N-CSRS 1 d764323dncsrs.htm MFS SERIES TRUST III N-CSRS MFS SERIES TRUST III N-CSRS
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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)

111 Huntington Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02199

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

Susan S. Newton

Massachusetts Financial Services Company

111 Huntington Avenue

Boston, Massachusetts 02199

(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, 2014


Table of Contents
ITEM 1. REPORTS TO STOCKHOLDERS.


Table of Contents

SEMIANNUAL REPORT

July 31, 2014

 

LOGO

 

MFS® HIGH INCOME FUND

 

LOGO

 

MFH-SEM

 


Table of Contents

MFS® HIGH INCOME FUND

 

CONTENTS

 

Letter from the Chairman and CEO     1   
Portfolio composition     2   
Expense table     4   
Portfolio of investments     6   
Statement of assets and liabilities     24   
Statement of operations     26   
Statements of changes in net assets     27   
Financial highlights     28   
Notes to financial statements     35   
Board review of investment advisory agreement     54   
Proxy voting policies and information     58   
Quarterly portfolio disclosure     58   
Further information     58   
Provision of financial reports and summary prospectuses     58   
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 GUARANTEE


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LOGO

 

LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN AND CEO

 

Dear Shareholders:

The U.S. economy has gathered momentum after a slow start to the year. Industrial output, consumer confidence and retail sales have all strengthened along with the labor market. However, the unemployment rate remains elevated and the housing

market has cooled off. With second-quarter economic growth rebounding strongly, economists have a favorable outlook for the rest of the year.

China’s economy has picked up again, and Japan is moving steadily towards Prime Minister Abe’s economic goals, including an inflation rate of 2% by next spring. The eurozone’s economy appears to have turned a corner, with renewed growth. However, historically high unemployment persists, deflation remains a risk and Russian sanctions could present a new obstacle to regional growth.

With corporate earnings surpassing expectations, the greatest concerns now are related to conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine as well as growing speculation on when the U.S. Federal Reserve will begin increasing interest rates.

As always at MFS®, active risk management is integral to how we manage your investments. We use a collaborative process, sharing insights across asset classes, regions and economic sectors. Our global team of investment professionals uses a multidisciplined, long-term, diversified investment approach.

We understand that these are challenging economic times. We believe that we can serve you best by applying proven principles, such as asset allocation and diversification, over the long term. We are confident that this approach can serve you well as you work with your financial advisors to reach your goals in the years ahead.

Respectfully,

 

LOGO

Robert J. Manning

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

MFS Investment Management

September 15, 2014

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

 

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PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION

 

Portfolio structure (i)

 

LOGO

 

Top five industries (i)  
Energy-Independent     8.8%   
Cable TV     5.5%   
Midstream     5.1%   
Medical & Health Technology & Services     4.9%   
Metals & Mining     4.8%   
Composition including fixed income credit quality (a)(i)    
BBB     2.6%   
BB     34.7%   
B     46.9%   
CCC     12.2%   
CC (o)     0.0%   
C (o)     0.0%   
D (o)     0.0%   
Not Rated     0.5%   
Non-Fixed Income     0.3%   
Cash & Other     2.8%   
Portfolio facts (i)  
Average Duration (d)     4.5   
Average Effective Maturity (m)     7.0 yrs.   
 

 

(a) For all securities other than those specifically described below, ratings are assigned to underlying securities utilizing ratings from Moody’s, Fitch, and Standard & Poor’s rating agencies and applying the following hierarchy: If all three agencies provide a rating, the middle rating (after dropping the highest and lowest ratings) is assigned; if two of the three agencies rate a security, the lower of the two is assigned. Ratings are shown in the S&P and Fitch scale (e.g., AAA). Securities rated BBB or higher are considered investment grade. All ratings are subject to change. Not Rated includes fixed income securities, including fixed income futures contracts, which have not been rated by any rating agency. Non-Fixed Income includes equity securities (including convertible bonds and equity derivatives) and commodities. The fund may not hold all of these instruments. The fund is not rated by these 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 due to the interest rate move.
(i) For purposes of this presentation, the components include the value of securities, and reflect the impact of the equivalent exposure of derivative positions, if any. These amounts may be negative from time to time. Equivalent exposure is a calculated amount that translates the derivative position into a reasonable approximation of the amount of the underlying asset that the portfolio would have to hold at a given point in time to have the same price sensitivity that results from the portfolio’s ownership of the derivative contract. When dealing with derivatives, equivalent exposure is a more representative measure of the potential impact of a position on portfolio performance than value. The bond component will include any accrued interest amounts.

 

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Portfolio Composition – continued

 

(m) In determining an instrument’s effective maturity for purposes of calculating the fund’s dollar-weighted average effective maturity, MFS uses the instrument’s stated maturity or, if applicable, an earlier date on which MFS believes it is probable that a maturity-shortening device (such as a put, pre-refunding or prepayment) will cause the instrument to be repaid. Such an earlier date can be substantially shorter than the instrument’s stated maturity.
(o) Less than 0.1%.

Where the fund holds convertible bonds, these are treated as part of the equity portion of the portfolio.

Cash & Other can include cash, other assets less liabilities, offsets to derivative positions, and short-term securities.

Percentages are based on net assets as of 7/31/14.

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, 2014 through July 31, 2014

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, 2014 through July 31, 2014.

The 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
2/01/14
    Ending
Account Value
7/31/14
    Expenses
Paid During
Period (p)
2/01/14-7/31/14
 
A   Actual     0.91%        $1,000.00        $1,028.77        $4.58   
  Hypothetical (h)     0.91%        $1,000.00        $1,020.28        $4.56   
B   Actual     1.66%        $1,000.00        $1,024.96        $8.33   
  Hypothetical (h)     1.66%        $1,000.00        $1,016.56        $8.30   
C   Actual     1.66%        $1,000.00        $1,024.96        $8.33   
  Hypothetical (h)     1.66%        $1,000.00        $1,016.56        $8.30   
I   Actual     0.66%        $1,000.00        $1,030.07        $3.32   
  Hypothetical (h)     0.66%        $1,000.00        $1,021.52        $3.31   
R1   Actual     1.66%        $1,000.00        $1,024.93        $8.33   
  Hypothetical (h)     1.66%        $1,000.00        $1,016.56        $8.30   
R2   Actual     1.16%        $1,000.00        $1,027.51        $5.83   
  Hypothetical (h)     1.16%        $1,000.00        $1,019.04        $5.81   
R3   Actual     0.91%        $1,000.00        $1,025.93        $4.57   
  Hypothetical (h)     0.91%        $1,000.00        $1,020.28        $4.56   
R4   Actual     0.66%        $1,000.00        $1,030.07        $3.32   
  Hypothetical (h)     0.66%        $1,000.00        $1,021.52        $3.31   
R5   Actual     0.59%        $1,000.00        $1,027.59        $2.97   
  Hypothetical (h)     0.59%        $1,000.00        $1,021.87        $2.96   
529A   Actual     0.95%        $1,000.00        $1,025.78        $4.77   
  Hypothetical (h)     0.95%        $1,000.00        $1,020.08        $4.76   
529B   Actual     1.71%        $1,000.00        $1,021.85        $8.57   
  Hypothetical (h)     1.71%        $1,000.00        $1,016.31        $8.55   
529C   Actual     1.71%        $1,000.00        $1,024.70        $8.58   
  Hypothetical (h)     1.71%        $1,000.00        $1,016.31        $8.55   

 

(h) 5% class return per year before expenses.
(p) “Expenses Paid During Period” are equal to each class’s annualized expense ratio, as shown above, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period). Expenses paid do not include any applicable sales charges (loads). If these transaction costs had been included, your costs would have been higher.

Notes to Expense Table

Each class with a Rule 12b-1 service fee is subject to a rebate of a portion of such fee. Such rebates are included in the expense ratios above. For Class A and Class 529A shares, this rebate reduced the expense ratios above by 0.01% and 0.02%, respectively. See Note 3 in the Notes to Financial Statements for additional information.

 

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PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS

7/31/14 (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 - 91.1%                 
Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Aerospace - 2.2%                 
Bombardier, Inc., 7.5%, 3/15/18 (n)    $ 3,280,000      $ 3,583,405   
Bombardier, Inc., 7.75%, 3/15/20 (n)      2,770,000        2,991,600   
Bombardier, Inc., 6.125%, 1/15/23 (n)      5,020,000        4,944,700   
CPI International, Inc., 8.75%, 2/15/18      4,927,000        5,148,715   
Gencorp, Inc., 7.125%, 3/15/21      5,375,000        5,817,363   
Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc., 7.125%, 3/15/21      6,395,000        6,842,650   
TransDigm, Inc., 6%, 7/15/22 (z)      470,000        472,350   
TransDigm, Inc., 6.5%, 7/15/24 (z)      1,975,000        1,994,750   
    

 

 

 
      $ 31,795,533   
Apparel Manufacturers - 0.4%                 
Hanesbrands, Inc., 6.375%, 12/15/20    $ 2,990,000      $ 3,176,875   
PVH Corp., 4.5%, 12/15/22      2,945,000        2,849,288   
    

 

 

 
      $ 6,026,163   
Asset-Backed & Securitized - 0.1%                 
Citigroup Commercial Mortgage Trust, FRN, 5.898%, 12/10/49 (d)(q)    $ 2,948,120      $ 405,661   
CW Capital Cobalt Commercial Mortgage Trust, “E2”, CDO, 6%, 5/25/45 (a)(d)(p)(z)      1,387,564        192,996   
CW Capital Cobalt Commercial Mortgage Trust, “F”, CDO, FRN, 1.535%, 4/26/50 (a)(d)(p)(z)      659,687        7   
CW Capital Cobalt Commercial Mortgage Trust, “G”, CDO, FRN, 1.735%, 4/26/50 (a)(d)(p)(z)      2,063,671        21   
Falcon Franchise Loan LLC, FRN, 16.08%, 1/05/25 (i)(z)      743,158        245,242   
First Union National Bank Commercial Mortgage Trust, 6.75%, 10/15/32 (d)(q)      1,447,046        724,572   
G-Force LLC, CDO, “A2”, 4.83%, 8/22/36 (z)      1,891        1,936   
LB Commercial Conduit Mortgage Trust, FRN, 1.248%, 2/18/30 (i)      1,964,768        46,946   
Morgan Stanley Capital I, Inc., FRN, 1.414%, 4/28/39 (i)(z)      5,276,328        34,903   
    

 

 

 
      $ 1,652,284   
Automotive - 2.9%                 
Accuride Corp., 9.5%, 8/01/18    $ 6,635,000      $ 6,966,750   
Allison Transmission, Inc., 7.125%, 5/15/19 (n)      6,660,000        7,059,600   
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., 6.5%, 3/01/21      6,650,000        7,032,375   
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., 7%, 5/15/22      1,340,000        1,453,900   
Jaguar Land Rover PLC, 8.125%, 5/15/21 (n)      7,060,000        7,818,950   
Jaguar Land Rover PLC, 5.625%, 2/01/23 (n)      1,055,000        1,102,475   

 

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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Bonds - continued                 
Automotive - continued                 
Lear Corp., 8.125%, 3/15/20    $ 1,350,000      $ 1,444,500   
Lear Corp., 4.75%, 1/15/23      3,035,000        2,987,578   
Schaeffler Finance B.V., 6.875%, 8/15/18 (n)(p)      3,050,000        3,202,500   
Schaeffler Finance B.V., 4.75%, 5/15/21 (z)      2,795,000        2,836,925   
    

 

 

 
      $ 41,905,553   
Broadcasting - 2.3%                 
AMC Networks, Inc., 7.75%, 7/15/21    $ 3,641,000      $ 3,986,895   
Clear Channel Communications, Inc., 9%, 3/01/21      3,262,000        3,372,093   
Clear Channel Worldwide Holdings, Inc., “A”, 6.5%, 11/15/22      830,000        867,350   
Clear Channel Worldwide Holdings, Inc., “B”, 6.5%, 11/15/22      3,080,000        3,234,000   
Liberty Media Corp., 8.5%, 7/15/29      4,285,000        4,756,350   
Liberty Media Corp., 8.25%, 2/01/30      40,000        44,200   
Netflix, Inc., 5.375%, 2/01/21      3,625,000        3,742,813   
Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc., 6.875%, 11/15/20      3,920,000        4,155,200   
Univision Communications, Inc., 6.875%, 5/15/19 (n)      3,455,000        3,627,750   
Univision Communications, Inc., 7.875%, 11/01/20 (n)      3,145,000        3,380,875   
Univision Communications, Inc., 8.5%, 5/15/21 (n)      870,000        939,600   
    

 

 

 
      $ 32,107,126   
Brokerage & Asset Managers - 0.6%                 
E*TRADE Financial Corp., 6.375%, 11/15/19    $ 7,590,000      $ 8,064,375   
Building - 3.4%   
Allegion U.S. Holding Co., Inc., 5.75%, 10/01/21    $ 5,631,000      $ 5,912,550   
Building Materials Holding Corp., 6.875%, 8/15/18 (n)      950,000        983,250   
Building Materials Holding Corp., 7%, 2/15/20 (n)      1,150,000        1,206,063   
Building Materials Holding Corp., 6.75%, 5/01/21 (n)      4,385,000        4,675,506   
CEMEX Espana S.A., 9.25%, 5/12/20      3,215,000        3,480,238   
CEMEX Espana S.A., 9.25%, 5/12/20 (n)      1,180,000        1,277,350   
CEMEX S.A.B. de C.V., 5.875%, 3/25/19 (n)      669,000        680,708   
CEMEX S.A.B. de C.V., 6.5%, 12/10/19 (n)      546,000        569,888   
CEMEX S.A.B. de C.V., 7.25%, 1/15/21 (n)      910,000        964,600   
Gibraltar Industries, Inc., 6.25%, 2/01/21      2,755,000        2,816,988   
HD Supply, Inc., 8.125%, 4/15/19      2,470,000        2,667,600   
HD Supply, Inc., 7.5%, 7/15/20      6,440,000        6,874,700   
Headwaters, Inc., 7.25%, 1/15/19      2,210,000        2,309,450   
Headwaters, Inc., 7.625%, 4/01/19      1,455,000        1,527,750   
Nortek, Inc., 8.5%, 4/15/21      4,750,000        5,153,750   
Roofing Supply Group LLC/Roofing Supply Finance, Inc., 10%, 6/01/20 (n)      3,690,000        3,929,850   
USG Corp., 7.875%, 3/30/20 (n)      1,570,000        1,705,413   
USG Corp., 5.875%, 11/01/21 (n)      910,000        937,300   
    

 

 

 
      $ 47,672,954   

 

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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Bonds - continued                 
Business Services - 1.4%                 
Equinix, Inc., 4.875%, 4/01/20    $ 3,670,000      $ 3,697,525   
Equinix, Inc., 5.375%, 4/01/23      1,955,000        1,964,775   
Fidelity National Information Services, Inc., 5%, 3/15/22      3,080,000        3,261,674   
Iron Mountain, Inc., 8.375%, 8/15/21      1,729,000        1,793,838   
Iron Mountain, Inc., 6%, 8/15/23      3,350,000        3,492,375   
Lender Processing Services, Inc., 5.75%, 4/15/23      1,415,000        1,515,465   
NeuStar, Inc., 4.5%, 1/15/23      4,795,000        4,075,750   
    

 

 

 
      $ 19,801,402   
Cable TV - 5.2%                 
CCO Holdings LLC/CCO Holdings Capital Corp., 8.125%, 4/30/20    $ 6,590,000      $ 7,026,588   
CCO Holdings LLC/CCO Holdings Capital Corp., 7.375%, 6/01/20      1,305,000        1,393,088   
CCO Holdings LLC/CCO Holdings Capital Corp., 6.5%, 4/30/21      5,360,000        5,574,400   
CCO Holdings LLC/CCO Holdings Capital Corp., 5.75%, 1/15/24      4,205,000        4,183,975   
Cequel Communications Holdings, 6.375%, 9/15/20 (n)      5,065,000        5,216,950   
DISH DBS Corp., 6.75%, 6/01/21      3,410,000        3,751,000   
DISH DBS Corp., 5%, 3/15/23      2,975,000        2,915,500   
Intelsat Jackson Holdings S.A., 6.625%, 12/15/22      3,660,000        3,696,600   
Intelsat Jackson Holdings S.A., 5.5%, 8/01/23      6,225,000        5,976,000   
Intelsat Luxembourg S.A., 8.125%, 6/01/23      4,615,000        4,799,600   
Lynx I Corp., 5.375%, 4/15/21 (n)      1,575,000        1,590,750   
Lynx II Corp., 6.375%, 4/15/23 (n)      2,635,000        2,766,750   
Numericable Group S.A., 6%, 5/15/22 (n)      5,325,000        5,351,625   
SIRIUS XM Radio, Inc., 4.25%, 5/15/20 (n)      1,020,000        981,750   
SIRIUS XM Radio, Inc., 5.875%, 10/01/20 (n)      460,000        470,350   
SIRIUS XM Radio, Inc., 4.625%, 5/15/23 (n)      2,535,000        2,357,550   
SIRIUS XM Radio, Inc., 6%, 7/15/24 (z)      2,340,000        2,351,700   
Telenet Finance Luxembourg, 6.375%, 11/15/20 (n)    EUR 1,875,000        2,668,291   
Unitymedia Hessen, 5.5%, 1/15/23 (n)    $ 4,235,000        4,256,175   
UPCB Finance III Ltd., 6.625%, 7/01/20 (n)      3,833,000        4,043,815   
Ziggo Bond Co. B.V., 8%, 5/15/18 (n)    EUR 2,225,000        3,262,130   
    

 

 

 
      $ 74,634,587   
Chemicals - 3.0%                 
Celanese U.S. Holdings LLC, 5.875%, 6/15/21    $ 4,178,000      $ 4,522,685   
Celanese U.S. Holdings LLC, 4.625%, 11/15/22      1,760,000        1,751,200   
Flash Dutch 2 B.V./U.S. Coatings Acquisition, 7.375%, 5/01/21 (n)      3,365,000        3,575,313   
Hexion U.S. Finance Corp., 6.625%, 4/15/20      2,190,000        2,277,600   
Hexion U.S. Finance Corp./Hexion Nova Scotia Finance, 8.875%, 2/01/18      4,005,000        4,133,160   
Huntsman International LLC, 8.625%, 3/15/21      4,280,000        4,654,500   
INEOS Finance PLC, 8.375%, 2/15/19 (n)      4,145,000        4,476,600   
INEOS Group Holdings S.A., 6.125%, 8/15/18 (n)      3,665,000        3,701,650   

 

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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Bonds - continued                 
Chemicals - continued                 
INEOS Group Holdings S.A., 5.875%, 2/15/19 (n)    $ 2,745,000      $ 2,772,450   
Taminco Global Chemical Corp., 9.75%, 3/31/20 (n)      3,745,000        4,110,138   
Tronox Finance LLC, 6.375%, 8/15/20      7,175,000        7,246,750   
    

 

 

 
      $ 43,222,046   
Computer Software - 0.4%                 
Syniverse Holdings, Inc., 9.125%, 1/15/19    $ 1,453,000      $ 1,525,650   
VeriSign, Inc., 4.625%, 5/01/23      4,260,000        4,153,500   
    

 

 

 
      $ 5,679,150   
Computer Software - Systems - 0.7%                 
Audatex North America, Inc., 6%, 6/15/21 (n)    $ 3,560,000      $ 3,729,100   
Audatex North America, Inc., 6.125%, 11/01/23 (n)      835,000        872,575   
CDW LLC/CDW Finance Corp., 8.5%, 4/01/19      3,795,000        4,032,188   
CDW LLC/CDW Finance Corp., 6%, 8/15/22      1,915,000        1,915,000   
    

 

 

 
      $ 10,548,863   
Conglomerates - 2.0%                 
Amsted Industries Co., 5%, 3/15/22 (n)    $ 5,085,000      $ 5,046,863   
BC Mountain LLC, 7%, 2/01/21 (n)      3,290,000        3,158,400   
Dynacast International LLC, 9.25%, 7/15/19      2,295,000        2,513,025   
Entegris, Inc., 6%, 4/01/22 (n)      5,505,000        5,683,913   
Renaissance Acquisition, 6.875%, 8/15/21 (n)      5,585,000        5,626,888   
Rexel S.A., 6.125%, 12/15/19 (n)      3,200,000        3,312,000   
Silver II Borrower, 7.75%, 12/15/20 (n)      3,195,000        3,346,763   
    

 

 

 
      $ 28,687,852   
Construction - 0.3%                 
Empresas ICA S.A.B. de C.V., 8.875%, 5/29/24 (n)    $ 1,546,000      $ 1,580,785   
Empresas ICA Sociedad Controladora S.A. de C.V., 8.9%, 2/04/21      2,555,000        2,682,750   
    

 

 

 
      $ 4,263,535   
Consumer Products - 0.9%                 
Elizabeth Arden, Inc., 7.375%, 3/15/21    $ 4,411,000      $ 4,554,358   
Prestige Brands, Inc., 8.125%, 2/01/20      1,531,000        1,676,445   
Prestige Brands, Inc., 5.375%, 12/15/21 (n)      3,135,000        3,135,000   
Spectrum Brands, Inc., 6.375%, 11/15/20      3,270,000        3,441,675   
    

 

 

 
      $ 12,807,478   
Consumer Services - 1.6%                 
ADT Corp., 6.25%, 10/15/21    $ 4,995,000      $ 5,169,825   
ADT Corp., 4.125%, 6/15/23      1,585,000        1,434,425   
Garda World Security Corp., 7.25%, 11/15/21 (z)      2,905,000        2,955,838   

 

9


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Bonds - continued                 
Consumer Services - continued                 
Garda World Security Corp., 7.25%, 11/15/21 (z)    $ 1,200,000      $ 1,221,000   
Grupo Posadas S.A.B. de C.V., 7.875%, 11/30/17      2,125,000        2,156,875   
Monitronics International, Inc., 9.125%, 4/01/20      3,885,000        4,079,250   
Service Corp. International, 7%, 6/15/17      2,630,000        2,912,725   
Service Corp. International, 5.375%, 5/15/24 (n)      2,120,000        2,167,700   
    

 

 

 
      $ 22,097,638   
Containers - 3.0%                 
Ardagh Packaging Finance PLC, 7%, 11/15/20 (n)    $ 748,235      $ 737,012   
Ardagh Packaging Finance PLC, 9.125%, 10/15/20 (n)      4,110,000        4,418,250   
Ardagh Packaging Finance PLC, 9.125%, 10/15/20 (n)      400,000        432,000   
Ardagh Packaging Finance PLC, 6%, 6/30/21 (z)      2,845,000        2,716,975   
Ball Corp., 5%, 3/15/22      1,624,000        1,619,940   
Ball Corp., 4%, 11/15/23      2,735,000        2,523,038   
Berry Plastics Group, Inc., 5.5%, 5/15/22      5,470,000        5,333,250   
Crown American LLC, 4.5%, 1/15/23      7,310,000        6,907,950   
Greif, Inc., 6.75%, 2/01/17      1,410,000        1,533,375   
Greif, Inc., 7.75%, 8/01/19      795,000        898,350   
Reynolds Group, 7.125%, 4/15/19      2,925,000        3,034,688   
Reynolds Group, 9.875%, 8/15/19      1,030,000        1,109,825   
Reynolds Group, 5.75%, 10/15/20      2,760,000        2,815,200   
Reynolds Group, 8.25%, 2/15/21      5,025,000        5,326,500   
Signode Industrial Group, 6.375%, 5/01/22 (z)      3,440,000        3,388,400   
    

 

 

 
      $ 42,794,753   
Defense Electronics - 0.4%                 
Ducommun, Inc., 9.75%, 7/15/18    $ 5,106,000      $ 5,629,365   
Electronics - 1.7%   
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc., 6.75%, 3/01/19 (n)    $ 4,010,000      $ 4,110,250   
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc., 7.5%, 8/15/22      1,500,000        1,552,500   
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc., 7%, 7/01/24 (z)      1,165,000        1,135,875   
Micron Technology, Inc., 5.875%, 2/15/22 (n)      3,305,000        3,470,250   
Micron Technology, Inc., 5.5%, 2/01/25 (z)      2,290,000        2,278,550   
Nokia Corp., 5.375%, 5/15/19      1,075,000        1,139,500   
Nokia Corp., 6.625%, 5/15/39      1,345,000        1,435,788   
NXP B.V., 5.75%, 2/15/21 (n)      1,770,000        1,840,800   
NXP B.V., 5.75%, 3/15/23 (n)      3,430,000        3,541,475   
Sensata Technologies B.V., 6.5%, 5/15/19 (n)      3,770,000        3,939,650   
    

 

 

 
      $ 24,444,638   
Energy - Independent - 8.5%                 
American Energy-Permian Basin LLC, 7.125%, 11/01/20 (z)    $ 1,790,000      $ 1,727,350   
American Energy-Permian Basin LLC, 7.375%, 11/01/21 (z)      1,495,000        1,442,675   

 

10


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Bonds - continued                 
Energy - Independent - continued                 
Antero Resources Finance Corp., 6%, 12/01/20    $ 3,740,000      $ 3,898,950   
Antero Resources Finance Corp., 5.375%, 11/01/21      2,650,000        2,683,125   
Athlon Holdings LP/Athlon Finance Corp., 6%, 5/01/22 (z)      4,080,000        4,090,200   
Baytex Energy Corp., 5.125%, 6/01/21 (z)      585,000        580,613   
Baytex Energy Corp., 5.625%, 6/01/24 (z)      2,985,000        2,940,225   
Bill Barrett Corp., 7%, 10/15/22      3,950,000        4,048,750   
BreitBurn Energy Partners LP, 8.625%, 10/15/20      1,395,000        1,499,625   
BreitBurn Energy Partners LP, 7.875%, 4/15/22      6,375,000        6,661,875   
Chaparral Energy, Inc., 7.625%, 11/15/22      3,770,000        3,949,075   
Chesapeake Energy Corp., 5.75%, 3/15/23      1,345,000        1,435,788   
Concho Resources, Inc., 6.5%, 1/15/22      4,690,000        4,994,850   
Concho Resources, Inc., 5.5%, 4/01/23      4,295,000        4,445,325   
Denbury Resources, Inc., 4.625%, 7/15/23      3,755,000        3,510,925   
EP Energy LLC, 6.875%, 5/01/19      1,435,000        1,503,163   
EP Energy LLC, 9.375%, 5/01/20      5,265,000        5,830,988   
EP Energy LLC, 7.75%, 9/01/22      6,260,000        6,823,400   
EPL Oil & Gas, Inc., 8.25%, 2/15/18      4,555,000        4,759,975   
Halcon Resources Corp., 8.875%, 5/15/21      5,825,000        6,043,438   
Harvest Operations Corp., 6.875%, 10/01/17      3,985,000        4,293,838   
Hilcorp Energy I/Hilcorp Finance Co., 8%, 2/15/20 (n)      1,870,000        1,991,550   
Laredo Petroleum, Inc., 5.625%, 1/15/22      1,440,000        1,465,200   
Laredo Petroleum, Inc., 7.375%, 5/01/22      1,155,000        1,258,950   
LINN Energy LLC, 8.625%, 4/15/20      2,050,000        2,165,313   
LINN Energy LLC, 7.75%, 2/01/21      3,166,000        3,316,385   
MEG Energy Corp., 6.5%, 3/15/21 (n)      2,285,000        2,347,838   
MEG Energy Corp., 7%, 3/31/24 (n)      3,245,000        3,431,588   
Northern Blizzard Resources, Inc., 7.25%, 2/01/22 (n)      4,205,000        4,425,763   
Oasis Petroleum, Inc., 6.875%, 3/15/22 (n)      5,605,000        6,067,413   
Range Resources Corp., 5%, 8/15/22      5,535,000        5,673,375   
Sanchez Energy Corp., 6.125%, 1/15/23 (z)      2,985,000        2,977,538   
SandRidge Energy, Inc., 8.125%, 10/15/22      4,415,000        4,701,975   
SM Energy Co., 6.5%, 11/15/21      4,230,000        4,536,675   
    

 

 

 
      $ 121,523,716   
Entertainment - 1.7%                 
Activision Blizzard, Inc., 6.125%, 9/15/23 (n)    $ 2,970,000      $ 3,200,175   
Cedar Fair LP, 5.25%, 3/15/21      4,270,000        4,312,700   
Cedar Fair LP, 5.375%, 6/01/24 (n)      1,790,000        1,790,000   
Cinemark USA, Inc., 5.125%, 12/15/22      2,805,000        2,826,038   
Cinemark USA, Inc., 4.875%, 6/01/23      2,495,000        2,438,863   
Seven Seas Cruises S. DE R.L., 9.125%, 5/15/19      4,755,000        5,135,400   
Six Flags Entertainment Corp., 5.25%, 1/15/21 (n)      4,115,000        4,094,425   
    

 

 

 
      $ 23,797,601   

 

11


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Bonds - continued                 
Financial Institutions - 4.8%                 
Aircastle Ltd., 4.625%, 12/15/18    $ 3,385,000      $ 3,444,238   
Aircastle Ltd., 5.125%, 3/15/21      1,815,000        1,819,538   
Aviation Capital Group, 4.625%, 1/31/18 (n)      2,300,000        2,433,959   
Aviation Capital Group, 6.75%, 4/06/21 (n)      3,515,000        3,958,442   
CIT Group, Inc., 5.25%, 3/15/18      3,330,000        3,513,150   
CIT Group, Inc., 6.625%, 4/01/18 (n)      5,369,000        5,919,323   
CIT Group, Inc., 5.5%, 2/15/19 (n)      5,562,000        5,937,435   
CIT Group, Inc., 5%, 8/15/22      4,690,000        4,842,425   
Icahn Enterprises LP, 6%, 8/01/20      3,730,000        3,888,525   
Icahn Enterprises LP, 5.875%, 2/01/22      5,785,000        5,897,084   
International Lease Finance Corp., 7.125%, 9/01/18 (n)      2,634,000        3,015,930   
Nationstar Mortgage LLC/Capital Corp., 6.5%, 8/01/18      2,615,000        2,588,850   
Nationstar Mortgage LLC/Capital Corp., 7.875%, 10/01/20      5,115,000        5,217,300   
SLM Corp., 4.875%, 6/17/19      930,000        936,975   
SLM Corp., 8%, 3/25/20      6,735,000        7,610,550   
SLM Corp., 7.25%, 1/25/22      4,225,000        4,626,375   
SLM Corp., 6.125%, 3/25/24      2,140,000        2,086,500   
    

 

 

 
      $ 67,736,599   
Food & Beverages - 1.4%                 
B&G Foods, Inc., 4.625%, 6/01/21    $ 2,800,000      $ 2,730,000   
Constellation Brands, Inc., 3.75%, 5/01/21      525,000        511,875   
Constellation Brands, Inc., 4.25%, 5/01/23      3,885,000        3,836,438   
Darling Ingrediants, Inc., 5.375%, 1/15/22 (n)      4,595,000        4,721,363   
H.J. Heinz Co., 4.25%, 10/15/20      2,610,000        2,593,688   
Sun Merger Sub, Inc., 5.875%, 8/01/21 (n)      4,560,000        4,788,000   
    

 

 

 
      $ 19,181,364   
Forest & Paper Products - 0.4%                 
Appvion, Inc., 9%, 6/01/20 (n)    $ 3,130,000      $ 2,989,150   
Tembec Industries, Inc., 11.25%, 12/15/18      2,880,000        3,088,800   
    

 

 

 
      $ 6,077,950   
Gaming & Lodging - 2.3%                 
CCM Merger, Inc., 9.125%, 5/01/19 (n)    $ 3,945,000      $ 4,161,975   
Chester Downs & Marina LLC, 9.25%, 2/01/20 (n)      1,750,000        1,662,500   
Greektown Holdings LLC, 8.875%, 3/15/19 (n)      3,515,000        3,497,425   
Hilton Worldwide Finance Co., 5.625%, 10/15/21 (n)      4,025,000        4,216,188   
Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc., 8.875%, 6/15/20      1,965,000        2,082,900   
Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc., 5.875%, 3/15/21      715,000        732,875   
MGM Resorts International, 6.625%, 12/15/21      3,540,000        3,827,625   
Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc., 8.75%, 5/15/20      2,545,000        2,716,788   
Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc., 6.375%, 8/01/21      2,185,000        2,250,550   
Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc., REIT, 5%, 4/15/21      3,870,000        3,840,975   

 

12


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Bonds - continued                 
Gaming & Lodging - continued                 
Wynn Las Vegas LLC, 7.75%, 8/15/20    $ 3,830,000      $ 4,126,825   
    

