITES   Residual Interest Tax-Exempt Security

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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Financial Statements

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

At 7/31/08 (unaudited)

This statement represents your fund’s balance sheet, which details the assets and liabilities comprising the total value of the fund.

 

Assets            

Investments, at value (identified cost, $1,694,034,705)

   $1,590,290,378     

Cash

   2,452,974     

Receivable for investments sold

   3,836,000     

Receivable for fund shares sold

   4,645,002     

Interest receivable

   22,670,398     

Other assets

   6,935       

Total assets

          $1,623,901,687

Liabilities

           

Distributions payable

   $3,436,849     

Payable for investments purchased

   12,353,845     

Payable to the holder of the floating rate certificate from trust assets

   26,231,733     

Payable for fund shares reacquired

   3,473,919     

Payable to affiliates

     

Management fee

   42,992     

Shareholder servicing costs

   136,775     

Distribution and service fees

   24,003     

Administrative services fee

   1,187     

Payable for independent trustees’ compensation

   39,760     

Payable for interest expense and fees

   142,727     

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

   113,740       

Total liabilities

          $45,997,530

Net assets

          $1,577,904,157

Net assets consist of

           

Paid-in capital

   $1,743,547,100     

Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

   (103,744,327 )   

Accumulated net realized gain (loss) on investments

   (69,387,790 )   

Undistributed net investment income

   7,489,174       

Net assets

          $1,577,904,157

Shares of beneficial interest outstanding

          207,071,055

 

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Statement of Assets and Liabilities (unaudited) – continued

 

Class A shares

         

Net assets

   $1,276,332,074   

Shares outstanding

   167,529,954     

Net asset value per share

        $7.62

Offering price per share (100/95.25 × net asset value per share)

        $8.00

Class B shares

         

Net assets

   $109,895,658   

Shares outstanding

   14,410,757     

Net asset value and offering price per share

        $7.63

Class C shares

         

Net assets

   $191,676,425   

Shares outstanding

   25,130,344     

Net asset value and offering price per share

        $7.63

On sales of $50,000 or more, the offering price of Class A shares is reduced. A contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on redemptions of Class A, Class B, and Class C shares.

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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Financial Statements

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Six months ended 7/31/08 (unaudited)

This statement describes how much your fund earned in investment income and accrued in expenses. It also describes any gains and/or losses generated by fund operations.

 

Net investment income

             

Interest income

          $49,907,534  

Expenses

     

Management fee

   $4,614,455     

Distribution and service fees

   1,348,555     

Shareholder servicing costs

   487,870     

Administrative services fee

   100,497     

Independent trustees’ compensation

   22,826     

Custodian fee

   104,958     

Shareholder communications

   48,007     

Auditing fees

   25,219     

Legal fees

   16,566     

Interest expense and fees

   578,575     

Miscellaneous

   155,958         

Total expenses

          $7,503,486  

Fees paid indirectly

   (30,414 )   

Reduction of expenses by investment adviser

   (754,376 )       

Net expenses

          $6,718,696  

Net investment income

          $43,188,838  

Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

             

Realized gain (loss) (identified cost basis)

     

Investment transactions

   $(11,882,263 )   

Futures contracts

   842,771     

Swap transactions

   532,049         

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

          $(10,507,443 )

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     

Investments

   $(75,955,158 )       

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

          $(86,462,601 )

Change in net assets from operations

          $(43,273,763 )

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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Financial Statements

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

These statements describe the increases and/or decreases in net assets resulting from operations, any distributions, and any shareholder transactions.

 

Change in net assets    Six months ended
7/31/08
(unaudited)
    

Year ended
1/31/08

 

From operations

             

Net investment income

   $43,188,838      $90,381,569  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

   (10,507,443 )    1,639,058  

Net unrealized gain (loss) on investments

   (75,955,158 )    (96,037,039 )

Change in net assets from operations

   $(43,273,763 )    $(4,016,412 )

Distributions declared to shareholders

             

From net investment income

     

Class A

   $(36,441,445 )    $(70,087,274 )

Class B

   (2,936,457 )    (6,721,508 )

Class C

   (4,341,615 )    (7,442,444 )

Total distributions declared to shareholders

   $(43,719,517 )    $(84,251,226 )

Change in net assets from fund share transactions

   $97,500,865      $(28,217,675 )

Total change in net assets

   $10,507,585      $(116,485,313 )

Net assets

             

At beginning of period

   1,567,396,572      1,683,881,885  

At end of period (including undistributed net investment income of $7,489,174 and $8,019,853, respectively)

   $1,577,904,157      $1,567,396,572  

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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Financial Statements

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

The financial highlights table is intended to help you understand the fund's financial performance for the semiannual period and the past 5 fiscal years. Certain information reflects financial results for a single fund share. The total returns in the table represent the rate by which an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the fund share class (assuming reinvestment of all distributions) held for the entire period.

 

   

Six months
ended

7/31/08

    Years ended 1/31  
Class A     2008     2007     2006     2005     2004  
    (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning
of period

  $8.06     $8.49     $8.41     $8.39     $8.28     $8.12  
Income (loss) from investment operations                                    

Net investment income (d)

  $0.22     $0.47     $0.45     $0.46     $0.48     $0.47  

Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss) on investments

  (0.43 )   (0.47 )   0.07     0.02     0.09     0.17  

Total from investment operations

  $(0.21 )   $(0.00 )(w)   $0.52     $0.48     $0.57     $0.64  
Less distributions declared
to shareholders
                                   

From net investment income

  $(0.23 )   $(0.43 )   $(0.44 )   $(0.46 )   $(0.46 )   $(0.48 )

Redemption fees added to
paid-in capital (d)

  $—     $—     $0.00 (w)   $0.00 (w)   $0.00 (w)   $—  

Net asset value, end of period

  $7.62     $8.06     $8.49     $8.41     $8.39     $8.28  

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)

  (2.65 )(n)   0.04     6.32     5.81     7.16     7.98  
Ratios (%) (to average net
assets) and Supplemental
data:
                                   

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

  0.80 (a)   0.86     0.97     0.94 (z)   0.80     0.81  

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

  0.70 (a)   0.76     0.87     0.84 (z)   0.71     0.79  

Expenses after expense
reductions and excluding
interest expense and
fees (f)(l)

  0.62 (a)   0.63     0.72     0.72     0.71     0.79  

Net investment income

  5.77 (a)   5.60     5.32     5.47     5.82     5.80  

Portfolio turnover

  18     38     13     20     13     9  

Net assets at end of period
(000 Omitted)

  $1,276,332     $1,267,514     $1,335,269     $1,080,805     $977,416     $1,003,328  

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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Financial Highlights – continued

 

   

Six months
ended

7/31/08

    Years ended 1/31  
Class B     2008     2007     2006     2005     2004  
    (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning
of period

  $8.06     $8.50     $8.41     $8.40     $8.28     $8.13  
Income (loss) from investment operations                                    

Net investment income (d)

  $0.19     $0.40     $0.39     $0.40     $0.42     $0.41  

Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss) on investments

  (0.42 )   (0.47 )   0.07     0.00 (w)   0.10     0.16  

Total from investment operations

  $(0.23 )   $(0.07 )   $0.46     $0.40     $0.52     $0.57  
Less distributions declared
to shareholders
                                   

From net investment income

  $(0.20 )   $(0.37 )   $(0.37 )   $(0.39 )   $(0.40 )   $(0.42 )

Redemption fees added to
paid-in capital (d)

  $—     $—     $0.00 (w)   $0.00 (w)   $0.00 (w)   $—  

Net asset value, end of period

  $7.63     $8.06     $8.50     $8.41     $8.40     $8.28  

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)

  (2.91 )(n)   (0.85 )   5.64     4.88     6.47     7.15  
Ratios (%) (to average net
assets) and Supplemental
data:
                                   

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

  1.57 (a)   1.63     1.74     1.70 (z)   1.57     1.59  

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

  1.47 (a)   1.53     1.64     1.60 (z)   1.48     1.57  

Expenses after expense
reductions and excluding
interest expense and
fees (f)(l)

  1.39 (a)   1.40     1.50     1.48     1.48     1.57  

Net investment income

  5.01 (a)   4.83     4.60     4.73     5.05     5.02  

Portfolio turnover

  18     38     13     20     13     9  

Net assets at end of period
(000 Omitted)

  $109,896     $127,599     $178,566     $220,854     $283,360     $337,065  

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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Financial Highlights – continued

 

 

   

Six months
ended

7/31/08

    Years ended 1/31  
Class C     2008     2007     2006     2005     2004  
    (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning
of period

  $8.06     $8.50     $8.42     $8.40     $8.29     $8.13  

Income (loss) from investment operations

                                   

Net investment income (d)

  $0.18     $0.38     $0.36     $0.37     $0.39     $0.39  

Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss) on investments

  (0.42 )   (0.47 )   0.08     0.02     0.10     0.17  

Total from investment operations

  $(0.24 )   $(0.09 )   $0.44     $0.39     $0.49     $0.56  

Less distributions declared
to shareholders

                                   

From net investment income

  $(0.19 )   $(0.35 )   $(0.36 )   $(0.37 )   $(0.38 )   $(0.40 )

Redemption fees added to
paid-in capital (d)

  $—     $—     $0.00 (w)   $0.00 (w)   $0.00 (w)   $—  

Net asset value, end of period

  $7.63     $8.06     $8.50     $8.42     $8.40     $8.29  

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)

  (3.02 )(n)   (1.08 )   5.27     4.76     6.10     6.91  

Ratios (%) (to average net
assets) and Supplemental
data:

                                   

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

  1.79 (a)   1.86     1.97     1.94 (z)   1.80     1.81  

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

  1.70 (a)   1.76     1.87     1.84 (z)   1.71     1.79  

Expenses after expense
reductions and excluding
interest expense and
fees (f)(l)

  1.62 (a)   1.63     1.72     1.72     1.71     1.79  

Net investment income

  4.74 (a)   4.60     4.30     4.44     4.80     4.78  

Portfolio turnover

  18     38     13     20     13     9  

Net assets at end of period
(000 Omitted)

  $191,676     $172,283     $170,047     $119,952     $85,715     $78,975  

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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Financial Highlights – continued

 

(a) Annualized.
(d) Per share data are based on average shares outstanding.
(f) Ratios do not reflect reductions from fees paid indirectly, if applicable.
(l) Interest expense and fees relate to payments made to the holder of the floating rate certificate from trust assets.
(n) Not annualized.
(r) Certain expenses have been reduced without which performance would have been lower.
(s) From time to time the fund may receive proceeds from litigation settlements, without which performance would be lower.
(t) Total returns do not include any applicable sales charges.
(w) Per share amount was less than $0.01.
(z) After the fund issued its January 31, 2006 financial statements, the fund determined that the criteria for sale accounting in FASB Statement No. 140 had not been met for certain transfers of municipal bonds during the fiscal year ended January 31, 2006 and that its transfers of municipal bonds in connection with self-deposited inverse floaters should have been accounted for as secured borrowings rather than as sales. Accordingly, the expense ratio has been restated to reflect interest expense and fees related to payments made to the holder of the floating rate certificate from trust assets in connection with self-deposited inverse floater transactions. The impact of the restatement was to increase the expense ratio by 0.12%.

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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Table of Contents

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

 

(1)   Business and Organization

MFS Municipal High Income Fund (the fund) is a series of MFS Series Trust III (the trust). The trust is organized as a Massachusetts business trust and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as an open-end management investment company.

 

(2)   Significant Accounting Policies

General – The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The fund can invest up to 100% of its portfolio in high-yield securities rated below investment grade. Investments in high-yield securities involve greater degrees of credit and market risk than investments in higher-rated securities and tend to be more sensitive to economic conditions. Municipal securities backed by current or anticipated revenues from a specific project or specific assets can be negatively affected by the discontinuance of the taxation supporting the projects or assets or the inability to collect revenues for the project or from the assets. If the Internal Revenue Service determines an issuer of a municipal security has not complied with applicable tax requirements, the security could decline in value, interest from the security could become taxable and the fund may be required to issue Forms 1099-DIV.

In March 2008, FASB Statement No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (the “Standard”) was issued, and is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008. This Standard provides enhanced disclosures about the fund’s use of and accounting for derivative instruments and the effect of derivative instruments on the fund’s results of operations and financial position. Management is evaluating the application of the Standard to the fund, and has not at this time determined the impact, if any, resulting from the adoption of this Standard on the fund’s financial statements.

Investment Valuations – Debt instruments and floating rate loans (other than short-term instruments), including restricted debt instruments, are generally valued at an evaluated or composite bid as reported by an independent pricing service. Short-term instruments with a maturity at issuance of 60 days or less may be valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value. Futures contracts are generally valued at last posted settlement price as reported by a

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

third party pricing service on the market on which they are primarily traded. Futures contracts for which there were no trades that day for a particular position are generally valued at the closing bid quotation as reported by a third party pricing service on the market on which such futures contracts are primarily traded. Swaps are generally valued at an evaluated bid as reported by an independent pricing service. Securities and other assets generally valued on the basis of information from an independent pricing service may also be valued at a broker-dealer bid quotation. Values obtained from pricing services can utilize both dealer-supplied valuations and electronic data processing techniques, which take into account factors such as institutional-size trading in similar groups of securities, yield, quality, coupon rate, maturity, type of issue, trading characteristics, and other market data.

The Board of Trustees has delegated primary responsibility for determining or causing to be determined the value of the fund’s investments (including any fair valuation) to the adviser pursuant to valuation policies and procedures approved by the Board. If the adviser determines that reliable market quotations are not readily available, investments are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the adviser in accordance with such procedures under the oversight of the Board of Trustees. Under the fund’s valuation policies and procedures, market quotations are not considered to be readily available for most types of debt instruments and floating rate loans and many types of derivatives. These investments are generally valued at fair value based on information from independent pricing services. In addition, investments may be valued at fair value if the adviser determines that an investment’s value has been materially affected by events occurring after the close of the exchange or market on which the investment is principally traded (such as foreign exchange or market) and prior to the determination of the fund’s net asset value, or after the halting of trading of a specific security where trading does not resume prior to the close of the exchange or market on which the security is principally traded. The adviser may rely on independent pricing services or other information (such as the correlation with price movements of similar securities in the same or other markets; the type, cost and investment characteristics of the security; the business and financial condition of the issuer; and trading and other market data) to assist in determining whether to fair value and at what value to fair value an investment. The value of an investment for purposes of calculating the fund's net asset value can differ depending on the source and method used to determine value. When fair valuation is used, the value of investments used to determine the fund’s net asset value may differ from quoted or published prices for the same investments.

The fund adopted FASB Statement No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (the “Statement”) in this reporting period. This Statement provides a single

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

definition of fair value, a hierarchy for measuring fair value and expanded disclosures about fair value measurements.

Various inputs are used in determining the value of the fund’s assets or liabilities carried at market value. These inputs are categorized into three broad levels. Level 1 includes quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 includes other significant observable market-based inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speed, and credit risk). Level 3 includes unobservable inputs, which may include the adviser’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments. Other financial instruments are derivative instruments not reflected in total investments, such as futures, forwards, swap contracts and written options, which are valued at the unrealized appreciation/depreciation on the instrument. The following is a summary of the levels used as of July 31, 2008 in valuing the fund’s assets or liabilities carried at market value:

 

     Level 1    Level 2    Level 3    Total
Investments in Securities    $—    $1,590,290,378    $—    $1,590,290,378
Other Financial Instruments    $—    $—    $—    $—

Derivative Risk – The fund may invest in derivatives for hedging or non-hedging purposes. While hedging can reduce or eliminate losses, it can also reduce or eliminate gains. When the fund uses derivatives as an investment to gain market exposure, or for hedging purposes, gains and losses from derivative instruments may be substantially greater than the derivative’s original cost. Cash that has been segregated on behalf of certain derivative contracts will be reported separately on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as restricted cash. On some over-the-counter derivatives, the fund attempts to reduce its exposure to counterparty credit risk by entering into an ISDA Master Agreement on a bilateral basis with each of the counterparties with whom it undertakes a significant volume of transactions. The ISDA Master Agreement gives the fund the right, upon an event of default by the applicable counterparty, to close out all transactions traded under such agreement and to net amounts owed under each transaction to one net amount payable by one party to the other. This right to close out and net payments across all transactions traded under the ISDA Master Agreement could result in a reduction of the fund’s credit risk to such counterparty equal to any amounts payable by the fund under the applicable transactions, if any. However, absent an event of default by the counterparty, the ISDA Master Agreement does not result in an offset of reported balance sheet assets and liabilities across transactions between the fund and the applicable counterparty. Derivative instruments include futures contracts and swap agreements.

 

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Futures Contracts – The fund may enter into futures contracts for the delayed delivery of securities or currency, or contracts based on financial indices at a fixed price on a future date. In entering such contracts, the fund is required to deposit with the broker either in cash or securities an amount equal to a certain percentage of the contract amount. Subsequent payments are made or received by the fund each day, depending on the daily fluctuations in the value of the contract, and are recorded for financial statement purposes as unrealized gains or losses by the fund. Upon entering into such contracts, the fund bears the risk of interest or exchange rates or securities prices moving unexpectedly, in which case, the fund may not achieve the anticipated benefits of the futures contracts and may realize a loss.

Swap Agreements – The fund may enter into swap agreements. A swap is an exchange of cash payments between the fund and another party. Net cash payments are exchanged at specified intervals and are recorded as a realized gain or loss in the Statement of Operations. The value of the swap is adjusted daily and the change in value, including accruals of periodic amounts of interest to be paid or received, is recorded as unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the Statement of Operations. Amounts paid or received at the inception of the swap are reflected as premiums paid or received on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities and are amortized using the effective interest method over the term of the agreement. A liquidation payment received or made upon early termination is recorded as a realized gain or loss in the Statement of Operations. Collateral, in the form of cash or securities, may be required to be held in segregated accounts with the fund’s custodian in connection with these agreements. Risk of loss may exceed amounts recognized on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. These risks include the possible lack of a liquid market, failure of the counterparty to perform under the terms of the agreements, and unfavorable market and interest rate movements of the underlying instrument.

The fund may hold interest rate swap agreements which involve the periodic exchange of cash flows, such as the exchange of fixed rate interest payments for floating rate interest payments based on a notional principal amount. The interest rates may be based on a specific financial index or the exchange of two distinct floating rate payments. The fund may enter into an interest rate swap in order to manage its exposure to interest rate fluctuations.

Inverse Floaters – The fund invests in municipal inverse floating rate securities which are structured by the issuer (known as primary market inverse floating rate securities) or by an investment banker utilizing municipal bonds which have already been issued (known as secondary market inverse floating rate securities) to have variable rates of interest which typically move in the opposite direction of short term interest rates. A secondary market inverse

 

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floating rate security is created when an investment banker transfers a fixed rate municipal bond to a special purpose trust, and causes the trust to (a) issue floating rate certificates to third parties, in an amount equal to a fraction of the par amount of the deposited bonds (these certificates usually pay tax-exempt interest at short-term interest rates that typically reset weekly; and the certificate holders typically, on seven days notice, have the option to tender their certificates to the investment banker or another party for redemption at par plus accrued interest), and (b) issue inverse floating rate certificates (sometimes referred to as “inverse floaters”). If the holder of the inverse floater transfers the municipal bonds to an investment banker for the purpose of depositing the municipal bonds into the special purpose trust, the inverse floating rate certificates that are issued by the trust are referred to as “self-deposited inverse floaters.” If the bonds held by the trust are purchased by the investment banker for deposit into the trust from someone other than the purchasers of the inverse floaters, the inverse floating rate certificates that are issued by the trust are referred to as “externally deposited inverse floaters.” Such self-deposited inverse floaters held by the fund are accounted for as secured borrowings, with the municipal bonds reflected in the investments of the fund and amounts owed to the holder of the floating rate certificate under the provisions of the trust, which amounts are paid solely from the assets of the trust, reflected as liabilities of the fund in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities under the caption, “Payable to the holder of the floating rate certificate from trust assets”. At July 31, 2008, the fund’s payable to the holder of the floating rate certificate from trust assets was $26,231,733. The weighted average interest rate on the floating rate certificates issued by the trust was 3.004%. Interest expense and fees relate to interest payments made to the holder of certain floating rate certificates and associated fees, both of which are made from trust assets. Interest expense and fees are recorded as incurred. For the six months ended July 31, 2008, interest expense and fees in connection with self-deposited inverse floaters was $578,575. Primary and externally deposited inverse floaters held by the fund are not accounted for as secured borrowings.

Indemnifications – Under the fund’s organizational documents, its officers and trustees may be indemnified against certain liabilities and expenses arising out of the performance of their duties to the fund. Additionally, in the normal course of business, the fund enters into agreements with service providers that may contain indemnification clauses. The fund’s maximum exposure under these agreements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against the fund that have not yet occurred.

Investment Transactions and Income – Investment transactions are recorded on the trade date. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis. All premium and discount is amortized or accreted for financial statement purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

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The fund may receive proceeds from litigation settlements. Any proceeds received from litigation involving portfolio holdings are reflected in the Statement of Operations in realized gain/loss if the security has been disposed of by the fund or in unrealized gain/loss if the security is still held by the fund. Any other proceeds from litigation not related to portfolio holdings are reflected as other income in the Statement of Operations.

Legal fees and other related expenses incurred to preserve and protect the value of a security owned are added to the cost of the security; other legal fees are expensed. Capital infusions made directly to the security issuer, which are generally non-recurring, incurred to protect or enhance the value of high-yield debt securities, are reported as additions to the cost basis of the security. Costs that are incurred to negotiate the terms or conditions of capital infusions or that are expected to result in a plan of reorganization are reported as realized losses. Ongoing costs incurred to protect or enhance an investment, or costs incurred to pursue other claims or legal actions, are expensed.

Fees Paid Indirectly – The fund’s custody fee may be reduced according to an arrangement that measures the value of cash deposited with the custodian by the fund. This amount, for the six months ended July 31, 2008, is shown as a reduction of total expenses on the Statement of Operations.

Tax Matters and Distributions – The fund intends to qualify as a regulated investment company, as defined under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code, and to distribute all of its taxable and tax-exempt income, including realized capital gains. As a result, no provision for federal income tax is required. The fund adopted the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (“the Interpretation”). The Interpretation prescribes a minimum threshold for financial statement recognition of the benefit of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. There was no impact resulting from the adoption of this Interpretation on the fund’s financial statements. Each of the fund’s federal tax returns for the prior three fiscal years remains subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service. It is the fund’s policy to record interest and penalty charges on underpaid taxes associated with its tax positions as interest expense and miscellaneous expense, respectively. No such charges were recorded in the current financial statements.

Distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Income and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Certain capital accounts in the financial statements are periodically adjusted for permanent differences in order to reflect their tax character. These adjustments have no impact on net assets or net asset value per share. Temporary differences which arise from recognizing certain items of income,

 

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expense, gain or loss in different periods for financial statement and tax purposes will reverse at some time in the future. Distributions in excess of net investment income or net realized gains are temporary overdistributions for financial statement purposes resulting from differences in the recognition or classification of income or distributions for financial statement and tax purposes.

Book/tax differences primarily relate to expiration of capital loss carryforwards, amortization and accretion of debt securities, and secured borrowings.

The tax character of distributions made during the current period will be determined at fiscal year end. The tax character of distributions declared to shareholders is as follows:

 

     1/31/08
Ordinary income (including any short-term capital gains)    $1,030,222
Tax-exempt income    83,221,004

Total distributions

   $84,251,226

The federal tax cost and the tax basis components of distributable earnings were as follows:

 

As of 7/31/08       
Cost of investments    $1,662,752,065  
Gross appreciation    31,454,674  
Gross depreciation    (130,148,094 )
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)    $(98,693,420 )
As of 1/31/08       
Undistributed ordinary income    $1,358,629  
Undistributed tax-exempt income    13,892,801  
Capital loss carryforwards    (62,028,389 )
Post-October capital loss deferral    (748,625 )
Other temporary differences    (7,231,577 )
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)    (23,892,502 )

The aggregate cost above includes prior fiscal year end tax adjustments.

As of January 31, 2008, the fund had capital loss carryforwards available to offset future realized gains. Such losses expire as follows:

 

1/31/09    $(10,935,605 )
1/31/10    (2,971,573 )
1/31/11    (18,364,839 )
1/31/12    (15,537,212 )
1/31/13    (3,190,630 )
1/31/14    (10,798,317 )
1/31/15    (230,213 )
   $(62,028,389 )

 

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Multiple Classes of Shares of Beneficial Interest – The fund offers multiple classes of shares, which differ in their respective distribution and service fees. The fund’s income, realized and unrealized gain (loss), and common expenses are allocated to shareholders based on the value of settled shares outstanding of each class, without distinction between share classes. Dividends are declared separately for each class. Differences in per share dividend rates are generally due to differences in separate class expenses. Class B shares will convert to Class A shares approximately eight years after purchase.

 

(3)   Transactions with Affiliates

Investment Adviser – The fund has an investment advisory agreement with Massachusetts Financial Services Company (MFS) to provide overall investment management and related administrative services and facilities to the fund.

The management fee is computed daily and paid monthly at the following annual rates:

 

First $1.4 billion of average daily net assets    0.60 %
Average daily net assets in excess of $1.4 billion    0.57 %

As part of a settlement agreement with the New York Attorney General concerning market timing and related matters, MFS has agreed to reduce the management fee to 0.50% of the fund’s average daily net assets for the period March 1, 2004 through February 28, 2009. For the six months ended July 31, 2008, this waiver amounted to $749,883 and is reflected as a reduction of total expenses in the Statement of Operations.

The management fee incurred for the six months ended July 31, 2008 was equivalent to an annual effective rate of 0.50% of the fund’s average daily net assets.

Distributor – MFS Fund Distributors, Inc. (MFD), a wholly-owned subsidiary of MFS, as distributor, received $288,704 for the six months ended July 31, 2008, as its portion of the initial sales charge on sales of Class A shares of the fund.

The Board of Trustees has adopted a distribution plan for certain class shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 of the Investment Company Act of 1940.

The fund’s distribution plan provides that the fund will pay MFD for services provided by MFD and financial intermediaries in connection with the distribution and servicing of certain share classes. One component of the plan is a distribution fee paid to MFD and another component of the plan is a service fee paid to MFD. MFD may subsequently pay all, or a portion, of the distribution and/or service fees to financial intermediaries.

 

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Distribution Plan Fee Table:

 

     Distribution
Fee Rate
   Service
Fee Rate
   Total
Distribution
Plan (d)
   Annual
Effective
Rate (e)
   Distribution
and Service
Fee
Class B    0.75%    0.25%    1.00%    0.77%    $444,999
Class C    0.75%    0.25%    1.00%    1.00%    903,556
Total Distribution and Service Fees             $1,348,555

 

(d) In accordance with the distribution plan for certain classes, the fund pays distribution and/or service fees up to these annual percentage rates of each class’ average daily net assets.
(e) The annual effective rates represent actual fees incurred under the distribution plan for the six months ended July 31, 2008 based on each class’ average daily net assets. For one year from the date of sale of Class B shares, assets attributable to such Class B shares are subject to the 0.25% annual Class B service fee. On assets attributable to all other Class B shares, the service fee is not currently in effect, but may be implemented on such date as the fund’s Board of Trustees may determine.

Certain Class A shares purchased prior to September 1, 2008 are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) in the event of a shareholder redemption within 12 months of purchase. Certain Class A shares purchased on or subsequent to September 1, 2008 are subject to a CDSC in the event of a shareholder redemption within 24 months of purchase. Class C shares are subject to a CDSC in the event of a shareholder redemption within 12 months of purchase. Class B shares are subject to a CDSC in the event of a shareholder redemption within six years of purchase. All contingent deferred sales charges are paid to MFD and during the six months ended July 31, 2008, were as follows:

 

     Amount
Class A    $12,660
Class B    $76,329
Class C    $17,608

Shareholder Servicing Agent – MFS Service Center, Inc. (MFSC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of MFS, receives a fee from the fund for its services as shareholder servicing agent calculated as a percentage of the average daily net assets of the fund as determined periodically under the supervision of the fund’s Board of Trustees. For the six months ended July 31, 2008, the fee was $228,934, which equated to 0.0296% annually of the fund’s average daily net assets. MFSC also receives payment from the fund for out-of-pocket expenses, sub-accounting and other shareholder servicing costs which may be paid to affiliated and unaffiliated service providers. For the six months ended July 31, 2008, these out-of-pocket expenses, sub-accounting and other shareholder servicing costs amounted to $258,936.

Administrator – MFS provides certain financial, legal, shareholder communications, compliance, and other administrative services to the fund. Under an administrative services agreement, the fund partially reimburses MFS the costs incurred to provide these services. The fund is charged a fixed amount plus a fee based on average daily net assets. The fund’s annual fixed amount is $17,500.

 

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The administrative services fee incurred for the six months ended July 31, 2008 was equivalent to an annual effective rate of 0.013% of the fund’s average daily net assets.

Trustees’ and Officers’ Compensation – The fund pays compensation to independent trustees in the form of a retainer, attendance fees, and additional compensation to Board and Committee chairpersons. The fund does not pay compensation directly to trustees or officers of the fund who are also officers of the investment adviser, all of whom receive remuneration for their services to the fund from MFS. Certain officers and trustees of the fund are officers or directors of MFS, MFD, and MFSC. The fund has an unfunded, defined benefit plan for certain retired independent trustees which resulted in a pension expense of $2,510. This amount is included in independent trustees’ compensation for the six months ended July 31, 2008. The liability for deferred retirement benefits payable to certain retired independent trustees amounted to $39,760 at July 31, 2008, and is included in payable for independent trustees’ compensation.

Other – This fund and certain other MFS funds (the funds) have entered into a services agreement (the Agreement) which provides for payment of fees by the funds to Tarantino LLC in return for the provision of services of an Independent Chief Compliance Officer (ICCO) for the funds. The ICCO is an officer of the funds and the sole member of Tarantino LLC. The funds can terminate the Agreement with Tarantino LLC at any time under the terms of the Agreement. For the six months ended July 31, 2008, the fee paid by the fund to Tarantino LLC was $4,540 and is included in miscellaneous expense on the Statement of Operations. MFS has agreed to reimburse the fund for a portion of the payments made by the fund to Tarantino LLC in the amount of $4,493, which is shown as a reduction of total expenses in the Statement of Operations. Additionally, MFS has agreed to bear all expenses associated with office space, other administrative support, and supplies provided to the ICCO.

 

(4)   Portfolio Securities

Purchases and sales of investments, other than U.S. Government securities, purchased option transactions, and short-term obligations, aggregated $373,784,975 and $273,273,676, respectively.

 

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(5)   Shares of Beneficial Interest

The fund’s Declaration of Trust permits the Trustees to issue an unlimited number of full and fractional shares of beneficial interest. Transactions in fund shares were as follows:

 

     Six months ended
7/31/08
     Year ended
1/31/08
 
     Shares      Amount      Shares      Amount  
Shares sold            

Class A

   24,477,572      $190,209,055      37,728,027      $313,421,498  

Class B

   1,025,353      7,968,233      1,104,161      9,176,463  

Class C

   5,931,736      46,272,284      6,258,233      52,071,400  
   31,434,661      $244,449,572      45,090,421      $374,669,361  
Shares issued to shareholders in reinvestment of distributions            

Class A

   2,424,247      $18,852,201      4,265,096      $35,513,555  

Class B

   161,979      1,261,567      339,127      2,830,755  

Class C

   282,257      2,197,138      459,163      3,827,345  
   2,868,483      $22,310,906      5,063,386      $42,171,655  
Shares reacquired            

Class A

   (16,716,684 )    $(130,014,383 )    (41,904,964 )    $(345,483,708 )

Class B

   (2,600,744 )    (20,211,627 )    (6,630,345 )    (55,278,345 )

Class C

   (2,446,573 )    (19,033,603 )    (5,358,929 )    (44,296,638 )
   (21,764,001 )    $(169,259,613 )    (53,894,238 )    $(445,058,691 )
Net change            

Class A

   10,185,135      $79,046,873      88,159      $3,451,345  

Class B

   (1,413,412 )    (10,981,827 )    (5,187,057 )    (43,271,127 )

Class C

   3,767,420      29,435,819      1,358,467      11,602,107  
   12,539,143      $97,500,865      (3,740,431 )    $(28,217,675 )

 

(6)   Line of Credit

The fund and other funds managed by MFS participate in a $1 billion unsecured committed line of credit provided by a syndication of banks under a credit agreement. In addition, the fund and other funds managed by MFS have established uncommitted borrowing arrangements with certain banks. Borrowings may be made for temporary financing needs. Interest is charged to each fund, based on its borrowings, generally at a rate equal to the Federal Reserve funds rate plus 0.30%. In addition, a commitment fee, based on the average daily, unused portion of the committed line of credit, is allocated among the participating funds at the end of each calendar quarter. For the six months ended July 31, 2008, the fund's commitment fee and interest expense on the line of credit were $3,365 and $0, respectively, and are included in miscellaneous expense and interest expense and fees, respectively, on the Statement of Operations.

 

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BOARD REVIEW OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT

The Investment Company Act of 1940 requires that both the full Board of Trustees and a majority of the non-interested (“independent”) Trustees, voting separately, annually approve the continuation of the Fund’s investment advisory agreement with MFS. The Trustees consider matters bearing on the Fund and its advisory arrangements at their meetings throughout the year, including a review of performance data at each regular meeting. In addition, the independent Trustees met several times over the course of three months beginning in May and ending in July, 2008 (“contract review meetings”) for the specific purpose of considering whether to approve the continuation of the investment advisory agreement for the Fund and the other investment companies that the Board oversees (the “MFS Funds”). The independent Trustees were assisted in their evaluation of the Fund’s investment advisory agreement by independent legal counsel, from whom they received separate legal advice and with whom they met separately from MFS during various contract review meetings. The independent Trustees were also assisted in this process by the MFS Funds’ Independent Chief Compliance Officer, a full-time senior officer appointed by and reporting to the independent Trustees.

In connection with their deliberations regarding the continuation of the investment advisory agreement, the Trustees, including the independent Trustees, considered such information and factors as they believed, in light of the legal advice furnished to them and their own business judgment, to be relevant. The investment advisory agreement for the Fund was considered separately, although the Trustees also took into account the common interests of all MFS Funds in their review. As described below, the Trustees considered the nature, quality, and extent of the various investment advisory, administrative, and shareholder services performed by MFS under the existing investment advisory agreement and other arrangements with the Fund.

In connection with their contract review meetings, the Trustees received and relied upon materials that included, among other items: (i) information provided by Lipper Inc., an independent third party, on the investment performance of the Fund for various time periods ended December 31, 2007 and the investment performance of a group of funds with substantially similar investment classifications/objectives (the “Lipper performance universe”), (ii) information provided by Lipper Inc. on the Fund’s advisory fees and other expenses and the advisory fees and other expenses of comparable funds identified by Lipper Inc. (the “Lipper expense group”), (iii) information provided by MFS on the advisory fees of comparable portfolios of other clients of MFS, including institutional separate accounts and other clients, (iv) information as to whether and to what extent applicable expense waivers, reimbursements or fee “breakpoints” are

 

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observed for the Fund, (v) information regarding MFS’ financial results and financial condition, including MFS’ and certain of its affiliates’ estimated profitability from services performed for the Fund and the MFS Funds as a whole, (vi) MFS’ views regarding the outlook for the mutual fund industry and the strategic business plans of MFS, (vii) descriptions of various functions performed by MFS for the Funds, such as compliance monitoring and portfolio trading practices, and (viii) information regarding the overall organization of MFS, including information about MFS’ senior management and other personnel providing investment advisory, administrative and other services to the Fund and the other MFS Funds. The comparative performance, fee and expense information prepared and provided by Lipper Inc. was not independently verified and the independent Trustees did not independently verify any information provided to them by MFS.

 

The Trustees’ conclusion as to the continuation of the investment advisory agreement was based on a comprehensive consideration of all information provided to the Trustees and not the result of any single factor. Some of the factors that figured particularly in the Trustees’ deliberations are described below, although individual Trustees may have evaluated the information presented differently from one another, giving different weights to various factors. It is also important to recognize that the fee arrangements for the Fund and other MFS Funds are the result of years of review and discussion between the independent Trustees and MFS, that certain aspects of such arrangements may receive greater scrutiny in some years than in others, and that the Trustees’ conclusions may be based, in part, on their consideration of these same arrangements during the course of the year and in prior years.

Based on information provided by Lipper Inc. and MFS, the Trustees reviewed the Fund’s total return investment performance as well as the performance of peer groups of funds over various time periods. The Trustees placed particular emphasis on the total return performance of the Fund’s Class A shares in comparison to the performance of funds in its Lipper performance universe over the three-year period ended December 31, 2007, which the Trustees believed was a long enough period to reflect differing market conditions. The total return performance of the Fund’s Class A shares was in the 1st quintile relative to the other funds in the universe for this three-year period (the 1st quintile being the best performers and the 5th quintile being the worst performers). The total return performance of the Fund’s Class A shares was in the 2nd quintile for the one-year period and the 1st quintile for the five-year period ended December 31, 2007 relative to the Lipper performance universe. Because of the passage of time, these performance results may differ from the performance results for more recent periods, including those shown elsewhere in this report.