 

 

 
      $ 33,116,626   
Health Maintenance Organizations - 0.0%                 
Wellcare Health Plans, Inc., 5.75%, 11/15/20    $ 244,000      $ 248,880   
Industrial - 1.3%                 
Dematic S.A., 7.75%, 12/15/20 (n)    $ 5,925,000      $ 6,339,750   
Howard Hughes Corp., 6.875%, 10/01/21 (n)      5,615,000        5,909,788   
Hyva Global B.V., 8.625%, 3/24/16 (n)      2,489,000        2,576,115   
SPL Logistics Escrow LLC, 8.875%, 8/01/20 (n)      3,320,000        3,676,900   
    

 

 

 
      $ 18,502,553   
International Market Quasi-Sovereign - 0.3%                 
Eksportfinans A.S.A., 5.5%, 5/25/16    $ 1,090,000      $ 1,153,765   
Eksportfinans A.S.A., 5.5%, 6/26/17      2,745,000        2,946,291   
    

 

 

 
      $ 4,100,056   
Machinery & Tools - 1.3%                 
H&E Equipment Services Co., 7%, 9/01/22    $ 4,955,000      $ 5,363,788   
Jurassic Holdings III, Inc., 6.875%, 2/15/21 (n)      4,025,000        4,004,875   
Light Tower Rentals, Inc., 8.125%, 8/01/19 (z)      1,785,000        1,816,238   
RSC Equipment Rental, Inc., 8.25%, 2/01/21      2,910,000        3,175,538   
United Rentals North America, Inc., 7.625%, 4/15/22      3,667,000        4,042,868   
    

 

 

 
      $ 18,403,307   
Major Banks - 1.1%                 
Bank of America Corp., FRN, 5.2%, 12/31/49    $ 5,305,000      $ 4,973,438   
JPMorgan Chase & Co., 6% to 8/01/23, FRN to 12/31/49      4,920,000        4,993,800   
Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC, 6.99% to 10/04/17, FRN to 12/31/49 (n)      1,370,000        1,572,075   
Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC, 7.648% to 9/30/31, FRN to 12/31/49      3,320,000        3,951,464   
    

 

 

 
      $ 15,490,777   
Medical & Health Technology & Services - 4.7%                 
CHS/Community Health Systems, Inc., 5.125%, 8/01/21 (z)    $ 840,000      $ 846,300   
CHS/Community Health Systems, Inc., 6.875%, 2/01/22 (z)      6,985,000        7,142,163   
Davita, Inc., 6.625%, 11/01/20      5,625,000        5,906,250   
Davita, Inc., 5.125%, 7/15/24      2,205,000        2,171,925   
Fresenius Medical Care Capital Trust III, 5.625%, 7/31/19 (n)      2,410,000        2,566,650   
Fresenius Medical Care Capital Trust III, 5.875%, 1/31/22 (n)      1,710,000        1,868,175   
HCA, Inc., 7.25%, 9/15/20      1,010,000        1,068,075   
HCA, Inc., 7.5%, 2/15/22      5,995,000        6,789,338   
HCA, Inc., 5.875%, 3/15/22      6,325,000        6,736,125   

 

13


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Bonds - continued                 
Medical & Health Technology & Services - continued   
HCA, Inc., 5%, 3/15/24    $ 2,930,000      $ 2,908,025   
HealthSouth Corp., 8.125%, 2/15/20      5,915,000        6,240,325   
Lifepoint Hospitals, Inc., 5.5%, 12/01/21 (n)      6,310,000        6,451,975   
Tenet Healthcare Corp., 8%, 8/01/20      6,500,000        6,938,750   
Tenet Healthcare Corp., 4.5%, 4/01/21      5,265,000        5,120,213   
Universal Health Services, Inc., 7.625%, 8/15/20      3,560,000        3,631,200   
    

 

 

 
      $ 66,385,489   
Medical Equipment - 0.7%                 
Biomet, Inc., 6.5%, 8/01/20    $ 2,248,000      $ 2,424,805   
Physio-Control International, Inc., 9.875%, 1/15/19 (n)      1,767,000        1,939,283   
Teleflex, Inc., 6.875%, 6/01/19      2,975,000        3,146,063   
Teleflex, Inc., 5.25%, 6/15/24 (n)      2,700,000        2,740,500   
    

 

 

 
      $ 10,250,651   
Metals & Mining - 4.6%                 
ArcelorMittal S.A., 6.75%, 2/25/22    $ 1,130,000      $ 1,223,225   
ArcelorMittal S.A., 7.25%, 3/01/41      2,945,000        3,003,900   
Arch Coal, Inc., 8%, 1/15/19 (n)      2,045,000        1,973,425   
Arch Coal, Inc., 7.25%, 10/01/20      2,560,000        1,702,400   
Century Aluminum Co., 7.5%, 6/01/21 (n)      4,715,000        4,997,900   
Commercial Metals Co., 4.875%, 5/15/23      3,048,000        2,933,700   
Consol Energy, Inc., 8.25%, 4/01/20      3,985,000        4,244,025   
Consol Energy, Inc., 6.375%, 3/01/21      1,545,000        1,622,250   
Consol Energy, Inc., 5.875%, 4/15/22 (n)      3,910,000        3,953,988   
First Quantum Minerals Ltd., 7.25%, 10/15/19 (n)      7,343,000        7,636,720   
First Quantum Minerals Ltd., 7.25%, 5/15/22 (n)      2,698,000        2,775,568   
FMG Resources, 6.875%, 4/01/22 (n)      1,070,000        1,138,213   
Fortescue Metals Group Ltd., 8.25%, 11/01/19 (n)      5,220,000        5,598,450   
GrafTech International Co., 6.375%, 11/15/20      4,385,000        4,483,663   
Molycorp, Inc., 10%, 6/01/20      1,205,000        1,072,450   
Peabody Energy Corp., 6%, 11/15/18      2,295,000        2,289,263   
Steel Dynamics, Inc., 5.25%, 4/15/23      2,850,000        2,871,375   
Suncoke Energy Partners LP/Suncoke Energy Partners Finance Corp., 7.375%, 2/01/20 (z)      1,440,000        1,519,200   
Suncoke Energy, Inc., 7.625%, 8/01/19      3,270,000        3,466,200   
TMS International Corp., 7.625%, 10/15/21 (n)      2,855,000        3,026,300   
Walter Energy, Inc., 9.5%, 10/15/19 (n)      1,960,000        1,950,200   
Walter Energy, Inc., 8.5%, 4/15/21      3,680,000        1,766,400   
    

 

 

 
      $ 65,248,815   
Midstream - 5.1%                 
Access Midstream Partners Co., 5.875%, 4/15/21    $ 1,180,000      $ 1,241,950   
Access Midstream Partners Co., 4.875%, 5/15/23      5,245,000        5,402,350   

 

14


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Bonds - continued                 
Midstream - continued                 
AmeriGas Finance LLC, 6.75%, 5/20/20    $ 6,375,000      $ 6,709,688   
Atlas Pipeline Partners LP/Atlas Pipeline, 4.75%, 11/15/21      1,050,000        992,250   
Atlas Pipeline Partners LP/Atlas Pipeline, 5.875%, 8/01/23      4,155,000        4,082,288   
Crestwood Midstream Partners LP, 6%, 12/15/20      3,815,000        3,929,450   
Crestwood Midstream Partners LP, 6.125%, 3/01/22 (n)      2,420,000        2,498,650   
El Paso Corp., 7.75%, 1/15/32      8,280,000        9,149,360   
Energy Transfer Equity LP, 7.5%, 10/15/20      4,955,000        5,537,213   
Ferrellgas LP/Ferrellgas Finance Corp., 6.5%, 5/01/21      1,735,000        1,791,388   
Ferrellgas LP/Ferrellgas Finance Corp., 6.75%, 1/15/22 (n)      5,720,000        5,963,100   
MarkWest Energy Partners LP, 5.5%, 2/15/23      3,325,000        3,449,688   
MarkWest Energy Partners LP, 4.5%, 7/15/23      3,644,000        3,589,340   
Sabine Pass Liquefaction LLC, 5.625%, 2/01/21      3,800,000        3,933,000   
Sabine Pass Liquefaction LLC, 5.625%, 4/15/23      6,670,000        6,770,050   
Sabine Pass Liquefaction LLC, 5.75%, 5/15/24 (z)      2,130,000        2,161,950   
Summit Midstream Holdings LLC/Summit Midstream Finance Corp., 7.5%, 7/01/21      2,490,000        2,707,875   
Summit Midstream Holdings LLC/Summit Midstream Finance Corp., 5.5%, 8/15/22      2,260,000        2,260,000   
    

 

 

 
      $ 72,169,590   
Municipals - 0.2%                 
Golden State, CA, Tobacco Securitization Corp., Tobacco Settlement Rev., “A-1”, 4.5%, 6/01/27    $ 1,545,000      $ 1,370,091   
New Jersey Tobacco Settlement Financing Corp., “1-A”, 4.5%, 6/01/23      1,635,000        1,598,801   
    

 

 

 
             $ 2,968,892   
Network & Telecom - 1.9%                 
Centurylink, Inc., 6.45%, 6/15/21    $ 4,205,000      $ 4,520,375   
Centurylink, Inc., 6.75%, 12/01/23      1,205,000        1,307,425   
Centurylink, Inc., 7.65%, 3/15/42      3,030,000        3,030,000   
Citizens Communications Co., 9%, 8/15/31      4,755,000        5,064,075   
Frontier Communications Corp., 8.125%, 10/01/18      1,030,000        1,179,350   
Telecom Italia Capital, 6%, 9/30/34      1,515,000        1,484,700   
Telecom Italia S.p.A., 5.303%, 5/30/24 (n)      3,990,000        3,870,300   
TW Telecom Holdings, Inc., 5.375%, 10/01/22      2,580,000        2,792,850   
TW Telecom Holdings, Inc., 5.375%, 10/01/22      1,100,000        1,190,750   
Windstream Corp., 7.75%, 10/15/20      2,615,000        2,798,050   
    

 

 

 
      $ 27,237,875   
Oil Services - 1.3%                 
Bristow Group, Inc., 6.25%, 10/15/22    $ 5,435,000      $ 5,733,925   
Pacific Drilling S.A., 5.375%, 6/01/20 (n)      4,675,000        4,452,938   
Shale-Inland Holdings LLC/Finance Co., 8.75%, 11/15/19 (n)      3,290,000        3,409,263   

 

15


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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Bonds - continued                 
Oil Services - continued                 
Unit Corp., 6.625%, 5/15/21    $ 4,525,000      $ 4,751,250   
    

 

 

 
      $ 18,347,376   
Oils - 0.1%                 
CITGO Petroleum Corp., 6.25%, 8/15/22 (z)    $ 1,475,000      $ 1,519,250   
Other Banks & Diversified Financials - 0.4%                 
Groupe BPCE S.A., 12.5% to 8/6/19, FRN to 12/31/49 (n)    $ 3,791,000      $ 5,203,148   
Pharmaceuticals - 1.7%                 
Endo Finance LLC/Endo Finco, Inc., 7.25%, 1/15/22 (z)    $ 5,255,000      $ 5,557,163   
Mallinckrodt International Finance S.A., 5.75%, 8/01/22 (n)      3,170,000        3,185,850   
Salix Pharmaceuticals Ltd., 6%, 1/15/21 (n)      1,995,000        2,084,775   
Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc., 7%, 10/01/20 (n)      6,495,000        6,787,275   
Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc., 7.25%, 7/15/22 (n)      3,850,000        4,081,000   
Vantage Point Imaging, 7.5%, 7/15/21 (n)      2,850,000        3,078,000   
    

 

 

 
      $ 24,774,063   
Precious Metals & Minerals - 0.6%                 
Aurico Gold, Inc., 7.75%, 4/01/20 (z)    $ 2,550,000      $ 2,581,875   
Eldorado Gold Corp., 6.125%, 12/15/20 (n)      4,155,000        4,248,488   
IAMGOLD Corp., 6.75%, 10/01/20 (n)      1,627,000        1,496,840   
    

 

 

 
      $ 8,327,203   
Printing & Publishing - 0.8%                 
American Media, Inc., 13.5%, 6/15/18 (z)    $ 297,449      $ 312,321   
Gannett Co., Inc., 6.375%, 10/15/23 (n)      3,430,000        3,618,650   
Gannett Co., Inc., 5.125%, 7/15/20      1,645,000        1,661,450   
Lamar Media Corp., 5%, 5/01/23      3,160,000        3,132,350   
Nielsen Finance LLC, 5%, 4/15/22 (n)      2,765,000        2,723,525   
    

 

 

 
      $ 11,448,296   
Railroad & Shipping - 0.2%                 
Watco Cos. LLC, 6.375%, 4/01/23 (n)    $ 2,710,000      $ 2,750,650   
Real Estate - Healthcare - 0.9%   
Aviv Healthcare Properties LP/Aviv Healthcare, 6%, 10/15/21    $ 4,880,000      $ 5,124,000   
MPT Operating Partnership LP, REIT, 6.875%, 5/01/21      3,435,000        3,692,625   
MPT Operating Partnership LP, REIT, 6.375%, 2/15/22      3,810,000        4,057,650   
    

 

 

 
      $ 12,874,275   
Real Estate - Other - 1.3%                 
CNL Lifestyle Properties, Inc., REIT, 7.25%, 4/15/19    $ 3,105,000      $ 3,167,100   
DuPont Fabros Technology LP, REIT, 5.875%, 9/15/21      6,085,000        6,206,700   

 

16


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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Bonds - continued                 
Real Estate - Other - continued                 
ERP Properties, REIT, 7.75%, 7/15/20    $ 3,050,000      $ 3,698,833   
ERP Properties, REIT, 5.75%, 8/15/22      815,000        884,828   
Felcor Lodging LP, REIT, 5.625%, 3/01/23      4,255,000        4,255,000   
    

 

 

 
      $ 18,212,461   
Retailers - 1.8%                 
Best Buy Co., Inc., 5.5%, 3/15/21    $ 5,555,000      $ 5,707,763   
Bon Ton Stores, Inc., 8%, 6/15/21      2,990,000        2,720,900   
Burlington Coat Factory Warehouse Corp., 10%, 2/15/19      3,540,000        3,887,380   
Jo-Ann Stores Holdings, Inc., 9.75%, 10/15/19 (n)(p)      3,060,000        3,090,600   
Limited Brands, Inc., 7%, 5/01/20      1,520,000        1,717,600   
Limited Brands, Inc., 6.95%, 3/01/33      1,080,000        1,123,200   
Rite Aid Corp., 9.25%, 3/15/20      4,640,000        5,196,800   
Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc., 6.875%, 11/15/19      1,755,000        1,869,075   
    

 

 

 
      $ 25,313,318   
Specialty Chemicals - 0.3%                 
Chemtura Corp., 5.75%, 7/15/21    $ 4,245,000      $ 4,329,900   
Specialty Stores - 0.5%                 
Group 1 Automotive, Inc., 5%, 6/01/22 (n)    $ 3,340,000      $ 3,289,900   
Men’s Wearhouse, Inc., 7%, 7/01/22 (z)      1,510,000        1,570,400   
Michaels Stores, Inc., 5.875%, 12/15/20 (n)      2,905,000        2,861,425   
    

 

 

 
      $ 7,721,725   
Telecommunications - Wireless - 4.2%                 
Crown Castle International Corp., 4.875%, 4/15/22    $ 1,445,000      $ 1,430,550   
Crown Castle International Corp., 5.25%, 1/15/23      3,860,000        3,898,600   
Digicel Group Ltd., 8.25%, 9/01/17 (n)      3,050,000        3,118,625   
Digicel Group Ltd., 8.25%, 9/30/20 (n)      1,430,000        1,540,825   
Digicel Group Ltd., 6%, 4/15/21 (n)      1,535,000        1,561,863   
Digicel Group Ltd., 7.125%, 4/01/22 (n)      2,189,000        2,221,835   
Eileme 2 AB, 11.625%, 1/31/20 (n)      2,149,000        2,522,389   
Sprint Capital Corp., 6.875%, 11/15/28      4,745,000        4,626,375   
Sprint Corp., 7.875%, 9/15/23 (n)      4,665,000        4,991,550   
Sprint Corp., 7.125%, 6/15/24 (n)      5,175,000        5,278,500   
Sprint Nextel Corp., 9%, 11/15/18 (n)      2,120,000        2,485,700   
Sprint Nextel Corp., 6%, 11/15/22      3,600,000        3,546,000   
T-Mobile USA, Inc., 6.125%, 1/15/22      565,000        581,244   
T-Mobile USA, Inc., 6.5%, 1/15/24      1,715,000        1,787,888   
T-Mobile USA, Inc., 6.464%, 4/28/19      1,760,000        1,834,800   
T-Mobile USA, Inc., 6.25%, 4/01/21      6,685,000        6,985,825   
T-Mobile USA, Inc., 6.633%, 4/28/21      3,350,000        3,517,500   
Wind Acquisition Finance S.A., 4.75%, 7/15/20 (n)      3,950,000        3,861,125   

 

17


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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Bonds - continued                 
Telecommunications - Wireless - continued                 
Wind Acquisition Finance S.A., 7.375%, 4/23/21 (z)    $ 4,430,000      $ 4,618,275   
    

 

 

 
      $ 60,409,469   
Telephone Services - 0.2%                 
Cogent Communications Group, Inc., 8.375%, 2/15/18 (n)    $ 1,240,000      $ 1,314,400   
Level 3 Financing, Inc., 8.625%, 7/15/20      1,315,000        1,430,063   
    

 

 

 
      $ 2,744,463   
Transportation - Services - 2.2%                 
Aguila American Resources Ltd., 7.875%, 1/31/18 (n)    $ 4,795,000      $ 5,016,769   
Jack Cooper Holdings Corp., 9.25%, 6/01/20 (n)      5,805,000        6,356,475   
Navios Logistics Finance (U.S.), Inc., 7.25%, 5/01/22 (n)      677,000        690,540   
Navios Maritime Acquisition Corp., 8.125%, 11/15/21 (n)      3,914,000        3,962,925   
Navios Maritime Holding, Inc., 7.375%, 1/15/22 (n)      4,270,000        4,344,725   
Stena AB, 7%, 2/01/24 (n)      6,510,000        6,868,050   
Syncreon Group BV/Syncre, 8.625%, 11/01/21 (n)      2,545,000        2,554,544   
Ultrapetrol (Bahamas) Ltd., 8.875%, 6/15/21      953,000        1,022,093   
    

 

 

 
      $ 30,816,121   
Utilities - Electric Power - 1.8%                 
AES Corp., 7.375%, 7/01/21    $ 2,560,000      $ 2,918,400   
Calpine Corp., 5.375%, 1/15/23      2,225,000        2,180,500   
Covanta Holding Corp., 7.25%, 12/01/20      4,425,000        4,734,750   
Covanta Holding Corp., 6.375%, 10/01/22      1,520,000        1,615,000   
InterGen N.V., 7%, 6/30/23 (n)      2,775,000        2,761,125   
NRG Energy, Inc., 8.25%, 9/01/20      4,950,000        5,321,250   
NRG Energy, Inc., 6.25%, 7/15/22 (n)      1,740,000        1,792,200   
NRG Energy, Inc., 6.625%, 3/15/23      4,080,000        4,202,400   
    

 

 

 
      $ 25,525,625   
Total Bonds (Identified Cost, $1,284,177,471)      $ 1,296,593,379   
Floating Rate Loans (g)(r) - 3.7%                 
Aerospace - 0.2%                 
TransDigm, Inc., Term Loan C, 3.75%, 2/28/20    $ 2,864,098      $ 2,843,640   
Building - 0.4%                 
ABC Supply Co., Inc., Term Loan B, 3.5%, 4/16/20    $ 4,227,594      $ 4,197,870   
HD Supply, Term Loan B, 6/28/18 (o)      2,319,361        2,316,462   
    

 

 

 
      $ 6,514,332   
Cable TV - 0.2%                 
Cequel Communications LLC, Term Loan, 2/14/19 (o)    $ 2,325,940      $ 2,310,433   

 

18


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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Floating Rate Loans (g)(r) - continued                 
Conglomerates - 0.5%                 
Entegris, Inc., Term Loan B, 3.5%, 2/04/21    $ 3,809,837      $ 3,771,739   
Silver II U.S. Holdings LLC, Term Loan B, 4%, 12/13/19      2,804,308        2,791,602   
    

 

 

 
      $ 6,563,341   
Consumer Services - 0.2%                 
Realogy Corp., Term Loan B, 3.75%, 3/05/20    $ 2,775,739      $ 2,774,873   
Containers - 0.1%                 
Berry Plastics, Term Loan E, 1/06/21 (o)    $ 2,164,128      $ 2,143,164   
Electronics - 0.3%                 
Avago Technologies Ltd., Term Loan B, 3.75%, 5/06/21    $ 3,808,811      $ 3,799,860   
Energy - Independent - 0.1%                 
MEG Energy Corp., Term Loan B, 3.75%, 3/31/20    $ 1,612,289      $ 1,611,425   
Entertainment - 0.1%                 
Cedar Fair LP, Term Loan B, 3.25%, 3/06/20    $ 1,503,073      $ 1,507,567   
Food & Beverages - 0.1%                 
H.J. Heinz Co., Term Loan B2, 3.5%, 6/07/20    $ 1,027,119      $ 1,026,569   
Gaming & Lodging - 0.3%                 
Hilton Worldwide, Term Loan B, 3.5%, 10/25/20    $ 3,834,534      $ 3,814,564   
Medical & Health Technology & Services - 0.1%                 
Community Health Systems, Inc., Term Loan, 4.25%, 1/16/21    $ 653,155      $ 654,425   
Davita Healthcare, Term Loan B, 3.5%, 5/29/21      1,481,536        1,478,097   
    

 

 

 
      $ 2,132,522   
Metals & Mining - 0.1%                 
Fortescue Metals Group Ltd., Term Loan B, 4.25%, 6/30/19    $ 2,018,849      $ 2,011,279   
Printing & Publishing - 0.2%                 
CBS Outdoor, Term Loan B, 3%, 1/31/21    $ 2,698,235      $ 2,681,371   
Retailers - 0.1%                 
Rite Aid Corp., Term Loan, 4.87%, 6/21/21    $ 1,149,016      $ 1,159,070   
Specialty Stores - 0.2%                 
Mens Wearhouse, Inc., Term Loan B, 4.5%, 4/16/21    $ 3,076,336      $ 3,099,408   
Transportation - Services - 0.3%                 
American Commercial Lines, Inc., Term Loan, 7.5%, 9/15/19    $ 4,104,700      $ 4,120,093   

 

19


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Floating Rate Loans (g)(r) - continued                 
Utilities - Electric Power - 0.2%   
Calpine Construction Finance Co., Term Loan B, 3%, 5/03/20    $ 3,595,367      $ 3,520,652   
Total Floating Rate Loans (Identified Cost, $53,811,689)      $ 53,634,163   
Common Stocks - 0.0%                 
Automotive - 0.0%                 
Accuride Corp. (a)      65,068      $ 325,340   
Printing & Publishing - 0.0%                 
American Media Operations, Inc. (a)      76,223      $ 13,682   
Total Common Stocks (Identified Cost, $2,168,949)      $ 339,022   
Convertible Bonds - 0.1%                 
Network & Telecom - 0.1%                 
Nortel Networks Corp., 2.125%, 4/15/15
(Identified Cost, $821,790) (a)(d)
   $ 828,000      $ 840,420   
Preferred Stocks - 0.2%                 
Other Banks & Diversified Financials - 0.2%                 
Ally Financial, Inc., 7% (Identified Cost, $2,370,188) (z)      2,489      $ 2,476,555   
Money Market Funds - 3.6%                 
MFS Institutional Money Market Portfolio, 0.09%,
at Cost and Net Asset Value (v)
     50,845,650      $ 50,845,650   
Total Investments (Identified Cost, $1,394,195,737)      $ 1,404,729,189   
Other Assets, Less Liabilities - 1.3%        18,768,800   
Net Assets - 100.0%      $ 1,423,497,989   

 

(a) Non-income producing security.
(d) In default. Interest and/or scheduled principal payment(s) have been missed.
(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 $446,619,178 representing 31.4% of net assets.
(o) All or a portion of this position has not settled. Upon settlement date, interest rates for unsettled amounts will be determined. The rate shown, if any, represents the weighted average coupon rate for settled amounts.

 

20


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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

(p) Payment-in-kind security for which interest income may be received in additional securities and/or cash. During the period, the following amount of interest income was received in additional securities and/or cash:

 

Payment-in-kind Securities    Cash    Additional
Securities
 
Jo-Ann Stores Holdings, Inc., 9.75%, 10/15/19    $149,175      $—   
Schaeffler Finance B.V., 6.875%, 8/15/18           
Total    $149,175      $—   

 

(q) Interest received was less than stated 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 affiliated fund that is available only to investment companies managed by MFS. The rate quoted for the MFS Institutional Money Market Portfolio 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:

 

Restricted Securities    Acquisition
Date
  
Cost
     Value  
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc., 7%, 7/01/24    6/02/14      $1,165,000         $1,135,875   
Ally Financial, Inc., 7% (Preferred Stock)    4/13/11-11/27/12      2,370,188         2,476,555   
American Energy-Permian Basin LLC, 7.125%, 11/01/20    7/16/14      1,790,000         1,727,350   
American Energy-Permian Basin LLC, 7.375%, 11/01/21    7/16/14      1,495,000         1,442,675   
American Media, Inc., 13.5%, 6/15/18    12/28/10      300,469         312,321   
Ardagh Packaging Finance PLC, 6%, 6/30/21    6/20/14-6/24/14      2,865,552         2,716,975   
Athlon Holdings LP/Athlon Finance Corp., 6%, 5/01/22    4/16/14-5/13/14      4,136,651         4,090,200   
Aurico Gold, Inc., 7.75%, 4/01/20    6/27/14-7/15/14      2,568,331         2,581,875   
Baytex Energy Corp., 5.125%, 6/01/21    5/29/14      585,000         580,613   
Baytex Energy Corp., 5.625%, 6/01/24    5/29/14-6/05/14      3,002,843         2,940,225   
CHS/Community Health Systems, Inc., 5.125%, 8/01/21    1/15/14      840,000         846,300   
CHS/Community Health Systems, Inc., 6.875%, 2/01/22    1/15/14-4/24/14      7,191,954         7,142,163   
CITGO Petroleum Corp., 6.25%, 8/15/22    7/23/14      1,475,000         1,519,250   
CW Capital Cobalt Commercial Mortgage Trust, “E2”, CDO, 6%, 5/25/45    3/20/06-5/25/14      1,348,101         192,996   
CW Capital Cobalt Commercial Mortgage Trust, “F”, CDO, FRN, 1.535%, 4/26/50    4/12/06-4/26/14      657,150         7   

 

21


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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Restricted Securities – continued    Acquisition
Date
  
Cost
     Value  
CW Capital Cobalt Commercial Mortgage Trust, “G”, CDO, FRN, 1.735%, 4/26/50    4/12/06-4/26/14      $2,054,697         $21   
Endo Finance LLC/Endo Finco, Inc., 7.25%, 1/15/22    9/24/13-6/02/14      5,601,681         5,557,163   
Falcon Franchise Loan LLC, FRN, 16.08%, 1/05/25    1/29/03      54,276         245,242   
G-Force LLC, CDO, “A2”, 4.83%, 8/22/36    2/14/11      1,843         1,936   
Garda World Security Corp., 7.25%, 11/15/21    5/21/14-5/22/14      1,270,645         1,221,000   
Garda World Security Corp., 7.25%, 11/15/21    4/24/14      3,053,429         2,955,838   
Light Tower Rentals, Inc., 8.125%, 8/01/19    7/16/14      1,785,000         1,816,238   
Men’s Wearhouse, Inc., 7%, 7/01/22    6/11/14-6/20/14      1,560,915         1,570,400   
Micron Technology, Inc., 5.5%, 2/01/25    7/23/14      2,290,000         2,278,550   
Morgan Stanley Capital I, Inc., FRN, 1.414%, 4/28/39    7/20/04      285,614         34,903   
SIRIUS XM Radio, Inc., 6%, 7/15/24    5/01/14-5/13/14      2,372,484         2,351,700   
Sabine Pass Liquefaction LLC, 5.75%, 5/15/24    12/12/13-5/13/14      2,130,000         2,161,950   
Sanchez Energy Corp., 6.125%, 1/15/23    6/13/14-6/30/14      3,039,927         2,977,538   
Schaeffler Finance B.V., 4.75%, 5/15/21    7/10/14-7/11/14      2,878,375         2,836,925   
Signode Industrial Group, 6.375%, 5/01/22    4/07/14-4/25/14      3,469,111         3,388,400   
Suncoke Energy Partners LP/Suncoke Energy Partners Finance Corp., 7.375%, 2/01/20    4/29/14      1,513,031         1,519,200   
TransDigm, Inc., 6%, 7/15/22    5/20/14      470,000         472,350   
TransDigm, Inc., 6.5%, 7/15/24    5/20/14-5/21/14      1,984,800         1,994,750   
Wind Acquisition Finance S.A., 7.375%, 4/23/21    4/08/14      4,430,000         4,618,275   
Total Restricted Securities            $67,707,759   
% of Net assets            4.8%   

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

 

CDO   Collateralized Debt Obligation
FRN   Floating Rate Note. Interest rate resets periodically and may not be the rate reported at period end.
PLC   Public Limited Company
REIT   Real Estate Investment Trust

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

Derivative Contracts at 7/31/14

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts at 7/31/14

 

Type   Currency   Counter-
party
  Contracts
to
Deliver/
Receive
    Settlement
Date Range
    In
Exchange
for
    Contracts
at Value
    Net
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Asset Derivatives                                   
SELL   EUR   Credit Suisse Group     8,111,201        10/10/14        $11,044,617        $10,863,796        $180,821   
             

 

 

 

 

22


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts at 7/31/14 - continued

 

Type   Currency   Counter-
party
  Contracts
to
Deliver/
Receive
    Settlement
Date Range
    In
Exchange
for
    Contracts
at Value
    Net
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Liability Derivatives                                   
BUY   EUR   Deutsche Bank AG     2,067,000        10/10/14        $2,820,883        $2,768,452        $(52,431
             

 

 

 

Futures Contracts Outstanding at 7/31/14

 

Description    Currency      Contracts      Value    Expiration
Date
     Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Asset Derivatives            
Interest Rate Futures            
U.S. Treasury Note 10 yr (Short)      USD         110       $13,707,031      September - 2014         $119,870   
              

 

 

 

Swap Agreements at 7/31/14

 

Expiration          Notional
Amount
    Counterparty   Cash Flows
to Receive
  Cash Flows
to Pay
  Fair
Value
 
Asset Derivatives           
Credit Default Swap Agreements      
12/20/17     USD        12,761,100      Goldman Sachs International (a)   5.0% (fixed rate)   (1)     $1,088,369   
12/20/17     USD        4,950,000      JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (b)   5.0% (fixed rate)   (1)     422,175   
           

 

 

 
              $1,510,544   
           

 

 

 

 

(1) Fund, as protection seller, to pay notional amount upon a defined credit event by a reference obligation specified in the Markit CDX North America Investment Grade Index, a B rated credit default index. The fund entered into the contract to manage market/sector exposure.
(a) Net unamortized premiums paid by the fund amounted to $443,448.
(b) Net unamortized premiums paid by the fund amounted to $175,779.

The credit ratings presented here are an indicator of the current payment/performance risk of the related swap agreement, the reference obligation for which may be either a single security or, in the case of a credit default index, a basket of securities issued by corporate or sovereign issuers. Ratings are assigned to each reference security, including each individual security within a reference basket of securities, utilizing ratings from Moody’s, Fitch, and Standard & Poor’s rating agencies and applying the following hierarchy: If all three agencies provide a rating, the middle rating (after dropping the highest and lowest ratings) is assigned; if two of the three agencies rate a security, the lower of the two is assigned. Ratings are shown in the S&P and Fitch scale (e.g., AAA). The ratings for a credit default index are calculated by MFS as a weighted average of the external credit ratings of the individual securities that compose the index’s reference basket of securities.