 

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In the course of their deliberations, the Trustees took into account information provided by MFS in connection with the contract review meetings, as well as during investment review meetings conducted with portfolio management personnel during the course of the year regarding the Fund’s performance. After reviewing these and related factors, the Trustees concluded, within the context of their overall conclusions regarding the investment advisory agreement, that they were satisfied with MFS’ responses and efforts relating to investment performance.

In assessing the reasonableness of the Fund’s advisory fee, the Trustees considered, among other information, the Fund’s advisory fee and the total expense ratio of the Fund’s Class A shares as a percentage of average daily net assets and the advisory fee and total expense ratios of peer groups of funds based on information provided by Lipper Inc. The Trustees considered that there is an advisory fee reduction in effect for the Fund through February 28, 2009 as part of MFS’ settlement with the New York Attorney General (the “NYAG Settlement”) concerning market timing and related matters. The Trustees also considered that, according to the Lipper data (which takes into account the advisory fee reduction), the Fund’s effective advisory fee rate was approximately at the Lipper expense group median, and the Fund’s total expense ratio was lower than the Lipper expense group median.

The Trustees also considered the advisory fees charged by MFS to institutional accounts. In comparing these fees, the Trustees considered information provided by MFS as to the generally broader scope of services provided by MFS to the Fund in comparison to institutional accounts, the higher demands placed on MFS’ investment personnel and trading infrastructure as a result of the daily cash in-flows and out-flows of the Fund, and the impact on MFS and expenses associated with the more extensive regulatory regime to which the Fund is subject in comparison to institutional accounts.

The Trustees also considered whether the Fund is likely to benefit from any economies of scale in the management of the Fund in the event of growth in assets of the Fund. They noted that the Fund’s advisory fee rate schedule is subject to a contractual breakpoint. However, such breakpoint is not applicable because the Fund is currently subject to the advisory fee reduction described above. Accordingly, the Trustees determined not to recommend any advisory fee breakpoint changes at this time.

The Trustees also considered information prepared by MFS relating to MFS’ costs and profits with respect to the Fund, the MFS Funds considered as a group, and other investment companies and accounts advised by MFS, as well as MFS’ methodologies used to determine and allocate its costs to the MFS Funds, the Fund and other accounts and products for purposes of estimating profitability.

 

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After reviewing these and other factors described herein, the Trustees concluded, within the context of their overall conclusions regarding the investment advisory agreement, that the advisory fees charged to the Fund represent reasonable compensation in light of the services being provided by MFS to the Fund.

In addition, the Trustees considered MFS’ resources and related efforts to continue to retain, attract and motivate capable personnel to serve the Fund. The Trustees also considered current and developing conditions in the financial services industry, including the entry into the industry of large and well-capitalized companies which are spending, and appear to be prepared to continue to spend, substantial sums to engage personnel and to provide services to competing investment companies. In this regard, the Trustees also considered the financial resources of MFS and its ultimate parent, Sun Life Financial Inc. The Trustees also considered the advantages and possible disadvantages to the Fund of having an adviser that also serves other investment companies as well as other accounts.

The Trustees also considered the nature, quality, cost, and extent of administrative, transfer agency, and distribution services provided to the Fund by MFS and its affiliates under agreements and plans other than the investment advisory agreement, including any 12b-1 fees the Fund pays to MFS Fund Distributors, Inc., an affiliate of MFS. The Trustees also considered the nature, extent and quality of certain other services MFS performs or arranges for on the Fund’s behalf, which may include securities lending programs, directed expense payment programs, class action recovery programs, and MFS’ interaction with third-party service providers, principally custodians and sub-custodians. The Trustees concluded that the various non-advisory services provided by MFS and its affiliates on behalf of the Funds were satisfactory.

The Trustees also considered benefits to MFS from the use of the Fund’s portfolio brokerage commissions, if applicable, to pay for investment research (excluding third-party research, for which MFS pays directly) and various other factors. Additionally, the Trustees considered so-called “fall-out benefits” to MFS such as reputational value derived from serving as investment manager to the Fund.

Based on their evaluation of factors that they deemed to be material, including those factors described above, the Board of Trustees, including a majority of the independent Trustees, concluded that the Fund’s investment advisory agreement with MFS should be continued for an additional one-year period, commencing August 1, 2008.

Note: The advisory fee reduction required by the NYAG Settlement with respect to the Fund will expire on February 28, 2009. At the time MFS entered

 

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Board Review of Investment Advisory Agreement – continued

 

into the NYAG Settlement, MFS also agreed with the Board that it would not eliminate such advisory fee reduction without the Board’s consent. Following discussions between MFS and the Board at the contract review meetings, MFS and the Board agreed to amend the Fund’s investment advisory agreement. As a result, effective March 1, 2009, the Fund’s investment advisory fee rate will be 0.55% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. In addition, effective March 1, 2009, MFS will observe an expense limitation for the Fund, which may not be modified by MFS without the consent of the Board.

 

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PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND INFORMATION

A general description of the MFS funds’ proxy voting policies and procedures is available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-225-2606, by visiting the Proxy Voting section of mfs.com or by visiting the SEC’s Web site at http://www.sec.gov.

Information regarding how the fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30 is available without charge by visiting the Proxy Voting section of mfs.com or by visiting the SEC’s Web site at http://www.sec.gov.

QUARTERLY PORTFOLIO DISCLOSURE

The fund will file a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the Commission) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The fund’s Form N-Q may be reviewed and copied at the:

Public Reference Room

Securities and Exchange Commission

100 F Street, NE, Room 1580

Washington, D.C. 20549

Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the Commission at 1-800-SEC-0330. The fund’s Form N-Q is available on the EDGAR database on the Commission’s Internet Web site at http://www.sec.gov, and copies of this information may be obtained, upon payment of a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following e-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov or by writing the Public Reference Section at the above address.

A shareholder can also obtain the quarterly portfolio holdings report at mfs.com.

 

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CONTACT US

Web site

mfs.com

MFS TALK

1-800-637-8255

24 hours a day

Account service and literature

Shareholders

1-800-225-2606

8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time

Investment professionals

1-800-343-2829

8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time

Retirement plan services

1-800-637-1255

8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time

Mailing address

MFS Service Center, Inc.

P.O. Box 55824

Boston, MA

02205-5824

Overnight mail

MFS Service Center, Inc.

c/o Boston Financial Data Services

30 Dan Road

Canton, MA 02021-2809

Go paperless with eDelivery: Arrange to have MFS® send prospectuses, reports, and proxies directly to your e-mail inbox. You’ll get timely information and less clutter in your mailbox (not to mention help your fund save printing and postage costs).

Sign up: If your account is registered with us, simply go to mfs.com, log in to your account via MFS® Access, and select the eDelivery sign-up options.

If you own your MFS fund shares through a financial institution or a retirement plan, MFS® TALK, MFS Access, and eDelivery may not be available to you.

LOGO

 


Table of Contents

LOGO


Table of Contents

MFS® High Yield Opportunities Fund

 

LETTER FROM THE CEO      1
PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION      2
EXPENSE TABLE      3
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS      5
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES      20
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS      22
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS      23
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS      24
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS      33
BOARD REVIEW OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT      46
PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND INFORMATION      51
QUARTERLY PORTFOLIO DISCLOSURE      51
CONTACT INFORMATION     BACK COVER

The report is prepared for the general information of shareholders. It is authorized for distribution to prospective investors only when preceded or accompanied by a current prospectus.

 

NOT FDIC INSURED Ÿ MAY LOSE VALUE Ÿ

NO BANK OR CREDIT UNION GUARANTEE Ÿ NOT A DEPOSIT Ÿ

NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY OR

NCUA/NCUSIF

 

7/31/08

HYO-SEM


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

LETTER FROM THE CEO

Dear Shareholders:

Negative headlines tend to resonate during difficult markets, and we certainly have had more than our share of tough news recently. As a result consumer, and particularly investor, sentiment are at all-time lows. That said, I do think it is helpful to remember there are always silver linings in the storm clouds if you look hard enough.

Through all of the challenges we have faced, there are some positive underlying trends. In the United States, for example, institutional traders and credit market followers are just now showing increasing signs of confidence and are beginning to take on more risk. At the corporate level, earnings continue to be relatively strong as companies have reduced labor costs, controlled inventories, and relied less on debt to finance expansion. More broadly, low interest rates and strong demand for consumer goods and industrial equipment are good signs for the global economy.

While I do not mean to minimize the risks inherent in today’s markets, periods such as these allow the talented fund managers and research analysts we have at MFS® to test their convictions, reevaluate existing positions, and identify new investment ideas. Our investment process also includes a significant risk management component, with constant attention paid to monitoring market risk, so we can do our best to minimize any surprises to your portfolio.

For investors, this is a great time to check in with your advisor and make sure you have a sound investment plan in place — one that can keep your hard-earned money working over the long term through a strategy that involves asset allocation, diversification, and periodic portfolio rebalancing and reviews. A plan tailored to your distinct needs and goals continues to be the best approach to help you take advantage of the inevitable challenges — and opportunities — that present themselves over time.

Respectfully,

LOGO

Robert J. Manning

Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer

MFS Investment Management®

September 15, 2008

The opinions expressed in this letter are subject to change, may not be relied upon for investment advice, and no forecasts can be guaranteed.

 

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Table of Contents

PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION

 

Portfolio structure (i)

LOGO

 

Top five industries (i)  
Medical & Health Technologies & Services   7.8%
Utilities - Electric Power   7.5%
Gaming & Lodging   7.5%
Broadcasting   7.1%
Cable TV   5.4%

 

Credit quality of bonds (r)  
AAA   2.9%
AA   2.4%
A   2.6%
BBB   3.0%
BB   14.3%
B   45.3%
CCC   25.4%
D   0.1%
Not Rated   4.0%
Portfolio facts  
Average Duration (d)(i)   4.5
Average Life (i)(m)   7.5 yrs.
Average Maturity (i)(m)   9.1 yrs.
Average Credit Quality of Rated
Securities (long-term) (a)
  B+
Average Credit Quality of Rated
Securities (short-term) (a)
  A-1

 

 

(a) The average credit quality of rated securities is based upon a market weighted average of portfolio holdings that are rated by public rating agencies.
(d) Duration is a measure of how much a bond’s price is likely to fluctuate with general changes in interest rates, e.g., if rates rise 1.00%, a bond with a 5-year duration is likely to lose about 5.00% of its value.
(i) For purposes of this presentation, the bond component includes accrued interest amounts and may be positively or negatively impacted by the equivalent exposure from any derivative holdings, if applicable.
(m) The average maturity shown is calculated using the final stated maturity on the portfolio’s holdings without taking into account any holdings which have been pre-refunded or pre-paid to an earlier date or which have a mandatory put date prior to the stated maturity. The average life shown takes into account these earlier dates.
(r) Each security is assigned a rating from Moody’s Investors Service. If not rated by Moody’s, the rating will be that assigned by Standard & Poor’s. Likewise, if not assigned a rating by Standard & Poor’s, it will be based on the rating assigned by Fitch, Inc. For those portfolios that hold a security which is not rated by any of the three agencies, the security is considered Not Rated. Holdings in U.S. Treasuries and government agency mortgage-backed securities, if any, are included in the “AAA”-rating category. Percentages are based on the total market value of investments as of 7/31/08.

Percentages are based on net assets as of 7/31/08, unless otherwise noted.

The portfolio is actively managed and current holdings may be different.

 

2


Table of Contents

 

EXPENSE TABLE

Fund expenses borne by the shareholders during the period,

February 1, 2008 through July 31, 2008

As a shareholder of the fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on certain purchase or redemption payments, and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and service (12b-1) fees; and other fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

The example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period February 1, 2008 through July 31, 2008.

Actual Expenses

The first line for each share class in the following table provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The second line for each share class in the following table provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads). Therefore, the second line for each share class in the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

3


Table of Contents

Expense Table – continued

 

Share
Class
      

Annualized
Expense

Ratio

  Beginning
Account Value
2/01/08
 

Ending

Account Value
7/31/08

 

Expenses

Paid During

Period (p)

2/01/08-7/31/08

A   Actual   0.85%   $1,000.00   $985.12   $4.20
  Hypothetical (h)   0.85%   $1,000.00   $1,020.64   $4.27
B   Actual   1.50%   $1,000.00   $982.06   $7.39
  Hypothetical (h)   1.50%   $1,000.00   $1,017.40   $7.52
C   Actual   1.50%   $1,000.00   $981.82   $7.39
  Hypothetical (h)   1.50%   $1,000.00   $1,017.40   $7.52
I   Actual   0.50%   $1,000.00   $987.02   $2.47
  Hypothetical (h)   0.50%   $1,000.00   $1,022.38   $2.51
W   Actual (i)   0.60%   $1,000.00   $955.71   $0.96
  Hypothetical (h)   0.60%   $1,000.00   $1,021.88   $3.02
R1   Actual (i)   1.50%   $1,000.00   $954.42   $2.40
  Hypothetical (h)   1.50%   $1,000.00   $1,017.40   $7.52
R2   Actual (i)   1.00%   $1,000.00   $955.23   $1.60
  Hypothetical (h)   1.00%   $1,000.00   $1,019.89   $5.02
R3   Actual (i)   0.75%   $1,000.00   $955.47   $1.20
  Hypothetical (h)   0.75%   $1,000.00   $1,021.13   $3.77
R4   Actual (i)   0.50%   $1,000.00   $955.88   $0.80
  Hypothetical (h)   0.50%   $1,000.00   $1,022.38   $2.51

 

(h) 5% class return per year before expenses.
(i) For the period of the class inception, 6/02/08 through the stated period end.
(p) Expenses paid is equal to each class’ annualized expense ratio, as shown above, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days in the period, divided by the number of days in the year. Expenses paid do not include any applicable sales charges (loads). If these transaction costs had been included, your costs would have been higher.

 

4


Table of Contents

 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS

7/31/08 (unaudited)

The Portfolio of Investments is a complete list of all securities owned by your fund. It is categorized by broad-based asset classes.

 

Bonds - 86.7%             
Issuer    Shares/Par   Value ($)
    
Aerospace - 1.4%             
Hawker Beechcraft Acquisition Co. LLC, 9.75%, 2017    $ 3,775,000   $ 3,727,812
Vought Aircraft Industries, Inc., 8%, 2011      5,540,000     5,110,649
        
           $ 8,838,461
Airlines - 0.5%             
Continental Airlines, Inc., 7.339%, 2014    $ 3,604,000   $ 2,702,999
Continental Airlines, Inc., 6.9%, 2017      193,381     156,637
Continental Airlines, Inc., 6.748%, 2017      302,274     235,773
        
           $ 3,095,409
Apparel Manufacturers - 0.0%             
Propex Fabrics, Inc., 10%, 2012 (d)    $ 3,605,000   $ 27,037
Asset Backed & Securitized - 6.3%             
Anthracite Ltd., CDO, 6%, 2037 (z)    $ 1,500,000   $ 749,999
Arbor Realty Mortgage Securities, CDO, FRN, 5.086%, 2038 (z)      1,318,229     461,379
ARCap REIT, Inc., CDO, “H”, 6.1%, 2045 (n)      1,025,662     379,494
Babson Ltd., CLO, “D”, FRN, 4.291%, 2018 (n)      1,005,000     619,079
Banc of America Commercial Mortgage, Inc., 6.201%, 2018 (z)      3,830,049     2,416,585
Banc of America Commercial Mortgage, Inc., 5.39%, 2045      897,762     793,579
Banc of America Commercial Mortgage, Inc., FRN, 5.772%, 2017      3,729,874     3,271,373
Banc of America Commercial Mortgage, Inc., FRN, 5.812%, 2017      868,209     770,471
Citigroup Commercial Mortgage Trust, FRN, 5.7%, 2017      2,500,000     1,543,861
Credit Suisse Mortgage Capital Certificate, 5.343%, 2039      834,050     730,768
Crest Ltd., CDO, 7%, 2040      993,500     484,976
Falcon Franchise Loan LLC, FRN, 3.421%, 2025 (i)(z)      1,707,255     177,641
JPMorgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Corp., 5.44%, 2045      2,617,073     2,318,129
JPMorgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Corp., 5.372%, 2047      1,336,962     1,175,905
JPMorgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Corp., FRN, 5.466%, 2047      1,756,714     1,524,221
JPMorgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Corp., FRN, 5.747%, 2049      2,453,353     1,719,712
JPMorgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Corp., FRN, 5.747%, 2049      6,734,569     4,578,240
JPMorgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Corp., FRN, 5.937%, 2049      1,607,194     1,146,267
JPMorgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Corp., FRN, 6.062%, 2051      1,390,000     992,039

 

5


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par   Value ($)
    
Bonds - continued             
Asset Backed & Securitized - continued             
Lehman Brothers Commercial Conduit Mortgage Trust, FRN,
0.811%, 2030 (i)
   $ 1,902,972   $ 64,891
Merrill Lynch Mortgage Trust, FRN, 5.829%, 2050      1,390,000     979,671
Merrill Lynch/Countrywide Commercial Mortgage Trust, FRN, 5.204%, 2049      2,831,056     2,465,689
Merrill Lynch/Countrywide Commercial Mortgage Trust, FRN, 5.902%, 2050      725,000     641,524
Morgan Stanley Capital I, Inc., 1.456%, 2039 (i)(n)      4,926,790     128,836
Preferred Term Securities XII Ltd., 9.8%, 2033 (e)(z)      1,775,000     1,109,375
Preferred Term Securities XVI Ltd., 14%, 2035 (e)(z)      3,250,000     2,372,500
Preferred Term Securities XVII Ltd., 9.3%, 2035 (e)(z)      1,813,000     673,076
Wachovia Bank Commercial Mortgage Trust, FRN, 5.692%, 2047      1,607,503     1,120,888
Wachovia Bank Commercial Mortgage Trust, FRN, 5.752%, 2047      1,014,976     690,303
Wachovia Bank Commercial Mortgage Trust, FRN, 5.903%, 2051      2,821,707     2,516,614
        
           $ 38,617,085
Automotive - 3.1%             
Allison Transmission, Inc., 11%, 2015 (n)    $ 5,680,000   $ 5,140,400
Fce Bank PLC, 7.125%, 2012    EUR  2,850,000     3,688,406
Ford Motor Credit Co. LLC, 12%, 2015    $ 3,259,000     2,746,600
Ford Motor Credit Co. LLC, 8%, 2016      4,920,000     3,477,067
Ford Motor Credit Co. LLC, FRN, 4.361%, 2010      1,775,000     1,517,384
General Motors Corp., 8.375%, 2033      4,467,000     2,199,998
        
           $ 18,769,855
Broadcasting - 6.3%             
Allbritton Communications Co., 7.75%, 2012    $ 3,672,000   $ 3,378,240
Bonten Media Acquisition Co., 9%, 2015 (n)(p)      2,560,000     1,945,600
CanWest MediaWorks LP, 9.25%, 2015 (n)      2,040,000     1,581,000
DIRECTV Holdings LLC, 7.625%, 2016 (n)      2,865,000     2,843,513
Grupo Televisa S.A., 8.5%, 2032      406,000     457,612
Inmarsat Finance II PLC, 0% to 2008, 10.375% to 2012      3,245,000     3,261,225
Lamar Media Corp., 6.625%, 2015      2,875,000     2,587,500
Lamar Media Corp., “C”, 6.625%, 2015      1,820,000     1,638,000
LBI Media Holdings, Inc., 0% to 2008, 11% to 2013      4,375,000     3,576,563
LBI Media, Inc., 8.5%, 2017 (n)      1,895,000     1,452,044
LIN TV Corp., 6.5%, 2013      1,780,000     1,548,600
Local TV Finance LLC, 9.25%, 2015 (n)(p)      2,975,000     2,261,000
Newport Television LLC, 13%, 2017 (n)(p)      3,970,000     3,394,350
Nexstar Broadcasting Group, Inc., 7%, 2014      3,280,000     2,697,800
Univision Communications, Inc., 9.75%, 2015 (n)(p)      5,285,000     4,029,813
Young Broadcasting, Inc., 8.75%, 2014      4,595,000     1,964,363
        
           $ 38,617,223

 

6


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par   Value ($)
    
Bonds - continued             
Brokerage & Asset Managers - 0.7%             
Nuveen Investments, Inc., 10.5%, 2015 (n)    $ 5,125,000   $ 4,612,500
Building - 1.7%             
Associated Materials, Inc., 9.75%, 2012    $ 860,000   $ 847,100
Associated Materials, Inc., 0% to 2009, 11.25% to 2014      2,140,000     1,310,750
Building Materials Corp. of America, 7.75%, 2014      2,270,000     1,770,600
Nortek Holdings, Inc., 10%, 2013 (n)      1,460,000     1,306,700
Nortek Holdings, Inc., 8.5%, 2014      3,470,000     1,964,888
Ply Gem Industries, Inc., 9%, 2012      3,500,000     1,820,000
Ply Gem Industries, Inc., 11.75%, 2013 (n)      1,430,000     1,279,850
        
           $ 10,299,888
Business Services - 0.7%             
SunGard Data Systems, Inc., 10.25%, 2015    $ 4,033,000   $ 4,093,495
Cable TV - 4.0%             
CCH I Holdings LLC, 11%, 2015    $ 4,162,000   $ 3,152,715
CCH II Holdings LLC, 10.25%, 2010      7,445,000     7,091,363
CCO Holdings LLC, 8.75%, 2013      8,410,000     7,779,250
CSC Holdings, Inc., 8.5%, 2015 (n)      2,130,000     2,098,050
Mediacom LLC, 9.5%, 2013      1,290,000     1,219,050
NTL Cable PLC, 9.125%, 2016      3,664,000     3,389,200
        
           $ 24,729,628
Chemicals - 3.2%             
Braskem S.A., 7.25%, 2018 (z)    $ 569,000   $ 566,155
Innophos, Inc., 8.875%, 2014      3,140,000     3,140,000
KI Holdings, Inc., 0% to 2009, 9.875% to 2014      4,981,000     4,482,900
Koppers Holdings, Inc., 9.875%, 2013      2,575,000     2,700,531
Momentive Performance Materials, Inc., 9.75%, 2014      865,000     765,525
Momentive Performance Materials, Inc., 11.5%, 2016      5,118,000     3,940,860
Nalco Co., 7.75%, 2011      960,000     969,600
Nalco Co., 8.875%, 2013      2,715,000     2,803,238
        
           $ 19,368,809
Computer Software - 0.7%             
First Data Corp., 9.875%, 2015 (n)    $ 4,770,000   $ 4,221,450
Consumer Goods & Services - 1.7%             
GEO Group, Inc., 8.25%, 2013    $ 2,465,000   $ 2,501,975
Jarden Corp., 7.5%, 2017      2,705,000     2,353,350
KAR Holdings, Inc., 10%, 2015      2,310,000     1,917,300

 

7


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par   Value ($)
    
Bonds - continued             
Consumer Goods & Services - continued             
Service Corp. International, 7%, 2017    $ 2,870,000   $ 2,661,925
Ticketmaster, 10.75%, 2016 (z)      1,180,000     1,221,300
        
           $ 10,655,850
Containers - 0.9%             
Crown Americas LLC, 7.625%, 2013    $ 1,465,000   $ 1,486,975
Graham Packaging Co. LP, 9.875%, 2014      3,720,000     3,180,600
Greif, Inc., 6.75%, 2017      685,000     650,750
        
           $ 5,318,325
Defense Electronics - 0.7%             
L-3 Communications Corp., 5.875%, 2015    $ 4,415,000   $ 4,094,913
Electronics - 1.2%             
Avago Technologies Finance, 11.875%, 2015    $ 4,120,000   $ 4,387,800
Spansion LLC, 11.25%, 2016 (n)      4,545,000     2,817,900
        
           $ 7,205,700
Emerging Market Quasi-Sovereign - 1.8%             
Banco Nacional de Desenvolvimento Economico e Social,
6.369%, 2018 (n)
   $ 1,338,000   $ 1,348,035
Codelco, Inc., 5.625%, 2035      3,362,000     2,932,874
Gazprom International S.A., 7.201%, 2020      2,410,793     2,412,481
Majapahit Holding B.V., 7.75%, 2016 (n)      309,000     287,370
Majapahit Holding B.V., 7.25%, 2017 (n)      723,000     643,470
OAO Gazprom, 9.625%, 2013      1,340,000     1,470,650
OAO Gazprom, 7.343%, 2013 (z)      216,000     218,700
Pemex Project Funding Master Trust, 5.75%, 2018 (n)      1,708,000     1,662,738
Pemex Project Funding Master Trust, 6.625%, 2035 (n)      191,000     186,741
        
           $ 11,163,059
Emerging Market Sovereign - 4.0%             
Federative Republic of Brazil, 6%, 2017    $ 1,011,000   $ 1,032,737
Federative Republic of Brazil, 8%, 2018      1,632,000     1,821,312
Gabonese Republic, 8.2%, 2017 (n)      1,133,000     1,152,828
Republic of Argentina, 7%, 2013      735,000     542,940
Republic of Argentina, FRN, 3.092%, 2012      3,055,188     2,474,442
Republic of Colombia, 7.375%, 2017      468,000     512,460
Republic of Colombia, 7.375%, 2037      892,000     974,510
Republic of El Salvador, 8.25%, 2032      875,000     914,375
Republic of Indonesia, 6.875%, 2018      573,000     568,703
Republic of Indonesia, 6.875%, 2018 (n)      675,000     669,938
Republic of Indonesia, 7.75%, 2038 (n)      1,939,000     1,922,034

 

8


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par   Value ($)
    
Bonds - continued             
Emerging Market Sovereign - continued             
Republic of Peru, 6.55%, 2037    $ 860,000   $ 890,960
Republic of Philippines, 8%, 2016      329,000     363,545
Republic of Philippines, 9.5%, 2030      234,000     297,765
Republic of Philippines, 7.75%, 2031      1,405,000     1,538,475
Republic of Turkey, 6.875%, 2036      2,843,000     2,612,006
Republic of Uruguay, 9.25%, 2017      1,349,000     1,598,565
Republic of Uruguay, 8%, 2022      2,331,000     2,470,860
Republic of Uruguay, 7.625%, 2036      236,000     234,820
Republic of Venezuela, 7%, 2018      824,000     636,952
Republic of Venezuela, 7.65%, 2025      1,550,000     1,182,650
        
           $ 24,412,877
Energy - Independent - 3.7%             
Chaparral Energy, Inc., 8.875%, 2017    $ 2,860,000   $ 2,466,750
Hilcorp Energy I LP, 7.75%, 2015 (n)      2,670,000     2,449,725
Hilcorp Energy I LP, 9%, 2016 (n)      1,310,000     1,283,800
Mariner Energy, Inc., 8%, 2017      1,630,000     1,536,275
OPTI Canada, Inc., 8.25%, 2014      5,015,000     5,052,613
Plains Exploration & Production Co., 7%, 2017      3,725,000     3,482,875
Quicksilver Resources, Inc., 7.125%, 2016      4,375,000     3,773,438
SandRidge Energy, Inc., 8%, 2018 (n)      2,535,000     2,509,650
        
           $ 22,555,126
Energy - Integrated - 0.1%             
Petroleum Co. of Trinidad & Tobago Ltd., 6%, 2022 (n)    $ 674,000   $ 637,806
Entertainment - 0.8%             
AMC Entertainment, Inc., 11%, 2016    $ 1,740,000   $ 1,761,750
Marquee Holdings, Inc., 9.505%, 2014      3,945,000     3,126,413
        
           $ 4,888,163
Financial Institutions - 0.6%             
General Motors Acceptance Corp., 6.875%, 2011    $ 3,144,000   $ 2,075,989
General Motors Acceptance Corp., 8%, 2031      2,564,000     1,436,717
        
           $ 3,512,706
Food & Beverages - 1.5%             
ARAMARK Corp., 8.5%, 2015    $ 1,500,000   $ 1,494,375
B&G Foods, Inc., 8%, 2011      1,525,000     1,494,500
Dean Foods Co., 7%, 2016      2,900,000     2,624,500
Del Monte Corp., 6.75%, 2015      2,180,000     2,038,300
Michael Foods, Inc., 8%, 2013      1,400,000     1,382,500
        
           $ 9,034,175

 

9


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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par   Value ($)
    
Bonds - continued             
Forest & Paper Products - 2.0%             
Abitibi-Consolidated, Inc., 7.4%, 2018    $ 1,870,000   $ 654,500
Buckeye Technologies, Inc., 8%, 2010      1,805,000     1,809,513
Georgia-Pacific Corp., 7.125%, 2017 (n)      1,535,000     1,416,038
Georgia-Pacific Corp., 8%, 2024      885,000     814,200
Graphic Packaging International Corp., 9.5%, 2013      1,375,000     1,278,750
JSG Funding PLC, 7.75%, 2015      1,365,000     1,228,500
Millar Western Forest Products Ltd., 7.75%, 2013      4,965,000     2,904,525
NewPage Holding Corp., 10%, 2012      355,000     339,913
Smurfit-Stone Container Corp., 8%, 2017      2,530,000     2,068,275
        
           $ 12,514,214
Gaming & Lodging - 6.1%             
Firekeepers Development Authority, 13.875%, 2015 (z)    $ 4,225,000   $ 3,887,000
Fontainebleau Las Vegas Holdings LLC, 10.25%, 2015 (n)      5,140,000     2,724,200
Harrah’s Operating Co., Inc., 5.5%, 2010      1,645,000     1,431,150
Harrah’s Operating Co., Inc., 5.375%, 2013      2,245,000     1,201,075
Harrah’s Operating Co., Inc., 10.75%, 2016 (n)      5,320,000     4,016,600
Harrah’s Operating Co., Inc., 10.75%, 2018 (n)(p)      3,070,000     2,056,900
Host Marriott LP, 7.125%, 2013      1,630,000     1,499,600
Host Marriott LP, 6.75%, 2016      815,000     696,825
Mandalay Resort Group, 9.375%, 2010      1,000,000     975,000
MGM Mirage, 8.375%, 2011      2,485,000     2,242,713
MGM Mirage, 5.875%, 2014      1,975,000     1,560,250
MTR Gaming Group, Inc., 9%, 2012      970,000     788,125
Newland International Properties Corp., 9.5%, 2014 (n)      1,948,000     1,694,760
Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc., 7.5%, 2015      3,755,000     2,797,475
Station Casinos, Inc., 6%, 2012      830,000     556,100
Station Casinos, Inc., 6.5%, 2014      5,955,000     2,873,288
Station Casinos, Inc., 6.875%, 2016      6,275,000     2,855,125
Trump Entertainment Resorts Holdings, Inc., 8.5%, 2015      7,795,000     3,839,038
        
           $ 37,695,224
Industrial - 1.8%             
Blount, Inc., 8.875%, 2012    $ 1,880,000   $ 1,903,500
JohnsonDiversey Holdings, Inc., 10.67%, 2013      3,670,000     3,670,000
JohnsonDiversey, Inc., 9.625%, 2012    EUR  840,000     1,257,379
JohnsonDiversey, Inc., “B”, 9.625%, 2012    $ 3,990,000     4,059,825
        
           $ 10,890,704
Insurance - Property & Casualty - 0.5%             
USI Holdings Corp., 9.75%, 2015 (n)    $ 4,015,000   $ 3,242,113

 

10


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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par   Value ($)
    
Bonds - continued             
Major Banks - 1.0%             
Bank of America Corp., 8% to 2018, FRN to 2059    $ 2,650,000   $ 2,444,625
JPMorgan Chase & Co., 7.9% to 2018, FRN to 2049      3,795,000     3,510,451
        
           $ 5,955,076
Medical & Health Technology & Services - 7.4%             
Accellent, Inc., 10.5%, 2013    $ 2,320,000   $ 2,134,400
Biomet, Inc., 10%, 2017      1,855,000     1,994,125
Biomet, Inc., 11.625%, 2017      5,895,000     6,226,594
Community Health Systems, Inc., 8.875%, 2015      5,345,000     5,385,088
Cooper Cos., Inc., 7.125%, 2015      2,480,000     2,380,800
Dasa Finance Corp., 8.75%, 2018 (z)      200,000     198,000
DaVita, Inc., 7.25%, 2015      3,290,000     3,236,538
HCA, Inc., 9%, 2014      4,680,000     4,399,041
HCA, Inc., 6.375%, 2015      4,195,000     3,439,900
HCA, Inc., 9.25%, 2016      4,050,000     4,171,500
Psychiatric Solutions, Inc., 7.75%, 2015      2,215,000     2,165,163
Surgical Care Affiliates, Inc., 10%, 2017 (n)      2,815,000     2,167,550
U.S. Oncology, Inc., 10.75%, 2014      3,040,000     2,986,800
Universal Hospital Services, Inc., 8.5%, 2015 (p)      1,910,000     1,910,000
Universal Hospital Services, Inc., FRN, 6.303%, 2015      590,000     548,700
VWR Funding, Inc., 10.25%, 2015 (p)      2,045,000     1,876,288
        
           $ 45,220,487
Metals & Mining - 4.0%             
Arch Western Finance LLC, 6.75%, 2013    $ 2,210,000   $ 2,204,475
FMG Finance Ltd., 10.625%, 2016 (n)      6,125,000     7,105,000
Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold, Inc., 8.375%, 2017      5,200,000     5,447,000
Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold, Inc., FRN, 5.883%, 2015      3,039,000     3,053,648
Peabody Energy Corp., 5.875%, 2016      1,675,000     1,595,438
Peabody Energy Corp., 7.375%, 2016      1,635,000     1,667,700
PNA Group, Inc., 10.75%, 2016      2,965,000     3,520,938
        
           $ 24,594,199
Municipals - 0.5%             
Regional Transportation Authority, IL, “A”, MBIA, 4.5%, 2035    $ 3,025,000   $ 2,798,276
Natural Gas - Distribution - 0.2%             
AmeriGas Partners LP, 7.125%, 2016    $ 1,515,000   $ 1,374,863
Natural Gas - Pipeline - 1.5%             
Atlas Pipeline Partners LP, 8.125%, 2015    $ 1,270,000   $ 1,241,425
Atlas Pipeline Partners LP, 8.75%, 2018 (n)      1,655,000     1,626,038

 

11


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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par   Value ($)
    
Bonds - continued             
Natural Gas - Pipeline - continued             
Deutsche Bank (El Paso Performance-Linked Trust, CLN),
7.75%, 2011 (n)
   $ 345,000   $ 349,114
El Paso Corp., 7.25%, 2018      1,785,000     1,767,150
Intergas Finance B.V., 6.875%, 2011 (n)      408,000     397,800
Intergas Finance B.V., 6.875%, 2011      383,000     373,425
TransCapitalInvest Ltd., 7.7%, 2013      554,000     554,000
TransCapitalInvest Ltd., 8.7%, 2018      100,000     100,000
Williams Partners LP, 7.25%, 2017      2,750,000     2,743,125
        
           $ 9,152,077
Network & Telecom - 1.9%             
Cincinnati Bell, Inc., 8.375%, 2014    $ 2,910,000   $ 2,771,775
Nordic Telephone Co. Holdings, 8.875%, 2016 (n)      1,270,000     1,225,550
Qwest Capital Funding, Inc., 7.25%, 2011      3,505,000     3,338,513
Qwest Corp., 7.875%, 2011      1,400,000     1,379,000
Qwest Corp., 8.875%, 2012      465,000     463,838
Windstream Corp., 8.625%, 2016      2,595,000     2,627,438
        
           $ 11,806,114
Oil Services - 0.8%             
Basic Energy Services, Inc., 7.125%, 2016    $ 1,870,000   $ 1,748,450
KazMunaiGaz Finance B.V., 8.375%, 2013 (z)      2,494,000     2,540,763
KazMunaiGaz Finance B.V., 9.125%, 2018 (z)      914,000     929,995
        
           $ 5,219,208
Oils - 0.1%             
Petroleos de Venezuela S.A., 5.25%, 2017    $ 1,327,000   $ 884,446
Other Banks & Diversified Financials - 0.0%             
RSHB Capital S.A., 7.125%, 2014 (z)    $ 200,000   $ 197,180
Printing & Publishing - 3.0%             
American Media Operations, Inc., 10.25%, 2009 (z)    $ 154,675   $ 121,420
American Media Operations, Inc., “B”, 10.25%, 2009      4,254,000     3,339,390
Dex Media West LLC, 9.875%, 2013      2,660,000     2,088,100
Dex Media, Inc., 0% to 2008, 9% to 2013      3,250,000     1,950,000
Dex Media, Inc., 0% to 2008, 9% to 2013      2,465,000     1,479,000
Idearc, Inc., 8%, 2016      4,328,000     1,969,240
Morris Publishing, 7%, 2013      2,470,000     1,284,400
Nielsen Finance LLC, 10%, 2014      2,655,000     2,674,913
Nielsen Finance LLC, 0% to 2011, 12.5% to 2016      2,135,000     1,457,138
Quebecor World, Inc., 6.125%, 2013 (d)      2,060,000     721,000
R.H. Donnelley Corp., 8.875%, 2016      3,040,000     1,466,800
        
           $ 18,551,401

 