At July 31, 2014, the fund had cash collateral of $521,947 to cover any commitments for certain derivative contracts. Cash collateral is comprised of “Restricted cash” in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

23


Table of Contents

Financial Statements

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

At 7/31/14 (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, $1,343,350,087)

     $1,353,883,539   

Underlying affiliated funds, at cost and value

     50,845,650   

Total investments, at value (identified cost, $1,394,195,737)

     $1,404,729,189   

Cash

     1,882,648   

Restricted cash

     521,947   

Receivables for

  

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

     180,821   

Daily variation margin on open futures contracts

     148,155   

Investments sold

     12,604,894   

Fund shares sold

     1,304,583   

Interest

     24,122,908   

Swaps, at value (net unamortized premiums paid, $619,227)

     1,510,544   

Other assets

     2,723   

Total assets

     $1,447,008,412   
Liabilities         

Payables for

  

Distributions

     $351,145   

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

     52,431   

Investments purchased

     15,332,841   

Fund shares reacquired

     6,818,123   

Payable to affiliates

  

Investment adviser

     30,648   

Shareholder servicing costs

     754,433   

Distribution and service fees

     12,505   

Program manager fees

     15   

Payable for independent Trustees’ compensation

     55,375   

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

     102,907   

Total liabilities

     $23,510,423   

Net assets

     $1,423,497,989   
Net assets consist of         

Paid-in capital

     $1,587,065,499   

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

     11,669,714   

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

     (172,342,624

Accumulated distributions in excess of net investment income

     (2,894,600

Net assets

     $1,423,497,989   

Shares of beneficial interest outstanding

     395,890,290   

 

24


Table of Contents

Statement of Assets and Liabilities (unaudited) – continued

 

 

     Net assets      Shares
outstanding
    

Net asset value

per share (a)

 

Class A

     $464,065,263         129,052,328         $3.60   

Class B

     30,268,529         8,404,012         3.60   

Class C

     73,819,576         20,460,542         3.61   

Class I

     73,230,825         20,402,992         3.59   

Class R1

     1,369,966         380,468         3.60   

Class R2

     3,212,450         892,932         3.60   

Class R3

     7,025,519         1,954,635         3.59   

Class R4

     565,606         157,250         3.60   

Class R5

     764,386,951         212,641,085         3.59   

Class 529A

     3,413,181         949,678         3.59   

Class 529B

     346,532         96,390         3.60   

Class 529C

     1,793,591         497,978         3.60   

 

(a) Maximum offering price per share was equal to the net asset value per share for all share classes, except for Classes A and 529A, for which the maximum offering prices per share were $3.78 [100 / 95.25 x $3.60] and $3.77 [100 / 95.25 x $3.59], respectively. On sales of $50,000 or more, the maximum 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. Redemption price per share was equal to the net asset value per share for Classes I, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, and 529A.

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

25


Table of Contents

Financial Statements

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Six months ended 7/31/14 (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

     $43,856,802   

Dividends

     133,622   

Dividends from underlying affiliated funds

     21,701   

Total investment income

     $44,012,125   

Expenses

  

Management fee

     $3,201,787   

Distribution and service fees

     1,155,376   

Program manager fees

     2,725   

Shareholder servicing costs

     822,313   

Administrative services fee

     85,359   

Independent Trustees’ compensation

     18,314   

Custodian fee

     95,925   

Shareholder communications

     31,986   

Audit and tax fees

     38,114   

Legal fees

     7,115   

Miscellaneous

     96,751   

Total expenses

     $5,555,765   

Fees paid indirectly

     (435

Reduction of expenses by investment adviser and distributor

     (50,702

Net expenses

     $5,504,628   

Net investment income

     $38,507,497   
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and
foreign currency
        

Realized gain (loss) (identified cost basis)

  

Investments

     $15,428,663   

Futures contracts

     (225,317

Swap agreements

     189,481   

Foreign currency

     20,169   

Net realized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency

     $15,412,996   

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

  

Investments

     $(14,867,843

Futures contracts

     119,870   

Swap agreements

     64,390   

Translation of assets and liabilities in foreign currencies

     (8,735

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

     $(14,692,318

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

     $720,678   

Change in net assets from operations

     $39,228,175   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

26


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

7/31/14

    

Year ended

1/31/14

 
Change in net assets    (unaudited)         
From operations                  

Net investment income

     $38,507,497         $73,069,979   

Net realized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency

     15,412,996         29,577,477   

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

     (14,692,318      (29,897,478

Change in net assets from operations

     $39,228,175         $72,749,978   
Distributions declared to shareholders                  

From net investment income

     $(40,769,924      $(75,775,810

Change in net assets from fund share transactions

     $75,588,743         $129,446,682   

Total change in net assets

     $74,046,994         $126,420,850   
Net assets                  

At beginning of period

     1,349,450,995         1,223,030,145   

At end of period (including accumulated distributions in excess of net investment income of $2,894,600 and $632,173, respectively)

     $1,423,497,989         $1,349,450,995   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

27


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.

 

   

Six months

ended

7/31/14

    Years ended 1/31  
Class A     2014     2013     2012     2011     2010  
    (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $3.60        $3.61        $3.44        $3.52        $3.26        $2.49   
Income (loss) from investment operations                           

Net investment income (d)

    $0.10        $0.20        $0.22        $0.23        $0.25        $0.25   

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

    0.00 (w)      (0.00 )(w)      0.18        (0.07     0.26        0.77   

Total from investment operations

    $0.10        $0.20        $0.40        $0.16        $0.51        $1.02   
Less distributions declared to shareholders                           

From net investment income

    $(0.10     $(0.21     $(0.23     $(0.24     $(0.25     $(0.25

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $3.60        $3.60        $3.61        $3.44        $3.52        $3.26   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

    2.88 (n)      5.71        12.05        4.77        16.22        42.99   
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                           

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

    0.92 (a)      0.93        0.93        0.93        0.93        1.00   

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

    0.91 (a)      0.92        0.93        0.92        0.93        1.00   

Net investment income

    5.42 (a)      5.64        6.39        6.76        7.53        8.68   

Portfolio turnover

    27 (n)      46        38        60        66        58   

Net assets at end of period (000 omitted)

    $464,065        $457,198        $504,600        $462,232        $501,139        $531,990   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

28


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

   

Six months

ended

7/31/14

    Years ended 1/31  
Class B     2014     2013     2012     2011     2010  
    (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $3.60        $3.61        $3.44        $3.53        $3.26        $2.50   
Income (loss) from investment operations                           

Net investment income (d)

    $0.08        $0.17        $0.20        $0.21        $0.23        $0.23   

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

    0.01        (0.00 )(w)      0.18        (0.09     0.26        0.76   

Total from investment operations

    $0.09        $0.17        $0.38        $0.12        $0.49        $0.99   
Less distributions declared to shareholders                           

From net investment income

    $(0.09     $(0.18     $(0.21     $(0.21     $(0.22     $(0.23

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $3.60        $3.60        $3.61        $3.44        $3.53        $3.26   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

    2.50 (n)      4.93        11.22        3.70        15.69        41.40   
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                           

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

    1.67 (a)      1.68        1.67        1.67        1.68        1.75   

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

    1.66 (a)      1.68        1.67        1.67        1.68        1.75   

Net investment income

    4.66 (a)      4.86        5.59        5.99        6.78        8.11   

Portfolio turnover

    27 (n)      46        38        60        66        58   

Net assets at end of period (000 omitted)

    $30,269        $31,175        $31,656        $25,983        $37,772        $46,690   
   

Six months

ended

7/31/14

    Years ended 1/31  
Class C     2014     2013     2012     2011     2010  
    (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $3.61        $3.62        $3.45        $3.53        $3.27        $2.50   
Income (loss) from investment operations                           

Net investment income (d)

    $0.08        $0.17        $0.20        $0.21        $0.23        $0.23   

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

    0.01        (0.00 )(w)      0.18        (0.08     0.25        0.77   

Total from investment operations

    $0.09        $0.17        $0.38        $0.13        $0.48        $1.00   
Less distributions declared to shareholders                           

From net investment income

    $(0.09     $(0.18     $(0.21     $(0.21     $(0.22     $(0.23

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $3.61        $3.61        $3.62        $3.45        $3.53        $3.27   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

    2.50 (n)      4.93        11.21        4.00        15.34        41.82   
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                           

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

    1.67 (a)      1.68        1.67        1.67        1.68        1.74   

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

    1.66 (a)      1.68        1.67        1.67        1.68        1.74   

Net investment income

    4.64 (a)      4.86        5.61        5.99        6.74        7.80   

Portfolio turnover

    27 (n)      46        38        60        66        58   

Net assets at end of period (000 omitted)

    $73,820        $76,490        $81,710        $75,309        $80,802        $73,475   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

29


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

    Six months
ended
7/31/14
    Years ended 1/31  
Class I     2014     2013     2012     2011     2010  
    (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $3.59        $3.60        $3.44        $3.52        $3.25        $2.49   
Income (loss) from investment operations                           

Net investment income (d)

    $0.10        $0.21        $0.24        $0.24        $0.26        $0.26   

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

    0.01        (0.00 )(w)      0.16        (0.07     0.27        0.76   

Total from investment operations

    $0.11        $0.21        $0.40        $0.17        $0.53        $1.02   
Less distributions declared to shareholders                           

From net investment income

    $(0.11     $(0.22     $(0.24     $(0.25     $(0.26     $(0.26

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $3.59        $3.59        $3.60        $3.44        $3.52        $3.25   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(x)

    3.01 (n)      5.98        12.02        5.03        16.86        42.90   
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                           

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

    0.67 (a)      0.68        0.67        0.68        0.68        0.75   

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

    0.66 (a)      0.68        0.67        0.68        0.68        0.75   

Net investment income

    5.66 (a)      5.88        6.86        7.02        7.75        8.97   

Portfolio turnover

    27 (n)      46        38        60        66        58   

Net assets at end of period (000 omitted)

    $73,231        $67,027        $70,506        $448,607        $386,185        $283,704   
    Six months
ended
7/31/14
    Years ended 1/31  
Class R1     2014     2013     2012     2011     2010  
    (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $3.60        $3.61        $3.44        $3.52        $3.26        $2.50   
Income (loss) from investment operations                           

Net investment income (d)

    $0.08        $0.17        $0.20        $0.21        $0.23        $0.23   

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

    0.01        (0.00 )(w)      0.18        (0.08     0.25        0.76   

Total from investment operations

    $0.09        $0.17        $0.38        $0.13        $0.48        $0.99   
Less distributions declared to shareholders                           

From net investment income

    $(0.09     $(0.18     $(0.21     $(0.21     $(0.22     $(0.23

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $3.60        $3.60        $3.61        $3.44        $3.52        $3.26   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(x)

    2.49 (n)      4.93        11.22        4.00        15.36        41.39   
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                           

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

    1.67 (a)      1.68        1.68        1.67        1.68        1.74   

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

    1.66 (a)      1.68        1.68        1.67        1.68        1.74   

Net investment income

    4.65 (a)      4.87        5.65        6.01        6.78        7.96   

Portfolio turnover

    27 (n)      46        38        60        66        58   

Net assets at end of period (000 omitted)

    $1,370        $1,199        $1,137        $1,201        $1,138        $1,200   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

30


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

   

Six months

ended

7/31/14

    Years ended 1/31  
Class R2     2014     2013     2012     2011     2010  
    (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $3.60        $3.61        $3.44        $3.52        $3.26        $2.49   
Income (loss) from investment operations                           

Net investment income (d)

    $0.09        $0.19        $0.22        $0.22        $0.24        $0.24   

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

    0.01        (0.00 )(w)      0.17        (0.07     0.26        0.78   

Total from investment operations

    $0.10        $0.19        $0.39        $0.15        $0.50        $1.02   
Less distributions declared to shareholders                           

From net investment income

    $(0.10     $(0.20     $(0.22     $(0.23     $(0.24     $(0.25

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $3.60        $3.60        $3.61        $3.44        $3.52        $3.26   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(x)

    2.75 (n)      5.45        11.77        4.51        15.93        42.65   
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                           

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

    1.17 (a)      1.18        1.18        1.18        1.18        1.25   

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

    1.16 (a)      1.18        1.18        1.17        1.18        1.25   

Net investment income

    5.16 (a)      5.38        6.18        6.52        7.27        8.47   

Portfolio turnover

    27 (n)      46        38        60        66        58   

Net assets at end of period (000 omitted)

    $3,212        $3,469        $4,103        $5,639        $5,653        $5,251   
   

Six months

ended

7/31/14

    Years ended 1/31  
Class R3     2014     2013     2012     2011     2010  
    (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $3.60        $3.61        $3.44        $3.52        $3.25        $2.49   
Income (loss) from investment operations                           

Net investment income (d)

    $0.10        $0.20        $0.22        $0.23        $0.25        $0.25   

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

    (0.01 )(g)      (0.00 )(w)      0.18        (0.07     0.27        0.76   

Total from investment operations

    $0.09        $0.20        $0.40        $0.16        $0.52        $1.01   
Less distributions declared to shareholders                           

From net investment income

    $(0.10     $(0.21     $(0.23     $(0.24     $(0.25     $(0.25

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $3.59        $3.60        $3.61        $3.44        $3.52        $3.25   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(x)

    2.59 (n)      5.71        12.05        4.77        16.58        42.55   
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                           

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

    0.92 (a)      0.93        0.93        0.93        0.93        1.00   

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

    0.91 (a)      0.93        0.93        0.93        0.93        1.00   

Net investment income

    5.43 (a)      5.63        6.39        6.78        7.54        8.75   

Portfolio turnover

    27 (n)      46        38        60        66        58   

Net assets at end of period (000 omitted)

    $7,026        $8,046        $8,183        $7,376        $7,281        $7,929   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

31


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

   

Six months

ended

7/31/14

    Years ended 1/31  
Class R4     2014     2013     2012     2011     2010  
    (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $3.60        $3.61        $3.44        $3.52        $3.26        $2.49   
Income (loss) from investment operations                           

Net investment income (d)

    $0.10        $0.21        $0.23        $0.24        $0.26        $0.26   

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

    0.01        (0.00 )(w)      0.18        (0.07     0.26        0.77   

Total from investment operations

    $0.11        $0.21        $0.41        $0.17        $0.52        $1.03   
Less distributions declared to shareholders                           

From net investment income

    $(0.11     $(0.22     $(0.24     $(0.25     $(0.26     $(0.26

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $3.60        $3.60        $3.61        $3.44        $3.52        $3.26   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(x)

    3.01 (n)      5.98        12.33        5.04        16.50        43.33   
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                           

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

    0.67 (a)      0.68        0.68        0.68        0.68        0.74   

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

    0.66 (a)      0.68        0.68        0.67        0.68        0.74   

Net investment income

    5.65 (a)      5.86        6.65        7.02        7.72        8.78   

Portfolio turnover

    27 (n)      46        38        60        66        58   

Net assets at end of period (000 omitted)

    $566        $464        $302        $331        $316        $148   

 

   

Six months

ended

7/31/14

    Years ended 1/31  
Class R5     2014     2013 (i)  
    (unaudited)              

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $3.60        $3.61        $3.41   
Income (loss) from investment operations   

Net investment income (d)

    $0.10        $0.21        $0.15   

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

    0.00 (w)      (0.00 )(w)      0.21   

Total from investment operations

    $0.10        $0.21        $0.36   
Less distributions declared to shareholders   

From net investment income

    $(0.11     $(0.22     $(0.16

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $3.59        $3.60        $3.61   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(x)

    2.76 (n)      6.06        10.74 (n) 
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                   

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

    0.60 (a)      0.61        0.63 (a) 

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

    0.59 (a)      0.61        0.63 (a) 

Net investment income

    5.72 (a)      5.93        6.37 (a) 

Portfolio turnover

    27 (n)      46        38   

Net assets at end of period (000 omitted)

    $764,387        $699,123        $516,399   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

32


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

   

Six months

ended

7/31/14

    Years ended 1/31  
Class 529A     2014     2013     2012     2011     2010  
    (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $3.60        $3.61        $3.43        $3.52        $3.25        $2.49   
Income (loss) from investment operations                           

Net investment income (d)

    $0.10        $0.20        $0.22        $0.23        $0.25        $0.25   

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

    (0.01 )(g)      (0.00 )(w)      0.19        (0.08     0.26        0.76   

Total from investment operations

    $0.09        $0.20        $0.41        $0.15        $0.51        $1.01   
Less distributions declared to shareholders                           

From net investment income

    $(0.10     $(0.21     $(0.23     $(0.24     $(0.24     $(0.25

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $3.59        $3.60        $3.61        $3.43        $3.52        $3.25   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

    2.58 (n)      5.69        12.33        4.40        16.46        42.40   
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                           

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

    1.02 (a)      1.03        1.03        1.03        1.03        1.10   

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

    0.95 (a)      0.96        0.98        1.00        1.03        1.10   

Net investment income

    5.38 (a)      5.60        6.31        6.71        7.41        8.62   

Portfolio turnover

    27 (n)      46        38        60        66        58   

Net assets at end of period (000 omitted)

    $3,413        $3,164        $2,748        $1,719        $1,215        $858   
   

Six months

ended

7/31/14

    Years ended 1/31  
Class 529B     2014     2013     2012     2011     2010  
    (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $3.60        $3.61        $3.44        $3.52        $3.25        $2.49   
Income (loss) from investment operations                           

Net investment income (d)

    $0.08        $0.17        $0.20        $0.20        $0.22        $0.23   

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

    0.01        (0.00 )(w)      0.17        (0.07     0.27        0.76   

Total from investment operations

    $0.09        $0.17        $0.37        $0.13        $0.49        $0.99   
Less distributions declared to shareholders                           

From net investment income

    $(0.09     $(0.18     $(0.20     $(0.21     $(0.22     $(0.23

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $3.60        $3.60        $3.61        $3.44        $3.52        $3.25   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

    2.47 (n)      4.87        11.17        3.92        15.60        41.40   
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                           

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

    1.77 (a)      1.78        1.78        1.78        1.78        1.84   

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

    1.71 (a)      1.73        1.73        1.75        1.78        1.84   

Net investment income

    4.61 (a)      4.83        5.60        5.95        6.65        7.82   

Portfolio turnover

    27 (n)      46        38        60        66        58   

Net assets at end of period (000 omitted)

    $347        $337        $375        $362        $398        $315   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

33


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Financial Highlights – continued

 

   

Six months

ended

7/31/14

    Years ended 1/31  
Class 529C     2014     2013     2012     2011     2010  
    (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $3.60        $3.61        $3.44        $3.52        $3.26        $2.50   
Income (loss) from investment operations                           

Net investment income (d)

    $0.08        $0.17        $0.20        $0.20        $0.22        $0.23   

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

    0.01        (0.00 )(w)      0.17        (0.07     0.26        0.76   

Total from investment operations

    $0.09        $0.17        $0.37        $0.13        $0.48        $0.99   
Less distributions declared to shareholders                           

From net investment income

    $(0.09     $(0.18     $(0.20     $(0.21     $(0.22     $(0.23

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $3.60        $3.60        $3.61        $3.44        $3.52        $3.26   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

    2.47 (n)      4.88        11.17        3.92        15.25        41.26   
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                           

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

    1.77 (a)      1.78        1.77        1.77        1.78        1.84   

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

    1.71 (a)      1.73        1.72        1.74        1.77        1.84   

Net investment income

    4.60 (a)      4.81        5.56        5.94        6.61        7.71   

Portfolio turnover

    27 (n)      46        38        60        66        58   

Net assets at end of period (000 omitted)

    $1,794        $1,758        $1,311        $1,060        $739        $462   

 

(a) Annualized.
(d) Per share data is based on average shares outstanding.
(f) Ratios do not reflect reductions from fees paid indirectly, if applicable.
(g) The per share amount varies from 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 Class R5, the period is from inception, June 1, 2012, 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.
(x) The net asset values per share and total returns have been calculated on net assets which include adjustments made in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles required at period end for financial reporting purposes.

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

34


Table of Contents

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

(1) Business and Organization

MFS High Income Fund (the fund) is a diversified 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.

The fund is an investment company and accordingly follows the investment company accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standard Codification Topic 946 Financial Services – Investment Companies.

(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 increases and decreases in net assets from operations during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. In the preparation of these financial statements, management has evaluated subsequent events occurring after the date of the fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities through the date that the financial statements were issued. The fund invests 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 invests in foreign securities. 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.

In June 2014, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-11, Transfers and Servicing (Topic 860) – Repurchase-to-Maturity Transactions, Repurchase Financings, and Disclosures (“ASU 2014-11”). ASU 2014-11 changes the accounting for repurchase-to-maturity transactions (i.e., repurchase agreements that settle at the same time as the maturity of the transferred financial asset) and enhances the required disclosures for repurchase agreements and other similar transactions. Although still evaluating the potential impacts of ASU 2014-11 to the fund, management expects that the impact of the fund’s adoption will be limited to additional financial statement disclosures which would first be effective for interim reporting periods beginning after March 15, 2015.

Balance Sheet Offsetting – The fund’s accounting policy with respect to balance sheet offsetting is that, absent an event of default by the counterparty or a termination of the agreement, the International Swaps and Derivatives Association (ISDA) Master Agreement does not result in an offset of reported amounts of financial assets and financial liabilities in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities across transactions between the fund and the applicable counterparty. The fund’s right to setoff may be restricted or prohibited by the bankruptcy or insolvency laws of the particular jurisdiction to which a specific master netting agreement counterparty is subject. Balance sheet

 

35


Table of Contents

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

offsetting disclosures, to the extent applicable to the fund, have been included in the fund’s Significant Accounting Policies note under the captions for each of the fund’s in-scope financial instruments and transactions.

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 provided by a third-party pricing service. Equity securities, including restricted equity securities, are generally valued at the last sale or official closing price as provided by a third-party pricing service on the market or exchange on which they are primarily traded. Equity securities, for which there were no sales reported that day, are generally valued at the last quoted daily bid quotation as provided 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 generally are valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value. Exchange-traded options are generally valued at the last sale or official closing price as provided by a third-party pricing service on the exchange on which such options are primarily traded. Exchange-traded options for which there were no sales reported that day are generally valued at the last daily bid quotation as provided by a third-party pricing service on the exchange on which such options are primarily traded. Options not traded on an exchange are generally valued at a broker/dealer bid quotation. Foreign currency options are generally valued at valuations provided by a third-party pricing service. Futures contracts are generally valued at last posted settlement price as provided 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 provided by a third-party pricing service on the market on which such futures contracts are primarily traded. Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are generally valued at the mean of bid and asked prices for the time period interpolated from rates provided by a third-party pricing service for proximate time periods. Swap agreements are generally valued at valuations provided by a third-party pricing service, which for cleared swaps includes an evaluation of any trading activity at the clearinghouses. 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 third-party pricing services can utilize both transaction data and market information such as 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 provided 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

 

36


Table of Contents

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

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. The adviser generally relies on third-party 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 an investment used to determine the fund’s net asset value may differ from quoted or published prices for the same investment. There can be no assurance that the fund could obtain the fair value assigned to an investment if it were to sell the investment at the same time at which the fund determines its net asset value per share.

Various inputs are used in determining the value of the fund’s assets or liabilities. These inputs are categorized into three broad levels. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, an investment’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The fund’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and considers factors specific to the investment. Level 1 includes unadjusted 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 contracts, forward foreign currency exchange contracts and swap agreements.

 

37


Table of Contents

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

The following is a summary of the levels used as of July 31, 2014 in valuing the fund’s assets or liabilities:

 

Investments at Value    Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  
Equity Securities      $325,340         $2,490,237         $—         $2,815,577   
U.S. Treasury Bonds & U.S. Government Agency & Equivalents                                
Non-U.S. Sovereign Debt              4,100,056                 4,100,056   
Municipal Bonds              2,968,892                 2,968,892   
U.S. Corporate Bonds              1,042,479,848                 1,042,479,848   
Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities                                
Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities              1,457,325                 1,457,325   
Asset-Backed Securities (including CDOs)              194,959                 194,959   
Foreign Bonds              246,232,720                 246,232,720   
Other Fixed Income Securities                                
Commodity Linked Structured Notes                                
Floating Rate Loans              53,634,162                 53,634,162   
Purchased Currency Options                                
Short Term Securities                                
Mutual Funds      50,845,650                         50,845,650   
Total Investments      $51,170,990         $1,353,558,199         $—         $1,404,729,189   
Other Financial Instruments                            
Futures Contracts      $119,870         $—         $—         $119,870   
Swap Agreements              1,510,544                 1,510,544   
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts              128,390                 128,390   

For further information regarding security characteristics, see the Portfolio of Investments.

The following is a reconciliation of level 3 assets for which significant unobservable inputs were used to determine fair value. The fund’s policy is to recognize transfers between the levels as of the end of the period. The table presents the activity of level 3 securities held at the beginning and the end of the period.

 

     Equity
Securities
 
Balance as of 1/31/14      $372,730   

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     (359,048

Transfers out of level 3

     (13,682
Balance as of 7/31/14      $—   

 

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 or on the reporting date for foreign denominated receivables and payables. Gains and losses attributable to foreign

 

38


Table of Contents

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

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 receivables, payables, 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.

Derivatives – The fund uses derivatives for different purposes, primarily to increase or decrease exposure to a particular market or segment of the market, or security, to increase or decrease interest rate or currency exposure, or as alternatives to direct investments. Derivatives are used 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 increase market exposure, or for hedging purposes, gains and losses from derivative instruments may be substantially greater than the derivative’s original cost.

The derivative instruments used by the fund were purchased options, futures contracts, forward foreign currency exchange contracts, and swap agreements. The fund’s period end derivatives, as presented in the Portfolio of Investments and the associated Derivative Contract tables, generally are indicative of the volume of its derivative activity during the period.

The following table presents, by major type of derivative contract, the fair value, on a gross basis, of the asset and liability components of derivatives held by the fund at July 31, 2014 as reported in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities:

 

        Fair Value  
Risk   Derivative Contracts   Asset Derivatives     Liability Derivatives  
Interest Rate   Interest Rate Futures     $119,870        $—   
Foreign Exchange   Forward Foreign Currency Exchange     180,821        52,431   
Credit   Credit Default Swaps     1,510,544          
Total       $1,811,235        $52,431   

The following table presents, by major type of derivative contract, the realized gain (loss) on derivatives held by the fund for the six months ended July 31, 2014 as reported in the Statement of Operations:

 

Risk    Futures
Contracts
     Swap
Agreements
     Foreign
Currency
     Investments
(Purchased
Options)
 
Interest Rate      $(225,317      $—         $—         $—   
Foreign Exchange                      32,283           
Equity                              (196,758
Credit              189,481                   
Total      $(225,317      $189,481         $32,283         $(196,758

 

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The following table presents, by major type of derivative contract, the change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on derivatives held by the fund for the six months ended July 31, 2014 as reported in the Statement of Operations:

 

Risk    Futures
Contracts
     Swap
Agreements
    

Translation

of Assets and

Liabilities in

Foreign
Currencies

 
Interest Rate      $119,870         $—         $—   
Foreign Exchange                      (7,124
Credit              64,390           
Total      $119,870         $64,390         $(7,124

Derivative counterparty credit risk is managed through formal evaluation of the creditworthiness of all potential counterparties. On certain, but not all, over-the-counter derivatives, the fund attempts to reduce its exposure to counterparty credit risk whenever possible 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 each party to the agreement the right to terminate all transactions traded under such agreement if there is a certain deterioration in the credit quality of the other party. Upon an event of default or a termination of the ISDA Master Agreement, the non-defaulting party has the right 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. The fund’s right to setoff may be restricted or prohibited by the bankruptcy or insolvency laws of the particular jurisdiction to which a specific ISDA counterparty is subject.

Collateral and margin requirements differ by type of derivative. Margin requirements are set by the broker or clearing house for cleared derivatives (i.e., futures contracts, cleared swaps, and exchange-traded options) while collateral terms are contract specific for over-the-counter traded derivatives (i.e., forward foreign currency exchange contracts, uncleared swap agreements, and over-the-counter options). For derivatives traded under an ISDA Master Agreement, the collateral requirements are netted across all transactions traded under such agreement and one amount is posted from one party to the other to collateralize such obligations. Cash that has been segregated to cover the fund’s collateral or margin obligations under derivative contracts, if any, will be reported separately in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as “Restricted cash” or “Deposits with brokers.” Securities pledged as collateral or margin for the same purpose, if any, are noted in the Portfolio of Investments.

Purchased Options – The fund purchased call options for a premium. Purchased call options entitle the holder to buy and sell a specified number of shares or units of a particular security, currency or index at a specified price at a specified date or within a

 

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specified period of time. Purchasing call options may hedge against an anticipated increase in the dollar cost of securities or currency to be acquired or increase the fund’s exposure to an underlying instrument.

The premium paid is initially recorded as an investment in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. That investment is subsequently marked-to-market daily with the difference between the premium paid and the market value of the purchased option being recorded as unrealized appreciation or depreciation. Premiums paid for purchased call options which have expired are treated as realized losses on investments in the Statement of Operations. Upon the exercise or closing of a purchased call option, the premium paid is added to the cost of the security or financial instrument purchased.

Whether or not the option is exercised, the fund’s maximum risk of loss from purchasing an option is the amount of premium paid. All option contracts involve credit risk if the counterparty to the option contract fails to perform. For over-the-counter options, this risk is mitigated in cases where there is an ISDA Master Agreement between the fund and the counterparty providing for netting as described above and for posting of collateral by the counterparty to the fund to cover the fund’s exposure to the counterparty under such ISDA Master Agreement.

Futures Contracts – The fund entered into futures contracts which may be used to hedge against or obtain broad market exposure, interest rate exposure, currency exposure, or to manage duration. A futures contract represents a commitment for the future purchase or sale of an asset at a specified price on a specified date.

Upon entering into a futures contract, the fund is required to deposit with the broker, either in cash or securities, an initial margin in an amount equal to a certain percentage of the notional amount of the contract. Subsequent payments (variation margin) 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 gain or loss by the fund until the contract is closed or expires at which point the gain or loss on futures contracts is realized.

The fund bears the risk of interest rates, 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. While futures contracts may present less counterparty risk to the fund since the contracts are exchange traded and the exchange’s clearinghouse guarantees payments to the broker, there is still counterparty credit risk due to the insolvency of the broker. The fund’s maximum risk of loss due to counterparty credit risk is equal to the margin posted by the fund to the broker plus any gains or minus any losses on the outstanding futures contracts.

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts – The fund entered into forward foreign currency exchange contracts for the purchase or sale of a specific foreign currency at a fixed price on a future date. These contracts may be used to hedge the fund’s currency risk or for non-hedging purposes. For hedging purposes, the fund may enter into contracts to deliver or receive foreign currency that the fund will receive from or use in its normal investment activities. The fund may also use contracts to hedge against declines in the value of foreign currency denominated securities due to unfavorable exchange rate movements. For non-hedging purposes, the fund may enter

 

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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 exchange rate changes.

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are adjusted by the daily exchange rate of the underlying currency and any unrealized gains or losses are recorded as a receivable or payable for forward foreign currency exchange contracts until the contract settlement date. On contract settlement date, any gain or loss on the contract is recorded as realized gains or losses on foreign currency.

Risks may arise upon entering into these contracts from unanticipated movements in the value of the contract and from the potential inability of counterparties to meet the terms of their contracts. Generally, the fund’s maximum risk due to counterparty credit risk is the unrealized gain on the contract due to the use of Continuous Linked Settlement, an industry accepted settlement system. This risk is mitigated in cases where there is an ISDA Master Agreement between the fund and the counterparty providing for netting as described above and for posting of collateral by the counterparty to the fund to cover the fund’s exposure to the counterparty under such ISDA Master Agreement.

Swap Agreements – During the period the fund entered into swap agreements. Effective June 10, 2013, certain types of swaps (“cleared swaps”) are required to be centrally cleared under provisions of the Dodd-Frank Regulatory Reform Bill. In a cleared swap transaction, the swap agreement is novated to a central counterparty (the “clearinghouse”) immediately following execution of the swap contract with an executing broker. Thereafter, throughout the term of the cleared swap, the fund interfaces indirectly with the clearinghouse through a clearing broker.

A swap agreement is generally an exchange of cash payments, at specified intervals or upon the occurrence of specified events, between the fund and a counterparty. The net cash payments exchanged are recorded as a realized gain or loss on swap agreements in the Statement of Operations. The value of the swap agreement, which is adjusted daily and includes any related interest accruals to be paid or received by the fund, is recorded in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities, as “Swaps, at value” for uncleared swaps and is included in “Due from brokers” or “Due to brokers” for cleared swaps. The daily change in value, including any related interest accruals to be paid or received, is recorded as unrealized appreciation or depreciation on swap agreements in the Statement of Operations. The daily change in valuation of cleared swaps is recorded as a receivable or payable for variation margin in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Amounts paid or received at the inception of the swap agreement are reflected as premiums paid or received in 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 on swap agreements in the Statement of Operations.