12


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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par   Value ($)
    
Bonds - continued             
Retailers - 0.9%             
Couche-Tard, Inc., 7.5%, 2013    $ 635,000   $ 592,138
Eye Care Centers of America, Inc., 10.75%, 2015      1,105,000     1,127,100
General Nutrition Centers, Inc., 7.199%, 2014 (p)      1,650,000     1,402,500
Sally Holdings LLC, 10.5%, 2016      2,560,000     2,464,000
        
           $ 5,585,738
Special Products & Services - 0.1%             
Independencia International, 9.875%, 2015 (z)    $ 568,000   $ 555,930
Specialty Stores - 0.3%             
Payless ShoeSource, Inc., 8.25%, 2013    $ 2,035,000   $ 1,831,500
Supermarkets - 0.1%             
Stater Brothers Holdings, Inc., 7.75%, 2015    $ 382,000   $ 364,810
Telecommunications - Wireless - 1.7%             
Alltel Corp., 7%, 2012    $ 3,015,000   $ 3,090,375
MetroPCS Wireless, Inc., 9.25%, 2014      3,210,000     3,113,700
Vimpel-Communications, 8.375%, 2013 (z)      733,000     717,589
Wind Acquisition Finance S.A., 10.75%, 2015 (n)      3,500,000     3,622,500
        
           $ 10,544,164
Transportation - 0.1%             
Autopistas del Sol S.A., 11.5%, 2017 (z)    $ 994,500   $ 497,250
Peru Enhanced Pass-Through Trust, 0%, 2018 (n)      340,602     225,649
        
           $ 722,899
Transportation - Services - 0.6%             
Eurocar Groupe S.A., FRN, 8.356%, 2013 (n)    EUR  1,560,000   $ 1,763,512
Hertz Corp., 8.875%, 2014    $ 1,895,000     1,738,663
        
           $ 3,502,175
Utilities - Electric Power - 6.3%             
Centrais Eletricas Brasileiras S.A., 7.75%, 2015    $ 1,070,000   $ 1,124,838
Dynegy Holdings, Inc., 7.5%, 2015      1,480,000     1,402,300
Edison Mission Energy, 7%, 2017      3,535,000     3,340,575
EEB International Ltd., 8.75%, 2014 (n)      992,000     1,051,520
Enersis S.A., 7.375%, 2014      1,693,000     1,801,052
ISA Capital do Brasil S.A., 8.8%, 2017      909,000     954,450
Mirant Americas Generation LLC, 8.3%, 2011      1,900,000     1,938,000
Mirant Americas Generation LLC, 8.5%, 2021      1,250,000     1,112,500
Mirant North America LLC, 7.375%, 2013      3,000,000     3,000,000
NGC Corp. Capital Trust, 8.316%, 2027      1,975,000     1,629,375

 

13


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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par   Value ($)
    
Bonds - continued             
Utilities - Electric Power - continued             
NRG Energy, Inc., 7.375%, 2016    $ 11,375,000   $ 11,033,750
Reliant Energy, Inc., 6.75%, 2014      1,000,000     1,020,000
Reliant Energy, Inc., 7.875%, 2017      1,810,000     1,746,650
Texas Competitive Electric Holdings LLC, 10.25%, 2015 (n)      7,195,000     7,195,000
        
           $ 38,350,010
Utilities - Gas - 0.2%             
TGI International Ltd., 9.5%, 2017 (n)    $ 1,005,000   $ 1,072,838
Total Bonds (Identified Cost, $579,507,342)          $ 531,395,186
Floating Rate Loans - 6.0% (g)(r)             
Aerospace - 0.5%             
Hawker Beechcraft Acquisition Co., Letter of Credit, 4.8%, 2014    $ 124,307   $ 115,567
Hawker Beechcraft Acquisition Co., Term Loan B, 4.8%, 2014      3,150,852     2,929,309
        
           $ 3,044,876
Automotive - 1.1%             
Federal Mogul Corp., Term Loan B, 4.4%, 2015    $ 2,193,104   $ 1,710,621
Ford Motor Co., Term Loan B, 5.46%, 2013      4,426,212     3,471,810
Mark IV Industries, Inc., Second Lien Term Loan, 11.38%, 2011      3,632,704     1,471,245
        
           $ 6,653,676
Broadcasting - 0.4%             
Young Broadcasting, Inc., Term Loan, 5.31%, 2012    $ 2,146,605   $ 1,846,081
Young Broadcasting, Inc., Term Loan B-1, 5.31%, 2012      792,154     681,252
        
           $ 2,527,333
Building - 0.3%             
Roofing Supply Group, Inc., Term Loan B, 7.78%, 2013    $ 2,250,668   $ 1,552,961
Computer Software - 0.6%             
First Data Corp., Term Loan B-1, 5.24%, 2014    $ 4,242,241   $ 3,899,328
Energy - Independent - 0.3%             
Crimson Exploration, Inc., Second Lien Term Loan, 8.21%, 2012    $ 1,888,867   $ 1,662,203
Forest & Paper Products - 0.2%             
Abitibi-Consolidated, Inc., Term Loan, 11.5%, 2009    $ 932,854   $ 928,190
Gaming & Lodging - 0.5%             
Green Valley Ranch Gaming LLC, Second Lien Term Loan, 2014 (o)    $ 5,131,694   $ 2,976,383

 

14


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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par   Value ($)
    
Floating Rate Loans - continued             
Medical & Health Technology & Services - 0.3%             
Community Health Systems, Inc., Delayed Draw Term Loan B, 2014 (q)    $ 10,394   $ 9,834
Community Health Systems, Inc., Term Loan, 4.85%, 2014      202,871     191,938
HCA, Inc., Term Loan B, 5.05%, 2013      1,730,540     1,625,986
        
           $ 1,827,758
Printing & Publishing - 0.4%             
Idearc, Inc., Term Loan B, 4.78%, 2014    $ 275,139   $ 203,832
Tribune Co., Term Loan B, 2014 (o)      3,343,966     2,271,824
        
           $ 2,475,656
Retailers - 0.1%             
Burlington Coat Factory, Term Loan B, 2013 (o)    $ 932,665   $ 740,692
Specialty Stores - 0.3%             
Michaels Stores, Inc., Term Loan B, 4.75%, 2013    $ 1,886,741   $ 1,514,896
Telecommunications - Wireless - 0.2%             
Alltel Corp., Term Loan B-2, 2015 (o)    $ 1,477,371   $ 1,458,627
Utilities - Electric Power - 0.8%             
Calpine Corp., Term Loan, 5.68%, 2009    $ 2,411,369   $ 2,261,951
TXU Corp. Term Loan B-3, 6.26%, 2014      3,112,073     2,913,193
        
           $ 5,175,144
Total Floating Rate Loans (Identified Cost, $41,252,259)          $ 36,437,723
Common Stocks - 3.1%             
Automotive - 0.1%             
General Motors Corp.      35,300   $ 390,771
Oxford Automotive, Inc. (a)      29     0
        
           $ 390,771
Broadcasting - 0.0%             
Idearc, Inc.      92,200   $ 120,782
Cable TV - 1.2%             
Cablevision Systems Corp., “A” (a)      60,000   $ 1,456,800
Comcast Corp., “A”      236,900     4,884,878
Time Warner Cable, Inc. (a)      33,200     943,876
        
           $ 7,285,554
Consumer Goods & Services - 0.0%             
Central Garden & Pet Co. (a)      28,000   $ 129,360

 

15


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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par   Value ($)
    
Common Stocks - continued           
Electronics - 0.2%           
Intel Corp.    58,000   $ 1,287,020
Energy - Independent - 0.0%           
Sandridge Energy, Inc. (a)    490   $ 23,956
Energy - Integrated - 0.2%           
Chevron Corp.    14,100   $ 1,192,296
Forest & Paper Products - 0.0%           
Louisiana-Pacific Corp.    28,000   $ 236,880
Gaming & Lodging - 0.4%           
MGM Mirage (a)    37,400   $ 1,085,348
Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc. (a)    105,000     1,186,500
        
         $ 2,271,848
Major Banks - 0.2%           
Bank of America Corp.    22,100   $ 727,090
JPMorgan Chase & Co.    7,100     288,473
        
         $ 1,015,563
Real Estate - 0.1%           
Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc., REIT    59,400   $ 778,734
Special Products & Services - 0.2%           
Buckeye Technologies, Inc. (a)    129,900   $ 1,266,525
Telephone Services - 0.2%           
Windstream Corp.    88,700   $ 1,057,304
Utilities - Electric Power - 0.3%           
Reliant Energy, Inc. (a)    96,000   $ 1,738,560
Total Common Stocks (Identified Cost, $24,066,471)        $ 18,795,153
Preferred Stocks - 0.8%           
Broadcasting - 0.2%           
Spanish Broadcasting Systems, Inc., “B”, 10.75% (p)    1,975   $ 1,244,250
Brokerage & Asset Managers - 0.6%           
Merrill Lynch Co., Inc., 8.625%    177,825   $ 3,654,304
Total Preferred Stocks (Identified Cost, $6,388,362)        $ 4,898,554

 

16


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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Money Market Funds (v) - 3.1%           
Issuer    Shares/Par   Value ($)
    
MFS Institutional Money Market Portfolio, 2.59%, at Cost and Net Asset Value    19,273,436   $ 19,273,436
Total Investments (Identified Cost, $670,487,870)        $ 610,800,052
Other Assets, Less Liabilities - 0.3%          1,987,045
Net Assets - 100.0%        $ 612,787,097

 

(a) Non-income producing security.
(d) Non-income producing security – in default.
(e) The rate shown represents a current effective yield.
(g) The rate shown represents a weighted average coupon rate on settled positions at period end, unless otherwise indicated.
(i) Interest only security for which the fund receives interest on notional principal (Par amount). Par amount shown is the notional principal and does not reflect the cost of the security.
(n) Securities exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be sold in the ordinary course of business in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At period end, the aggregate value of these securities was $97,818,393, representing 16.0% of net assets.
(o) All or a portion of this position has not settled. Upon settlement date, interest rates will be determined.
(p) Payment-in-kind security.
(q) All or a portion of this position represents an unfunded loan commitment. The rate shown represents a weighted average coupon rate on the full position, including the unfunded loan commitment which has no current coupon rate.
(r) Remaining maturities of floating rate loans may be less than stated maturities shown as a result of contractual or optional prepayments by the borrower. Such prepayments cannot be predicted with certainty. These loans may be subject to restrictions on resale. Floating rate loans generally have rates of interest which are determined periodically by reference to a base lending rate plus a premium.
(v) Underlying fund that is available only to investment companies managed by MFS. The rate quoted is the annualized seven-day yield of the fund at period end.
(z) Restricted securities are not registered under the Securities Act of 1933 and are subject to legal restrictions on resale. These securities generally may be resold in transactions exempt from registration or to the public if the securities are subsequently registered. Disposal of these securities may involve time-consuming negotiations and prompt sale at an acceptable price may be difficult. The fund holds the following restricted securities:

 

17


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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Restricted Securities    Acquisition
Date
   Cost    Current
Market
Value
American Media Operations, Inc., 10.25%, 2009    1/18/08    $148,096    $121,420
Anthracite Ltd., CDO, 6%, 2037    5/14/02    1,234,842    749,999
Arbor Realty Mortgage Securities, CDO, FRN, 5.086%, 2038    12/20/05    1,318,229    461,379
Autopistas del Sol S.A., 11.5%, 2017    5/16/07-5/24/07    1,021,588    497,250
Banc of America Commercial Mortgage, Inc., 6.201%, 2018    6/19/08    2,776,322    2,416,585
Braskem S.A., 7.25%, 2018    5/29/08    564,086    566,155
Dasa Finance Corp., 8.75%, 2018    5/21/08    196,784    198,000
Falcon Franchise Loan LLC, FRN, 3.421%, 2025    1/29/03    213,253    177,641
Firekeepers Development Authority, 13.875%, 2015    4/22/08    4,118,164    3,887,000
Independencia International, 9.875%, 2015    5/08/08-5/30/08    577,487    555,930
KazMunaiGaz Finance B.V., 8.375%, 2013    6/24/08-6/29/08    2,510,775    2,540,763
KazMunaiGaz Finance B.V., 9.125%, 2018    6/24/08    906,688    929,995
OAO Gazprom, 7.343%, 2013    4/02/08    216,000    218,700
Preferred Term Securities XII Ltd., 9.8%, 2033    1/07/05    1,380,972    1,109,375
Preferred Term Securities XVI Ltd., 14%, 2035    12/08/04-1/25/05    2,567,422    2,372,500
Preferred Term Securities XVII Ltd., 9.3%, 2035    3/09/05    1,426,756    673,076
RSHB Capital S.A., 7.125%, 2014    5/21/08    200,000    197,180
Ticketmaster, 10.75%, 2016    7/16/08-7/17/08    1,192,177    1,221,300
Vimpel-Communications, 8.375%, 2013    4/24/08    733,000    717,589
Total Restricted Securities          $19,611,837
% of Net Assets          3.2%

The following abbreviations are used in this report and are defined:

 

CDO   Collateralized Debt Obligation
CLN   Credit-Linked Note
CLO   Collateralized Loan Obligation
FRN   Floating Rate Note. Interest rate resets periodically and may not be the rate reported at period end.
REIT   Real Estate Investment Trust

Insurers

 

 

MBIA   MBIA Insurance Corp.

 

18


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Derivative Contracts at 7/31/08

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts at 7/31/08

 

Type    Currency    Contracts to
Deliver/Receive
   Settlement
Date Range
   In Exchange
for
   Contracts
at Value
   Net
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Appreciation                                

SELL

   EUR    2,476,528    8/25/08    $3,898,864    $3,857,192    $41,672  
Depreciation                                

SELL

   EUR    1,847,641    8/25/08    $2,868,929    $2,877,701    $(8,772 )

Swap Agreements at 7/31/08

 

Expiration        Notional
Amount
   Counterparty   Cash Flows
to Receive
  Cash Flows
to Pay
  Value  
Credit Default Swaps  
6/20/09   USD   2,300,000    JPMorgan Chase Bank   4.10% (fixed rate)   (1)   $(195,624 )
6/20/09   USD   1,150,000    JPMorgan Chase Bank   4.80% (fixed rate)   (1)   (405,642 )
6/20/12   USD   2,300,000    Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.   3.76% (fixed rate)   (2)   (664,669 )
6/20/12   USD   1,150,000    Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.   4.15% (fixed rate)   (2)   (321,548 )
6/20/13   USD   2,350,000    Goldman Sachs International (a)   5.0% (fixed rate)   (3)   (836,389 )
6/20/13   USD   9,200,000    JPMorgan Chase Bank(b)   (4)   5.0% (fixed rate)   518,011  
9/20/13   USD   2,000,000    JPMorgan Chase Bank   5.3% (fixed rate)   (5)   42,982  
             $(1,862,879 )
                

 

(1) Fund to pay notional amount upon a defined credit event by Abitibi Consolidated, 8.375%, 4/01/15.
(2) Fund to pay notional amount upon a defined credit event by Bowater, Inc., 6.5%, 6/15/13.
(3) Fund to pay notional amount upon a defined credit event by Station Casinos, Inc., 6.0%, 4/01/12.
(4) Fund to receive notional amount upon a defined credit event by a reference obligation specified in the CDX High Yield Index.
(5) Fund to pay notional amount upon a defined credit event by Aramark Services, 8.5%, 2/01/15.
(a) Net unamortized premiums received by the fund amounted to $408,313.
(b) Net unamortized premiums paid by the fund amounted to $615,250.

At July 31, 2008, the fund had sufficient cash and/or other liquid securities to cover any commitments under these derivative contracts.

Abbreviations indicate amounts shown in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. All amounts are stated in U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated. A list of abbreviations is shown below:

 

EUR   Euro

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

19


Table of Contents

Financial Statements

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

At 7/31/08 (unaudited)

This statement represents your fund’s balance sheet, which details the assets and liabilities comprising the total value of the fund.

 

Assets

           
Investments -      

Non-affiliated issuers, at value (identified cost, $651,214,434)

   $591,526,616     

Underlying funds, at cost and value

   19,273,436       

Total investments, at value (identified cost, $670,487,870)

          $610,800,052
Cash    $8,979     
Restricted cash    1,000,230     
Foreign currency, at value (identified cost, $33,989)    35,421     
Receivable for forward foreign currency exchange contracts    41,672     
Receivable for investments sold    1,541,631     
Receivable for fund shares sold    886,817     
Interest and dividends receivable    12,854,712     
Receivable from investment adviser    140,585     
Swaps, at value (net unamortized premiums paid, $615,250)    560,993     

Other assets

   3,591       

Total assets

          $627,874,683

Liabilities

           
Distributions payable    $1,499,943     
Payable for forward foreign currency exchange contracts    8,772     
Payable for investments purchased    9,400,121     
Payable for fund shares reacquired    1,506,435     
Swaps, at value (net unamortized premiums received, $408,313)    2,423,872     
Payable to affiliates      

Management fee

   16,737     

Shareholder servicing costs

   176,154     

Distribution and service fees

   16,725     

Administrative services fee

   499     
Payable for independent trustees’ compensation    11,873     

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

   26,455       

Total liabilities

          $15,087,586

Net assets

          $612,787,097

Net assets consist of

           
Paid-in capital    $705,034,459     

Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments and translation of assets and liabilities in foreign currencies

   (61,725,535 )   

Accumulated distributions in excess of net realized gain on investments and foreign currency transactions

   (31,742,424 )   

Undistributed net investment income

   1,220,597       

Net assets

          $612,787,097

Shares of beneficial interest outstanding

          93,923,170

 

20


Table of Contents

Statement of Assets and Liabilities (unaudited) – continued

 

Class A shares

         

Net assets

   $413,853,427   

Shares outstanding

   63,449,928     

Net asset value per share

        $6.52

Offering price per share (100/95.25 × net asset value per share)

        $6.85

Class B shares

         

Net assets

   $74,886,512   

Shares outstanding

   11,445,893     

Net asset value and offering price per share

        $6.54

Class C shares

         

Net assets

   $86,262,783   

Shares outstanding

   13,250,831     

Net asset value and offering price per share

        $6.51

Class I shares

         

Net assets

   $37,306,437   

Shares outstanding

   5,703,347     

Net asset value, offering price, and redemption price per share

        $6.54

Class W shares

         

Net assets

   $95,633   

Shares outstanding

   14,658     

Net asset value, offering price, and redemption price per share

        $6.52

Class R1 shares

         

Net assets

   $95,484   

Shares outstanding

   14,593     

Net asset value, offering price, and redemption price per share

        $6.54

Class R2 shares

         

Net assets

   $95,565   

Shares outstanding

   14,606     

Net asset value, offering price, and redemption price per share

        $6.54

Class R3 shares

         

Net assets

   $95,608   

Shares outstanding

   14,654     

Net asset value, offering price, and redemption price per share

        $6.52

Class R4 shares

         

Net assets

   $95,648   

Shares outstanding

   14,660     

Net asset value, offering price, and redemption price per share

        $6.52

On sales of $50,000 or more, the offering price of Class A shares is reduced. A contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on redemptions of Class A, Class B, and Class C shares.

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

21


Table of Contents

Financial Statements

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Six months ended 7/31/08 (unaudited)

This statement describes how much your fund earned in investment income and accrued in expenses. It also describes any gains and/or losses generated by fund operations.

 

Net investment income

             

Income

     

Interest

   $30,162,230     

Dividends

   304,157     

Dividends from underlying funds

   209,615         

Total investment income

          $30,676,002  

Expenses

     

Management fee

   $2,097,868     

Distribution and service fees

   1,622,903     

Shareholder servicing costs

   407,878     

Administrative services fee

   45,220     

Independent trustees’ compensation

   12,353     

Custodian fee

   65,408     

Shareholder communications

   46,708     

Auditing fees

   31,338     

Legal fees

   6,103     

Miscellaneous

   80,011         

Total expenses

          $4,415,790  

Fees paid indirectly

   (3,813 )   

Reduction of expenses by investment adviser

   (1,173,228 )       

Net expenses

          $3,238,749  

Net investment income

          $27,437,253  
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency transactions              

Realized gain (loss) (identified cost basis)

     

Investment transactions

   $(19,305,484 )   

Futures contracts

   53,386     

Swap transactions

   613,337     

Foreign currency transactions

   (160,311 )       

Net realized gain (loss) on investments
and foreign currency transactions

          $(18,799,072 )

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     

Investments

   $(17,099,511 )   

Swap transactions

   (1,235,832 )   

Translation of assets and liabilities in foreign currencies

   32,240         

Net unrealized gain (loss) on investments
and foreign currency translation

          $(18,303,103 )

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments
and foreign currency

          $(37,102,175 )

Change in net assets from operations

          $(9,664,922 )

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

22


Table of Contents

Financial Statements

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

These statements describe the increases and/or decreases in net assets resulting from operations, any distributions, and any shareholder transactions.

 

     Six months ended
7/31/08
     Year ended
1/31/08
 
Change in net assets    (unaudited)         

From operations

             

Net investment income

   $27,437,253      $58,786,862  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments and foreign
currency transactions

   (18,799,072 )    (2,871,492 )

Net unrealized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency translation

   (18,303,103 )    (71,113,054 )

Change in net assets from operations

   $(9,664,922 )    $(15,197,684 )

Distributions declared to shareholders

             

From net investment income

     

Class A

   $(18,030,334 )    $(40,470,416 )

Class B

   (3,115,795 )    (8,017,465 )

Class C

   (3,371,425 )    (7,548,333 )

Class I

   (1,550,147 )    (4,371,494 )

Class W

   (1,367 )     

Class R1

   (1,219 )     

Class R2

   (1,302 )     

Class R3

   (1,343 )     

Class R4

   (1,384 )     

From net realized gain on investments

     

Class A

   (305,040 )    (3,206,632 )

Class B

   (57,222 )    (648,287 )

Class C

   (61,125 )    (645,412 )

Class I

   (25,021 )    (306,690 )

Total distributions declared to shareholders

   $(26,522,724 )    $(65,214,729 )

Change in net assets from fund share transactions

   $(28,324,941 )    $(15,470,526 )

Total change in net assets

   $(64,512,587 )    $(95,882,939 )

Net assets

             

At beginning of period

   677,299,684      773,182,623  

At end of period (including undistributed net investment income of $1,220,597 and accumulated distributions in excess of net investment income of $142,340)

   $612,787,097      $677,299,684  

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

23


Table of Contents

Financial Statements

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

The financial highlights table is intended to help you understand the fund’s financial performance for the semiannual period and the past 5 fiscal years (or life of a particular share class, if shorter). Certain information reflects financial results for a single fund share. The total returns in the table represent the rate by which an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the fund share class (assuming reinvestment of all distributions) held for the entire period.

 

Class A  

Six months
ended
7/31/08

(unaudited)

    Years ended 1/31  
      2008     2007     2006     2005     2004  
                                 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $6.90     $7.66     $7.40     $7.63     $7.65     $6.61  
Income (loss) from
investment operations
                                   

Net investment income (d)

  $0.29     $0.58     $0.56     $0.56     $0.57     $0.60  

Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss) on investments
and foreign currency

  (0.39 )   (0.70 )   0.28     (0.16 )   0.08     1.05  

Total from investment operations

  $(0.10 )   $(0.12 )   $0.84     $0.40     $0.65     $1.65  
Less distributions declared
to shareholders
                                   

From net investment income

  $(0.28 )   $(0.59 )   $(0.58 )   $(0.59 )   $(0.59 )   $(0.61 )

From net realized gain
on investments

  (0.00 )(w)   (0.05 )       (0.04 )   (0.08 )    

Total distributions declared
to shareholders

  $(0.28 )   $(0.64 )   $(0.58 )   $(0.63 )   $(0.67 )   $(0.61 )

Redemption fees added to paid-in
capital (d)

  $—     $—     $0.00 (w)   $0.00 (w)   $0.00 (w)   $—  

Net asset value, end of period

  $6.52     $6.90     $7.66     $7.40     $7.63     $7.65  

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)

  (1.49 )(n)   (1.88 )   11.89     5.55     8.98     26.04  
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                   

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

  1.22 (a)   1.19     1.27     1.29     1.29     1.34  

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

  0.85 (a)   0.85     0.85     0.85     0.87     1.01  

Net investment income

  8.66 (a)   7.70     7.53     7.51     7.62     8.21  

Portfolio turnover

  48     79     85     66     69     98  

Net assets at end of period
(000 Omitted)

  $413,853     $458,651     $488,673     $338,568     $278,886     $150,334  

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

24


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

Class B  

Six months
ended
7/31/08

(unaudited)

    Years ended 1/31  
      2008     2007     2006     2005     2004  
                                 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $6.92     $7.68     $7.42     $7.65     $7.67     $6.63  
Income (loss) from
investment operations
                                   

Net investment income (d)

  $0.27     $0.53     $0.52     $0.51     $0.53     $0.55  

Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss) on investments
and foreign currency

  (0.39 )   (0.70 )   0.28     (0.16 )   0.07     1.06  

Total from investment operations

  $(0.12 )   $(0.17 )   $0.80     $0.35     $0.60     $1.61  
Less distributions declared
to shareholders
                                   

From net investment income

  $(0.26 )   $(0.54 )   $(0.54 )   $(0.54 )   $(0.54 )   $(0.57 )

From net realized gain
on investments

  (0.00 )(w)   (0.05 )       (0.04 )   (0.08 )    

Total distributions declared
to shareholders

  $(0.26 )   $(0.59 )   $(0.54 )   $(0.58 )   $(0.62 )   $(0.57 )

Redemption fees added to paid-in
capital (d)

  $—     $—     $0.00 (w)   $0.00 (w)   $0.00 (w)   $—  

Net asset value, end of period

  $6.54     $6.92     $7.68     $7.42     $7.65     $7.67  

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)

  (1.79 )(n)   (2.49 )   11.17     4.87     8.28     25.19  
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                   

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

  1.86 (a)   1.84     1.92     1.94     1.94     1.99  

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

  1.50 (a)   1.50     1.50     1.50     1.52     1.66  

Net investment income

  7.99 (a)   7.03     6.91     6.88     7.03     7.61  

Portfolio turnover

  48     79     85     66     69     98  

Net assets at end of period
(000 Omitted)

  $74,887     $90,330     $124,393     $125,667     $151,711     $140,348  

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

25


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

Class C  

Six months
ended
7/31/08

(unaudited)

    Years ended 1/31  
      2008     2007     2006     2005     2004  
                                 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $6.89     $7.64     $7.38     $7.61     $7.63     $6.60  
Income (loss) from
investment operations
                                   

Net investment income (d)

  $0.27     $0.53     $0.51     $0.51     $0.52     $0.54  

Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss) on investments
and foreign currency

  (0.39 )   (0.69 )   0.28     (0.16 )   0.08     1.06  

Total from investment operations

  $(0.12 )   $(0.16 )   $0.79     $0.35     $0.60     $1.60  
Less distributions declared
to shareholders
                                   

From net investment income

  $(0.26 )   $(0.54 )   $(0.53 )   $(0.54 )   $(0.54 )   $(0.57 )

From net realized gain
on investments

  (0.00 )(w)   (0.05 )       (0.04 )   (0.08 )    

Total distributions declared
to shareholders

  $(0.26 )   $(0.59 )   $(0.53 )   $(0.58 )   $(0.62 )   $(0.57 )

Redemption fees added to paid-in
capital (d)

  $—     $—     $0.00 (w)   $0.00 (w)   $0.00 (w)   $—  

Net asset value, end of period

  $6.51     $6.89     $7.64     $7.38     $7.61     $7.63  

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)

  (1.82 )(n)   (2.40 )   11.19     4.86     8.28     25.10  
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                   

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

  1.87 (a)   1.84     1.92     1.94     1.94     1.99  

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

  1.50 (a)   1.50     1.50     1.50     1.52     1.66  

Net investment income

  8.03 (a)   7.05     6.90     6.88     7.01     7.56  

Portfolio turnover

  48     79     85     66     69     98  

Net assets at end of period
(000 Omitted)

  $86,263     $92,947     $103,873     $92,613     $101,113     $84,643  

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

26


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

Class I  

Six months
ended
7/31/08

(unaudited)

    Years ended 1/31  
      2008     2007     2006     2005     2004  
                                 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $6.92     $7.68     $7.42     $7.65     $7.68     $6.64  
Income (loss) from
investment operations
                                   

Net investment income (d)

  $0.30     $0.60     $0.59     $0.59     $0.55     $0.63  

Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss) on investments
and foreign currency

  (0.39 )   (0.69 )   0.28     (0.16 )   0.12     1.05  

Total from investment operations

  $(0.09 )   $(0.09 )   $0.87     $0.43     $0.67     $1.68  
Less distributions declared
to shareholders
                                   

From net investment income

  $(0.29 )   $(0.62 )   $(0.61 )   $(0.62 )   $(0.62 )   $(0.64 )

From net realized gain
on investments

  (0.00 )(w)   (0.05 )       (0.04 )   (0.08 )    

Total distributions declared
to shareholders

  $(0.29 )   $(0.67 )   $(0.61 )   $(0.66 )   $(0.70 )   $(0.64 )

Redemption fees added to paid-in
capital (d)

  $—     $—     $0.00 (w)   $0.00 (w)   $0.00 (w)   $—  

Net asset value, end of period

  $6.54     $6.92     $7.68     $7.42     $7.65     $7.68  

Total return (%) (r)(s)

  (1.30 )(n)   (1.51 )   12.27     5.92     9.23     26.41  
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                   

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

  0.86 (a)   0.84     0.92     0.94     0.93     0.99  

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

  0.50 (a)   0.50     0.50     0.50     0.51     0.66  

Net investment income

  8.98 (a)   8.01     7.89     7.86     7.75     8.66  

Portfolio turnover

  48     79     85     66     69     98  

Net assets at end of period
(000 Omitted)

  $37,306     $35,372     $56,243     $46,871     $33,556     $3,434  

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

27


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

Class W    Six months
ended
7/31/08 (i)
 
    
     (unaudited)  

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $6.92  

Income (loss) from investment operations

      

Net investment income (d)

   $0.10  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency

   (0.41 )

Total from investment operations

   $(0.31 )

Less distributions declared to shareholders

      

From net investment income

   $(0.09 )

Net asset value, end of period

   $6.52  

Total return (%) (r)(s)

   (4.43 )(n)

Ratios (%) (to average net assets) and Supplemental data:

      

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

   0.98 (a)

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

   0.60 (a)

Net investment income

   9.02 (a)

Portfolio turnover

   48  

Net assets at end of period (000 Omitted)

   $96  

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

28


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

Class R1   Six months
ended
7/31/08 (i)
 
   
    (unaudited)  

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $6.94  

Income (loss) from investment operations

     

Net investment income (d)

  $0.09  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency

  (0.41 )

Total from investment operations

  $(0.32 )

Less distributions declared to shareholders

     

From net investment income

  $(0.08 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $6.54  

Total return (%) (r)(s)

  (4.56 )(n)

Ratios (%) (to average net assets) and Supplemental data:

     

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

  1.88 (a)

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

  1.50 (a)

Net investment income

  8.08 (a)

Portfolio turnover

  48  

Net assets at end of period (000 Omitted)

  $95  

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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Class R2   Six months
ended
7/31/08 (i)
 
   
    (unaudited)  

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $6.94  

Income (loss) from investment operations

     

Net investment income (d)

  $0.09  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency

  (0.40 )

Total from investment operations

  $(0.31 )

Less distributions declared to shareholders

     

From net investment income

  $(0.09 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $6.54  

Total return (%) (r)(s)

  (4.48 )(n)

Ratios (%) (to average net assets) and Supplemental data:

     

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

  1.38 (a)

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

  1.00 (a)

Net investment income

  8.58 (a)

Portfolio turnover

  48  

Net assets at end of period (000 Omitted)

  $96  

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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Class R3   Six months
ended
7/31/08 (i)
 
   
    (unaudited)  

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $6.92  

Income (loss) from investment operations

     

Net investment income (d)

  $0.10  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency

  (0.41 )

Total from investment operations

  $(0.31 )

Less distributions declared to shareholders

     

From net investment income

  $(0.09 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $6.52  

Total return (%) (r)(s)

  (4.45 )(n)

Ratios (%) (to average net assets) and Supplemental data:

     

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

  1.13 (a)

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

  0.75 (a)

Net investment income

  8.86 (a)

Portfolio turnover

  48  

Net assets at end of period (000 Omitted)

  $96  

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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Class R4   Six months
ended
7/31/08 (i)
 
   
    (unaudited)  

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $6.92  

Income (loss) from investment operations

     

Net investment income (d)

  $0.10  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency

  (0.40 )

Total from investment operations

  $(0.30 )

Less distributions declared to shareholders

     

From net investment income

  $(0.10 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $6.52  

Total return (%) (r)(s)

  (4.41 )(n)

Ratios (%) (to average net assets) and Supplemental data:

     

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

  0.88 (a)

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

  0.50 (a)

Net investment income

  9.11 (a)

Portfolio turnover

  48  

Net assets at end of period (000 Omitted)

  $96  
(a) Annualized.
(d) Per share data are based on average shares outstanding.
(f) Ratios do not reflect reductions from fees paid indirectly, if applicable.
(i) For the period from the class’ inception, June 2, 2008 (Classes W, R1, R2, R3, and R4) through the stated period end.
(n) Not annualized.
(r) Certain expenses have been reduced without which performance would have been lower.
(s) From time to time the fund may receive proceeds from litigation settlements, without which performance would be lower.
(t) Total returns do not include any applicable sales charges.
(w) Per share amount was less than $0.01.

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

 

(1)   Business and Organization

MFS High Yield Opportunities Fund (the fund) is a series of MFS Series Trust III (the trust). The trust is organized as a Massachusetts business trust and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as an open-end management investment company.

 

(2)   Significant Accounting Policies

General – The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The fund can invest up to 100% of its portfolio in high-yield securities rated below investment grade. Investments in high-yield securities involve greater degrees of credit and market risk than investments in higher-rated securities and tend to be more sensitive to economic conditions. The fund can invest in foreign securities, including securities of emerging market issuers. Investments in foreign securities are vulnerable to the effects of changes in the relative values of the local currency and the U.S. dollar and to the effects of changes in each country’s legal, political, and economic environment. The markets of emerging markets countries are generally more volatile than the markets of developed countries with more mature economies. All of the risks of investing in foreign securities previously described are heightened when investing in emerging markets countries.

Investment Valuations – Debt instruments and floating rate loans (other than short-term instruments), including restricted debt instruments, are generally valued at an evaluated or composite bid as reported by a third party pricing service. Equity securities, including restricted equity securities, are generally valued at the last sale or official closing price as reported by a third party pricing service on the market or exchange on which they are primarily traded. For securities for which there were no sales reported that day, equity securities are generally valued at the last quoted daily bid quotation as reported by a third party pricing service on the market or exchange on which they are primarily traded. For securities held short for which there were no sales reported for the day, the position is generally valued at the last quoted daily ask quotation as reported by a third party pricing service on the market or exchange on which such securities are primarily traded. Short-term instruments with a maturity at issuance of 60 days or less may be valued at

 

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amortized cost, which approximates market value. Futures contracts are generally valued at last posted settlement price as reported by a third party pricing service on the market on which they are primarily traded. Futures contracts for which there were no trades that day for a particular position are generally valued at the closing bid quotation as reported by a third party pricing service on the market on which such futures contracts are primarily traded. Forward foreign currency contracts are generally valued at the mean of bid and asked prices for the time period interpolated from rates reported by a third party pricing service for proximate time periods. Swaps are generally valued at an evaluated bid as reported by a third party pricing service. Open-end investment companies are generally valued at net asset value per share. Securities and other assets generally valued on the basis of information from a third party pricing service may also be valued at a broker-dealer bid quotation. Values obtained from pricing services can utilize both dealer-supplied valuations and electronic data processing techniques, which take into account factors such as institutional-size trading in similar groups of securities, yield, quality, coupon rate, maturity, type of issue, trading characteristics, and other market data. The values of foreign securities and other assets and liabilities expressed in foreign currencies are converted to U.S. dollars using the mean of bid and asked prices for rates reported by a third party pricing service.

The Board of Trustees has delegated primary responsibility for determining or causing to be determined the value of the fund’s investments (including any fair valuation) to the adviser pursuant to valuation policies and procedures approved by the Board. If the adviser determines that reliable market quotations are not readily available, investments are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the adviser in accordance with such procedures under the oversight of the Board of Trustees. Under the fund’s valuation policies and procedures, market quotations are not considered to be readily available for most types of debt instruments and floating rate loans and many types of derivatives. These investments are generally valued at fair value based on information from independent pricing services. In addition, investments may be valued at fair value if the adviser determines that an investment’s value has been materially affected by events occurring after the close of the exchange or market on which the investment is principally traded (such as foreign exchange or market) and prior to the determination of the fund’s net asset value, or after the halting of trading of a specific security where trading does not resume prior to the close of the exchange or market on which the security is principally traded. The adviser may rely on independent pricing services or other information (such as the correlation with price movements of similar securities in the same or other markets; the type, cost and investment characteristics of the security; the business and financial condition of the

 

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issuer; and trading and other market data) to assist in determining whether to fair value and at what value to fair value an investment. The value of an investment for purposes of calculating the fund’s net asset value can differ depending on the source and method used to determine value. When fair valuation is used, the value of investments used to determine the fund’s net asset value may differ from quoted or published prices for the same investments.