Risks related to swap agreements include the possible lack of a liquid market, unfavorable market and interest rate movements of the underlying instrument and the failure of the counterparty to perform under the terms of the agreements. To address counterparty risk, swap agreements are limited to only highly-rated counterparties. For uncleared swaps, that risk is further reduced by having an ISDA Master Agreement

 

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between the fund and the counterparty providing for netting as described above and by the posting of collateral by the counterparty to the fund to cover the fund’s exposure to the counterparty under such ISDA Master Agreement. Although not covered by an ISDA Master Agreement, the fund’s counterparty risk due to cleared swaps is mitigated by the clearinghouses’ margining requirements and financial safeguards in the event of a clearing broker default.

The fund entered into credit default swap agreements in order to manage its exposure to the market or certain sectors of the market, to reduce its credit risk exposure to defaults of corporate and sovereign issuers or to create exposure to corporate or sovereign issuers to which it is not otherwise exposed. In a credit default swap agreement, the protection buyer can make an upfront payment and will make a stream of payments to the protection seller based on a fixed percentage applied to the agreement notional amount in exchange for the right to receive a specified return upon the occurrence of a defined credit event on the reference obligation (which may be either a single security or a basket of securities issued by corporate or sovereign issuers) and, with respect to the rare cases where physical settlement applies, the delivery by the buyer to the seller of a defined deliverable obligation. Although agreement-specific, credit events generally consist of a combination of the following: bankruptcy, failure to pay, restructuring, obligation acceleration, obligation default, or repudiation/moratorium, each as defined in the 2003 ISDA Credit Derivatives Definitions as amended by the relevant agreement. Restructuring is generally not applicable when the reference obligation is issued by a North American corporation and obligation acceleration, obligation default, or repudiation/moratorium are generally only applicable when the reference obligation is issued by a sovereign entity or an entity in an emerging country. Upon determination of the final price for the deliverable obligation (or upon delivery of the deliverable obligation in the case of physical settlement), the difference between the value of the deliverable obligation and the swap agreement’s notional amount is recorded as realized gain or loss on swap agreements in the Statement of Operations.

Credit default swap agreements are considered to have credit-risk-related contingent features since they trigger payment by the protection seller to the protection buyer upon the occurrence of a defined credit event. The maximum amount of future, undiscounted payments that the fund, as protection seller, could be required to make is equal to the swap agreement’s notional amount. The protection seller’s payment obligation would be offset to the extent of the value of the agreement’s deliverable obligation. At July 31, 2014, the fund did not hold any credit default swap agreements at an unrealized loss where it is the protection seller.

The fund’s maximum risk of loss from counterparty risk, either as the protection seller or as the protection buyer, is the fair value of the agreement. For uncleared swaps, counterparty risk is reduced by having an ISDA Master Agreement between the fund and the counterparty providing for netting as described above and by the posting of collateral by the counterparty to the fund to cover the fund’s exposure to the counterparty under such ISDA Master Agreement. For cleared swaps, the fund’s counterparty risk is mitigated by the clearinghouses’ margining requirements and financial safeguards in the event of a clearing broker default.

 

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Loans and Other Direct Debt Instruments – The fund invests in loans and loan participations or other receivables. These investments may include standby financing commitments, including revolving credit facilities, which contractually obligate the fund to supply additional cash to the borrower on demand. The fund generally provides this financial support in order to preserve its existing investment or to obtain a more senior secured interest in the assets of the borrower. 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 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. Debt obligations may be placed on non-accrual status or set to accrue at a rate of interest less than the contractual coupon when the collection of all or a portion of interest has become doubtful. Interest income for those debt obligations may be further reduced by the write-off of the related interest receivables when deemed uncollectible.

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, 2014, is shown as a reduction of total expenses in 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’s federal tax returns, when

 

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filed, will remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service for a three year period. Management has analyzed the fund’s tax positions taken on federal and state tax returns for all open tax years and does not believe that there are any uncertain tax positions that require recognition of a tax liability. Foreign taxes, if any, have been accrued by the fund in the accompanying financial statements in accordance with the applicable foreign tax law. Foreign income taxes may be withheld by certain countries in which the fund invests. Additionally, capital gains realized by the fund on securities issued in or by certain foreign countries may be subject to capital gains tax imposed by those countries.

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, 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.

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 for the last fiscal year is as follows:

 

     1/31/14  
Ordinary income (including any
short-term capital gains)
     $75,775,810   

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

 

As of 7/31/14       
Cost of investments      $1,398,928,426   
Gross appreciation      25,797,320   
Gross depreciation      (19,996,557
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)      $5,800,763   
As of 1/31/14       
Undistributed ordinary income      6,997,710   
Capital loss carryforwards      (182,691,121
Other temporary differences      (6,775,989
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)      20,443,639   

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

Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010 (the “Act”), net capital losses recognized for fund fiscal years beginning after January 31, 2011 may be

 

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carried forward indefinitely, and their character is retained as short-term and/or long-term losses (“post-enactment losses”). Previously, net capital losses were carried forward for eight years and treated as short-term losses (“pre-enactment losses”). As a transition rule, the Act requires that all post-enactment net capital losses be used before pre-enactment net capital losses.

As of January 31, 2014, the fund had capital loss carryforwards available to offset future realized gains. Such pre-enactment losses expire as follows:

 

1/31/15      $(39,404,014
1/31/16      (1,964,268
1/31/17      (94,687,685
1/31/18      (46,635,154
Total      $(182,691,121

The availability of a portion of the capital loss carryforwards, which were acquired on July 24, 2009 in connection with the MFS Floating Rate High Income Fund merger, may be limited in a given year.

Multiple Classes of Shares of Beneficial Interest – The fund offers multiple classes of shares, which differ in their respective distribution, service, and program manager fees. The fund’s income and common expenses are allocated to shareholders based on the value of settled shares outstanding of each class. The fund’s realized and unrealized gain (loss) are allocated to shareholders based on the daily net assets of each class. 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. The fund’s distributions declared to shareholders as reported in the Statements of Changes in Net Assets are presented by class as follows:

 

     From net investment
income
 
     Six months
ended

7/31/14
     Year
ended
1/31/14
 
Class A      $13,297,737         $27,450,146   
Class B      768,799         1,597,298   
Class C      1,905,845         3,974,966   
Class I      2,116,450         4,156,482   
Class R1      30,933         60,382   
Class R2      92,797         211,219   
Class R3      214,198         466,092   
Class R4      14,976         27,296   
Class R5      22,181,105         37,563,574   
Class 529A      95,107         174,398   
Class 529B      8,551         18,319   
Class 529C      43,426         75,638   
Total      $40,769,924         $75,775,810   

 

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(3) Transactions with Affiliates

Investment Adviser – The fund has an investment advisory agreement with 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 billion      0.44

MFS has agreed in writing to reduce its management fee by a specified amount if certain MFS mutual fund assets exceed thresholds agreed to by MFS and the fund’s Board of Trustees. For the six months ended July 31, 2014, this management fee reduction amounted to $28,126, which is included in the reduction of total expenses in the Statement of Operations. The management fee incurred for the six months ended July 31, 2014 was equivalent to an annual effective rate of 0.46% of the fund’s average daily net assets.

Effective August 1, 2014, the investment adviser has agreed in writing to reduce its management fee to 0.42% of average daily net assets in excess of $3 billion. This written agreement will continue until modified by the fund’s Board of Trustees, but such agreement will continue at least until May 31, 2016.

Distributor – MFS Fund Distributors, Inc. (MFD), a wholly-owned subsidiary of MFS, as distributor, received $96,858 and $895 for the six months ended July 31, 2014, 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 share classes 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 (d)
     Service
Fee Rate (d)
     Total
Distribution
Plan (d)
     Annual
Effective
Rate (e)
     Distribution
and Service
Fee
 
Class A              0.25%         0.25%         0.24%         $579,888   
Class B      0.75%         0.25%         1.00%         1.00%         154,293   
Class C      0.75%         0.25%         1.00%         1.00%         382,469   
Class R1      0.75%         0.25%         1.00%         1.00%         6,221   
Class R2      0.25%         0.25%         0.50%         0.50%         8,462   
Class R3              0.25%         0.25%         0.25%         9,311   
Class 529A              0.25%         0.25%         0.23%         4,172   
Class 529B      0.75%         0.25%         1.00%         1.00%         1,735   
Class 529C      0.75%         0.25%         1.00%         1.00%         8,825   
Total Distribution and Service Fees         $1,155,376   

 

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(d) In accordance with the distribution plan for certain classes, the fund pays distribution and/or service fees equal to these annual percentage rates of each class’s average daily net assets. The distribution and service fee rates disclosed by class represent the current rates in effect at the end of the reporting period. Any rate changes, if applicable, are detailed below.
(e) The annual effective rates represent actual fees incurred under the distribution plan for the six months ended July 31, 2014 based on each class’s average daily net assets. MFD has voluntarily agreed to rebate a portion of each class’s 0.25% service fee attributable to accounts for which MFD retains the 0.25% service fee except for accounts attributable to MFS or its affiliates’ seed money. For the six months ended July 31, 2014, this rebate amounted to $19,043, $186, $271, and $259 for Class A, Class B, Class C, and Class 529A, respectively, and is included in the reduction of total expenses in the Statement of Operations.

Certain Class A shares are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) in the event of a shareholder redemption within 18 months of purchase for shares purchased on or after August 1, 2012, and within 24 months of purchase for shares purchased prior to August 1, 2012. 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, 2014, were as follows:

 

     Amount  
Class A      $6,459   
Class B      25,585   
Class C      1,805   
Class 529C      50   

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 0.10% of the average daily net assets attributable to each 529 share class. MFD has agreed to waive a portion of this fee in an amount equal to 0.05% of the average daily net assets for each 529 share class. This waiver agreement will expire on May 31, 2015, unless MFD elects to extend the waiver. For the six months ended July 31, 2014, this waiver amounted to $1,362 and is included in the reduction of total expenses in the Statement of Operations. The program manager fee incurred for the six months ended July 31, 2014 was equivalent to an annual effective rate of 0.05% of the average daily net assets attributable to each 529 share class. 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 and waivers for the six months ended July 31, 2014, were as follows:

 

     Fee      Waiver  
Class 529A      $1,668         $834   
Class 529B      174         87   
Class 529C      883         441   
Total Program Manager Fees and Waivers      $2,725         $1,362   

 

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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, 2014, the fee was $146,090, which equated to 0.0210% 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. Class R5 shares do not incur sub-accounting fees. For the six months ended July 31, 2014, these out-of-pocket expenses, sub-accounting and other shareholder servicing costs amounted to $285,186.

Under a Special Servicing Agreement among MFS, each MFS fund which invests in other MFS funds (“MFS fund-of-funds”) and certain underlying funds 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, 2014, these costs for the fund amounted to $391,037 and are included in “Shareholder servicing costs” in the Statement of Operations.

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 an annual fixed amount of $17,500 plus a fee based on average daily net assets. The administrative services fee incurred for the six months ended July 31, 2014 was equivalent to an annual effective rate of 0.0123% 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.

Prior to December 31, 2001, the fund had an unfunded defined benefit plan (“DB plan”) for independent Trustees. As of December 31, 2001, the Board took action to terminate the DB plan with respect to then-current and any future independent Trustees, such that the DB plan covers only certain of those former independent Trustees who retired on or before December 31, 2001. Effective January 1, 2002, accrued benefits under the DB plan for then-current independent Trustees who continued were credited to an unfunded retirement deferral plan (the “Retirement Deferral plan”), which was established for and exists solely with respect to these credited amounts, and is not available for other deferrals by these or other independent Trustees. Although the Retirement Deferral plan is unfunded, amounts deferred under the plan are periodically adjusted for investment experience as if they had been invested in shares of the fund. The DB plan resulted in a pension expense of

 

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$1,591 and the Retirement Deferral plan resulted in an expense of $1,611. Both amounts are included in independent Trustees’ compensation for the six months ended July 31, 2014. The liability for deferred retirement benefits payable to certain independent Trustees under both plans amounted to $55,332 at July 31, 2014, and is included in “Payable for independent Trustees’ compensation” in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

Other – This fund and certain other funds managed by MFS (the funds) have entered into services agreements (the Agreements) which provide for payment of fees by the funds to Tarantino LLC and Griffin Compliance LLC in return for the provision of services of an Independent Chief Compliance Officer (ICCO) and Assistant ICCO, respectively, for the funds. The funds can terminate the Agreements with Tarantino LLC and Griffin Compliance LLC at any time under the terms of the Agreements. The ICCO is an officer of the funds and the sole member of Tarantino LLC. Prior to June 1, 2014, Robyn L. Griffin served as the Assistant ICCO and was an officer of the funds. Ms. Griffin is the sole member of Griffin Compliance LLC. Effective May 31, 2014, Ms. Griffin resigned as Assistant ICCO and the service agreement between the funds and Griffin Compliance LLC was terminated. For the six months ended July 31, 2014, the aggregate fees paid by the fund to Tarantino LLC and Griffin Compliance LLC were $2,639 and are included in “Miscellaneous” expense in the Statement of Operations. MFS has agreed to reimburse the fund for a portion of the payments made by the fund in the amount of $1,455, which is included in the 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 and Assistant ICCO.

The fund invests in the MFS Institutional Money Market Portfolio which is managed by MFS and seeks current income consistent with preservation of capital and liquidity. Income earned on this investment is included in “Dividends from underlying affiliated funds” in the Statement of Operations. This money market fund does not pay a management fee to MFS.

(4) Portfolio Securities

For the six months ended July 31, 2014, purchases and sales of investments, other than short-term obligations, aggregated $427,590,869 and $364,918,417, respectively.

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

(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
7/31/14
     Year ended
1/31/14
 
     Shares      Amount      Shares      Amount  
Shares sold            

Class A

     10,466,262         $38,101,381         25,630,750         $91,907,736   

Class B

     594,158         2,166,576         2,354,320         8,463,048   

Class C

     1,363,633         4,979,321         3,866,994         13,904,327   

Class I

     3,552,810         12,920,199         6,053,937         21,543,523   

Class R1

     79,559         289,223         70,368         252,695   

Class R2

     74,406         270,889         176,563         634,597   

Class R3

     135,227         491,452         599,639         2,153,932   

Class R4

     35,815         130,661         54,752         197,181   

Class R5

     14,212,750         51,765,788         43,452,780         155,743,080   

Class 529A

     99,486         360,948         229,648         825,301   

Class 529B

     5,132         18,650         12,945         46,632   

Class 529C

     34,154         124,592         169,740         611,992   
     30,653,392         $111,619,680         82,672,436         $296,284,044   
Shares issued to shareholders in reinvestment of distributions            

Class A

     3,203,936         $11,662,026         6,398,168         $22,924,324   

Class B

     188,041         685,394         385,184         1,382,417   

Class C

     431,764         1,576,668         885,645         3,185,808   

Class I

     554,110         2,012,075         1,106,822         3,959,876   

Class R1

     8,473         30,882         16,828         60,382   

Class R2

     24,830         90,385         58,091         208,225   

Class R3

     58,869         214,198         130,110         466,092   

Class R4

     4,118         14,976         7,616         27,296   

Class R5

     6,097,153         22,181,105         10,489,697         37,563,472   

Class 529A

     26,014         94,601         48,507         173,730   

Class 529B

     2,344         8,529         5,052         18,093   

Class 529C

     11,902         43,382         21,014         75,417   
     10,611,554         $38,614,221         19,552,734         $70,045,132   

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

     Six months ended
7/31/14
     Year ended
1/31/14
 
     Shares      Amount      Shares      Amount  
Shares reacquired            

Class A

     (11,718,885      $(42,647,415      (44,801,118      $(160,678,285

Class B

     (1,030,446      (3,756,890      (2,845,826      (10,206,866

Class C

     (2,526,024      (9,223,721      (6,127,640      (22,016,866

Class I

     (2,370,615      (8,582,418      (8,070,353      (28,903,905

Class R1

     (40,340      (147,253      (69,109      (249,211

Class R2

     (170,082      (618,407      (407,569      (1,458,053

Class R3

     (476,943      (1,735,767      (760,847      (2,729,722

Class R4

     (11,594      (42,290      (17,097      (61,026

Class R5

     (2,071,172      (7,539,583      (2,694,150      (9,669,761

Class 529A

     (55,879      (203,007      (160,178      (573,482

Class 529B

     (4,878      (17,841      (28,089      (101,282

Class 529C

     (36,011      (130,566      (65,502      (234,035
     (20,512,869      $(74,645,158      (66,047,478      $(236,882,494
Net change            

Class A

     1,951,313         $7,115,992         (12,772,200      $(45,846,225

Class B

     (248,247      (904,920      (106,322      (361,401

Class C

     (730,627      (2,667,732      (1,375,001      (4,926,731

Class I

     1,736,305         6,349,856         (909,594      (3,400,506

Class R1

     47,692         172,852         18,087         63,866   

Class R2

     (70,846      (257,133      (172,915      (615,231

Class R3

     (282,847      (1,030,117      (31,098      (109,698

Class R4

     28,339         103,347         45,271         163,451   

Class R5

     18,238,731         66,407,310         51,248,327         183,636,791   

Class 529A

     69,621         252,542         117,977         425,549   

Class 529B

     2,598         9,338         (10,092      (36,557

Class 529C

     10,045         37,408         125,252         453,374   
     20,752,077         $75,588,743         36,177,692         $129,446,682   

The fund is one of several mutual funds in which certain of 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, the MFS Growth Allocation Fund, the MFS Conservative Allocation Fund, the MFS Lifetime 2020 Fund, and the MFS Lifetime 2030 Fund were the owners of record of approximately 22%, 18%, 10%, 1%, and 1%, respectively, of the value of outstanding voting shares of the fund. In addition, the MFS Lifetime Income Fund (formerly known as the MFS Lifetime Retirement Income Fund), the MFS Lifetime 2015 Fund, the MFS Lifetime 2025 Fund, and the MFS Lifetime 2035 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 certain other funds managed by MFS participate in a $1.1 billion unsecured committed line of credit, subject to a $1 billion sublimit, provided by a syndication of banks under a credit agreement. Borrowings may be made for

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

temporary financing needs. Interest is charged to each fund, based on its borrowings, generally at a rate equal to the higher of the Federal Reserve funds rate or one month LIBOR plus an agreed upon spread. 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. In addition, the fund and other funds managed by MFS have established unsecured uncommitted borrowing arrangements with certain banks for temporary financing needs. Interest is charged to each fund, based on its borrowings, at a rate equal to the Federal Reserve funds rate plus an agreed upon spread. For the six months ended July 31, 2014, the fund’s commitment fee and interest expense were $2,715 and $0, respectively, and are included in “Miscellaneous” expense in the Statement of Operations.

(8) Transactions in Underlying Affiliated 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 an affiliated issuer:

 

Underlying Affiliated Fund    Beginning
Shares/Par
Amount
     Acquisitions
Shares/Par
Amount
     Dispositions
Shares/Par
Amount
    Ending
Shares/Par
Amount
 
MFS Institutional Money Market Portfolio      33,626,266         191,039,228         (173,819,844     50,845,650   
Underlying Affiliated Fund    Realized
Gain (Loss)
     Capital Gain
Distributions
     Dividend
Income
    Ending
Value
 
MFS Institutional Money Market Portfolio      $—         $—         $21,701        $50,845,650   

 

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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, 2014 (“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, 2013 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) 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, and compared to MFS’ institutional business, (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

 

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Board Review of Investment Advisory Agreement – continued

 

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, 2013, 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- and five-year periods ended December 31, 2013 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.

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, according to the Lipper data (which takes into account any fee reductions or expense limitations that were in effect during the Fund’s last fiscal year), the Fund’s effective advisory fee rate was lower than the Lipper expense group median and the total expense ratio was approximately at the Lipper expense group median.

 

55


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Board Review of Investment Advisory Agreement – continued

 

The Trustees also considered the advisory fees charged by MFS to any comparable 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 may benefit from any economies of scale in the management of the Fund in the event of growth in assets of the Fund and/or growth in assets of the MFS Funds as a whole. 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 MFS has agreed in writing to implement an additional breakpoint that reduces its advisory fee rate on the Fund’s average daily net assets over $3 billion, which may not be changed without the Trustees’ approval. The Trustees also noted that MFS has agreed in writing to waive a portion of the management fees of certain MFS Funds, including the Fund, if the total combined assets of certain funds within the MFS Funds’ complex increase above agreed upon thresholds (the “group fee waiver”), enabling the Fund’s shareholders to share in the benefits from any economies of scale at the complex level. The group fee waiver is reviewed and renewed annually between the Board and MFS. The Trustees concluded that the breakpoints and the group fee waiver were sufficient to allow the Fund to benefit from economies of scale as its assets and overall complex 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.

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 presence 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

 

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Board Review of Investment Advisory Agreement – continued

 

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 Fund 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 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 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, 2014.

 

57


Table of Contents

PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND INFORMATION

MFS votes proxies on behalf of the fund pursuant to proxy voting policies and procedures that are 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. A shareholder can obtain the quarterly portfolio holdings report at mfs.com. The fund’s Form N-Q is also available on the EDGAR database on the Commission’s Internet Web site at http://www.sec.gov, and 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. Copies of the fund’s Form N-Q also 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.

FURTHER INFORMATION

From time to time, MFS may post important information about the fund or the MFS funds on the MFS web site (mfs.com). This information is available by visiting the “Commentary & Announcements” and “Market Outlooks” sections of mfs.com or by clicking on the fund’s name under “Mutual Funds” in the “Products” section of mfs.com.

PROVISION OF FINANCIAL REPORTS AND SUMMARY PROSPECTUSES

The fund produces financial reports every six months and updates its summary prospectus and prospectus annually. To avoid sending duplicate copies of materials to households, only one copy of the fund’s annual and semiannual report and summary prospectus may be mailed to shareholders having the same last name and residential address on the fund’s records. However, any shareholder may contact MFSC (please see back cover for address and telephone number) to request that copies of these reports and summary prospectuses be sent personally to that shareholder.

 

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Table of Contents

LOGO

 

Save paper with eDelivery.

 

LOGO

MFS® will send you prospectuses,

reports, and proxies directly via e-mail so you will get information faster with less mailbox clutter.

To sign up:

1. Go to mfs.com.

2. Log in via MFS® Access.

3. Select eDelivery.

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

 

CONTACT

WEB SITE

mfs.com

MFS TALK

1-800-637-8255

24 hours a day

ACCOUNT SERVICE AND LITERATURE

Shareholders

1-800-225-2606

Financial advisors

1-800-343-2829

Retirement plan services

1-800-637-1255

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

 


Table of Contents

SEMIANNUAL REPORT

July 31, 2014

 

LOGO

 

MFS® GLOBAL HIGH YIELD FUND

(formerly MFS® High Yield Opportunities Fund)

 

LOGO

 

HYO-SEM

 


Table of Contents

MFS® GLOBAL HIGH YIELD FUND

(formerly MFS® High Yield Opportunities Fund)

 

CONTENTS

 

Letter from the Chairman and CEO     1   
Portfolio composition     2   
Expense table     4   
Portfolio of investments     6   
Statement of assets and liabilities     15   
Statement of operations     17   
Statements of changes in net assets     18   
Financial highlights     19   
Notes to financial statements     29   
Appendix A     47   
Board review of investment advisory agreement     65   
Proxy voting policies and information     69   
Quarterly portfolio disclosure     69   
Further information     69   
Provision of financial reports and summary prospectuses     69   
Contact information    back cover   

 

 

Note to Shareholders: Effective March 31, 2014, the fund’s name changed from MFS High Yield Opportunities Fund to MFS Global High Yield Fund.

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 GUARANTEE


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN AND CEO

 

Dear Shareholders:

The U.S. economy has gathered momentum after a slow start to the year. Industrial output, consumer confidence and retail sales have all strengthened along with the labor market. However, the unemployment rate remains elevated and the housing

market has cooled off. With second-quarter economic growth rebounding strongly, economists have a favorable outlook for the rest of the year.

China’s economy has picked up again, and Japan is moving steadily towards Prime Minister Abe’s economic goals, including an inflation rate of 2% by next spring. The eurozone’s economy appears to have turned a corner, with renewed growth. However, historically high unemployment persists, deflation remains a risk and Russian sanctions could present a new obstacle to regional growth.

With corporate earnings surpassing expectations, the greatest concerns now are related to conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine as well as growing speculation on when the U.S. Federal Reserve will begin increasing interest rates.

As always at MFS®, active risk management is integral to how we manage your investments. We use a collaborative process, sharing insights across asset classes, regions and economic sectors. Our global team of investment professionals uses a multidisciplined, long-term, diversified investment approach.

We understand that these are challenging economic times. We believe that we can serve you best by applying proven principles, such as asset allocation and diversification, over the long term. We are confident that this approach can serve you well as you work with your financial advisors to reach your goals in the years ahead.

Respectfully,

 

LOGO

Robert J. Manning

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

MFS Investment Management

September 15, 2014

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

 

1


Table of Contents

PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION

 

Portfolio structure (i)

 

LOGO

 

Top five industries (i)  
Energy-Independent     7.2%   
Telecommunications-Wireless     5.8%   
Cable TV     5.6%   
Building     4.9%   
Metals & Mining     4.5%   
Composition including fixed income credit quality (a)(i)  
BBB     4.5%   
BB     35.1%   
B     47.3%   
CCC     9.9%   
CC (o)     0.0%   
C     0.1%   
Not Rated     0.1%   
Non-Fixed Income     0.2%   
Cash & Other     2.8%   
Portfolio facts (i)  
Average Duration (d)     4.7   
Average Effective Maturity (m)     7.1 yrs.   
Issuer country weightings (i)(x)   
United States     61.9%   
Canada     4.3%   
United Kingdom     3.9%   
Mexico     3.3%   
Luxembourg     2.8%   
Brazil     2.2%   
France     2.0%   
Italy     1.8%   
Netherlands     1.7%   
Other Countries     16.1%   
 

 

(a) For all securities other than those specifically described below, ratings are assigned to underlying securities utilizing ratings from Moody’s, Fitch, and Standard & Poor’s rating agencies and applying the following hierarchy: If all three agencies provide a rating, the middle rating (after dropping the highest and lowest ratings) is assigned; if two of the three agencies rate a security, the lower of the two is assigned. Ratings are shown in the S&P and Fitch scale (e.g., AAA). Securities rated BBB or higher are considered investment grade. All ratings are subject to change. Not Rated includes fixed income securities, including fixed income futures contracts, which have not been rated by any rating agency. Non-Fixed Income includes equity securities (including convertible bonds and equity derivatives) and commodities. The fund may not hold all of these instruments. The fund is not rated by these agencies.

 

2


Table of Contents

Portfolio Composition – continued

 

(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 due to the interest rate move.
(i) For purposes of this presentation, the components include the value of securities, and reflect the impact of the equivalent exposure of derivative positions, if any. These amounts may be negative from time to time. Equivalent exposure is a calculated amount that translates the derivative position into a reasonable approximation of the amount of the underlying asset that the portfolio would have to hold at a given point in time to have the same price sensitivity that results from the portfolio’s ownership of the derivative contract. When dealing with derivatives, equivalent exposure is a more representative measure of the potential impact of a position on portfolio performance than value. The bond component will include any accrued interest amounts.
(m) In determining an instrument’s effective maturity for purposes of calculating the fund’s dollar-weighted average effective maturity, MFS uses the instrument’s stated maturity or, if applicable, an earlier date on which MFS believes it is probable that a maturity-shortening device (such as a put, pre-refunding or prepayment) will cause the instrument to be repaid. Such an earlier date can be substantially shorter than the instrument’s stated maturity.
(o) Less than 0.1%.
(x) Represents the portfolio’s exposure to issuer countries as a percentage of a portfolio’s net assets. For purposes of this presentation, United States includes Cash & Other.

Where the fund holds convertible bonds, these are treated as part of the equity portion of the portfolio.

The fund invests a portion of its assets in the MFS High Yield Pooled Portfolio. Percentages reflect exposure to the underlying holdings of the MFS High Yield Pooled Portfolio and not to the exposure from investing directly in the MFS High Yield Pooled Portfolio itself.

Cash & Other can include cash, other assets less liabilities, offsets to derivative positions, and short-term securities.

Percentages are based on net assets as of 7/31/14.

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

 

3


Table of Contents

EXPENSE TABLE

Fund expenses borne by the shareholders during the period, February 1, 2014 through July 31, 2014

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.

In addition to the fees and expenses which the fund bears directly, the fund indirectly bears a pro rata share of the fees and expenses of the underlying MFS Pooled Portfolio in which the fund invests. MFS Pooled Portfolios are mutual funds advised by MFS that do not pay management fees to MFS but do incur investment and operating costs. If these transactional and indirect costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

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, 2014 through July 31, 2014.

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.

 

4


Table of Contents

Expense Table – continued

 

 

Share
Class
       Annualized
Expense
Ratio
    Beginning
Account Value
2/01/14
    Ending
Account Value
7/31/14
    Expenses
Paid During
Period (p)
2/01/14-7/31/14
 
A   Actual     1.05%        $1,000.00        $1,034.47        $5.30   
  Hypothetical (h)     1.05%        $1,000.00        $1,019.59        $5.26   
B   Actual     1.80%        $1,000.00        $1,030.59        $9.06   
  Hypothetical (h)     1.80%        $1,000.00        $1,015.87        $9.00   
C   Actual     1.80%        $1,000.00        $1,032.19        $9.07   
  Hypothetical (h)     1.80%        $1,000.00        $1,015.87        $9.00   
I   Actual     0.80%        $1,000.00        $1,035.75        $4.04   
  Hypothetical (h)     0.80%        $1,000.00        $1,020.83        $4.01   
R1   Actual     1.80%        $1,000.00        $1,032.15        $9.07   
  Hypothetical (h)     1.80%        $1,000.00        $1,015.87        $9.00   
R2   Actual     1.30%        $1,000.00        $1,033.16        $6.55   
  Hypothetical (h)     1.30%        $1,000.00        $1,018.35        $6.51   
R3   Actual     1.05%        $1,000.00        $1,036.03        $5.30   
  Hypothetical (h)     1.05%        $1,000.00        $1,019.59        $5.26   
R4   Actual     0.80%        $1,000.00        $1,035.70        $4.04   
  Hypothetical (h)     0.80%        $1,000.00        $1,020.83        $4.01   
R5   Actual     0.71%        $1,000.00        $1,036.22        $3.58   
  Hypothetical (h)     0.71%        $1,000.00        $1,021.27        $3.56   

 

(h) 5% class return per year before expenses.
(p) “Expenses Paid During Period” are equal to each class’s annualized expense ratio, as shown above, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period). Expenses paid do not include any applicable sales charges (loads). If these transaction costs had been included, your costs would have been higher. In addition to the fees and expenses which the fund bears directly, the fund indirectly bears a pro rata share of the fees and expenses of the underlying funds in which the fund invests. If these indirect costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

5


Table of Contents

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS

7/31/14 (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 - 24.9%                 
Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Asset-Backed & Securitized - 0.6%                 
Arbor Realty Mortgage Securities, CDO, FRN, 2.534%, 4/21/38 (z)    $ 1,136,457      $ 883,507   
Banc of America Commercial Mortgage, Inc., FRN, 6.277%, 2/10/51 (z)      3,830,049        1,959,633   
Citigroup Commercial Mortgage Trust, FRN, 5.71%, 12/10/49 (d)(q)      2,500,000        344,000   
Crest Ltd., CDO, 7%, 1/28/40 (a)(p)      1,334,298        66,715   
Falcon Franchise Loan LLC, FRN, 16.08%, 1/05/25 (i)(z)      94,278        31,112   
G-Force LLC, CDO, “A2”, 4.83%, 8/22/36 (z)      995        1,018   
LB Commercial Conduit Mortgage Trust, FRN, 1.176%, 2/18/30 (i)      288,377        6,890   
Morgan Stanley Capital I, Inc., FRN, 1.414%, 4/28/39 (i)(z)      1,106,693        7,321   
Preferred Term Securities XII Ltd., CDO, 0%, 12/24/33 (a)(c)(z)      1,775,000        0   
    

 

 

 
      $ 3,300,196   
Automotive - 0.4%                 
Jaguar Land Rover PLC, 8.125%, 5/15/21 (n)    $ 920,000      $ 1,018,900   
Schaeffler Finance B.V., 4.25%, 5/15/18 (n)    EUR 100,000        137,962   
Schaeffler Finance B.V., 6.875%, 8/15/18 (n)(p)    $ 640,000        672,000   
Schaeffler Finance B.V., 4.75%, 5/15/21 (z)      295,000        299,425   
    

 

 

 
      $ 2,128,287   
Broadcasting - 0.1%                 
Myriad International Holdings B.V., 6%, 7/18/20 (n)    $ 486,000      $ 535,815   
Building - 2.0%                 
Cementos Pacasmayo S.A.A., 4.5%, 2/08/23    $ 1,535,000      $ 1,450,575   
Cementos Progreso Trust Co., 7.125%, 11/06/23 (n)      1,419,000        1,528,973   
CEMEX Espana S.A., 9.25%, 5/12/20      995,000        1,077,088   
CEMEX S.A.B. de C.V., 5.875%, 3/25/19 (n)      345,000        351,038   
CEMEX S.A.B. de C.V., 6.5%, 12/10/19 (n)      845,000        881,969   
CEMEX S.A.B. de C.V., 7.25%, 1/15/21 (n)      435,000        461,100   
Cimpor Financial Operations B.V., 5.75%, 7/17/24 (z)      918,000        905,378   
Grupo Cementos de Chihuahua S.A.B. de C.V., 8.125%, 2/08/20      1,563,000        1,715,393   
Grupo Cementos de Chihuahua S.A.B. de C.V., 8.125%, 2/08/20 (n)      795,000        872,513   
Lafarge S.A., 7.125%, 7/15/36      625,000        720,313   
Paroc Group Oy, 6.25%, 5/15/20 (z)    EUR 1,125,000        1,506,431   
    

 

 

 
      $ 11,470,771   

 

6


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Bonds - continued                 
Cable TV - 1.6%                 
Cogeco Cable, Inc., 4.875%, 5/01/20 (n)    $ 1,135,000      $ 1,140,675   
Numericable Group S.A., 6%, 5/15/22 (n)      400,000        402,000   
Telenet Finance Luxembourg, 6.375%, 11/15/20 (n)    EUR 500,000        711,544   
Telenet Group Holding N.V., 6.25%, 8/15/22 (n)    EUR 780,000        1,138,506   
Unitymedia Hessen GmbH & Co. KG, 6.25%, 1/15/29 (n)    EUR 1,160,000        1,747,460   
Videotron Ltd., 5.375%, 6/15/24 (n)    $ 1,890,000        1,890,000   
VTR Finance B.V., 6.875%, 1/15/24 (n)      1,120,000        1,160,600   
Ziggo Bond Co. B.V., 8%, 5/15/18 (n)    EUR 755,000        1,106,925   
    

 

 

 
      $ 9,297,710   
Chemicals - 0.2%                 
INEOS Group Holdings S.A., 5.75%, 2/15/19 (n)    EUR 760,000      $ 1,038,032   
Conglomerates - 0.5%                 
Grupo Kuo S.A.B. de C.V., 6.25%, 12/04/22    $ 1,505,000      $ 1,576,488   
Metalloinvest Finance Ltd., 5.625%, 4/17/20 (n)      1,420,000        1,295,750   
    

 

 

 
      $ 2,872,238   
Construction - 0.5%                 
Empresas ICA S.A.B. de C.V., 8.375%, 7/24/17 (n)    $ 150,000      $ 158,063   
Empresas ICA S.A.B. de C.V., 8.375%, 7/24/17      291,000        306,641   
Empresas ICA S.A.B. de C.V., 8.875%, 5/29/24 (n)      615,000        628,838   
Empresas ICA Sociedad Controladora S.A. de C.V., 8.9%, 2/04/21      1,639,000        1,720,950   
    

 

 

 
      $ 2,814,492   
Consumer Products - 0.2%                 
Jarden Corp., 3.75%, 10/01/21 (z)    EUR 1,125,000      $ 1,491,367   
Consumer Services - 0.3%                 
Grupo Posadas S.A.B. de C.V., 7.875%, 11/30/17    $ 1,510,000      $ 1,532,650   
Containers - 0.4%                 
San Miguel Industrias PET S.A., 7.75%, 11/06/20 (n)    $ 1,211,000      $ 1,307,880   
SGD Group SAS, 5.625%, 5/15/19 (z)    EUR 755,000        1,036,257   
    

 

 

 
      $ 2,344,137   
Electronics - 0.1%                 
Nokia Corp., 5.375%, 5/15/19    $ 600,000      $ 636,000   
Emerging Market Quasi-Sovereign - 0.8%                 
Banco de Reservas de la Republica Dominicana, 7%, 2/01/23 (n)    $ 606,000      $ 624,180   
Banco do Estado Rio Grande do Sul S.A., 7.375%, 2/02/22 (n)      1,716,000        1,806,845   
Instituto Costarricense, 6.375%, 5/15/43 (n)      923,000        821,470   

 

7


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Bonds - continued                 
Emerging Market Quasi-Sovereign - continued                 
Office Cherifien des Phosphates, 6.875%, 4/25/44 (n)    $ 1,395,000      $ 1,478,700   
    

 

 

 
      $ 4,731,195   
Emerging Market Sovereign - 0.6%                 
Dominican Republic, 7.5%, 5/06/21 (n)    $ 790,000      $ 902,575   
Dominican Republic, 6.6%, 1/28/24 (n)      122,000        132,980   
Dominican Republic, 5.875%, 4/18/24 (n)      111,000        114,885   
Dominican Republic, 7.45%, 4/30/44 (n)      107,000        113,955   
Republic of Croatia, 5.5%, 4/04/23 (n)      1,264,000        1,308,240   
Republic of Venezuela, 7%, 3/31/38      1,433,000        987,337   
    

 

 

 
      $ 3,559,972   
Energy - Independent - 0.6%                 
Afren PLC, 11.5%, 2/01/16 (n)    $ 1,000,000      $ 1,080,000   
Afren PLC, 6.625%, 12/09/20 (n)      528,000        550,440   
Northern Blizzard Resources, Inc., 7.25%, 2/01/22 (n)      430,000        452,575   
Tullow Oil PLC, 6.25%, 4/15/22 (n)      1,322,000        1,328,610   
    

 

 

 
      $ 3,411,625   
Energy - Integrated - 0.6%                 
Inkia Energy Ltd., 8.375%, 4/04/21    $ 1,397,000      $ 1,536,700   
Pacific Rubiales Energy Corp., 7.25%, 12/12/21 (n)      2,076,000        2,262,840   
    

 

 

 
      $ 3,799,540   
Food & Beverages - 1.5%                 
Anadolu Efes Biracilik ve Malt Sanayii A.S., 3.375%, 11/01/22    $ 1,415,000      $ 1,257,935   
BRF S.A., 3.95%, 5/22/23 (n)      1,535,000        1,438,602   
Corporacion Lindley S.A., 6.75%, 11/23/21      389,000        428,873   
Corporacion Lindley S.A., 6.75%, 11/23/21 (n)      56,000        61,740   
Corporacion Lindley S.A., 4.625%, 4/12/23 (n)      802,000        789,970   
JBS Investments GmbH, 7.75%, 10/28/20 (n)      1,558,000        1,670,955   
Minerva Luxembourg S.A., 7.75%, 1/31/23      1,360,000        1,456,900   
Premier Foods Finance PLC, 6.5%, 3/15/21 (z)    GBP 380,000        623,911   
R&R Ice Cream PLC, 5.5%, 5/15/20 (z)    GBP 750,000        1,245,965   
    

 

 

 
      $ 8,974,851   
Gaming & Lodging - 0.4%                 
Great Canadian Gaming Corp., 6.625%, 7/25/22 (n)    CAD 1,375,000      $ 1,336,727   
Wynn Macau Ltd., 5.25%, 10/15/21 (n)    $ 1,137,000        1,137,000   
    

 

 

 
      $ 2,473,727   
Industrial - 1.5%                 
ASTALDI S.p.A., 7.125%, 12/01/20 (n)    EUR 1,550,000      $ 2,231,192   
Deutsche Raststatten Gruppe IV GmbH, 6.75%, 12/30/20 (n)    EUR 385,000        549,044   

 

8


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Bonds - continued                 
Industrial - continued                 
Empark Funding S.A., 6.75%, 12/15/19 (n)    EUR 385,000      $ 556,880   
Galapagos Holdings LLC, 7%, 6/15/22 (z)    EUR 281,000        372,510   
Galapagos SA, 5.375%, 6/15/21 (z)    EUR 281,000        378,192   
Grupo Isolux Corsan Finance B.V., 6.625%, 4/15/21 (z)    EUR 1,330,000        1,790,286   
Hyva Global B.V., 8.625%, 3/24/16 (n)    $ 1,169,000        1,209,915   
Transfield Services Ltd., 8.375%, 5/15/20 (z)      1,500,000        1,543,125   
    

 

 

 
      $ 8,631,144   
International Market Quasi-Sovereign - 0.5%   
Eksportfinans A.S.A., 5.5%, 6/26/17    $ 1,170,000      $ 1,255,796   
Israel Electric Corp. Ltd., 6.7%, 2/10/17 (n)      819,000        889,434   
Israel Electric Corp. Ltd., 6.875%, 6/21/23 (n)      863,000        990,293   
    

 

 

 
      $ 3,135,523   
Machinery & Tools - 0.8%                 
Ferreycorp S.A.A., 4.875%, 4/26/20 (n)    $ 1,491,000      $ 1,478,327   
Ferreyros S.A., 4.875%, 4/26/20      685,000        679,178   
Loxam SAS, 7%, 7/23/22 (z)    EUR 1,865,000        2,441,138   
    

 

 

 
      $ 4,598,643   
Major Banks - 0.3%                 
RBS Capital Trust II, 6.425% to 1/03/34, FRN to 12/31/49    $ 1,375,000      $ 1,463,516   
Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC, 6.99% to 10/04/17, FRN to 12/31/49 (n)      165,000        189,338   
    

 

 

 
      $ 1,652,854   
Medical & Health Technology & Services - 0.3%                 
Medi-Partenaires SAS, 7%, 5/15/20    EUR 1,300,000      $ 1,839,118   
Metals & Mining - 0.9%                 
FMG Resources, 6.875%, 4/01/22 (n)    $ 460,000      $ 489,325   
Ovako Group AB, 6.5%, 6/01/19 (z)    EUR 1,120,000        1,533,480   
Rearden G Holdings Eins GmbH, 7.875%, 3/30/20    $ 1,695,000        1,777,547   
Southern Copper Corp., 6.75%, 4/16/40      1,166,000        1,270,940   
    

 

 

 
      $ 5,071,292   
Network & Telecom - 0.7%                 
Columbus International, Inc., 7.375%, 3/30/21 (n)    $ 1,387,000      $ 1,463,285   
Telecom Italia S.p.A., 5.303%, 5/30/24 (n)      2,620,000        2,541,400   
    

 

 

 
      $ 4,004,685   
Oil Services - 0.5%                 
Odebrecht Offshore Drilling Finance Ltd., 6.75%, 10/01/22 (n)    $ 1,372,057      $ 1,440,659   
QGOG Constellation S.A., 6.25%, 11/09/19 (n)      1,798,000        1,842,950   
    

 

 

 
      $ 3,283,609   

 

9


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Bonds - continued                 
Other Banks & Diversified Financials - 0.5%                 
BBVA Bancomer S.A. de C.V., 6.5%, 3/10/21 (n)    $ 1,375,000      $ 1,546,875   
Groupe BPCE S.A., 12.5% to 8/6/19, FRN to 12/31/49 (n)      407,000        558,608   
MMG S.A., 6.75%, 3/28/23 (n)      700,000        700,000   
    

 

 

 
      $ 2,805,483   
Pollution Control - 0.3%                 
Abengoa Finance SAU, 6%, 3/31/21 (z)    EUR 1,135,000      $ 1,569,216   
Precious Metals & Minerals - 0.3%                 
Aurico Gold, Inc., 7.75%, 4/01/20 (z)    $ 1,520,000      $ 1,539,000   
Real Estate - Retail - 0.0%                 
InRetail Shopping Malls Co., 6.5%, 7/09/21 (z)    $ 245,000      $ 253,575   
Restaurants - 0.0%                 
Stonegate Pub Co. Financing PLC, 5.75%, 4/15/19 (z)    GBP 150,000      $ 254,514   
Retailers - 0.6%                 
Dufry Finance SCA, 4.5%, 7/15/22 (z)    EUR 1,125,000      $ 1,555,390   
Hema Bondco I B.V., 6.25%, 6/15/19 (z)    EUR 186,000        249,063   
New Look Retail Group Ltd., 8.375%, 5/14/18 (n)    $ 1,530,000        1,610,325   
    

 

 

 
      $ 3,414,778   
Specialty Stores - 0.5%                 
Matalan Finance PLC, 6.875%, 6/01/19 (z)    GBP 745,000      $ 1,213,761   
Office Depot de Mexico S.A. de C.V., 6.875%, 9/20/20 (n)    $ 1,421,000        1,506,260   
    

 

 

 
      $ 2,720,021   
Telecommunications - Wireless - 2.6%                 
Altice Financing S.A., 7.875%, 12/15/19 (n)    $ 1,512,000      $ 1,631,254   
Altice Finco S.A., 8.125%, 1/15/24 (n)      278,000        295,375   
Altice S.A., 7.75%, 5/15/22 (z)      2,260,000        2,310,850   
Comcel Trust, 6.875%, 2/06/24 (n)      1,259,000        1,353,425   
Digicel Group Ltd., 8.25%, 9/30/20 (n)      830,000        894,325   
Digicel Group Ltd., 6%, 4/15/21 (n)      1,436,000        1,461,130   
Digicel Group Ltd., 7.125%, 4/01/22 (n)      350,000        355,250   
Eileme 2 AB, 11.625%, 1/31/20 (n)      796,000        934,305   
Millicom International Cellular S.A., 4.75%, 5/22/20 (n)      768,000        758,400   
Millicom International Cellular S.A., 6.625%, 10/15/21 (n)      1,314,000        1,396,125   
MTS International Funding Ltd., 5%, 5/30/23 (n)      1,838,000        1,704,745   
VimpelCom Ltd., 5.95%, 2/13/23 (n)      2,000,000        1,855,000   
Wind Acquisition Finance S.A., 4.75%, 7/15/20 (n)      200,000        195,500   
Wind Acquisition Finance S.A., 7.375%, 4/23/21 (z)      225,000        234,563   
    

 

 

 
      $ 15,380,247   

 

10


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Bonds - continued                 
Telephone Services - 0.3%                 
B Communications Ltd., 7.375%, 2/15/21 (n)    $ 1,908,000      $ 2,029,635   
Transportation - 0.3%                 
Far East Capital Ltd. S.A., 8%, 5/02/18    $ 290,000      $ 208,800   
Far Eastern Shipping Co., 8%, 5/02/18 (n)      1,387,000        998,640   
Far Eastern Shipping Co., 8.75%, 5/02/20 (n)      474,000        336,540   
    

 

 

 
      $ 1,543,980   
Transportation - Services - 1.2%                 
Aguila American Resources Ltd., 7.875%, 1/31/18 (n)    $ 1,210,000      $ 1,265,963   
EC Finance PLC, 5.125%, 7/15/21 (z)    EUR 1,860,000        2,478,180   
Navios Logistics Finance (U.S.), Inc., 7.25%, 5/01/22 (n)    $ 910,000        928,200   
Stena AB, 7%, 2/01/24 (n)      530,000        559,150   
Topaz Marine S.A., 8.625%, 11/01/18 (n)      1,378,000        1,453,790   
Ultrapetrol (Bahamas) Ltd., 8.875%, 6/15/21      147,000        157,658   
    

 

 

 
      $ 6,842,941   
Utilities - Electric Power - 1.4%                 
CE Energy ASA, 7%, 2/01/21 (n)    EUR 1,150,000      $ 1,618,828   
EDP Finance B.V., 6%, 2/02/18 (n)    $ 1,070,000        1,164,214   
Empresa de Energia de Bogota S.A., 6.125%, 11/10/21 (n)      1,450,000        1,558,750   
Enel S.p.A. , 8.75% to 2013, FRN to 9/24/73 (n)      955,000        1,126,900   
Greenko Dutch B.V., 8%, 8/01/19 (z)      1,279,000        1,266,210   
InterGen N.V., 7%, 6/30/23 (n)      500,000        497,500   
Viridian Group FundCo II, Ltd., 11.125%, 4/01/17 (n)      1,006,000        1,101,570   
    

 

 

 
      $ 8,333,972   
Total Bonds (Identified Cost, $146,134,885)            $ 145,316,835   
Floating Rate Loans - 0.0%                 
Metals & Mining - 0.0%                 
Fortescue Metals Group Ltd., Term Loan B, 4.25%, 6/30/19 (Identified Cost, $4,321)    $ 4,331      $ 4,315   
Common Stocks - 0.0%                 
Printing & Publishing - 0.0%                 
American Media Operations, Inc. (Identified Cost, $1,001,968) (a)      70,215      $ 12,604   
Underlying Affiliated Funds - 73.1%                 
MFS High Yield Pooled Portfolio
(Identified Cost, $428,803,395) (v)(y)
   $ 43,420,820      $ 427,260,869   

 

11


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Money Market Funds - 1.5%                 
Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
MFS Institutional Money Market Portfolio, 0.09%, at Cost and Net Asset Value (v)      8,922,761      $ 8,922,761   
Total Investments (Identified Cost, $584,867,330)            $ 581,517,384   
Other Assets, Less Liabilities - 0.5%              2,690,307   
Net Assets - 100.0%            $ 584,207,691   

 

(a) Non-income producing security.
(c) The rate shown represents a current effective yield, not a coupon rate.
(d) In default. Interest and/or scheduled principal payment(s) have been missed.
(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 $88,868,456 representing 15.2% of net assets.
(p) Payment-in-kind security for which interest income may be received in additional securities and/or cash. During the period, the following amount of interest income was received in additional securities and/or cash:

 

Payment-in-kind Securities    Cash    Additional
Securities
 
Schaeffler Finance B.V., 6.875%, 8/15/18    $12,838      $—   
  

 

  

 

 

 

 

(q) Interest received was less than stated coupon rate.
(v) Underlying affiliated fund that is available only to investment companies managed by MFS. The rate quoted for the MFS Institutional Money Market Portfolio is the annualized seven-day yield of the fund at period end.
(y) An unaudited Portfolio of Investments for MFS High Yield Pooled Portfolio as of July 31, 2014 has been included as Appendix A.
(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
     Value  
Abengoa Finance SAU, 6%, 3/31/21    3/21/14      $1,576,821         $1,569,216   
Altice S.A., 7.75%, 5/15/22    4/23/14      2,260,000         2,310,850   
Arbor Realty Mortgage Securities, CDO, FRN, 2.534%, 4/21/38    12/20/05      1,136,456         883,507   
Aurico Gold, Inc., 7.75%, 4/01/20    3/17/14      1,492,962         1,539,000   
Banc of America Commercial Mortgage, Inc., FRN, 6.277%, 2/10/51    6/19/08      2,901,699         1,959,633   

 

12


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Restricted Securities – continued    Acquisition
Date
  
Cost
     Value  
Cimpor Financial Operations B.V., 5.75%, 7/17/24    7/10/14      $909,443         $905,378   
Dufry Finance SCA, 4.5%, 7/15/22    7/10/14      1,530,956         1,555,390   
EC Finance PLC, 5.125%, 7/15/21    7/17/14      2,515,929         2,478,180   
Falcon Franchise Loan LLC, FRN, 16.08%, 1/05/25    1/29/03      6,885         31,112   
G-Force LLC, CDO, “A2”, 4.83%, 8/22/36    1/20/11-2/14/11      969         1,018   
Galapagos Holdings LLC, 7%, 6/15/22    5/23/14      382,989         372,510   
Galapagos SA, 5.375%, 6/15/21    5/23/14      382,989         378,192   
Greenko Dutch B.V., 8%, 8/01/19    7/24/14      1,279,000         1,266,210   
Grupo Isolux Corsan Finance B.V., 6.625%, 4/15/21    3/13/14      1,846,173         1,790,286   
Hema Bondco I B.V., 6.25%, 6/15/19    6/10/14      251,965         249,063   
InRetail Shopping Malls Co., 6.5%, 7/09/21    7/01/14      243,319         253,575   
Jarden Corp., 3.75%, 10/01/21    7/03/14      1,507,572         1,491,367   
Loxam SAS, 7%, 7/23/22    7/18/14      2,522,319         2,441,138   
Matalan Finance PLC, 6.875%, 6/01/19    5/16/14      1,253,760         1,213,761   
Morgan Stanley Capital I, Inc., FRN, 1.414%, 4/28/39    7/20/04      59,907         7,321   
Ovako Group AB, 6.5%, 6/01/19    5/16/14      1,547,348         1,533,480   
Paroc Group Oy, 6.25%, 5/15/20    5/14/14      1,568,797         1,506,431   
Preferred Term Securities XII Ltd., CDO, 0%, 12/24/33    1/07/05      1,376,758         0   
Premier Foods Finance PLC, 6.5%, 3/15/21    3/06/14      636,006         623,911   
R&R Ice Cream PLC, 5.5%, 5/15/20    5/23/14      1,251,183         1,245,965   
SGD Group SAS, 5.625%, 5/15/19    4/15/14      1,042,617         1,036,257   
Schaeffler Finance B.V., 4.75%, 5/15/21    7/10/14      303,798         299,425   
Stonegate Pub Co. Financing PLC, 5.75%, 4/15/19    4/03/14      248,858         254,514   
Transfield Services Ltd., 8.375%, 5/15/20    5/07/14      1,500,000         1,543,125   
Wind Acquisition Finance S.A., 7.375%, 4/23/21    4/08/14      225,000         234,563   
Total Restricted Securities         $30,974,378   
% of Net assets         5.3%   

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

 

CDO   Collateralized Debt Obligation
FRN   Floating Rate Note. Interest rate resets periodically and may not be the rate reported at period end.
PLC   Public Limited Company

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:

 

CAD   Canadian Dollar
EUR   Euro
GBP   British Pound

 

13


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Derivative Contracts at 7/31/14

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts at 7/31/14

 

Type   Currency   Counter-
party
  Contracts
to
Deliver/
Receive
    Settlement
Date Range
    In
Exchange
for
    Contracts
at Value
    Net
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Asset Derivatives                              
SELL   CAD   Merrill Lynch International Bank     1,375,000        10/10/14        $1,287,273        $1,259,029        $28,244   
SELL   EUR   Citibank N.A.     1,125,000        10/10/14        1,532,630        1,506,777        25,853   
SELL   EUR   Credit Suisse Group     3,727,648        10/10/14        5,044,600        4,992,653        51,947   
SELL   EUR   Credit Suisse Group     16,463,869        10/10/14        22,418,028        22,051,004        367,024   
SELL   EUR   Duetsche Bank AG     1,108,125        10/10/14        1,509,363        1,484,175        25,188   
SELL   EUR   Goldman Sachs International     1,326,191        10/10/14        1,804,601        1,776,244        28,357   
SELL   GBP   Credit Suisse Group     1,010,894        10/10/14        1,729,150        1,705,706        23,444   
SELL   GBP   Merrill Lynch International Bank     1,010,894        10/10/14        1,729,765        1,705,706        24,059   
             

 

 

 
                $574,116   
             

 

 

 
Liability Derivatives                              
BUY   EUR   Credit Suisse Group     1,125,281        10/10/14        $1,533,009        $1,507,154        $(25,855
BUY   EUR   Goldman Sachs International     2,648        9/09/14        3,566        3,546        (20
             

 

 

 
                $(25,875
             

 

 

 

Futures Contracts Outstanding at 7/31/14

 

Description   Currency      Contracts      Value    Expiration
Date
     Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Asset Derivatives   
Interest Rate Futures               
U.S. Treasury Note 10 yr (Short)     USD         9       $1,121,484      September - 2014         $9,808   
             

 

 

 

At July 31, 2014, the fund had cash collateral $12,870 to cover any commitments for certain derivative contracts.

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

14


Table of Contents

Financial Statements

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

At 7/31/14 (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, $147,141,174)

     $145,333,754   

Underlying affiliated funds, at value (identified cost, $437,726,156)

     436,183,630   

Total investments, at value (identified cost, $584,867,330)

     $581,517,384   

Foreign currency, at value (identified cost, $33,060)

     12,767   

Receivables for

  

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

     574,116   

Daily variation margin on open futures contracts

     13,292   

Investments sold

     5,276,271   

Fund shares sold

     585,325   

Interest and dividends

     4,718,739   

Receivable from investment adviser

     14,562   

Other assets

     1,279   

Total assets

     $592,713,735   
Liabilities         

Payables for

  

Distributions

     $370,619   

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

     25,875   

Investments purchased

     3,647,938   

Fund shares reacquired

     3,941,263   

Payable to affiliates

  

Shareholder servicing costs

     449,363   

Distribution and service fees

     11,177   

Payable for independent Trustees’ compensation

     4,874   

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

     54,935   

Total liabilities

     $8,506,044   

Net assets

     $584,207,691   
Net assets consist of         

Paid-in capital

     $667,987,413   

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

     (2,819,499

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

     (79,553,716

Accumulated distributions in excess of net investment income

     (1,406,507

Net assets

     $584,207,691   

Shares of beneficial interest outstanding

     88,311,055   

 

15


Table of Contents

Statement of Assets and Liabilities (unaudited) – continued

 

 

     Net assets     

Shares

outstanding

    

Net asset value

per share (a)

 

Class A

     $325,375,270         49,187,759         $6.61   

Class B

     26,151,068         3,945,487         6.63   

Class C

     92,587,024         14,012,705         6.61   

Class I

     129,306,244         19,536,322         6.62   

Class R1

     233,847         35,291         6.63   

Class R2

     241,501         36,433         6.63   

Class R3

     7,801,661         1,179,298         6.62   

Class R4

     2,001,489         300,658         6.66   

Class R5

     509,587         77,102         6.61   

 

(a) Maximum offering price per share was equal to the net asset value per share for all share classes, except for Class A, for which the maximum offering price per share was $6.94 [100 / 95.25 x $6.61]. On sales of $50,000 or more, the maximum 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. Redemption price per share was equal to the net asset value per share for Classes I, R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5.

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

16


Table of Contents

Financial Statements

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Six months ended 7/31/14 (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

     $4,602,934   

Dividends from underlying affiliated funds

     14,862,709   

Total investment income

     $19,465,643   

Expenses

  

Management fee

     $1,911,366   

Distribution and service fees

     1,047,196   

Shareholder servicing costs

     351,945   

Administrative services fee

     39,344   

Independent Trustees’ compensation

     9,564   

Custodian fee

     44,217   

Shareholder communications

     54,514   

Audit and tax fees

     39,783   

Legal fees

     3,154   

Miscellaneous

     82,658   

Total expenses

     $3,583,741   

Fees paid indirectly

     (9

Reduction of expenses by investment adviser and distributor

     (185,466

Net expenses

     $3,398,266   

Net investment income

     $16,067,377   
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency         

Realized gain (loss) (identified cost basis)

  

Investments:

  

Non-affiliated issuers

     $(4,166,195

Underlying affiliated funds

     5,156,201   

Capital gain distributions from underlying affiliated funds

     231,649   

Futures contracts

     (18,521

Foreign currency

     (21,082

Net realized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency

     $1,182,052   

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

  

Investments

     $2,336,350   

Futures contracts

     9,808   

Translation of assets and liabilities in foreign currencies

     393,292   

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

     $2,739,450   

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

     $3,921,502   

Change in net assets from operations

     $19,988,879   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

17


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.

 

Change in net assets   

Six months ended

7/31/14

(unaudited)

    

Year ended

1/31/14

 
From operations                  

Net investment income

     $16,067,377         $34,044,563   

Net realized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency

     1,182,052         20,660,379   

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

     2,739,450         (26,401,483

Change in net assets from operations

     $19,988,879         $28,303,459   
Distributions declared to shareholders                  

From net investment income

     $(16,224,253      $(34,727,300

Change in net assets from fund share transactions

     $(2,911,184      $(36,747,076

Total change in net assets

     $853,442         $(43,170,917
Net assets                  
At beginning of period      583,354,249         626,525,166   

At end of period (including accumulated distributions in excess of net investment income of $1,406,507 and $1,249,631, respectively)

     $584,207,691         $583,354,249   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

18


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. 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
7/31/14
    Years ended 1/31  
    2014     2013     2012     2011     2010  
    (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $6.57        $6.64        $6.30        $6.49        $5.98        $4.42   
Income (loss) from investment operations   

Net investment income (d)

    $0.18        $0.38        $0.42        $0.44        $0.47        $0.49   

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

    0.05        (0.06     0.35        (0.18     0.51        1.59   

Total from investment operations

    $0.23        $0.32        $0.77        $0.26        $0.98        $2.08   
Less distributions declared to shareholders   

From net investment income

    $(0.19     $(0.39     $(0.43     $(0.45     $(0.47     $(0.51

From tax return of capital

                                       (0.01

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

    $(0.19     $(0.39     $(0.43     $(0.45     $(0.47     $(0.52

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $6.61        $6.57        $6.64        $6.30        $6.49        $5.98   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

    3.45 (n)      5.00        12.73        4.21        17.06        49.74   
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
   

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

    1.11 (a)(h)      1.11 (h)      1.14        1.13        1.13        1.16   

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

    1.05 (a)(h)      1.05 (h)      1.05        1.05        1.02        0.93   

Net investment income

    5.59 (a)      5.84        6.54        6.96        7.64        9.36   

Portfolio turnover

    14 (n)      38        48        61        68        61   

Net assets at end of period (000 omitted)

    $325,375        $366,654        $412,834        $422,926        $474,643        $369,073   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

19


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

Class B  

Six months
ended

7/31/14

    Years ended 1/31  
    2014     2013     2012     2011     2010  
    (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $6.59        $6.65        $6.32        $6.51        $5.99        $4.43   
Income (loss) from investment operations   

Net investment income (d)

    $0.16        $0.33        $0.37        $0.39        $0.43        $0.45   

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

    0.04        (0.05     0.35        (0.18     0.52        1.59   

Total from investment operations

    $0.20        $0.28        $0.72        $0.21        $0.95        $2.04   
Less distributions declared to shareholders   

From net investment income

    $(0.16     $(0.34     $(0.39     $(0.40     $(0.43     $(0.47

From tax return of capital

                                       (0.01

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

    $(0.16     $(0.34     $(0.39     $(0.40     $(0.43     $(0.48

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $6.63        $6.59        $6.65        $6.32        $6.51        $5.99   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

    3.06 (n)      4.37        11.71        3.44        16.37        48.59   
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
   

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

    1.86 (a)(h)      1.86 (h)      1.89        1.88        1.88        1.90   

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

    1.80 (a)(h)      1.80 (h)      1.80        1.80        1.77        1.68   

Net investment income

    4.82 (a)      5.08        5.77        6.21        6.92        8.64   

Portfolio turnover

    14 (n)      38        48        61        68        61   

Net assets at end of period (000 omitted)

    $26,151        $27,959        $33,338        $35,751        $46,297        $51,506   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

20


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

Class C  

Six months
ended

7/31/14

    Years ended 1/31  
    2014     2013     2012     2011     2010  
    (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $6.56        $6.63        $6.30        $6.48        $5.97        $4.41   
Income (loss) from investment operations   

Net investment income (d)

    $0.16        $0.33        $0.37        $0.40        $0.43        $0.45   

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

    0.05        (0.06     0.35        (0.18     0.50        1.59   

Total from investment operations

    $0.21        $0.27        $0.72        $0.22        $0.93        $2.04   
Less distributions declared to shareholders   

From net investment income

    $(0.16     $(0.34     $(0.39     $(0.40     $(0.42     $(0.47

From tax return of capital

                                       (0.01

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

    $(0.16     $(0.34     $(0.39     $(0.40     $(0.42     $(0.48

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $6.61        $6.56        $6.63        $6.30        $6.48        $5.97   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

    3.22 (n)      4.21        11.73        3.59        16.22        48.77   
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
   

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

    1.86 (a)(h)      1.86 (h)      1.89        1.89        1.88        1.90   

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

    1.80 (a)(h)      1.80 (h)      1.80        1.80        1.77        1.68   

Net investment income

    4.83 (a)      5.10        5.79        6.25        6.94        8.52   

Portfolio turnover

    14 (n)      38        48        61        68        61   

Net assets at end of period (000 omitted)

    $92,587        $93,058        $99,786        $89,483        $96,519        $89,930   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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Financial Highlights – continued

 

Class I  

Six months
ended

7/31/14

    Years ended 1/31  
    2014     2013     2012     2011     2010  
    (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $6.58        $6.65        $6.31        $6.50        $5.99        $4.43   
Income (loss) from investment operations   

Net investment income (d)