The fund adopted FASB Statement No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (the “Statement”) in this reporting period. This Statement provides a single definition of fair value, a hierarchy for measuring fair value and expanded disclosures about fair value measurements.

Various inputs are used in determining the value of the fund’s assets or liabilities carried at market value. These inputs are categorized into three broad levels. Level 1 includes quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 includes other significant observable market-based inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speed, and credit risk). Level 3 includes unobservable inputs, which may include the adviser’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments. Other financial instruments are derivative instruments not reflected in total investments, such as futures, forwards, swap contracts and written options, which are valued at the unrealized appreciation/depreciation on the instrument. The following is a summary of the levels used as of July 31, 2008 in valuing the fund’s assets or liabilities carried at market value:

 

     Level 1    Level 2      Level 3    Total  
Investments in Securities    $42,967,143    $567,832,909      $—    $610,800,052  
Other Financial Instruments    $32,900    $(1,862,879 )    $—    $(1,829,979 )

Repurchase Agreements – The fund may enter into repurchase agreements with institutions that the fund’s investment adviser has determined are creditworthy. Each repurchase agreement is recorded at cost. The fund requires that the securities collateral in a repurchase transaction be transferred to a custodian in a manner sufficient to enable the fund to obtain those securities in the event of a default under the repurchase agreement. The fund monitors, on a daily basis, the value of the collateral to ensure that its value, including accrued interest, is greater than amounts owed to the fund under each such repurchase agreement.

Foreign Currency Translation – Purchases and sales of foreign investments, income, and expenses are converted into U.S. dollars based upon currency exchange rates prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions. Gains and losses attributable to foreign currency exchange rates on sales of securities are recorded for financial statement purposes as net realized gains and losses on investments. Gains and losses attributable to foreign exchange rate movements on income and expenses are recorded for financial statement

 

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purposes as foreign currency transaction gains and losses. That portion of both realized and unrealized gains and losses on investments that results from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates is not separately disclosed.

Derivative Risk – The fund may invest in derivatives for hedging or non-hedging purposes. While hedging can reduce or eliminate losses, it can also reduce or eliminate gains. When the fund uses derivatives as an investment to gain market exposure, or for hedging purposes, gains and losses from derivative instruments may be substantially greater than the derivative’s original cost. Cash that has been segregated on behalf of certain derivative contracts will be reported separately on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as restricted cash. On some over-the-counter derivatives, the fund attempts to reduce its exposure to counterparty credit risk by entering into an ISDA Master Agreement on a bilateral basis with each of the counterparties with whom it undertakes a significant volume of transactions. The ISDA Master Agreement gives the fund the right, upon an event of default by the applicable counterparty, to close out all transactions traded under such agreement and to net amounts owed under each transaction to one net amount payable by one party to the other. This right to close out and net payments across all transactions traded under the ISDA Master Agreement could result in a reduction of the fund’s credit risk to such counterparty equal to any amounts payable by the fund under the applicable transactions, if any. However, absent an event of default by the counterparty, the ISDA Master Agreement does not result in an offset of reported balance sheet assets and liabilities across transactions between the fund and the applicable counterparty. Derivative instruments include futures contracts, forward foreign currency exchange contracts, and swap agreements.

Futures Contracts – The fund may enter into futures contracts for the delayed delivery of securities or currency, or contracts based on financial indices at a fixed price on a future date. In entering such contracts, the fund is required to deposit with the broker either in cash or securities an amount equal to a certain percentage of the contract amount. Subsequent payments are made or received by the fund each day, depending on the daily fluctuations in the value of the contract, and are recorded for financial statement purposes as unrealized gains or losses by the fund. Upon entering into such contracts, the fund bears the risk of interest or exchange rates or securities prices moving unexpectedly, in which case, the fund may not achieve the anticipated benefits of the futures contracts and may realize a loss.

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts – The fund may enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts for the purchase or sale of a specific foreign currency at a fixed price on a future date. Risks may arise upon entering into these contracts from the potential inability of counterparties to meet the terms of their contracts and from unanticipated movements in the

 

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value of the contract. The fund may enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts for hedging purposes as well as for non-hedging purposes. For hedging purposes, the fund may enter into contracts to deliver or receive foreign currency it will receive from or require for its normal investment activities. The fund may also use contracts in a manner intended to protect foreign currency denominated securities from declines in value due to unfavorable exchange rate movements. For non-hedging purposes, the fund may enter into contracts with the intent of changing the relative exposure of the fund’s portfolio of securities to different currencies to take advantage of anticipated changes. The forward foreign currency exchange contracts are adjusted by the daily exchange rate of the underlying currency and any gains or losses are recorded as unrealized until the contract settlement date. On contract settlement date, the gains or losses are recorded as realized gains or losses on foreign currency transactions.

Swap Agreements – The fund may enter into swap agreements. A swap is an exchange of cash payments between the fund and another party. Net cash payments are exchanged at specified intervals and are recorded as a realized gain or loss in the Statement of Operations. The value of the swap is adjusted daily and the change in value, including accruals of periodic amounts of interest to be paid or received, is recorded as unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the Statement of Operations. Amounts paid or received at the inception of the swap are reflected as premiums paid or received on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities and are amortized using the effective interest method over the term of the agreement. A liquidation payment received or made upon early termination is recorded as a realized gain or loss in the Statement of Operations. Collateral, in the form of cash or securities, may be required to be held in segregated accounts with the fund’s custodian in connection with these agreements. Risk of loss may exceed amounts recognized on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. These risks include the possible lack of a liquid market, failure of the counterparty to perform under the terms of the agreements, and unfavorable market and interest rate movements of the underlying instrument.

The fund may hold credit default swaps in which one party makes a stream of payments based on a fixed percentage applied to the notional amount to another party in exchange for the right to receive a specified return in the event of a default by a third party, such as a corporate issuer or foreign issuer, on its obligation. The fund may enter into credit default swaps to limit or to reduce its risk exposure to defaults of corporate and sovereign issuers or to create direct or synthetic short or long exposure to corporate debt securities or certain sovereign debt securities to which it is not otherwise exposed.

In March 2008, FASB Statement No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (the “Standard”) was issued, and is

 

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effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008. This Standard provides enhanced disclosures about the fund’s use of and accounting for derivative instruments and the effect of derivative instruments on the fund’s results of operations and financial position. Management is evaluating the application of the Standard to the fund, and has not at this time determined the impact, if any, resulting from the adoption of this Standard on the fund’s financial statements.

Hybrid Instruments – The fund may invest in indexed or hybrid securities on which any combination of interest payments, the principal or stated amount payable at maturity is determined by reference to prices of other securities, currencies, indexes, economic factors or other measures, including interest rates, currency exchange rates, or securities indices. The risks of investing in hybrid instruments reflect a combination of the risks of investing in securities, swaps, options, futures and currencies. Hybrid instruments are potentially more volatile and carry greater market risks than traditional debt instruments. Depending on the structure of the particular hybrid instrument, changes in a benchmark, underlying assets or economic indicator may be magnified by the terms of the hybrid instrument and have an even more dramatic and substantial effect upon the value of the hybrid instrument. Also, the prices of the hybrid instrument and the benchmark, underlying asset or economic indicator may not move in the same direction or at the same time.

Loans and Other Direct Debt Instruments – The fund may invest in loans and loan participations or other receivables. These investments may include standby financing commitments, including revolving credit facilities, which obligate the fund to supply additional cash to the borrower on demand. At July 31, 2008, the portfolio had unfunded loan commitments of $9,834, which could be extended at the option of the borrower and which are covered by sufficient cash and/or liquid securities held by the fund. The market value and obligation of the fund on these unfunded loan commitments is included in Investments, at value and Payable for investments purchased, respectively, on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Loan participations involve a risk of insolvency of the lending bank or other financial intermediary.

Indemnifications – Under the fund’s organizational documents, its officers and trustees may be indemnified against certain liabilities and expenses arising out of the performance of their duties to the fund. Additionally, in the normal course of business, the fund enters into agreements with service providers that may contain indemnification clauses. The fund’s maximum exposure under these agreements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against the fund that have not yet occurred.

Investment Transactions and Income – Investment transactions are recorded on the trade date. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis. All premium and discount is amortized or accreted for financial statement

 

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purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The fund earns certain fees in connection with its floating rate loan purchasing activities. These fees are in addition to interest payments earned and may include amendment fees, commitment fees, facility fees, consent fees, and prepayment fees. Commitment fees are recorded on an accrual basis as income in the accompanying financial statements. Dividends received in cash are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Certain dividends from foreign securities will be recorded when the fund is informed of the dividend if such information is obtained subsequent to the ex-dividend date. Dividend and interest payments received in additional securities are recorded on the ex-dividend or ex-interest date in an amount equal to the value of the security on such date. The fund may receive proceeds from litigation settlements. Any proceeds received from litigation involving portfolio holdings are reflected in the Statement of Operations in realized gain/loss if the security has been disposed of by the fund or in unrealized gain/loss if the security is still held by the fund. Any other proceeds from litigation not related to portfolio holdings are reflected as other income in the Statement of Operations.

Fees Paid Indirectly – The fund’s custody fee may be reduced according to an arrangement that measures the value of cash deposited with the custodian by the fund. This amount, for the six months ended July 31, 2008, is shown as a reduction of total expenses on the Statement of Operations.

Tax Matters and Distributions – The fund intends to qualify as a regulated investment company, as defined under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code, and to distribute all of its taxable income, including realized capital gains. As a result, no provision for federal income tax is required. The fund adopted the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (“the Interpretation”). The Interpretation prescribes a minimum threshold for financial statement recognition of the benefit of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. There was no impact resulting from the adoption of this Interpretation on the fund’s financial statements. Each of the fund’s federal tax returns for the prior three fiscal years remains subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service. It is the fund’s policy to record interest and penalty charges on underpaid taxes associated with its tax positions as interest expense and miscellaneous expense, respectively. No such charges were recorded in the current financial statements. Foreign taxes, if any, have been accrued by the fund in the accompanying financial statements.

Distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Income and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Certain capital accounts in the financial statements are periodically adjusted for permanent differences in order to reflect their tax character. These

 

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adjustments have no impact on net assets or net asset value per share. Temporary differences which arise from recognizing certain items of income, expense, gain or loss in different periods for financial statement and tax purposes will reverse at some time in the future. Distributions in excess of net investment income or net realized gains are temporary overdistributions for financial statement purposes resulting from differences in the recognition or classification of income or distributions for financial statement and tax purposes.

Book/tax differences primarily relate to amortization and accretion of debt securities, wash sale loss deferrals, derivative transactions and treating a portion of the proceeds from redemptions as a distribution for tax purposes.

The tax character of distributions made during the current period will be determined at fiscal year end. The tax character of distributions declared to shareholders is as follows:

 

     1/31/08
Ordinary income (including any
short-term capital gains)
   $62,714,558
Long-term capital gain    2,500,171
   $65,214,729

The federal tax cost and the tax basis components of distributable earnings were as follows:

 

As of 7/31/08       
Cost of investments    $670,700,780  
Gross appreciation    6,134,793  
Gross depreciation    (66,035,521 )
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)    $(59,900,728 )
As of 1/31/08       
Undistributed ordinary income    $3,555,555  
Undistributed long-term capital gain    431,261  
Post-October capital loss deferral    (10,372,527 )
Other temporary differences    (4,574,892 )
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)    (45,099,113 )

The aggregate cost above includes prior fiscal year end tax adjustments.

Multiple Classes of Shares of Beneficial Interest – The fund offers multiple classes of shares, which differ in their respective distribution and services fees. The fund’s income, realized and unrealized gain (loss), and common expenses are allocated to shareholders based on the daily net assets of each class, without distinction between share classes. Dividends are declared separately for each class. Differences in per share dividend rates are generally due to differences in separate class expenses. Class B shares will convert to Class A shares approximately eight years after purchase.

 

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(3)   Transactions with Affiliates

Investment Adviser – The fund has an investment advisory agreement with Massachusetts Financial Services Company (MFS) to provide overall investment management and related administrative services and facilities to the fund. The management fee is computed daily and paid monthly at an annual rate of 0.65% of the fund’s average daily net assets.

As part of a settlement agreement with the New York Attorney General concerning market timing and related matters, MFS has agreed to reduce the management fee to 0.50% of the fund’s average daily net assets for the period March 1, 2004 through February 28, 2009. For the six months ended July 31, 2008, this waiver amounted to $484,127 and is reflected as a reduction of total expenses in the Statement of Operations.

The investment adviser has agreed in writing to pay all of the fund’s operating expenses, exclusive of management, distribution and service, and certain other fees and expenses. This written agreement will continue through May 31, 2009 unless changed or rescinded by the fund’s Board of Trustees. For the six months ended July 31, 2008, this reduction amounted to $687,196 and is reflected as a reduction of total expenses in the Statement of Operations.

Distributor – MFS Fund Distributors, Inc. (MFD), a wholly-owned subsidiary of MFS, as distributor, received $33,761 for the six months ended July 31, 2008, as its portion of the initial sales charge on sales of Class A shares of the fund.

The Board of Trustees has adopted a distribution plan for certain class shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 of the Investment Company Act of 1940.

The fund’s distribution plan provides that the fund will pay MFD for services provided by MFD and financial intermediaries in connection with the distribution and servicing of certain share classes. One component of the plan is a distribution fee paid to MFD and another component of the plan is a service fee paid to MFD. MFD may subsequently pay all, or a portion, of the distribution and/or service fees to financial intermediaries.

Distribution Plan Fee Table:

 

     Distribution
Fee Rate
   Service
Fee
Rate
   Total
Distribution
Plan (d)
   Annual
Effective
Rate (e)
   Distribution
and Service
Fee
Class A    0.10%    0.25%    0.35%    0.35%    $766,511
Class B    0.75%    0.25%    1.00%    1.00%    411,080
Class C    0.75%    0.25%    1.00%    1.00%    445,016
Class W (i)    0.10%       0.10%    0.10%    16
Class R1 (i)    0.75%    0.25%    1.00%    1.00%    160
Class R2 (i)    0.25%    0.25%    0.50%    0.50%    80
Class R3 (i)       0.25%    0.25%    0.25%    40
Total Distribution and Service Fees             $1,622,903

 

(d) In accordance with the distribution plan for certain classes, the fund pays distribution and/or service fees up to these annual percentage rates of each class’ average daily net assets.

 

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(e) The annual effective rates represent actual fees incurred under the distribution plan for the six months ended July 31, 2008 based on each class’ average daily net assets.
(i) For the period from the class’ inception, June 2, 2008 (Classes W, R1, R2, and R3) through the stated period end.

Certain Class A shares purchased prior to September 1, 2008 are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) in the event of a shareholder redemption within 12 months of purchase. Certain Class A shares purchased on or subsequent to September 1, 2008 are subject to a CDSC in the event of a shareholder redemption within 24 months of purchase. Class C shares are subject to a CDSC in the event of a shareholder redemption within 12 months of purchase. Class B shares are subject to a CDSC in the event of a shareholder redemption within six years of purchase. All contingent deferred sales charges are paid to MFD and during the six months ended July 31, 2008, were as follows:

 

     Amount
Class A    $—
Class B    $86,236
Class C    $8,923

Shareholder Servicing Agent – MFS Service Center, Inc. (MFSC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of MFS, receives a fee from the fund for its services as shareholder servicing agent calculated as a percentage of the average daily net assets of the fund as determined periodically under the supervision of the fund’s Board of Trustees. For the six months ended July 31, 2008, the fee was $123,324, which equated to 0.0382% annually of the fund’s average daily net assets. MFSC also receives payment from the fund for out-of-pocket expenses, sub-accounting and other shareholder servicing costs which may be paid to affiliated and unaffiliated service providers. For the six months ended July 31, 2008, these out-of-pocket expenses, sub-accounting and other shareholder servicing costs amounted to $284,554.

Administrator – MFS provides certain financial, legal, shareholder communications, compliance, and other administrative services to the fund. Under an administrative services agreement, the fund partially reimburses MFS the costs incurred to provide these services. The fund is charged a fixed amount plus a fee based on average daily net assets. The fund’s annual fixed amount is $17,500.

The administrative services fee incurred for the six months ended July 31, 2008 was equivalent to an annual effective rate of 0.0140% of the fund’s average daily net assets.

Trustees’ and Officers’ Compensation – The fund pays compensation to independent trustees in the form of a retainer, attendance fees, and additional compensation to Board and Committee chairpersons. The fund does not pay compensation directly to trustees or officers of the fund who are also officers of the investment adviser, all of whom receive remuneration for their services

 

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to the fund from MFS. Certain officers and trustees of the fund are officers or directors of MFS, MFD, and MFSC.

The fund has an unfunded, retirement benefit deferral plan for certain independent trustees which resulted in a net decrease in expense of $564. This amount is included in independent trustees’ compensation for the six months ended July 31, 2008. The liability for deferred retirement benefits payable to certain retired independent trustees amounted to $9,131 at July 31, 2008, and is included in payable for independent trustees’ compensation.

Other – This fund and certain other MFS funds (the funds) have entered into a services agreement (the Agreement) which provides for payment of fees by the funds to Tarantino LLC in return for the provision of services of an Independent Chief Compliance Officer (ICCO) for the funds. The ICCO is an officer of the funds and the sole member of Tarantino LLC. The funds can terminate the Agreement with Tarantino LLC at any time under the terms of the Agreement. For the six months ended July 31, 2008, the fee paid by the fund to Tarantino LLC was $1,924 and is included in miscellaneous expense on the Statement of Operations. MFS has agreed to reimburse the fund for a portion of the payments made by the fund to Tarantino LLC in the amount of $1,905, which is shown as a reduction of total expenses in the Statement of Operations. Additionally, MFS has agreed to bear all expenses associated with office space, other administrative support, and supplies provided to the ICCO.

The fund may invest in a money market fund managed by MFS which seeks preservation of capital and current income. Income earned on this investment is included in dividends from underlying funds on the Statement of Operations. This money market fund does not pay a management fee to MFS.

 

(4)   Portfolio Securities

Purchases and sales of investments, other than U.S. Government securities, purchased option transactions, and short-term obligations, aggregated $302,080,609 and $335,444,248, respectively.