    $0.19        $0.40        $0.44        $0.46        $0.48        $0.50   

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

    0.04        (0.06     0.35        (0.18     0.52        1.60   

Total from investment operations

    $0.23        $0.34        $0.79        $0.28        $1.00        $2.10   
Less distributions declared to shareholders   

From net investment income

    $(0.19     $(0.41     $(0.45     $(0.47     $(0.49     $(0.53

From tax return of capital

                                       (0.01

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

    $(0.19     $(0.41     $(0.45     $(0.47     $(0.49     $(0.54

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $6.62        $6.58        $6.65        $6.31        $6.50        $5.99   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(x)

    3.58 (n)      5.26        13.00        4.47        17.33        50.02   
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
   

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

    0.86 (a)(h)      0.86 (h)      0.89        0.88        0.87        0.90   

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

    0.80 (a)(h)      0.80 (h)      0.80        0.80        0.78        0.68   

Net investment income

    5.76 (a)      6.05        6.74        7.21        7.76        9.45   

Portfolio turnover

    14 (n)      38        48        61        68        61   

Net assets at end of period (000 omitted)

    $129,306        $85,542        $70,977        $38,143        $38,266        $20,317   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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Financial Highlights – continued

 

Class R1  

Six months
ended

7/31/14

    Years ended 1/31  
    2014     2013     2012     2011     2010  
    (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $6.58        $6.65        $6.32        $6.51        $5.99        $4.43   
Income (loss) from investment operations   

Net investment income (d)

    $0.16        $0.33        $0.37        $0.39        $0.43        $0.45   

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

    0.05        (0.06     0.35        (0.18     0.51        1.59   

Total from investment operations

    $0.21        $0.27        $0.72        $0.21        $0.94        $2.04   
Less distributions declared to shareholders   

From net investment income

    $(0.16     $(0.34     $(0.39     $(0.40     $(0.42     $(0.47

From tax return of capital

                                       (0.01

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

    $(0.16     $(0.34     $(0.39     $(0.40     $(0.42     $(0.48

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $6.63        $6.58        $6.65        $6.32        $6.51        $5.99   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(x)

    3.22 (n)      4.22        11.71        3.44        16.36        48.59   
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
   

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

    1.86 (a)(h)      1.86 (h)      1.89        1.88        1.88        1.90   

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

    1.80 (a)(h)      1.80 (h)      1.80        1.80        1.77        1.68   

Net investment income

    4.81 (a)      5.07        5.70        6.22        6.90        8.53   

Portfolio turnover

    14 (n)      38        48        61        68        61   

Net assets at end of period (000 omitted)

    $234        $236        $207        $132        $126        $107   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

23


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Financial Highlights – continued

 

Class R2  

Six months
ended

7/31/14

    Years ended 1/31  
    2014     2013     2012     2011     2010  
    (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $6.59        $6.65        $6.32        $6.51        $5.99        $4.43   
Income (loss) from investment operations   

Net investment income (d)

    $0.18        $0.37        $0.40        $0.43        $0.46        $0.47   

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

    0.04        (0.06     0.35        (0.18     0.52        1.60   

Total from investment operations

    $0.22        $0.31        $0.75        $0.25        $0.98        $2.07   
Less distributions declared to shareholders   

From net investment income

    $(0.18     $(0.37     $(0.42     $(0.44     $(0.46     $(0.50

From tax return of capital

                                       (0.01

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

    $(0.18     $(0.37     $(0.42     $(0.44     $(0.46     $(0.51

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $6.63        $6.59        $6.65        $6.32        $6.51        $5.99   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(x)

    3.32 (n)      4.90        12.26        3.96        16.94        49.30   
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
   

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

    1.36 (a)(h)      1.36 (h)      1.39        1.38        1.37        1.40   

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

    1.30 (a)(h)      1.30 (h)      1.30        1.30        1.27        1.18   

Net investment income

    5.31 (a)      5.57        6.22        6.72        7.37        9.03   

Portfolio turnover

    14 (n)      38        48        61        68        61   

Net assets at end of period (000 omitted)

    $242        $232        $253        $172        $162        $114   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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Financial Highlights – continued

 

Class R3  

Six months
ended

7/31/14

    Years ended 1/31  
    2014     2013     2012     2011     2010  
    (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $6.57        $6.64        $6.31        $6.49        $5.98        $4.42   
Income (loss) from investment operations   

Net investment income (d)

    $0.18        $0.38        $0.40        $0.44        $0.47        $0.49   

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

    0.06        (0.06     0.36        (0.17     0.51        1.59   

Total from investment operations

    $0.24        $0.32        $0.76        $0.27        $0.98        $2.08   
Less distributions declared to shareholders   

From net investment income

    $(0.19     $(0.39     $(0.43     $(0.45     $(0.47     $(0.51

From tax return of capital

                                       (0.01

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

    $(0.19     $(0.39     $(0.43     $(0.45     $(0.47     $(0.52

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $6.62        $6.57        $6.64        $6.31        $6.49        $5.98   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(x)

    3.60 (n)      5.00        12.55        4.37        17.06        49.75   
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
   

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

    1.11 (a)(h)      1.11 (h)      1.12        1.14        1.13        1.17   

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

    1.05 (a)(h)      1.05 (h)      1.05        1.05        1.03        0.92   

Net investment income

    5.57 (a)      5.83        6.06        7.00        7.60        9.91   

Portfolio turnover

    14 (n)      38        48        61        68        61   

Net assets at end of period (000 omitted)

    $7,802        $7,751        $7,588        $771        $560        $352   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

25


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Financial Highlights – continued

 

Class R4  

Six months
ended

7/31/14

    Years ended 1/31  
    2014     2013     2012     2011     2010  
    (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $6.62        $6.69        $6.30        $6.49        $5.98        $4.42   
Income (loss) from investment operations   

Net investment income (d)

    $0.19        $0.40        $0.45        $0.46        $0.47        $0.50   

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

    0.05        (0.06     0.39        (0.18     0.53        1.59   

Total from investment operations

    $0.24        $0.34        $0.84        $0.28        $1.00        $2.09   
Less distributions declared to shareholders   

From net investment income

    $(0.20     $(0.41     $(0.45     $(0.47     $(0.49     $(0.52

From tax return of capital

                                       (0.01

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

    $(0.20     $(0.41     $(0.45     $(0.47     $(0.49     $(0.53

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $6.66        $6.62        $6.69        $6.30        $6.49        $5.98   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(x)

    3.57 (n)      5.27        13.85        4.47        17.35        50.11   
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
   

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

    0.86 (a)(h)      0.85 (h)      0.89        0.89        0.85        0.90   

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

    0.80 (a)(h)      0.80 (h)      0.80        0.80        0.79        0.68   

Net investment income

    5.76 (a)      6.05        6.98        7.25        7.40        9.49   

Portfolio turnover

    14 (n)      38        48        61        68        61   

Net assets at end of period (000 omitted)

    $2,001        $1,542        $1,431        $3,014        $3,040        $122   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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Class R5 (y)  

Six months
ended

7/31/14

    Years ended 1/31  
    2014     2013     2012     2011     2010  
    (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $6.57        $6.63        $6.29        $6.49        $5.97        $4.42   
Income (loss) from investment operations   

Net investment income (d)

    $0.19        $0.40        $0.44        $0.45        $0.47        $0.48   

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

    0.05        (0.05     0.35        (0.19     0.53        1.60   

Total from investment operations

    $0.24        $0.35        $0.79        $0.26        $1.00        $2.08   
Less distributions declared to shareholders   

From net investment income

    $(0.20     $(0.41     $(0.45     $(0.46     $(0.48     $(0.52

From tax return of capital

                                       (0.01

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

    $(0.20     $(0.41     $(0.45     $(0.46     $(0.48     $(0.53

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $6.61        $6.57        $6.63        $6.29        $6.49        $5.97   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(x)

    3.62 (n)      5.51        13.03        4.20        17.43        49.72   
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
   

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

    0.77 (a)(h)      0.77 (h)      0.97        0.99        0.95        0.98   

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

    0.71 (a)(h)      0.72 (h)      0.90        0.90        0.88        0.78   

Net investment income

    5.88 (a)      6.14        6.89        7.14        7.45        9.02   

Portfolio turnover

    14 (n)      38        48        61        68        61   

Net assets at end of period (000 omitted)

    $510        $381        $112        $7,631        $1,734        $364   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

27


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(a) Annualized.
(d) Per share data is based on average shares outstanding.
(f) Ratios do not reflect reductions from fees paid indirectly, if applicable.
(h) In addition to the fees and expenses which the fund bears directly, the fund indirectly bears a pro rata share of the fees and expenses of the underlying affiliated funds in which the fund invests. Accordingly, the expense ratio for the fund reflects only those fees and expenses borne directly by the fund. Because the underlying affiliated funds have varied expense and fee levels and the fund may own different proportions of the underlying affiliated funds at different times, the amount of fees and expenses incurred indirectly by the fund will vary.
(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.
(x) The net asset values per share and total returns have been calculated on net assets which include adjustments made in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles required at period end for financial reporting purposes.
(y) On May 10, 2012, sales of Class W shares (including exchanges) were suspended. On May 11, 2012, certain Class W shares were automatically converted to Class I shares. Shareholders of certain Class W shares became shareholders of Class I and received Class I shares with a total net asset value equal to their Class W shares at the time of the conversion. On May 30, 2012, remaining Class W shares, which represented MFS seed money, were redesignated Class R5. Class R5 shares are generally available only to certain eligible retirement plans and to funds distributed by MFD. Class R5 shares do not pay a 12b-1 distribution fee or sub-accounting costs. On June 1, 2012, Class R5 shares were offered for sale to the public.

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

28


Table of Contents

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

(1) Business and Organization

MFS Global High Yield Fund (the fund) is a diversified 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.

The fund is an investment company and accordingly follows the investment company accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standard Codification Topic 946 Financial Services – Investment Companies.

(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 increases and decreases in net assets from operations during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. In the preparation of these financial statements, management has evaluated subsequent events occurring after the date of the fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities through the date that the financial statements were issued. As of July 31, 2014, 73.1% of the fund’s net assets were invested in the MFS High Yield Pooled Portfolio (“High Yield Pooled Portfolio”). MFS does not receive a management fee from the High Yield Pooled Portfolio. The High Yield Pooled Portfolio’s investment objective is to seek total return with an emphasis on high current income, but also considering capital appreciation. The accounting policies of the High Yield Pooled Portfolio are outlined in its shareholder reports, which are available without charge by calling 1-800-225-2606 and on the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) web site at http://www.sec.gov or at the SEC’s public reference room in Washington, D.C. The accounting policies detailed in the Significant Accounting Policies note cover both the fund and the High Yield Pooled Portfolio. For purposes of this policy disclosure, “fund” refers to both the fund and the High Yield Pooled Portfolio in which the fund invests. The High Yield Pooled Portfolio’s shareholder reports are not covered by this report. An unaudited Portfolio of Investments for the High Yield Pooled Portfolio as of July 31, 2014 has been included as Appendix A. The fund and the High Yield Pooled Portfolio invest 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 and the Pooled Portfolio invest in foreign securities. 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.

In June 2014, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-11, Transfers and Servicing (Topic 860) – Repurchase-to-Maturity Transactions, Repurchase Financings, and Disclosures (“ASU 2014-11”). ASU 2014-11 changes the accounting for repurchase-to-maturity transactions (i.e., repurchase agreements that settle at the same

 

29


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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

time as the maturity of the transferred financial asset) and enhances the required disclosures for repurchase agreements and other similar transactions. Although still evaluating the potential impacts of ASU 2014-11 to the fund, management expects that the impact of the fund’s adoption will be limited to additional financial statement disclosures which would first be effective for interim reporting periods beginning after March 15, 2015.

Balance Sheet Offsetting – The fund’s accounting policy with respect to balance sheet offsetting is that, absent an event of default by the counterparty or a termination of the agreement, the International Swaps and Derivatives Association (ISDA) Master Agreement does not result in an offset of reported amounts of financial assets and financial liabilities in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities across transactions between the fund and the applicable counterparty. The fund’s right to setoff may be restricted or prohibited by the bankruptcy or insolvency laws of the particular jurisdiction to which a specific master netting agreement counterparty is subject. Balance sheet offsetting disclosures, to the extent applicable to the fund, have been included in the fund’s Significant Accounting Policies note under the captions for each of the fund’s in-scope financial instruments and transactions.

Investment Valuations – The investments of the fund and the High Yield Pooled Portfolio are valued as described below. 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 provided by a third-party pricing service. Equity securities, including restricted equity securities, are generally valued at the last sale or official closing price as provided by a third-party pricing service on the market or exchange on which they are primarily traded. Equity securities, for which there were no sales reported that day, are generally valued at the last quoted daily bid quotation as provided 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 generally are valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value. Exchange-traded options are generally valued at the last sale or official closing price as provided by a third-party pricing service on the exchange on which such options are primarily traded. Exchange-traded options for which there were no sales reported that day are generally valued at the last daily bid quotation as provided by a third-party pricing service on the exchange on which such options are primarily traded. Options not traded on an exchange are generally valued at a broker/dealer bid quotation. Foreign currency options are generally valued at valuations provided by a third-party pricing service. Futures contracts are generally valued at last posted settlement price as provided 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 provided by a third-party pricing service on the market on which such futures contracts are primarily traded. Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are generally valued at the mean of bid and asked prices for the time period interpolated from rates provided by a third-party pricing service for proximate time periods. Swap agreements are generally valued at valuations provided by a third-party pricing service, which for cleared swaps includes an evaluation of any trading activity at the clearinghouses. Open-end investment companies are generally valued at net asset value per share. Securities and

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

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 third-party pricing services can utilize both transaction data and market information such as 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 provided 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. The adviser generally relies on third-party 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 an investment used to determine the fund’s net asset value may differ from quoted or published prices for the same investment. There can be no assurance that the fund could obtain the fair value assigned to an investment if it were to sell the investment at the same time at which the fund determines its net asset value per share.

Various inputs are used in determining the value of the fund’s assets or liabilities. These inputs are categorized into three broad levels. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, an investment’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The fund’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and considers factors specific to the investment. Level 1 includes unadjusted 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

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

reflected in total investments, such as futures contracts and forward foreign currency exchange contracts. The following is a summary of the levels used as of July 31, 2014 in valuing the fund’s assets or liabilities:

 

Investments at Value    Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  
Equity Securities      $—         $12,604         $—         $12,604   
Non-U.S. Sovereign Debt              11,426,690                 11,426,690   
U.S. Corporate Bonds              2,273,759                 2,273,759   
Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities              2,348,955                 2,348,955   
Asset-Backed Securities (including CDOs)              951,249         0         951,249   
Foreign Bonds              128,316,182                 128,316,182   
Floating Rate Loans              4,315                 4,315   
Mutual Funds      436,183,630                         436,183,630   
Total Investments      $436,183,630         $145,333,754         $0         $581,517,384   
Other Financial Instruments                            
Futures Contracts      $9,808         $—         $—         $9,808   
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts              548,241                 548,241   

For further information regarding security characteristics, see the Portfolio of Investments.

The following is a reconciliation of level 3 assets for which significant unobservable inputs were used to determine fair value. The fund’s policy is to recognize transfers between the levels as of the end of the period. The table presents the activity of level 3 securities held at the beginning and the end of the period.

 

    Investments in
Equity Securities
    Asset-Backed
Securities
    Total  
Balance as of 1/31/14     $343,351        $0        $343,351   

Realized gain (loss)

           (3,992,694     (3,992,694

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (330,747     3,992,694        3,661,947   

Disposition of worthless securities

           0        0   

Transfers into Level 3

           0        0   

Transfers out of Level 3

    (12,604            (12,604
Balance as of 7/31/14     $—        $0        $—   

The net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) from investments still held as level 3 at July 31, 2014 is $0. At July 31, 2014, the fund held 1 level 3 security.

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 or on the reporting date for foreign denominated receivables and payables. 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 receivables, payables, income and expenses are recorded for financial statement purposes as foreign currency transaction gains and

 

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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.

Derivatives – The fund uses derivatives for different purposes, primarily to increase or decrease exposure to a particular market or segment of the market, or security, to increase or decrease interest rate or currency exposure, or as alternatives to direct investments. Derivatives are used 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 increase market exposure, or for hedging purposes, gains and losses from derivative instruments may be substantially greater than the derivative’s original cost.

The derivative instruments used by the fund were futures contracts and forward foreign currency exchange contracts. The fund’s period end derivatives, as presented in the Portfolio of Investments and the associated Derivative Contract tables, generally are indicative of the volume of its derivative activity during the period.

The following table presents, by major type of derivative contract, the fair value, on a gross basis, of the asset and liability components of derivatives held by the fund at July 31, 2014 as reported in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities:

 

        Fair Value  
Risk   Derivative Contracts   Asset Derivatives     Liability Derivatives  
Interest Rate   Interest Rate Futures     $9,808        $—   
Foreign Exchange   Forward Foreign Currency Exchange     574,116        (25,875
Total       $583,924      $ (25,875

The following table presents, by major type of derivative contract, the realized gain (loss) on derivatives held by the fund for the six months ended July 31, 2014 as reported in the Statement of Operations:

 

Risk    Futures
Contracts
     Foreign
Currency
 
Interest Rate      $(18,521      $—   
Foreign Exchange              (17,393
Total      $(18,521      $(17,393

The following table presents, by major type of derivative contract, the change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on derivatives held by the fund for the six months ended July 31, 2014 as reported in the Statement of Operations:

 

Risk    Futures
Contracts
    

Translation

of Assets
and

Liabilities in

Foreign
Currencies

 
Interest Rate      $9,808         $—   
Foreign Exchange              399,463   
Total      $9,808         $399,463   

 

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Derivative counterparty credit risk is managed through formal evaluation of the creditworthiness of all potential counterparties. On certain, but not all, over-the-counter derivatives, the fund attempts to reduce its exposure to counterparty credit risk whenever possible 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 each party to the agreement the right to terminate all transactions traded under such agreement if there is a certain deterioration in the credit quality of the other party. Upon an event of default or a termination of the ISDA Master Agreement, the non-defaulting party has the right 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. The fund’s right to setoff may be restricted or prohibited by the bankruptcy or insolvency laws of the particular jurisdiction to which a specific ISDA counterparty is subject.

Collateral and margin requirements differ by type of derivative. Margin requirements are set by the broker or clearing house for cleared derivatives (i.e., futures contracts, cleared swaps, and exchange-traded options) while collateral terms are contract specific for over-the-counter traded derivatives (i.e., forward foreign currency exchange contracts, uncleared swap agreements, and over-the-counter options). For derivatives traded under an ISDA Master Agreement, the collateral requirements are netted across all transactions traded under such agreement and one amount is posted from one party to the other to collateralize such obligations. Cash that has been segregated to cover the fund’s collateral or margin obligations under derivative contracts, if any, will be reported separately in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as “Restricted cash” or “Deposits with brokers.” Securities pledged as collateral or margin for the same purpose, if any, are noted in the Portfolio of Investments.

Purchased Options – The fund purchased call options for a premium. Purchased call options entitle the holder to buy and sell a specified number of shares or units of a particular security, currency or index at a specified price at a specified date or within a specified period of time. Purchasing call options may hedge against an anticipated increase in the dollar cost of securities or currency to be acquired or increase the fund’s exposure to an underlying instrument.

The premium paid is initially recorded as an investment in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. That investment is subsequently marked-to-market daily with the difference between the premium paid and the market value of the purchased option being recorded as unrealized appreciation or depreciation. Premiums paid for purchased call options which have expired are treated as realized losses on investments in the Statement of Operations. Upon the exercise or closing of a purchased call option, the premium paid is added to the cost of the security or financial instrument purchased.

Whether or not the option is exercised, the fund’s maximum risk of loss from purchasing an option is the amount of premium paid. All option contracts involve credit risk if the counterparty to the option contract fails to perform. For over-the-counter options, this risk is mitigated in cases where there is an ISDA Master

 

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Agreement between the fund and the counterparty providing for netting as described above and for posting of collateral by the counterparty to the fund to cover the fund’s exposure to the counterparty under such ISDA Master Agreement.

Futures Contracts – The fund entered into futures contracts which may be used to hedge against or obtain broad market exposure, interest rate exposure, currency exposure, or to manage duration. A futures contract represents a commitment for the future purchase or sale of an asset at a specified price on a specified date.

Upon entering into a futures contract, the fund is required to deposit with the broker, either in cash or securities, an initial margin in an amount equal to a certain percentage of the notional amount of the contract. Subsequent payments (variation margin) 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 gain or loss by the fund until the contract is closed or expires at which point the gain or loss on futures contracts is realized.

The fund bears the risk of interest rates, 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. While futures contracts may present less counterparty risk to the fund since the contracts are exchange traded and the exchange’s clearinghouse guarantees payments to the broker, there is still counterparty credit risk due to the insolvency of the broker. The fund’s maximum risk of loss due to counterparty credit risk is equal to the margin posted by the fund to the broker plus any gains or minus any losses on the outstanding futures contracts.

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts – The fund entered into forward foreign currency exchange contracts for the purchase or sale of a specific foreign currency at a fixed price on a future date. These contracts may be used to hedge the fund’s currency risk or for non-hedging purposes. For hedging purposes, the fund may enter into contracts to deliver or receive foreign currency that the fund will receive from or use in its normal investment activities. The fund may also use contracts to hedge against declines in the value of foreign currency denominated securities 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 exchange rate changes.

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are adjusted by the daily exchange rate of the underlying currency and any unrealized gains or losses are recorded as a receivable or payable for forward foreign currency exchange contracts until the contract settlement date. On contract settlement date, any gain or loss on the contract is recorded as realized gains or losses on foreign currency.

Risks may arise upon entering into these contracts from unanticipated movements in the value of the contract and from the potential inability of counterparties to meet the terms of their contracts. Generally, the fund’s maximum risk due to counterparty credit risk is the unrealized gain on the contract due to the use of Continuous Linked Settlement, an industry accepted settlement system. This risk is mitigated in cases where there is an ISDA Master Agreement between the fund and the counterparty

 

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providing for netting as described above and for posting of collateral by the counterparty to the fund to cover the fund’s exposure to the counterparty under such ISDA Master Agreement.

Swap Agreements – During the period the fund entered into swap agreements. Certain types of swaps (“cleared swaps”) are required to be centrally cleared under provisions of the Dodd-Frank Regulatory Reform Bill. In a cleared swap transaction, the swap agreement is novated to a central counterparty (the “clearinghouse”) immediately following execution of the swap contract with an executing broker. Thereafter, throughout the term of the cleared swap, the fund interfaces indirectly with the clearinghouse through a clearing broker.

A swap agreement is generally an exchange of cash payments, at specified intervals or upon the occurrence of specified events, between the fund and a counterparty. The net cash payments exchanged are recorded as a realized gain or loss on swap agreements in the Statement of Operations. The value of the swap agreement, which is adjusted daily and includes any related interest accruals to be paid or received by the fund, is recorded in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities, as “Swaps, at value” for uncleared swaps and is included in “Due from brokers” or “Due to brokers” for cleared swaps. The daily change in value, including any related interest accruals to be paid or received, is recorded as unrealized appreciation or depreciation on swap agreements in the Statement of Operations. The daily change in valuation of cleared swaps is recorded as a receivable or payable for variation margin in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Amounts paid or received at the inception of the swap agreement are reflected as premiums paid or received in 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 on swap agreements in the Statement of Operations.

Risks related to swap agreements include the possible lack of a liquid market, unfavorable market and interest rate movements of the underlying instrument and the failure of the counterparty to perform under the terms of the agreements. To address counterparty risk, swap agreements are limited to only highly-rated counterparties. For uncleared swaps, that risk is further reduced by having an ISDA Master Agreement between the fund and the counterparty providing for netting as described above and by the posting of collateral by the counterparty to the fund to cover the fund’s exposure to the counterparty under such ISDA Master Agreement. Although not covered by an ISDA Master Agreement, the fund’s counterparty risk due to cleared swaps is mitigated by the clearinghouses’ margining requirements and financial safeguards in the event of a clearing broker default.

The fund entered into credit default swap agreements in order to manage its exposure to the market or certain sectors of the market, to reduce its credit risk exposure to defaults of corporate and sovereign issuers or to create exposure to corporate or sovereign issuers to which it is not otherwise exposed. In a credit default swap agreement, the protection buyer can make an upfront payment and will make a stream of payments to the protection seller based on a fixed percentage applied to the agreement notional amount in exchange for the right to receive a specified return upon the occurrence of a defined credit event on the reference obligation (which may be either a single security or a basket of securities issued by corporate or sovereign

 

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issuers) and, with respect to the rare cases where physical settlement applies, the delivery by the buyer to the seller of a defined deliverable obligation. Although agreement-specific, credit events generally consist of a combination of the following: bankruptcy, failure to pay, restructuring, obligation acceleration, obligation default, or repudiation/moratorium, each as defined in the 2003 ISDA Credit Derivatives Definitions as amended by the relevant agreement. Restructuring is generally not applicable when the reference obligation is issued by a North American corporation and obligation acceleration, obligation default, or repudiation/moratorium are generally only applicable when the reference obligation is issued by a sovereign entity or an entity in an emerging country. Upon determination of the final price for the deliverable obligation (or upon delivery of the deliverable obligation in the case of physical settlement), the difference between the value of the deliverable obligation and the swap agreement’s notional amount is recorded as realized gain or loss on swap agreements in the Statement of Operations. Credit default swap agreements are considered to have credit-risk-related contingent features since they trigger payment by the protection seller to the protection buyer upon the occurrence of a defined credit event. The maximum amount of future, undiscounted payments that the fund, as protection seller, could be required to make is equal to the swap agreement’s notional amount. The protection seller’s payment obligation would be offset to the extent of the value of the agreement’s deliverable obligation. At January 31, 2014, the fund did not hold any credit default swap agreements at an unrealized loss where it is the protection seller.

The fund’s maximum risk of loss from counterparty risk, either as the protection seller or as the protection buyer, is the fair value of the agreement. For uncleared swaps, counterparty risk is reduced by having an ISDA Master Agreement between the fund and the counterparty providing for netting as described above and by the posting of collateral by the counterparty to the fund to cover the fund’s exposure to the counterparty under such ISDA Master Agreement. For cleared swaps, the fund’s counterparty risk is mitigated by the clearinghouses’ margining requirements and financial safeguards in the event of a clearing broker default.

Loans and Other Direct Debt Instruments – The fund invests in loans and loan participations or other receivables. These investments may include standby financing commitments, including revolving credit facilities, which contractually obligate the fund to supply additional cash to the borrower on demand. The fund generally provides this financial support in order to preserve its existing investment or to obtain a more senior secured interest in the assets of the borrower. 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

 

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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 prepayment fees. Commitment fees are recorded on an accrual basis as income in the accompanying financial statements. Distributions of income and capital gains from the High Yield Pooled Portfolio are recorded on the ex-dividend 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. Debt obligations may be placed on non-accrual status or set to accrue at a rate of interest less than the contractual coupon when the collection of all or a portion of interest has become doubtful. Interest income for those debt obligations may be further reduced by the write-off of the related interest receivables when deemed uncollectible.

The fund and/or the High Yield Pooled Portfolio 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, 2014, is shown as a reduction of total expenses in 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’s federal tax returns, when filed, will remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service for a three year period. Management has analyzed the fund’s tax positions taken on federal and state tax returns for all open tax years and does not believe that there are any uncertain tax positions that require recognition of a tax liability. Foreign taxes, if any, have been accrued by the fund in the accompanying financial statements in accordance with the applicable foreign tax law. Foreign income taxes may be withheld by certain countries in which the fund invests. Additionally, capital gains realized by the fund on securities issued in or by certain foreign countries may be subject to capital gains tax imposed by those countries.

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

 

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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.

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 for the last fiscal year is as follows:

 

     1/31/14  
Ordinary income (including any
short-term capital gains)
     $34,727,300   

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

 

As of 7/31/14       
Cost of investments      $584,891,901   
Gross appreciation      5,568,923   
Gross depreciation      (8,943,440
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)      $(3,374,517
As of 1/31/14       
Undistributed ordinary income      1,647,016   
Capital loss carryforwards      (76,228,595
Post-October capital loss deferral      (597,950
Other temporary differences      (2,769,300
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)      (9,595,519

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

Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010 (the “Act”), net capital losses recognized for fund fiscal years beginning after January 31, 2011 may be carried forward indefinitely, and their character is retained as short-term and/or long-term losses (“post-enactment losses”). Previously, net capital losses were carried forward for eight years and treated as short-term losses (“pre-enactment losses”). As a transition rule, the Act requires that all post-enactment net capital losses be used before pre-enactment net capital losses.

As of January 31, 2014, the fund had capital loss carryforwards available to offset future realized gains. Such pre-enactment losses expire as follows:

 

1/31/17      $(30,697,499
1/31/18      (45,531,096
Total      $(76,228,595

Multiple Classes of Shares of Beneficial Interest – The fund offers multiple classes of shares, which differ in their respective distribution, service, and program manager fees. The fund’s income and common expenses are allocated to shareholders based on

 

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the value of settled shares outstanding of each class. The fund’s realized and unrealized gain (loss) are allocated to shareholders based on the daily net assets of each class. 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. The fund’s distributions declared to shareholders as reported in the Statements of Changes in Net Assets are presented by class as follows:

 

     From net investment
income
 
     Six months
ended
7/31/14
     Year
ended
1/31/14
 
Class A      $9,771,304         $22,633,677   
Class B      665,889         1,583,072   
Class C      2,267,052         5,016,575   
Class I      3,223,762         4,903,806   
Class R1      5,547         11,840   
Class R2      6,375         14,884   
Class R3      222,860         462,065   
Class R4      48,701         85,278   
Class R5      12,763         16,103   
Total      $16,224,253         $34,727,300   

(3) Transactions with Affiliates

Investment Adviser – The fund has an investment advisory agreement with 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.

The investment adviser has agreed in writing to reduce its management fee to 0.60% of average daily net assets in excess of $1.5 billion to $2.5 billion and 0.55% of average daily net assets in excess of $2.5 billion. This written agreement will continue until modified by the fund’s Board of Trustees, but such agreement will continue at least until May 31, 2016. For six months ended July 31, 2014, the fund’s average daily net assets did not exceed $1.5 billion and therefore, the management fee was not reduced in accordance with this agreement.

MFS has agreed in writing to reduce its management fee by a specified amount if certain MFS mutual fund assets exceed thresholds agreed to by MFS and the fund’s Board of Trustees. For the six months ended July 31, 2014, this management fee reduction amounted to $11,849, which is included in the reduction of total expenses in the Statement of Operations. The management fee incurred for the six months ended July 31, 2014 was equivalent to an annual effective rate of 0.65% of the fund’s average daily net assets.

The investment adviser has agreed in writing to pay a portion of the fund’s total annual operating expenses, exclusive of interest, taxes, extraordinary expenses, brokerage and transaction costs, and investment-related expenses (including fees and expenses

 

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associated with investments in investment companies and other similar investment vehicles), such that total fund operating expenses do not exceed the following rates annually of each class’s average daily net assets:

 

Classes  
A   B     C     I     R1     R2     R3     R4     R5  
1.05%     1.80%        1.80%        0.80%        1.80%        1.30%        1.05%        0.80%        0.73%   

This written agreement will continue until modified by the fund’s Board of Trustees, but such agreement will continue at least until May 31, 2016. For the six months ended July 31, 2014, this reduction amounted to $170,263 and is included in the reduction of total expenses in the Statement of Operations.

Distributor – MFS Fund Distributors, Inc. (MFD), a wholly-owned subsidiary of MFS, as distributor, received $61,828 for the six months ended July 31, 2014, 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 share classes 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 (d)
    

Service

Fee Rate (d)

     Total
Distribution
Plan (d)
    

Annual

Effective

Rate (e)

    

Distribution

and Service

Fee

 
Class A              0.25%         0.25%         0.25%         $433,502   
Class B      0.75%         0.25%         1.00%         1.00%         136,617   
Class C      0.75%         0.25%         1.00%         1.00%         465,425   
Class R1      0.75%         0.25%         1.00%         1.00%         1,140   
Class R2      0.25%         0.25%         0.50%         0.50%         594   
Class R3              0.25%         0.25%         0.25%         9,918   
Total Distribution and Service Fees         $1,047,196   

 

(d) In accordance with the distribution plan for certain classes, the fund pays distribution and/or service fees equal to these annual percentage rates of each class’s average daily net assets. The distribution and service fee rates disclosed by class represent the current rates in effect at the end of the reporting period. Any rate changes, if applicable, are detailed below.
(e) The annual effective rates represent actual fees incurred under the distribution plan for the six months ended July 31, 2014 based on each class’s average daily net assets. MFD has voluntarily agreed to rebate a portion of each class’s 0.25% service fee attributable to accounts for which MFD retains the 0.25% service fee except for accounts attributable to MFS or its affiliates’ seed money. For the six months ended July 31, 2014, this rebate amounted to $2,320, $91, and $325 for Class A, Class B, and Class C, respectively, and is included in the reduction of total expenses in the Statement of Operations.

Certain Class A shares are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) in the event of a shareholder redemption within 18 months of purchase for shares purchased on or after August 1, 2012, and within 24 months of purchase for shares purchased prior to August 1, 2012. Class C shares are subject to a CDSC in the event of a

 

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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, 2014, were as follows:

 

     Amount  
Class A      $3,555   
Class B      19,452   
Class C      429   

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, 2014, the fee was $55,994, which equated to 0.0190% 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. Class R5 shares do not incur sub-accounting fees. For the six months ended July 31, 2014, these out-of-pocket expenses, sub-accounting and other shareholder servicing costs amounted to $295,951.

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 an annual fixed amount of $17,500 plus a fee based on average daily net assets. The administrative services fee incurred for the six months ended July 31, 2014 was equivalent to an annual effective rate of 0.0134% 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.

Prior to December 31, 2001, the fund had an unfunded defined benefit plan (“DB plan”) for independent Trustees. As of December 31, 2001, the Board took action to terminate the DB plan with respect to then-current and any future independent Trustees, such that the DB plan covers only certain of those former independent Trustees who retired on or before December 31, 2001. Effective January 1, 2002, accrued benefits under the DB plan for then-current independent Trustees who continued were credited to an unfunded retirement deferral plan (the “Retirement Deferral plan”), which was established for and exists solely with respect to these credited amounts, and is not available for other deferrals by these or other independent Trustees. Although the Retirement Deferral plan is unfunded, amounts deferred under the plan are periodically adjusted for investment experience as if they had been invested in shares of the fund. The Retirement Deferral plan resulted in an

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

expense of $249 and is included in independent Trustees’ compensation for the six months ended July 31, 2014. The liability for deferred retirement benefits payable to certain independent Trustees under the Retirement Deferral plan amounted to $4,851 at July 31, 2014, and is included in “Payable for independent Trustees’ compensation” in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

Other – This fund and certain other funds managed by MFS (the funds) have entered into services agreements (the Agreements) which provide for payment of fees by the funds to Tarantino LLC and Griffin Compliance LLC in return for the provision of services of an Independent Chief Compliance Officer (ICCO) and Assistant ICCO, respectively, for the funds. The funds can terminate the Agreements with Tarantino LLC and Griffin Compliance LLC at any time under the terms of the Agreements. The ICCO is an officer of the funds and the sole member of Tarantino LLC. Prior to June 1, 2014, Robyn L. Griffin served as the Assistant ICCO and was an officer of the funds. Ms. Griffin is the sole member of Griffin Compliance LLC. Effective May 31, 2014, Ms. Griffin resigned as Assistant ICCO and the service agreement between the funds and Griffin Compliance LLC was terminated. For the six months ended July 31, 2014, the aggregate fees paid by the fund to Tarantino LLC and Griffin Compliance LLC were $954 and are included in “Miscellaneous” expense in the Statement of Operations. MFS has agreed to reimburse the fund for a portion of the payments made by the fund in the amount of $618, which is included in the 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 and Assistant ICCO.

The fund invests in the MFS Institutional Money Market Portfolio which is managed by MFS and seeks current income consistent with preservation of capital and liquidity. Income earned on this investment is included in “Dividends from underlying affiliated funds” in the Statement of Operations. This money market fund does not pay a management fee to MFS.

The fund invests in the High Yield Pooled Portfolio, which is a mutual fund advised by MFS that does not pay management fees to MFS but does incur investment and operating costs. The High Yield Pooled Portfolio is designed to be used by MFS funds to invest in a particular security type rather than invest in the security type directly. The fund invests in the High Yield Pooled Portfolio to gain exposure to high income debt instruments, rather than investing in high income debt instruments directly (see Appendix A).

At close of business on March 22, 2013, the fund and certain other MFS funds transferred high income debt instruments, accrued interest and cash to the High Yield Pooled Portfolio, a series of MFS series Trust III, in exchange for shares of the High Yield Pooled Portfolio. The purpose of the transaction was to pool the portion of the assets of the fund and certain other MFS funds invested in high income debt instruments in the High Yield Pooled Portfolio. The transfer was accomplished by a tax-free exchange by the fund of investments valued at approximately $516,450,760 with a cost basis of approximately $492,368,794, accrued interest of approximately $9,799,211 and cash of approximately $178,187 for approximately 52,642,816 shares of the High Yield Pooled Portfolio (valued at approximately $526,428,158). For financial reporting

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

purposes, investments transferred and shares received by the fund were recorded at fair value; however, the cost basis of the investments delivered to the High Yield Pooled Portfolio was carried forward to the shares received. Income earned on this investment is included in “Dividends from underlying affiliated funds” in the Statement of Operations. The High Yield Pooled Portfolio does not pay a management fee, distribution and/or service fee, or sales charge.

At July 31, 2014 MFS held approximately 63% and 63% of the outstanding shares of Class R1 and R2, respectively.

(4) Portfolio Securities

For the six months ended July 31, 2014, purchases and sales of investments, other than short-term obligations, aggregated $81,799,619 and $93,042,165, 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
7/31/14
     Year ended
1/31/14
 
     Shares      Amount      Shares      Amount  
Shares sold            

Class A

     5,266,945         $35,152,368         12,853,466         $84,535,615   

Class B

     237,947         1,587,082         552,163         3,640,035   

Class C

     685,060         4,556,250         1,720,899         11,318,254   

Class I

     9,010,541         60,096,046         10,345,287         67,597,857   

Class R1

     1,550         10,354         8,418         54,712   

Class R2

     1,200         8,034         6,903         45,670   

Class R3

     90,934         605,504         387,273         2,554,016   

Class R4

     117,798         790,029         73,311         482,986   

Class R5

     20,247         135,521         40,132         266,869   
     15,432,222         $102,941,188         25,987,852         $170,496,014   
Shares issued to shareholders in reinvestment of distributions            

Class A

     1,261,059         $8,410,168         2,843,014         $18,665,978   

Class B

     88,165         589,492         203,437         1,338,198   

Class C

     253,438         1,689,076         542,240         3,553,779   

Class I

     439,086         2,932,332         625,904         4,107,967   

Class R1

     822         5,497         1,798         11,819   

Class R2

     953         6,375         2,244         14,759   

Class R3

     32,974         220,025         70,376         461,853   

Class R4

     7,250         48,681         12,906         85,276   

Class R5

     1,915         12,763         2,470         16,103   
     2,085,662         $13,914,409         4,304,389         $28,255,732   

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

     Six months ended
7/31/14
     Year ended
1/31/14
 
     Shares      Amount      Shares      Amount  
Shares reacquired            

Class A

     (13,121,344      $(87,464,394      (22,105,856      $(145,380,703

Class B

     (625,785      (4,184,799      (1,521,729      (10,014,844

Class C

     (1,100,677      (7,329,038      (3,139,479      (20,577,355

Class I

     (2,916,107      (19,534,232      (8,649,325      (56,187,692

Class R1

     (2,973      (19,654      (5,518      (36,349

Class R2

     (900      (6,041      (12,037      (78,572

Class R3

     (123,709      (823,693      (421,490      (2,765,859

Class R4

     (57,378      (384,879      (67,202      (447,826

Class R5

     (3,008      (20,051      (1,492      (9,622
     (17,951,881      $(119,766,781      (35,924,128      $(235,498,822
Net change            

Class A

     (6,593,340      $(43,901,858      (6,409,376      $(42,179,110

Class B

     (299,673      (2,008,225      (766,129      (5,036,611

Class C

     (162,179      (1,083,712      (876,340      (5,705,322

Class I

     6,533,520         43,494,146         2,321,866         15,518,132   

Class R1

     (601      (3,803      4,698         30,182   

Class R2

     1,253         8,368         (2,890      (18,143

Class R3

     199         1,836         36,159         250,010   

Class R4

     67,670         453,831         19,015         120,436   

Class R5

     19,154         128,233         41,110         273,350   
     (433,997      $(2,911,184      (5,631,887      $(36,747,076

(6) Line of Credit

The fund and certain other funds managed by MFS participate in a $1.1 billion unsecured committed line of credit, subject to a $1 billion sublimit, provided by a syndication of banks under a credit agreement. 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 higher of the Federal Reserve funds rate or one month LIBOR plus an agreed upon spread. 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. In addition, the fund and other funds managed by MFS have established unsecured uncommitted borrowing arrangements with certain banks for temporary financing needs. Interest is charged to each fund, based on its borrowings, at a rate equal to the Federal Reserve funds rate plus an agreed upon spread. For the six months ended July 31, 2014, the fund’s commitment fee and interest expense were $1,199 and $0, respectively, and are included in “Miscellaneous” expense in the Statement of Operations.

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

(7) Transactions in Underlying Affiliated 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 Affiliated Funds    Beginning
Shares/Par
Amount
     Acquisitions
Shares/Par
Amount
     Dispositions
Shares/Par
Amount
    Ending
Shares/Par
Amount
 
MFS High Yield Pooled Portfolio      47,525,038         2,728,890         (6,833,108     43,420,820   
MFS Institutional Money
Market Portfolio
     3,265,647         71,113,371         (65,456,257     8,922,761   
Underlying Affiliated Funds    Realized
Gain (Loss)
     Capital Gain
Distributions
     Dividend
Income
    Ending
Value
 
MFS High Yield Pooled Portfolio      $5,312,878         $231,649         $14,703,352        $427,260,869   
MFS Institutional Money
Market Portfolio
     $—         $—         $2,680        $8,922,761   

 

46


Table of Contents

APPENDIX A

MFS HIGH YIELD POOLED PORTFOLIO

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS

7/31/14 (unaudited)

Appendix A is a complete list of all securities owned by MFS High Yield Pooled Portfolio. It is categorized by broad-based asset classes.

 

Bonds - 92.4%                 
Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Aerospace - 2.3%                 
Bombardier, Inc., 7.5%, 3/15/18 (n)    $ 2,765,000      $ 3,020,763   
Bombardier, Inc., 7.75%, 3/15/20 (n)      1,995,000        2,154,600   
Bombardier, Inc., 6.125%, 1/15/23 (n)      4,140,000        4,077,900   
CPI International, Inc., 8.75%, 2/15/18      3,875,000        4,049,375   
Gencorp, Inc., 7.125%, 3/15/21      4,205,000        4,551,072   
Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc., 7.125%, 3/15/21      5,380,000        5,756,600   
TransDigm, Inc., 6%, 7/15/22 (z)      375,000        376,875   
TransDigm, Inc., 6.5%, 7/15/24 (z)      1,570,000        1,585,700   
    

 

 

 
      $ 25,572,885   
Apparel Manufacturers - 0.4%                 
Hanesbrands, Inc., 6.375%, 12/15/20    $ 2,250,000      $ 2,390,625   
PVH Corp., 4.5%, 12/15/22      1,820,000        1,760,850   
    

 

 

 
      $ 4,151,475   
Automotive - 3.0%                 
Accuride Corp., 9.5%, 8/01/18    $ 5,005,000      $ 5,255,250   
Allison Transmission, Inc., 7.125%, 5/15/19 (n)      5,365,000        5,686,900   
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., 6.5%, 3/01/21      4,920,000        5,202,900   
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., 7%, 5/15/22      1,110,000        1,204,350   
Jaguar Land Rover PLC, 8.125%, 5/15/21 (n)      4,605,000        5,100,038   
Jaguar Land Rover PLC, 5.625%, 2/01/23 (n)      1,360,000        1,421,200   
Lear Corp., 8.125%, 3/15/20      1,432,000        1,532,240   
Lear Corp., 4.75%, 1/15/23      2,430,000        2,392,031   
Schaeffler Finance B.V., 6.875%, 8/15/18 (p)(n)      2,405,000        2,525,250   
Schaeffler Finance B.V., 4.75%, 5/15/21 (z)      2,175,000        2,207,625   
    

 

 

 
      $ 32,527,784   
Broadcasting - 2.3%                 
AMC Networks, Inc., 7.75%, 7/15/21    $ 2,645,000      $ 2,896,275   
Clear Channel Communications, Inc., 9%, 3/01/21      2,573,000        2,659,839   
Clear Channel Worldwide Holdings, Inc., “A”, 6.5%, 11/15/22      745,000        778,525   
Clear Channel Worldwide Holdings, Inc., “B”, 6.5%, 11/15/22      2,570,000        2,698,500   
Liberty Media Corp., 8.5%, 7/15/29      2,790,000        3,096,900   
Liberty Media Corp., 8.25%, 2/01/30      1,215,000        1,342,575   
Netflix, Inc., 5.375%, 2/01/21      2,835,000        2,927,138   
Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc., 6.875%, 11/15/20      2,730,000        2,893,800   

 

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Table of Contents

MFS High Yield Pooled Portfolio

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Bonds - continued                 
Broadcasting - continued                 
Univision Communications, Inc., 6.875%, 5/15/19 (n)    $ 2,200,000      $ 2,310,000   
Univision Communications, Inc., 7.875%, 11/01/20 (n)      2,610,000        2,805,750   
Univision Communications, Inc., 8.5%, 5/15/21 (n)      730,000        788,400   
    

 

 

 
      $ 25,197,702   
Brokerage & Asset Managers - 0.5%                 
E*TRADE Financial Corp., 6.375%, 11/15/19    $ 5,580,000      $ 5,928,750   
Building - 3.4%                 
Allegion U.S. Holding Co., Inc., 5.75%, 10/01/21    $ 4,375,000      $ 4,593,750   
Building Materials Holding Corp., 6.875%, 8/15/18 (n)      630,000        652,050   
Building Materials Holding Corp., 7%, 2/15/20 (n)      925,000        970,094   
Building Materials Holding Corp., 6.75%, 5/01/21 (n)      3,495,000        3,726,544   
CEMEX Espana S.A., 9.25%, 5/12/20      2,640,000        2,857,800   
CEMEX Espana S.A., 9.25%, 5/12/20 (n)      1,345,000        1,455,963   
CEMEX S.A.B. de C.V., 5.875%, 3/25/19 (n)      202,000        205,535   
CEMEX S.A.B. de C.V., 6.5%, 12/10/19 (n)      440,000        459,250   
CEMEX S.A.B. de C.V., 7.25%, 1/15/21 (n)      866,000        917,960   
Gibraltar Industries, Inc., 6.25%, 2/01/21      2,275,000        2,326,188   
HD Supply, Inc., 8.125%, 4/15/19      2,060,000        2,224,800   
HD Supply, Inc., 7.5%, 7/15/20      4,555,000        4,862,463   
Headwaters, Inc., 7.25%, 1/15/19      1,795,000        1,875,775   
Headwaters, Inc., 7.625%, 4/01/19      1,215,000        1,275,750   
Nortek, Inc., 8.5%, 4/15/21      3,340,000        3,623,900   
Roofing Supply Group LLC/Roofing Supply Finance, Inc., 10%, 6/01/20 (n)      3,047,000        3,245,055   
USG Corp., 7.875%, 3/30/20 (n)      1,335,000        1,450,144   
USG Corp., 5.875%, 11/01/21 (n)      780,000        803,400   
    

 

 

 
      $ 37,526,421   
Business Services - 1.5%                 
Equinix, Inc., 4.875%, 4/01/20    $ 2,950,000      $ 2,972,125   
Equinix, Inc., 5.375%, 4/01/23      1,640,000        1,648,200   
Fidelity National Information Services, Inc., 5%, 3/15/22      3,305,000        3,499,945   
Iron Mountain, Inc., 8.375%, 8/15/21      1,451,000        1,505,413   
Iron Mountain, Inc., 6%, 8/15/23      2,865,000        2,986,763   
Lender Processing Services, Inc., 5.75%, 4/15/23      1,195,000        1,279,845   
NeuStar, Inc., 4.5%, 1/15/23      3,730,000        3,170,500   
    

 

 

 
      $ 17,062,791   
Cable TV - 5.2%                 
CCO Holdings LLC/CCO Holdings Capital Corp., 8.125%, 4/30/20    $ 4,825,000      $ 5,144,656   
CCO Holdings LLC/CCO Holdings Capital Corp., 7.375%, 6/01/20      705,000        752,588   

 

48


Table of Contents

MFS High Yield Pooled Portfolio

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Bonds - continued                 
Cable TV - continued                 
CCO Holdings LLC/CCO Holdings Capital Corp., 6.5%, 4/30/21    $ 3,335,000      $ 3,468,400   
CCO Holdings LLC/CCO Holdings Capital Corp., 5.75%, 1/15/24      3,370,000        3,353,150   
Cequel Communications Holdings, 6.375%, 9/15/20 (n)      3,775,000        3,888,250   
DISH DBS Corp., 6.75%, 6/01/21      2,540,000        2,794,000   
DISH DBS Corp., 5%, 3/15/23      2,750,000        2,695,000   
Intelsat Jackson Holdings S.A., 6.625%, 12/15/22      2,550,000        2,575,500   
Intelsat Jackson Holdings S.A., 5.5%, 8/01/23      4,995,000        4,795,200   
Intelsat Luxembourg S.A., 8.125%, 6/01/23      3,595,000        3,738,800   
Lynx I Corp., 5.375%, 4/15/21 (n)      1,390,000        1,403,900   
Lynx II Corp., 6.375%, 4/15/23 (n)      2,030,000        2,131,500   
Numericable Group S.A., 6%, 5/15/22 (n)      4,235,000        4,256,175   
SIRIUS XM Radio, Inc., 4.25%, 5/15/20 (n)      860,000        827,750   
SIRIUS XM Radio, Inc., 5.875%, 10/01/20 (n)      395,000        403,888   
SIRIUS XM Radio, Inc., 4.625%, 5/15/23 (n)      1,995,000        1,855,350   
SIRIUS XM Radio, Inc., 6%, 7/15/24 (z)      1,860,000        1,869,300   
Telenet Finance Luxembourg, 6.375%, 11/15/20 (n)    EUR 1,510,000        2,148,864   
Unitymedia Hessen, 5.5%, 1/15/23 (n)    $ 3,480,000        3,497,393   
UPCB Finance III Ltd., 6.625%, 7/01/20 (n)      2,398,000        2,529,880   
Ziggo Bond Co. B.V., 8%, 5/15/18 (n)    EUR 1,895,000        2,778,308   
    

 

 

 
      $ 56,907,852   
Chemicals - 3.1%                 
Celanese U.S. Holdings LLC, 5.875%, 6/15/21    $ 3,149,000      $ 3,408,793   
Celanese U.S. Holdings LLC, 4.625%, 11/15/22      1,485,000        1,477,575   
Flash Dutch 2 B.V./U.S. Coatings Acquisition, 7.375%, 5/01/21 (n)      2,775,000        2,948,428   
Hexion U.S. Finance Corp., 6.625%, 4/15/20      1,840,000        1,913,600   
Hexion U.S. Finance Corp./Hexion Nova Scotia Finance, 8.875%, 2/01/18      3,160,000        3,261,120   
Huntsman International LLC, 8.625%, 3/15/21      3,325,000        3,615,938   
INEOS Finance PLC, 8.375%, 2/15/19 (n)      3,690,000        3,985,200   
INEOS Group Holdings S.A., 6.125%, 8/15/18 (n)      3,090,000        3,120,900   
INEOS Group Holdings S.A., 5.875%, 2/15/19 (n)      1,390,000        1,403,900   
Taminco Global Chemical Corp., 9.75%, 3/31/20 (n)      3,115,000        3,418,713   
Tronox Finance LLC, 6.375%, 8/15/20      5,160,000        5,211,600   
    

 

 

 
      $ 33,765,767   
Computer Software - 0.4%                 
Syniverse Holdings, Inc., 9.125%, 1/15/19    $ 1,150,000      $ 1,207,500   
VeriSign, Inc., 4.625%, 5/01/23      3,490,000        3,402,750   
    

 

 

 
      $ 4,610,250   

 

49


Table of Contents

MFS High Yield Pooled Portfolio

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Bonds - continued                 
Computer Software - Systems - 0.7%                 
Audatex North America, Inc., 6%, 6/15/21 (n)    $ 2,445,000      $ 2,561,138   
Audatex North America, Inc., 6.125%, 11/01/23 (n)      715,000        747,175   
CDW LLC/CDW Finance Corp., 8.5%, 4/01/19      2,920,000        3,102,500   
CDW LLC/CDW Finance Corp., 6%, 8/15/22      1,505,000        1,505,000   
    

 

 

 
      $ 7,915,813   
Conglomerates - 2.1%                 
Amsted Industries Co., 5%, 3/15/22 (n)    $ 3,705,000      $ 3,677,213   
BC Mountain LLC, 7%, 2/01/21 (n)      2,785,000        2,673,600   
Dynacast International LLC, 9.25%, 7/15/19      1,875,000        2,053,125   
Entegris, Inc., 6%, 4/01/22 (n)      4,375,000        4,517,188   
Renaissance Acquisition, 6.875%, 8/15/21 (n)      4,125,000        4,155,938   
Rexel S.A., 6.125%, 12/15/19 (n)      2,780,000        2,877,300   
Silver II Borrower, 7.75%, 12/15/20 (n)      2,510,000        2,629,225   
    

 

 

 
      $ 22,583,589   
Construction - 0.3%                 
Empresas ICA S.A.B. de C.V., 8.875%, 5/29/24 (n)    $ 1,223,000      $ 1,250,518   
Empresas ICA Sociedad Controladora S.A. de C.V., 8.9%, 2/04/21      2,120,000        2,226,000   
    

 

 

 
      $ 3,476,518   
Consumer Products - 0.9%                 
Elizabeth Arden, Inc., 7.375%, 3/15/21    $ 3,482,000      $ 3,595,165   
Prestige Brands, Inc., 8.125%, 2/01/20      1,240,000        1,357,800   
Prestige Brands, Inc., 5.375%, 12/15/21 (n)      2,585,000        2,585,000   
Spectrum Brands, Inc., 6.375%, 11/15/20      2,760,000        2,904,900   
    

 

 

 
      $ 10,442,865   
Consumer Services - 1.5%                 
ADT Corp., 6.25%, 10/15/21    $ 3,490,000      $ 3,612,150   
ADT Corp., 4.125%, 6/15/23      1,360,000        1,230,800   
Garda World Security Corp., 7.25%, 11/15/21 (z)      2,330,000        2,370,775   
Garda World Security Corp., 7.25%, 11/15/21 (z)      945,000        961,538   
Grupo Posadas S.A.B. de C.V., 7.875%, 11/30/17      1,765,000        1,791,475   
Monitronics International, Inc., 9.125%, 4/01/20      3,265,000        3,428,250   
Service Corp. International, 7%, 6/15/17      1,610,000        1,783,075   
Service Corp. International, 5.375%, 5/15/24 (n)      1,655,000        1,692,238   
    

 

 

 
      $ 16,870,301   
Containers - 3.0%                 
Ardagh Packaging Finance PLC, 7%, 11/15/20 (n)    $ 317,647      $ 312,882   
Ardagh Packaging Finance PLC, 9.125%, 10/15/20 (n)      400,000        432,000   

 

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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Bonds - continued                 
Containers - continued                 
Ardagh Packaging Finance PLC, 9.125%, 10/15/20 (n)    $ 2,980,000      $ 3,203,500   
Ardagh Packaging Finance PLC, 6%, 6/30/21 (z)      2,210,000        2,110,550   
Ball Corp., 5%, 3/15/22      1,008,000        1,005,480   
Ball Corp., 4%, 11/15/23      2,410,000        2,223,225   
Berry Plastics Group, Inc., 5.5%, 5/15/22      4,290,000        4,182,750   
Crown American LLC, 4.5%, 1/15/23      5,755,000        5,438,475   
Greif, Inc., 6.75%, 2/01/17      1,100,000        1,196,250   
Greif, Inc., 7.75%, 8/01/19      980,000        1,107,400   
Reynolds Group, 7.125%, 4/15/19      1,975,000        2,049,063   
Reynolds Group, 9.875%, 8/15/19      735,000        791,963   
Reynolds Group, 5.75%, 10/15/20      2,050,000        2,091,000   
Reynolds Group, 8.25%, 2/15/21      3,965,000        4,202,900   
Signode Industrial Group, 6.375%, 5/01/22 (z)      2,730,000        2,689,050   
    

 

 

 
      $ 33,036,488   
Defense Electronics - 0.4%                 
Ducommun, Inc., 9.75%, 7/15/18    $ 3,927,000      $ 4,329,518   
Electronics - 1.8%                 
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc., 6.75%, 3/01/19 (n)    $ 3,235,000      $ 3,315,875   
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc., 7.5%, 8/15/22      1,180,000        1,221,300   
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc., 7%, 7/01/24 (z)      925,000        901,875   
Micron Technology, Inc., 5.875%, 2/15/22 (n)      2,630,000        2,761,500   
Micron Technology, Inc., 5.5%, 2/01/25 (z)      1,765,000        1,756,175   
Nokia Corp., 5.375%, 5/15/19      995,000        1,054,700   
Nokia Corp., 6.625%, 5/15/39      1,015,000        1,083,513   
NXP B.V., 5.75%, 2/15/21 (n)      1,375,000        1,430,000   
NXP B.V., 5.75%, 3/15/23 (n)      2,610,000        2,694,825   
Sensata Technologies B.V., 6.5%, 5/15/19 (n)      3,320,000        3,469,400   
    

 

 

 
      $ 19,689,163   
Energy - Independent - 8.7%                 
American Energy-Permian Basin LLC, 7.125%, 11/01/20 (z)    $ 1,410,000      $ 1,360,650   
American Energy-Permian Basin LLC, 7.375%, 11/01/21 (z)      1,175,000        1,133,875   
Antero Resources Finance Corp., 6%, 12/01/20      2,270,000        2,366,475   
Antero Resources Finance Corp., 5.375%, 11/01/21      2,220,000        2,247,750   
Athlon Holdings LP/Athlon Finance Corp., 6%, 5/01/22 (z)      3,240,000        3,248,100   
Baytex Energy Corp., 5.125%, 6/01/21 (z)      465,000        461,513   
Baytex Energy Corp., 5.625%, 6/01/24 (z)      2,340,000        2,304,900   
Bill Barrett Corp., 7%, 10/15/22      3,070,000        3,146,750   
BreitBurn Energy Partners LP, 8.625%, 10/15/20      1,075,000        1,155,625   
BreitBurn Energy Partners LP, 7.875%, 4/15/22      4,755,000        4,968,975   
Chaparral Energy, Inc., 7.625%, 11/15/22      2,980,000        3,121,550   

 

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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Bonds - continued                 
Energy - Independent - continued                 
Chesapeake Energy Corp., 5.75%, 3/15/23    $ 1,060,000      $ 1,131,550   
Concho Resources, Inc., 6.5%, 1/15/22      2,440,000        2,598,600   
Concho Resources, Inc., 5.5%, 4/01/23      3,565,000        3,689,775   
Denbury Resources, Inc., 4.625%, 7/15/23      3,050,000        2,851,750   
EP Energy LLC, 6.875%, 5/01/19      1,205,000        1,262,238   
EP Energy LLC, 9.375%, 5/01/20      4,295,000        4,756,713   
EP Energy LLC, 7.75%, 9/01/22      5,050,000        5,504,500   
EPL Oil & Gas, Inc., 8.25%, 2/15/18      3,830,000        4,002,350   
Halcon Resources Corp., 8.875%, 5/15/21      4,605,000        4,777,688   
Harvest Operations Corp., 6.875%, 10/01/17      3,190,000        3,437,225   
Hilcorp Energy I/Hilcorp Finance Co., 8%, 2/15/20 (n)      1,670,000        1,778,550   
Laredo Petroleum, Inc., 5.625%, 1/15/22      1,175,000        1,195,563   
Laredo Petroleum, Inc., 7.375%, 5/01/22      960,000        1,046,400   
LINN Energy LLC, 8.625%, 4/15/20      740,000        781,625   
LINN Energy LLC, 7.75%, 2/01/21      3,614,000        3,785,665   
MEG Energy Corp., 6.5%, 3/15/21 (n)      1,760,000        1,808,400   
MEG Energy Corp., 7%, 3/31/24 (n)      2,595,000        2,744,213   
Northern Blizzard Resources, Inc., 7.25%, 2/01/22 (n)      3,460,000        3,641,650   
Oasis Petroleum, Inc., 6.875%, 3/15/22 (n)      4,555,000        4,930,788   
Range Resources Corp., 5%, 8/15/22      4,315,000        4,422,875   
Sanchez Energy Corp., 6.125%, 1/15/23 (z)      2,345,000        2,339,138   
SandRidge Energy, Inc., 8.125%, 10/15/22      3,430,000        3,652,950   
SM Energy Co., 6.5%, 11/15/21      3,455,000        3,705,488   
    

 

 

 
      $ 95,361,857   
Entertainment - 1.8%                 
Activision Blizzard, Inc., 6.125%, 9/15/23 (n)    $ 2,465,000      $ 2,656,038   
Cedar Fair LP, 5.25%, 3/15/21      3,555,000        3,590,550   
Cedar Fair LP, 5.375%, 6/01/24 (n)      1,420,000        1,420,000   
Cinemark USA, Inc., 5.125%, 12/15/22      2,445,000        2,463,338   
Cinemark USA, Inc., 4.875%, 6/01/23      2,060,000        2,013,650   
Seven Seas Cruises S. DE R.L., 9.125%, 5/15/19      3,845,000        4,152,600   
Six Flags Entertainment Corp., 5.25%, 1/15/21 (n)      3,490,000        3,472,550   
    

 

 

 
      $ 19,768,726   
Financial Institutions - 4.8%                 
Aircastle Ltd., 4.625%, 12/15/18    $ 2,840,000      $ 2,889,700   
Aircastle Ltd., 5.125%, 3/15/21      1,415,000        1,418,538   
Aviation Capital Group, 4.625%, 1/31/18 (n)      3,015,000        3,190,603   
Aviation Capital Group, 6.75%, 4/06/21 (n)      1,935,000        2,179,114   
CIT Group, Inc., 5.25%, 3/15/18      2,875,000        3,033,125   
CIT Group, Inc., 6.625%, 4/01/18 (n)      4,276,000        4,714,290   
CIT Group, Inc., 5.5%, 2/15/19 (n)      4,287,000        4,576,373   

 

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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Bonds - continued                 
Financial Institutions - continued                 
CIT Group, Inc., 5%, 8/15/22    $ 2,605,000      $ 2,689,663   
Icahn Enterprises LP, 6%, 8/01/20      3,160,000        3,294,300   
Icahn Enterprises LP, 5.875%, 2/01/22      3,930,000        4,006,144   
International Lease Finance Corp., 7.125%, 9/01/18 (n)      1,736,000        1,987,720   
Nationstar Mortgage LLC/Capital Corp., 6.5%, 8/01/18      2,220,000        2,197,800   
Nationstar Mortgage LLC/Capital Corp., 7.875%, 10/01/20      3,815,000        3,891,300   
SLM Corp., 4.875%, 6/17/19      788,000        793,910   
SLM Corp., 8%, 3/25/20      5,800,000        6,554,000   
SLM Corp., 7.25%, 1/25/22      3,130,000        3,427,350   
SLM Corp., 6.125%, 3/25/24      1,685,000        1,642,875   
    

 

 

 
      $ 52,486,805   
Food & Beverages - 1.4%                 
B&G Foods, Inc., 4.625%, 6/01/21    $ 2,250,000      $ 2,193,750   
Constellation Brands, Inc., 3.75%, 5/01/21      430,000        419,250   
Constellation Brands, Inc., 4.25%, 5/01/23      3,255,000        3,214,313   
Darling Ingrediants, Inc., 5.375%, 1/15/22 (n)      3,345,000        3,436,988   
H.J. Heinz Co., 4.25%, 10/15/20      2,185,000        2,171,344   
Sun Merger Sub, Inc., 5.875%, 8/01/21 (n)      3,410,000        3,580,500   
    

 

 

 
      $ 15,016,145   
Forest & Paper Products - 0.5%                 
Appvion, Inc., 9%, 6/01/20 (n)    $ 2,680,000      $ 2,559,400   
Tembec Industries, Inc., 11.25%, 12/15/18      2,440,000        2,616,900   
    

 

 