 

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(5)   Shares of Beneficial Interest

The fund’s Declaration of Trust permits the Trustees to issue an unlimited number of full and fractional shares of beneficial interest. Transactions in fund shares were as follows:

 

     Six months ended
7/31/08 (i)
     Year ended
1/31/08
 
     Shares      Amount      Shares      Amount  
Shares sold            

Class A

   9,703,792      $65,524,690      34,726,687      $258,890,967  

Class B

   382,127      2,581,597      1,926,284      14,510,416  

Class C

   1,184,497      8,023,662      3,428,590      25,697,373  

Class I

   1,187,787      8,030,505      3,985,286      30,184,626  

Class W

   14,559      100,705            

Class R1

   14,505      100,629            

Class R2

   14,512      100,671            

Class R3

   14,557      100,692            

Class R4

   14,560      100,713            
   12,530,896      $84,663,864      44,066,847      $329,283,382  
Shares issued to shareholders in reinvestment of distributions            

Class A

   1,960,814      $13,340,617      4,334,643      $32,205,504  

Class B

   262,386      1,790,629      668,681      4,994,984  

Class C

   256,220      1,738,940      570,046      4,227,582  

Class I

   71,863      490,179      168,161      1,249,472  

Class W

   99      663            

Class R1

   88      590            

Class R2

   94      631            

Class R3

   97      651            

Class R4

   100      671            
   2,551,761      $17,363,571      5,741,531      $42,677,542  
Shares reacquired            

Class A

   (14,666,443 )    $(99,280,976 )    (36,416,984 )    $(267,550,156 )

Class B

   (2,244,841 )    (15,214,807 )    (5,739,608 )    (42,674,279 )

Class C

   (1,684,917 )    (11,338,174 )    (4,095,833 )    (30,069,410 )

Class I

   (664,893 )    (4,518,419 )    (6,364,579 )    (47,137,605 )
   (19,261,094 )    $(130,352,376 )    (52,617,004 )    $(387,431,450 )

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

     Six months ended
7/31/08 (i)
     Year ended
1/31/08
 
     Shares      Amount      Shares      Amount  
Net change            

Class A

   (3,001,837 )    $(20,415,669 )    2,644,346      $23,546,315  

Class B

   (1,600,328 )    (10,842,581 )    (3,144,643 )    (23,168,879 )

Class C

   (244,200 )    (1,575,572 )    (97,197 )    (144,455 )

Class I

   594,757      4,002,265      (2,211,132 )    (15,703,507 )

Class W

   14,658      101,368            

Class R1

   14,593      101,219            

Class R2

   14,606      101,302            

Class R3

   14,654      101,343            

Class R4

   14,660      101,384            
   (4,178,437 )    $(28,324,941 )    (2,808,626 )    $(15,470,526 )

 

(i) For the period from the class’ inception, June 2, 2008 (Classes W, R1, R2, R3, and R4), through the stated period end.

 

(6)   Line of Credit

The fund and other funds managed by MFS participate in a $1 billion unsecured committed line of credit provided by a syndication of banks under a credit agreement. In addition, the fund and other funds managed by MFS have established uncommitted borrowing arrangements with certain banks. Borrowings may be made for temporary financing needs. Interest is charged to each fund, based on its borrowings, generally at a rate equal to the Federal Reserve funds rate plus 0.30%. In addition, a commitment fee, based on the average daily, unused portion of the committed line of credit, is allocated among the participating funds at the end of each calendar quarter. For the six months ended July 31, 2008, the fund’s commitment fee and interest expense were $1,499 and $0, respectively, and are included in miscellaneous expense on the Statement of Operations.

 

(7)   Transactions in Underlying Funds-Affiliated Issuers

An affiliated issuer may be considered one in which the fund owns 5% or more of the outstanding voting securities, or a company which is under common control. For the purposes of this report, the fund assumes the following to be affiliated issuers:

 

Underlying Funds    Beginning
Shares/Par
Amount
   Acquisitions
Shares/Par
Amount
   Dispositions
Shares/Par
Amount
     Ending
Shares/Par
Amount
MFS Institutional Money
Market Portfolio
   8,260,181    167,687,481    (156,674,226 )    19,273,436
Underlying Funds    Realized
Gain (Loss)
   Capital Gain
Distributions
   Dividend
Income
     Ending
Value
MFS Institutional Money
Market Portfolio
   $—    $—    $209,615      $19,273,436

 

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BOARD REVIEW OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT

The Investment Company Act of 1940 requires that both the full Board of Trustees and a majority of the non-interested (“independent”) Trustees, voting separately, annually approve the continuation of the Fund’s investment advisory agreement with MFS. The Trustees consider matters bearing on the Fund and its advisory arrangements at their meetings throughout the year, including a review of performance data at each regular meeting. In addition, the independent Trustees met several times over the course of three months beginning in May and ending in July, 2008 (“contract review meetings”) for the specific purpose of considering whether to approve the continuation of the investment advisory agreement for the Fund and the other investment companies that the Board oversees (the “MFS Funds”). The independent Trustees were assisted in their evaluation of the Fund’s investment advisory agreement by independent legal counsel, from whom they received separate legal advice and with whom they met separately from MFS during various contract review meetings. The independent Trustees were also assisted in this process by the MFS Funds’ Independent Chief Compliance Officer, a full-time senior officer appointed by and reporting to the independent Trustees.

In connection with their deliberations regarding the continuation of the investment advisory agreement, the Trustees, including the independent Trustees, considered such information and factors as they believed, in light of the legal advice furnished to them and their own business judgment, to be relevant. The investment advisory agreement for the Fund was considered separately, although the Trustees also took into account the common interests of all MFS Funds in their review. As described below, the Trustees considered the nature, quality, and extent of the various investment advisory, administrative, and shareholder services performed by MFS under the existing investment advisory agreement and other arrangements with the Fund.

In connection with their contract review meetings, the Trustees received and relied upon materials that included, among other items: (i) information provided by Lipper Inc., an independent third party, on the investment performance of the Fund for various time periods ended December 31, 2007 and the investment performance of a group of funds with substantially similar investment classifications/objectives (the “Lipper performance universe”), (ii) information provided by Lipper Inc. on the Fund’s advisory fees and other expenses and the advisory fees and other expenses of comparable funds identified by Lipper Inc. (the “Lipper expense group”), (iii) information provided by MFS on the advisory fees of comparable portfolios of other clients of MFS, including institutional separate accounts and other clients, (iv) information as to whether and to what extent applicable expense waivers,

 

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Board Review of Investment Advisory Agreement – continued

 

reimbursements or fee “breakpoints” are observed for the Fund, (v) information regarding MFS’ financial results and financial condition, including MFS’ and certain of its affiliates’ estimated profitability from services performed for the Fund and the MFS Funds as a whole, (vi) MFS’ views regarding the outlook for the mutual fund industry and the strategic business plans of MFS, (vii) descriptions of various functions performed by MFS for the Funds, such as compliance monitoring and portfolio trading practices, and (viii) information regarding the overall organization of MFS, including information about MFS’ senior management and other personnel providing investment advisory, administrative and other services to the Fund and the other MFS Funds. The comparative performance, fee and expense information prepared and provided by Lipper Inc. was not independently verified and the independent Trustees did not independently verify any information provided to them by MFS.

The Trustees’ conclusion as to the continuation of the investment advisory agreement was based on a comprehensive consideration of all information provided to the Trustees and not the result of any single factor. Some of the factors that figured particularly in the Trustees’ deliberations are described below, although individual Trustees may have evaluated the information presented differently from one another, giving different weights to various factors. It is also important to recognize that the fee arrangements for the Fund and other MFS Funds are the result of years of review and discussion between the independent Trustees and MFS, that certain aspects of such arrangements may receive greater scrutiny in some years than in others, and that the Trustees’ conclusions may be based, in part, on their consideration of these same arrangements during the course of the year and in prior years.

Based on information provided by Lipper Inc. and MFS, the Trustees reviewed the Fund’s total return investment performance as well as the performance of peer groups of funds over various time periods. The Trustees placed particular emphasis on the total return performance of the Fund’s Class A shares in comparison to the performance of funds in its Lipper performance universe over the three-year period ended December 31, 2007, which the Trustees believed was a long enough period to reflect differing market conditions. The total return performance of the Fund’s Class A shares was in the 1st quintile relative to the other funds in the universe for this three-year period (the 1st quintile being the best performers and the 5th quintile being the worst performers). The total return performance of the Fund’s Class A shares was in the 4th quintile for the one-year period and the 2nd quintile for the five-year period ended December 31, 2007 relative to the Lipper performance universe. Because of the passage of time, these performance results may differ from the performance results for more recent periods, including those shown elsewhere in this report.

 

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Board Review of Investment Advisory Agreement – continued

 

In the course of their deliberations, the Trustees took into account information provided by MFS in connection with the contract review meetings, as well as during investment review meetings conducted with portfolio management personnel during the course of the year regarding the Fund’s performance. After reviewing these and related factors, the Trustees concluded, within the context of their overall conclusions regarding the investment advisory agreement, that they were satisfied with MFS’ responses and efforts relating to investment performance.

In assessing the reasonableness of the Fund’s advisory fee, the Trustees considered, among other information, the Fund’s advisory fee and the total expense ratio of the Fund’s Class A shares as a percentage of average daily net assets and the advisory fee and total expense ratios of peer groups of funds based on information provided by Lipper Inc. The Trustees considered that there is an advisory fee reduction in effect for the Fund through February 28, 2009 as part of MFS’ settlement with the New York Attorney General concerning market timing and related matters (the “NYAG Settlement”), and that MFS currently observes an expense limitation for the Fund. The Trustees also considered that, according to the Lipper data (which takes into account the advisory fee reduction and expense limitation), the Fund’s effective advisory fee rate and total expense ratio were each lower than the Lipper expense group median.

The Trustees also considered the advisory fees charged by MFS to institutional accounts. In comparing these fees, the Trustees considered information provided by MFS as to the generally broader scope of services provided by MFS to the Fund in comparison to institutional accounts, the higher demands placed on MFS’ investment personnel and trading infrastructure as a result of the daily cash in-flows and out-flows of the Fund, and the impact on MFS and expenses associated with the more extensive regulatory regime to which the Fund is subject in comparison to institutional accounts.

The Trustees also considered whether the Fund is likely to benefit from any economies of scale in the management of the Fund in the event of growth in assets of the Fund. They noted that the Fund’s advisory fee rate schedule is not currently subject to any breakpoints. Taking into account the advisory fee reduction and the expense limitation noted above, the Trustees determined not to recommend any advisory fee breakpoints for the Fund at this time.

The Trustees also considered information prepared by MFS relating to MFS’ costs and profits with respect to the Fund, the MFS Funds considered as a group, and other investment companies and accounts advised by MFS, as well as MFS’ methodologies used to determine and allocate its costs to the MFS Funds, the Fund and other accounts and products for purposes of estimating profitability.

After reviewing these and other factors described herein, the Trustees concluded, within the context of their overall conclusions regarding the

 

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Board Review of Investment Advisory Agreement – continued

 

investment advisory agreement, that the advisory fees charged to the Fund represent reasonable compensation in light of the services being provided by MFS to the Fund.

In addition, the Trustees considered MFS’ resources and related efforts to continue to retain, attract and motivate capable personnel to serve the Fund. The Trustees also considered current and developing conditions in the financial services industry, including the entry into the industry of large and well-capitalized companies which are spending, and appear to be prepared to continue to spend, substantial sums to engage personnel and to provide services to competing investment companies. In this regard, the Trustees also considered the financial resources of MFS and its ultimate parent, Sun Life Financial Inc. The Trustees also considered the advantages and possible disadvantages to the Fund of having an adviser that also serves other investment companies as well as other accounts.

The Trustees also considered the nature, quality, cost, and extent of administrative, transfer agency, and distribution services provided to the Fund by MFS and its affiliates under agreements and plans other than the investment advisory agreement, including any 12b-1 fees the Fund pays to MFS Fund Distributors, Inc. (“MFD”), an affiliate of MFS. The Trustees also considered the nature, extent and quality of certain other services MFS performs or arranges for on the Fund’s behalf, which may include securities lending programs, directed expense payment programs, class action recovery programs, and MFS’ interaction with third-party service providers, principally custodians and sub-custodians. The Trustees concluded that the various non-advisory services provided by MFS and its affiliates on behalf of the Funds were satisfactory.

The Trustees also considered benefits to MFS from the use of the Fund’s portfolio brokerage commissions, if applicable, to pay for investment research (excluding third-party research, for which MFS pays directly) and various other factors. Additionally, the Trustees considered so-called “fall-out benefits” to MFS such as reputational value derived from serving as investment manager to the Fund.

Based on their evaluation of factors that they deemed to be material, including those factors described above, the Board of Trustees, including a majority of the independent Trustees, concluded that the Fund’s investment advisory agreement with MFS should be continued for an additional one-year period, commencing August 1, 2008.

Note: The advisory fee reduction required by the NYAG Settlement with respect to the Fund will expire on February 28, 2009. At the time MFS entered into the NYAG Settlement, MFS also agreed with the Board that it would not eliminate such advisory fee reduction without the Board’s consent. Following

 

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Board Review of Investment Advisory Agreement – continued

 

discussions between MFS and the Board at the contract review meetings, MFS and the Board agreed that, effective March 1, 2009, MFS will no longer be required to observe an advisory fee reduction, and that, effective June 1, 2009, MFS will observe an expense limitation for the Fund, which may not be modified by MFS without the consent of the Board.

In addition, MFD has agreed to the Trustees’ recommendation to eliminate the distribution fee component of the 12b-1 fee paid by the Fund’s Class A shares, effective March 1, 2009.

 

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PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND INFORMATION

A general description of the MFS funds’ proxy voting policies and procedures is available without charge, upon request, by calling
1-800-225-2606, by visiting the Proxy Voting section of mfs.com or by visiting the SEC’s Web site at http://www.sec.gov.

Information regarding how the fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30 is available without charge by visiting the Proxy Voting section of mfs.com or by visiting the SEC’s Web site at http://www.sec.gov.

QUARTERLY PORTFOLIO DISCLOSURE

The fund will file a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the Commission) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The fund’s Form N-Q may be reviewed and copied at the:

Public Reference Room

Securities and Exchange Commission

100 F Street, NE, Room 1580

Washington, D.C. 20549

Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the Commission at 1-800-SEC-0330. The fund’s Form N-Q is available on the EDGAR database on the Commission’s Internet Web site at http://www.sec.gov, and copies of this information may be obtained, upon payment of a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following e-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov or by writing the Public Reference Section at the above address.

A shareholder can also obtain the quarterly portfolio holdings report at mfs.com.

 

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CONTACT US

Web site

mfs.com

MFS TALK

1-800-637-8255

24 hours a day

Account service and literature

Shareholders

1-800-225-2606

8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time

Investment professionals

1-800-343-2829

8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time

Retirement plan services

1-800-637-1255

8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time

Mailing address

MFS Service Center, Inc.

P.O. Box 55824

Boston, MA

02205-5824

Overnight mail

MFS Service Center, Inc.

c/o Boston Financial Data Services

30 Dan Road

Canton, MA 02021-2809

Go paperless with eDelivery: Arrange to have MFS® send prospectuses, reports, and proxies directly to your e-mail inbox. You’ll get timely information and less clutter in your mailbox (not to mention help your fund save printing and postage costs).

Sign up: If your account is registered with us, simply go to mfs.com, log in to your account via MFS® Access, and select the eDelivery sign-up options.

If you own your MFS fund shares through a financial institution or a retirement plan, MFS® TALK, MFS Access, and eDelivery may not be available to you.

LOGO


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ITEM 2. CODE OF ETHICS.

The Registrant has not amended any provision in its Code of Ethics (the “Code”) that relates to any element of the Code’s definition enumerated in paragraph (b) of Item 2 of this Form N-CSR.

 

ITEM 3. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT.

Not applicable for semi-annual reports.

 

ITEM 4. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.

Not applicable for semi-annual reports.

 

ITEM 5. AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS.

Not applicable to the Registrant.

 

ITEM 6. INVESTMENTS

A schedule of investments for each series of the Registrant is included as part of the report to shareholders of such series under Item 1 of this Form N-CSR.

 

ITEM 7. DISCLOSURE OF PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.

Not applicable to the Registrant.

 

ITEM 8. PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.

Not applicable to the Registrant.

 

ITEM 9. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS.

Not applicable to the Registrant.

 

ITEM 10. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.

There were no material changes to the procedures by which shareholders may send recommendations to the Board for nominees to the Registrant’s Board since the Registrant last provided disclosure as to such procedures in response to the requirements of Item 407 (c)(2)(iv) of Regulation S-K or this Item.


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ITEM 11. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

 

(a) Based upon their evaluation of the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Act”)) as conducted within 90 days of the filing date of this report on Form N-CSR, the registrant’s principal financial officer and principal executive officer have concluded that those disclosure controls and procedures provide reasonable assurance that the material information required to be disclosed by the registrant on this report is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.

 

(b) There were no changes in the registrant’s internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Act) that occurred during the second fiscal quarter of the period covered by the report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

ITEM 12. EXHIBITS.

 

(a) File the exhibits listed below as part of this form. Letter or number the exhibits in the sequence indicated.

 

  (1) Any code of ethics, or amendment thereto, that is the subject of the disclosure required by Item 2, to the extent that the registrant intends to satisfy the Item 2 requirements through filing of an exhibit.

 

  (2) A separate certification for each principal executive officer and principal financial officer of the registrant as required by Rule 30a-2 under the Act (17 CFR 270.30a-2): Attached hereto.

 

(b) If the report is filed under Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, provide the certifications required by Rule 30a-2(b) under the Act (17 CFR 270.30a-2(b)), Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13a-14(b) or 240.15d-14(b)) and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code (18 U.S.C. 1350) as an exhibit. A certification furnished pursuant to this paragraph will not be deemed “filed” for the purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act (15 U.S.C. 78r), or otherwise subject to the liability of that section. Such certification will not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Exchange Act, except to the extent that the registrant specifically incorporates it by reference: Attached hereto.

Notice

A copy of the Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust, as amended, of the Registrant is on file with the Secretary of State of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts and notice is hereby given that this instrument is executed on behalf of the Registrant by an officer of the Registrant as an officer and not individually and the obligations of or arising out of this instrument are not binding upon any of the Trustees or shareholders individually, but are binding only upon the assets and property of the respective constituent series of the Registrant.


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SIGNATURES

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.

(Registrant) MFS SERIES TRUST III

 

By (Signature and Title)*   ROBERT J. MANNING
  Robert J. Manning, President

Date: September 12, 2008

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 (Signature and Title)*   ROBERT J. MANNING
  Robert J. Manning, President (Principal Executive Officer)

Date: September 12, 2008

 

By (Signature and Title)*   MARIA F. DWYER
  Maria F. Dwyer, Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer and Accounting Officer)

Date: September 12, 2008

 

* Print name and title of each signing officer under his or her signature.