 
      $ 5,176,300   
Gaming & Lodging - 2.5%                 
CCM Merger, Inc., 9.125%, 5/01/19 (n)    $ 3,280,000      $ 3,460,400   
Chester Downs & Marina LLC, 9.25%, 2/01/20 (n)      1,450,000        1,377,500   
Greektown Holdings LLC, 8.875%, 3/15/19 (n)      2,840,000        2,825,800   
Hilton Worldwide Finance Co., 5.625%, 10/15/21 (n)      3,315,000        3,472,463   
Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc., 8.875%, 6/15/20      1,550,000        1,643,000   
Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc., 5.875%, 3/15/21      610,000        625,250   
MGM Resorts International, 6.625%, 12/15/21      2,985,000        3,227,531   
Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc., 8.75%, 5/15/20      2,130,000        2,273,775   
Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc., 6.375%, 8/01/21      1,860,000        1,915,800   
Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc., REIT, 5%, 4/15/21      3,045,000        3,022,163   
Wynn Las Vegas LLC, 7.75%, 8/15/20      3,085,000        3,324,088   
    

 

 

 
      $ 27,167,770   
Health Maintenance Organizations - 0.0%                 
Wellcare Health Plans, Inc., 5.75%, 11/15/20    $ 205,000      $ 209,100   

 

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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Bonds - continued                 
Industrial - 1.3%                 
Dematic S.A., 7.75%, 12/15/20 (n)    $ 4,995,000      $ 5,344,650   
Howard Hughes Corp., 6.875%, 10/01/21 (n)      3,755,000        3,952,138   
Hyva Global B.V., 8.625%, 3/24/16 (n)      1,760,000        1,821,600   
SPL Logistics Escrow LLC, 8.875%, 8/01/20 (n)      2,675,000        2,962,563   
    

 

 

 
      $ 14,080,951   
International Market Quasi-Sovereign - 0.3%                 
Eksportfinans A.S.A., 5.5%, 5/25/16    $ 170,000      $ 179,945   
Eksportfinans A.S.A., 5.5%, 6/26/17      2,915,000        3,128,757   
    

 

 

 
      $ 3,308,702   
Machinery & Tools - 1.3%                 
H&E Equipment Services Co., 7%, 9/01/22    $ 3,855,000      $ 4,173,038   
Jurassic Holdings III, Inc., 6.875%, 2/15/21 (n)      3,210,000        3,193,950   
Light Tower Rentals, Inc., 8.125%, 8/01/19 (z)      1,415,000        1,439,763   
RSC Equipment Rental, Inc., 8.25%, 2/01/21      1,890,000        2,062,463   
United Rentals North America, Inc., 7.625%, 4/15/22      3,238,000        3,569,896   
    

 

 

 
      $ 14,439,110   
Major Banks - 1.1%                 
Bank of America Corp., FRN, 5.2%, 12/31/49    $ 3,900,000      $ 3,656,250   
JPMorgan Chase & Co., 6% to 8/01/23, FRN to 12/29/49      3,680,000        3,735,200   
Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC, 7.648% to 9/30/31, FRN to 8/29/49      2,800,000        3,332,560   
Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC, 6.99% to 10/04/17, FRN to 10/29/49 (n)      905,000        1,038,488   
    

 

 

 
      $ 11,762,498   
Medical & Health Technology & Services - 4.6%                 
CHS/Community Health Systems, Inc., 5.125%, 8/01/21 (z)    $ 700,000      $ 705,250   
CHS/Community Health Systems, Inc., 6.875%, 2/01/22 (z)      5,695,000        5,823,138   
Davita, Inc., 6.625%, 11/01/20      4,110,000        4,315,500   
Davita, Inc., 5.125%, 7/15/24      1,755,000        1,728,675   
Fresenius Medical Care Capital Trust III, 5.625%, 7/31/19 (n)      1,640,000        1,746,600   
Fresenius Medical Care Capital Trust III, 5.875%, 1/31/22 (n)      1,375,000        1,502,188   
HCA, Inc., 7.25%, 9/15/20      1,015,000        1,073,363   
HCA, Inc., 7.5%, 2/15/22      5,140,000        5,821,050   
HCA, Inc., 5.875%, 3/15/22      3,575,000        3,807,375   
HCA, Inc., 5%, 3/15/24      2,340,000        2,322,450   
HealthSouth Corp., 8.125%, 2/15/20      4,780,000        5,042,900   
Lifepoint Hospitals, Inc., 5.5%, 12/01/21 (n)      5,165,000        5,281,213   
Tenet Healthcare Corp., 8%, 8/01/20      4,790,000        5,113,325   
Tenet Healthcare Corp., 4.5%, 4/01/21      4,100,000        3,987,250   

 

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MFS High Yield Pooled Portfolio

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Bonds - continued                 
Medical & Health Technology & Services - continued   
Universal Health Services, Inc., 7.625%, 8/15/20    $ 2,750,000      $ 2,805,000   
    

 

 

 
      $ 51,075,277   
Medical Equipment - 0.8%                 
Biomet, Inc., 6.5%, 8/01/20    $ 1,885,000      $ 2,033,255   
Physio-Control International, Inc., 9.875%, 1/15/19 (n)      1,430,000        1,569,425   
Teleflex, Inc., 6.875%, 6/01/19      2,550,000        2,696,625   
Teleflex, Inc., 5.25%, 6/15/24 (n)      2,155,000        2,187,325   
    

 

 

 
      $ 8,486,630   
Metals & Mining - 4.7%                 
ArcelorMittal S.A., 6.75%, 2/25/22    $ 965,000      $ 1,044,613   
ArcelorMittal S.A., 7.25%, 3/01/41      1,735,000        1,769,700   
Arch Coal, Inc., 8%, 1/15/19 (n)      1,695,000        1,635,675   
Arch Coal, Inc., 7.25%, 10/01/20      2,190,000        1,456,350   
Century Aluminum Co., 7.5%, 6/01/21 (n)      3,675,000        3,895,500   
Commercial Metals Co., 4.875%, 5/15/23      2,493,000        2,399,513   
Consol Energy, Inc., 8.25%, 4/01/20      3,445,000        3,668,925   
Consol Energy, Inc., 6.375%, 3/01/21      1,235,000        1,296,750   
Consol Energy, Inc., 5.875%, 4/15/22 (n)      2,990,000        3,023,638   
First Quantum Minerals Ltd., 7.25%, 10/15/19 (n)      5,492,000        5,711,680   
First Quantum Minerals Ltd., 7.25%, 5/15/22 (n)      2,140,000        2,201,525   
FMG Resources, 6.875%, 4/01/22 (n)      855,000        909,506   
Fortescue Metals Group Ltd., 8.25%, 11/01/19 (n)      4,060,000        4,354,350   
GrafTech International Co., 6.375%, 11/15/20      3,450,000        3,527,625   
Molycorp, Inc., 10%, 6/01/20      955,000        849,950   
Peabody Energy Corp., 6%, 11/15/18      2,110,000        2,104,725   
Steel Dynamics, Inc., 5.25%, 4/15/23      2,230,000        2,246,725   
Suncoke Energy Partners LP/Suncoke Energy Partners Finance Corp., 7.375%, 2/01/20 (z)      1,150,000        1,213,250   
Suncoke Energy, Inc., 7.625%, 8/01/19      2,570,000        2,724,200   
TMS International Corp., 7.625%, 10/15/21 (n)      2,400,000        2,544,000   
Walter Energy, Inc., 9.5%, 10/15/19 (n)      1,615,000        1,606,925   
Walter Energy, Inc., 8.5%, 4/15/21      3,150,000        1,512,000   
    

 

 

 
      $ 51,697,125   
Midstream - 5.1%                 
Access Midstream Partners Co., 5.875%, 4/15/21    $ 1,020,000      $ 1,073,550   
Access Midstream Partners Co., 4.875%, 5/15/23      4,390,000        4,521,700   
AmeriGas Finance LLC, 6.75%, 5/20/20      4,805,000        5,057,263   
Atlas Pipeline Partners LP/Atlas Pipeline, 4.75%, 11/15/21      860,000        812,700   
Atlas Pipeline Partners LP/Atlas Pipeline, 5.875%, 8/01/23      3,225,000        3,168,563   
Crestwood Midstream Partners LP, 6%, 12/15/20      3,240,000        3,337,200   

 

55


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MFS High Yield Pooled Portfolio

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Bonds - continued                 
Midstream - continued                 
Crestwood Midstream Partners LP, 6.125%, 3/01/22 (n)    $ 1,970,000      $ 2,034,025   
El Paso Corp., 7.75%, 1/15/32      6,530,000        7,215,650   
Energy Transfer Equity LP, 7.5%, 10/15/20      3,405,000        3,805,088   
Ferrellgas LP/Ferrellgas Finance Corp., 6.5%, 5/01/21      1,085,000        1,120,263   
Ferrellgas LP/Ferrellgas Finance Corp., 6.75%, 1/15/22 (n)      4,705,000        4,904,963   
MarkWest Energy Partners LP, 5.5%, 2/15/23      2,825,000        2,930,938   
MarkWest Energy Partners LP, 4.5%, 7/15/23      2,429,000        2,392,565   
Sabine Pass Liquefaction LLC, 5.625%, 2/01/21      2,720,000        2,815,200   
Sabine Pass Liquefaction LLC, 5.625%, 4/15/23      4,800,000        4,872,000   
Sabine Pass Liquefaction LLC, 5.75%, 5/15/24 (z)      1,705,000        1,730,575   
Summit Midstream Holdings LLC/Summit Midstream Finance Corp., 7.5%, 7/01/21      2,135,000        2,321,813   
Summit Midstream Holdings LLC/Summit Midstream Finance Corp., 5.5%, 8/15/22      1,685,000        1,685,000   
    

 

 

 
      $ 55,799,056   
Municipals - 0.1%                 
Golden State, CA, Tobacco Securitization Corp., Tobacco Settlement Rev., “A-1”, 4.5%, 6/01/27    $ 1,200,000      $ 1,064,148   
Network & Telecom - 1.9%                 
Centurylink, Inc., 6.45%, 6/15/21    $ 2,770,000      $ 2,977,750   
Centurylink, Inc., 6.75%, 12/01/23      940,000        1,019,900   
Centurylink, Inc., 7.65%, 3/15/42      2,830,000        2,830,000   
Citizens Communications Co., 9%, 8/15/31      3,390,000        3,610,350   
Frontier Communications Corp., 8.125%, 10/01/18      870,000        996,150   
Qwest Corp., 7.5%, 10/01/14      3,000        3,032   
Telecom Italia Capital, 6%, 9/30/34      1,180,000        1,156,400   
Telecom Italia S.p.A., 5.303%, 5/30/24 (n)      3,105,000        3,011,850   
TW Telecom Holdings, Inc., 5.375%, 10/01/22      1,900,000        2,056,750   
TW Telecom Holdings, Inc., 5.375%, 10/01/22      950,000        1,028,375   
Windstream Corp., 7.75%, 10/15/20      2,345,000        2,509,150   
    

 

 

 
      $ 21,199,707   
Oil Services - 1.3%                 
Bristow Group, Inc., 6.25%, 10/15/22    $ 4,003,000      $ 4,223,165   
Pacific Drilling S.A., 5.375%, 6/01/20 (n)      3,865,000        3,681,413   
Shale-Inland Holdings LLC/Finance Co., 8.75%, 11/15/19 (n)      2,595,000        2,689,069   
Unit Corp., 6.625%, 5/15/21      3,765,000        3,953,240   
    

 

 

 
      $ 14,546,887   
Oils - 0.1%                 
CITGO Petroleum Corp., 6.25%, 8/15/22 (z)    $ 1,170,000      $ 1,205,100   

 

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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Bonds - continued                 
Other Banks & Diversified Financials - 0.4%                 
Groupe BPCE S.A., 12.5% to 8/6/19, FRN to 8/29/49 (n)    $ 2,973,000      $ 4,080,443   
Pharmaceuticals - 1.7%                 
Endo Finance LLC/Endo Finco, Inc., 7.25%, 1/15/22 (z)    $ 4,260,000      $ 4,504,950   
Mallinckrodt International Finance S.A., 5.75%, 8/01/22 (n)      2,485,000        2,497,424   
Salix Pharmaceuticals Ltd., 6%, 1/15/21 (n)      1,670,000        1,745,150   
Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc., 7%, 10/01/20 (n)      5,100,000        5,329,500   
Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc., 7.25%, 7/15/22 (n)      2,700,000        2,862,000   
Vantage Point Imaging, 7.5%, 7/15/21 (n)      1,560,000        1,684,800   
    

 

 

 
      $ 18,623,824   
Precious Metals & Minerals - 0.6%                 
Aurico Gold, Inc., 7.75%, 4/01/20 (z)    $ 1,990,000      $ 2,014,875   
Eldorado Gold Corp., 6.125%, 12/15/20 (n)      3,310,000        3,384,475   
IAMGOLD Corp., 6.75%, 10/01/20 (n)      1,444,000        1,328,480   
    

 

 

 
      $ 6,727,830   
Printing & Publishing - 0.8%                 
American Media, Inc., 13.5%, 6/15/18 (z)    $ 338,724      $ 355,660   
Gannett Co., Inc., 6.375%, 10/15/23 (n)      2,900,000        3,059,500   
Gannett Co., Inc., 5.125%, 7/15/20      1,415,000        1,429,150   
Lamar Media Corp., 5%, 5/01/23      2,255,000        2,235,269   
Nielsen Finance LLC, 5%, 4/15/22 (n)      2,165,000        2,132,525   
    

 

 

 
      $ 9,212,104   
Railroad & Shipping - 0.2%                 
Watco Cos. LLC, 6.375%, 4/01/23 (n)    $ 2,270,000      $ 2,304,050   
Real Estate - Healthcare - 0.9%                 
Aviv Healthcare Properties LP/Aviv Healthcare, 6%, 10/15/21    $ 3,825,000      $ 4,016,250   
MPT Operating Partnership LP, REIT, 6.875%, 5/01/21      2,275,000        2,445,625   
MPT Operating Partnership LP, REIT, 6.375%, 2/15/22      3,400,000        3,621,000   
    

 

 

 
      $ 10,082,875   
Real Estate - Other - 1.3%                 
CNL Lifestyle Properties, Inc., REIT, 7.25%, 4/15/19    $ 2,585,000      $ 2,636,700   
DuPont Fabros Technology LP, REIT, 5.875%, 9/15/21      4,725,000        4,819,500   
ERP Properties, REIT, 7.75%, 7/15/20      1,805,000        2,188,981   
ERP Properties, REIT, 5.75%, 8/15/22      805,000        873,972   
Felcor Lodging LP, REIT, 5.625%, 3/01/23      3,460,000        3,460,000   
    

 

 

 
      $ 13,979,153   

 

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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Bonds - continued                 
Retailers - 1.8%                 
Best Buy Co., Inc., 5.5%, 3/15/21    $ 4,315,000      $ 4,433,663   
Bon Ton Stores, Inc., 8%, 6/15/21      2,380,000        2,165,800   
Burlington Coat Factory Warehouse Corp., 10%, 2/15/19      2,770,000        3,041,820   
Jo-Ann Stores Holdings, Inc., 9.75%, 10/15/19 (p)(n)      2,580,000        2,605,800   
Limited Brands, Inc., 7%, 5/01/20      1,295,000        1,463,350   
Limited Brands, Inc., 6.95%, 3/01/33      720,000        748,800   
Rite Aid Corp., 9.25%, 3/15/20      3,760,000        4,211,200   
Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc., 6.875%, 11/15/19      1,495,000        1,592,175   
    

 

 

 
      $ 20,262,608   
Specialty Chemicals - 0.3%                 
Chemtura Corp., 5.75%, 7/15/21    $ 3,020,000      $ 3,080,400   
Specialty Stores - 0.6%                 
Group 1 Automotive, Inc., 5%, 6/01/22 (n)    $ 2,635,000      $ 2,595,475   
Men’s Wearhouse, Inc., 7%, 7/01/22 (z)      1,180,000        1,227,200   
Michaels Stores, Inc., 5.875%, 12/15/20 (n)      2,350,000        2,314,750   
    

 

 

 
      $ 6,137,425   
Telecommunications - Wireless - 4.2%                 
Crown Castle International Corp., 4.875%, 4/15/22    $ 1,155,000      $ 1,143,450   
Crown Castle International Corp., 5.25%, 1/15/23      2,685,000        2,711,850   
Digicel Group Ltd., 8.25%, 9/01/17 (n)      2,420,000        2,474,450   
Digicel Group Ltd., 8.25%, 9/30/20 (n)      1,190,000        1,282,225   
Digicel Group Ltd., 6%, 4/15/21 (n)      1,225,000        1,246,438   
Digicel Group Ltd., 7.125%, 4/01/22 (n)      1,731,000        1,756,965   
Eileme 2 AB, 11.625%, 1/31/20 (n)      1,220,000        1,431,975   
Sprint Capital Corp., 6.875%, 11/15/28      3,690,000        3,597,750   
Sprint Corp., 7.875%, 9/15/23 (n)      3,340,000        3,573,800   
Sprint Corp., 7.125%, 6/15/24 (n)      3,715,000        3,789,300   
Sprint Nextel Corp., 9%, 11/15/18 (n)      1,745,000        2,046,013   
Sprint Nextel Corp., 6%, 11/15/22      3,210,000        3,161,850   
T-Mobile USA, Inc., 6.125%, 1/15/22      475,000        488,656   
T-Mobile USA, Inc., 6.5%, 1/15/24      1,440,000        1,501,200   
T-Mobile USA, Inc., 6.464%, 4/28/19      1,465,000        1,527,263   
T-Mobile USA, Inc., 6.25%, 4/01/21      5,495,000        5,742,275   
T-Mobile USA, Inc., 6.633%, 4/28/21      1,890,000        1,984,500   
Wind Acquisition Finance S.A., 4.75%, 7/15/20 (n)      3,140,000        3,069,350   
Wind Acquisition Finance S.A., 7.375%, 4/23/21 (z)      3,615,000        3,768,638   
    

 

 

 
      $ 46,297,948   

 

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MFS High Yield Pooled Portfolio

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Bonds - continued                 
Telephone Services - 0.2%                 
Cogent Communications Group, Inc., 8.375%, 2/15/18 (n)    $ 965,000      $ 1,022,900   
Level 3 Financing, Inc., 8.625%, 7/15/20      1,320,000        1,435,500   
    

 

 

 
      $ 2,458,400   
Tobacco - 0.1%                 
New Jersey Tobacco Settlement Financing Corp., “1-A”, 4.5%, 6/01/23    $ 1,465,000      $ 1,432,565   
Transportation - Services - 2.2%                 
Aguila American Resources Ltd., 7.875%, 1/31/18 (n)    $ 4,000,000      $ 4,185,000   
Jack Cooper Holdings Corp., 9.25%, 6/01/20 (n)      4,255,000        4,659,225   
Navios Logistics Finance (U.S.), Inc., 7.25%, 5/01/22 (n)      538,000        548,760   
Navios Maritime Acquisition Corp., 8.125%, 11/15/21 (n)      3,132,000        3,171,150   
Navios Maritime Holding, Inc., 7.375%, 1/15/22 (n)      3,405,000        3,464,588   
Stena AB, 7%, 2/01/24 (n)      5,125,000        5,406,875   
Syncreon Group BV/Syncre, 8.625%, 11/01/21 (n)      2,140,000        2,148,025   
Ultrapetrol (Bahamas) Ltd., 8.875%, 6/15/21      786,000        842,985   
    

 

 

 
      $ 24,426,608   
Utilities - Electric Power - 2.0%                 
AES Corp., 7.375%, 7/01/21    $ 2,030,000      $ 2,314,200   
Calpine Corp., 5.375%, 1/15/23      1,760,000        1,724,800   
Covanta Holding Corp., 7.25%, 12/01/20      4,290,000        4,590,300   
Covanta Holding Corp., 6.375%, 10/01/22      1,185,000        1,259,063   
InterGen N.V., 7%, 6/30/23 (n)      2,375,000        2,363,125   
NRG Energy, Inc., 8.25%, 9/01/20      4,025,000        4,326,875   
NRG Energy, Inc., 6.25%, 7/15/22 (n)      1,440,000        1,483,200   
NRG Energy, Inc., 6.625%, 3/15/23      3,315,000        3,414,450   
    

 

 

 
      $ 21,476,013   
Total Bonds (Identified Cost, $997,330,683)      $ 1,016,030,072   
Floating Rate Loans (g)(r) - 3.8%                 
Aerospace - 0.2%                 
TransDigm, Inc., Term Loan C, 3.75%, 2/28/20    $ 2,287,745      $ 2,271,404   
Building - 0.5%                 
ABC Supply Co., Inc., Term Loan B, 3.5%, 4/16/20    $ 3,290,562      $ 3,267,426   
HD Supply, Term Loan B, 6/28/18 (o)      1,800,951        1,798,700   
    

 

 

 
      $ 5,066,126   
Cable TV - 0.2%                 
Cequel Communications LLC, Term Loan, 2/14/19 (o)    $ 1,812,492      $ 1,800,408   

 

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MFS High Yield Pooled Portfolio

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Floating Rate Loans (g)(r) - continued                 
Conglomerates - 0.5%                 
Entegris, Inc., Term Loan B, 3.5%, 2/21/21    $ 3,008,243      $ 2,978,160   
Silver II U.S. Holdings LLC, Term Loan B, 4%, 12/13/19      2,180,545        2,170,665   
    

 

 

 
      $ 5,148,825   
Consumer Services - 0.2%                 
Realogy Corp., Term Loan B, 3.75%, 3/05/20    $ 2,172,205      $ 2,171,527   
Containers - 0.1%                 
Berry Plastics, Term Loan E, 1/06/21 (o)    $ 1,682,179      $ 1,665,884   
Electronics - 0.3%                 
Avago Technologies Ltd., Term Loan B, 3.75%, 5/06/21    $ 3,027,718      $ 3,020,602   
Energy - Independent - 0.1%                 
MEG Energy Corp., Term Loan B, 3.75%, 3/31/20    $ 1,422,407      $ 1,421,645   
Entertainment - 0.1%                 
Cedar Fair LP, Term Loan B, 3.25%, 3/06/20    $ 1,073,015      $ 1,076,223   
Food & Beverages - 0.1%                 
H.J. Heinz Co., Term Loan B2, 3.5%, 2/15/20    $ 695,885      $ 695,512   
Gaming & Lodging - 0.3%                 
Hilton Worldwide, Term Loan B, 3.5%, 10/25/20    $ 3,085,531      $ 3,069,461   
Medical & Health Technology & Services - 0.1%                 
Community Health Systems, Inc., Term Loan, 3.25%, 1/27/21    $ 549,457      $ 550,525   
Davita Healthcare, Term Loan B, 3.5%, 5/29/21      1,177,874        1,175,140   
    

 

 

 
      $ 1,725,665   
Metals & Mining - 0.1%                 
Fortescue Metals Group Ltd., Term Loan B, 4.25%, 6/30/19    $ 1,690,996      $ 1,684,655   
Printing & Publishing - 0.2%                 
CBS Outdoor, Term Loan B, 3%, 1/31/21    $ 2,111,557      $ 2,098,360   
Retailers - 0.1%                 
Rite Aid Corp., Term Loan, 4.87%, 6/07/21    $ 937,940      $ 946,147   
Specialty Stores - 0.2%                 
Mens Wearhouse, Inc., Term Loan B, 4.5%, 3/11/21    $ 2,408,712      $ 2,426,778   

 

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MFS High Yield Pooled Portfolio

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Floating Rate Loans (g)(r) - continued                 
Transportation - Services - 0.3%                 
American Commercial Lines, Inc., Term Loan, 7.5%, 9/15/19    $ 3,087,965      $ 3,099,545   
Utilities - Electric Power - 0.2%                 
Calpine Construction Finance Co., Term Loan B, 3%, 5/07/20    $ 2,619,701      $ 2,565,261   
Total Floating Rate Loans
(Identified Cost, $42,051,534)
           $ 41,954,028   
Common Stocks - 0.0%                 
Automotive - 0.0%                 
Accuride Corp. (a) (Identified Cost, $699,432)      48,891      $ 244,455   
Convertible Bonds - 0.1%                 
Network & Telecom - 0.1%                 
Nortel Networks Corp., 2.125%, 4/15/15 (a)(d)
(Identified Cost, $572,250)
   $ 582,000      $ 590,730   
Preferred Stocks - 0.1%                 
Other Banks & Diversified Financials - 0.1%                 
Ally Financial, Inc., 7% (z) (Identified Cost, $1,552,313)      1,639      $ 1,630,805   
Money Market Funds - 1.8%                 
MFS Institutional Money Market Portfolio, 0.09%,
at Cost and Net Asset Value (v)
     19,455,186      $ 19,455,186   
Total Investments (Identified Cost, $1,061,661,398)      $ 1,079,905,276   
Other Assets, Less Liabilities - 1.8%        20,200,142   
Net Assets - 100.0%      $ 1,100,105,418   

 

(a) Non-income producing security.
(d) In default. Interest and/or scheduled principal payment(s) have been missed.
(g) The rate shown represents a weighted average coupon rate on settled positions at period end, unless otherwise indicated.
(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 $351,027,073, representing 31.9% of net assets.
(o) All or a portion of this position has not settled. Upon settlement date, interest rates for unsettled amounts will be determined. The rate shown, if any, represents the weighted average coupon rate for settled amounts.

 

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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

(p) Payment-in-kind security for which interest income may be received in additional securities and/or cash. During the period, the following amount of interest income was received in additional securities and/or cash:

 

Payment-in-kind Securities    Cash      Additional
Securities
 
Jo-Ann Stores Holdings, Inc., 9.75%, 10/15/19      $125,775         $—   
Schaeffler Finance B.V., 6.875%, 8/15/18                
Total      $125,775         $—   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(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 affiliated fund that is available only to investment companies managed by MFS. The rate quoted for the MFS Institutional Money Market Portfolio 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:

 

Restricted Securities    Acquisition
Date
  
Cost
     Value  
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc., 7%, 7/01/24    6/02/2014      $925,000         $901,875   
Ally Financial, Inc., 7% (Preferred Stock)    4/13/11-11/27/12      1,552,313         1,630,805   
American Energy-Permian Basin LLC, 7.125%, 11/01/20    7/16/14      1,410,000         1,360,650   
American Energy-Permian Basin LLC, 7.375%, 11/01/21    7/16/14      1,175,000         1,133,875   
American Media, Inc., 13.5%, 6/15/18    12/22/10-12/28/10      342,164         355,660   
Ardagh Packaging Finance PLC, 6%, 6/30/21    6/20/14-6/24/14      2,225,846         2,110,550   
Athlon Holdings LP/Athlon Finance Corp., 6%, 5/01/22    4/16/14-5/13/14      3,284,862         3,248,100   
Aurico Gold, Inc., 7.75%, 4/01/20    6/27/14-7/15/14      2,004,364         2,014,875   
Baytex Energy Corp., 5.125%, 6/01/21    5/29/14      465,000         461,513   
Baytex Energy Corp., 5.625%, 6/01/24    5/29/14-6/05/14      2,353,939         2,304,900   
CHS/Community Health Systems, Inc., 5.125%, 8/01/21    1/15/14      700,000         705,250   
CHS/Community Health Systems, Inc., 6.875%, 2/01/22    1/15/14-4/24/14      5,862,451         5,823,138   
CITGO Petroleum Corp., 6.25%, 8/15/22    7/23/14      1,170,000         1,205,100   
Endo Finance LLC/Endo Finco, Inc., 7.25%, 1/15/22    9/24/14-6/02/14      4,537,508         4,504,950   
Garda World Security Corp., 7.25%, 11/15/21    5/21/14-5/22/14      1,000,633         961,538   
Garda World Security Corp., 7.25%, 11/15/21    4/24/14      2,449,050         2,370,775   
Light Tower Rentals, Inc., 8.125%, 8/01/19    7/16/14      1,415,000         1,439,763   

 

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MFS High Yield Pooled Portfolio

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Restricted Securities – continued    Acquisition
Date
  
Cost
     Value  
Men’s Wearhouse, Inc., 7%, 7/01/22    6/11/14-6/20/14      $1,219,764         $1,227,200   
Micron Technology, Inc., 5.5%, 2/01/25    7/23/14      1,765,000         1,756,175   
SIRIUS XM Radio, Inc., 6%, 7/15/24    5/01/14-5/13/14      1,885,619         1,869,300   
Sabine Pass Liquefaction LLC, 5.75%, 5/15/24    5/13/14      1,705,000         1,730,575   
Sanchez Energy Corp., 6.125%, 1/15/23    6/13/14-6/30/14      2,387,709         2,339,138   
Schaeffler Finance B.V., 4.75%, 5/15/21    7/10/14-7/11/14      2,239,881         2,207,625   
Signode Industrial Group, 6.375%, 5/01/22    4/07/14-4/25/14      2,752,894         2,689,050   
Suncoke Energy Partners LP/Suncoke Energy Partners Finance Corp., 7.375%, 2/01/20    4/29/14      1,208,323         1,213,250   
TransDigm, Inc., 6%, 7/15/22    5/20/14      375,000         376,875   
TransDigm, Inc., 6.5%, 7/15/24    5/20/14-5/21/14      1,577,786         1,585,700   
Wind Acquisition Finance S.A., 7.375%, 4/23/21    4/08/14      3,615,000         3,768,638   
Total Restricted Securities         $53,296,843   
% of Net assets         4.8%   

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

 

FRN   Floating Rate Note. Interest rate resets periodically and may not be the rate reported at period end.
PLC   Public Limited Company
REIT   Real Estate Investment Trust

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

Derivative Contracts at 7/31/14

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts at 7/31/14

 

Type   Currency   Counter-
party
  Contracts
to
Deliver/
Receive
    Settlement
Date Range
    In
Exchange
for
    Contracts
at Value
    Net
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Asset Derivatives                              
SELL   EUR   Credit Suisse Group     5,754,385        10/10/14        $7,835,458        $7,707,178        $128,280   
             

 

 

 
Liability Derivatives                              
BUY   EUR   Deutsche Bank     593,000        10/10/14        $798,788        $794,239        $(4,549
             

 

 

 

 

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MFS High Yield Pooled Portfolio

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Futures Contracts at 7/31/14

 

Description    Currency      Contracts      Value    Expiration
Date
     Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Asset Derivatives      
Interest Rate Futures      
U.S. Treasury Note 10 yr (Short)      USD         88       10,965,625      September - 2014         $95,896   
              

 

 

 

Swap Agreements at 7/31/14

 

Expiration          Notional
Amount
    Counterparty   Cash Flows to
Receive
  Cash Flows
to Pay
    Fair
Value
 
Asset Derivatives      
Credit Default Swap Agreements      
12/20/17     USD        14,580,000      Deutsche Bank (a)   5.00% (fixed rate)     (1     $1,266,526   
           

 

 

 

 

(1) Fund, as protection seller, to pay notional amount upon a defined credit event by a reference obligation specified in the Markit CDX North America Investment Grade Index, a B rated credit default index. The fund entered into the contract to manage market/sector exposure.
(a) Net unamortized premiums paid by the fund amounted to $760,873.

The credit ratings presented here are an indicator of the current payment/performance risk of the related swap agreement, the reference obligation for which may be either a single security or, in the case of a credit default index, a basket of securities issued by corporate or sovereign issuers. Ratings are assigned to each reference security, including each individual security within a reference basket of securities, utilizing ratings from Moody’s, Fitch, and Standard & Poor’s rating agencies and applying the following hierarchy: If all three agencies provide a rating, the middle rating (after dropping the highest and lowest ratings) is assigned; if two of the three agencies rate a security, the lower of the two is assigned. Ratings are shown in the S&P and Fitch scale (e.g., AAA). The ratings for a credit default index are calculated by MFS as a weighted average of the external credit ratings of the individual securities that compose the index’s reference basket of securities.

At July 31, 2014, the fund had cash collateral of $1,564,400 to cover any commitments for certain derivative contracts. Cash collateral is comprised of “Restricted cash” in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

For more information see notes to financial statements as disclosed in the most recent semiannual or annual report.

 

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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, 2014 (“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, 2013 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) 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, and compared to MFS’ institutional business, (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

 

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Board Review of Investment Advisory Agreement – continued

 

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, 2013, 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 4th quintile for the one-year period and the 2nd quintile for the five-year period ended December 31, 2013 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.

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 MFS currently observes an expense limitation for the Fund, which may not be changed without the Trustees’ approval. The Trustees also considered that, according to the Lipper data (which takes into account any fee reductions or expense limitations that were in effect during the Fund’s last fiscal year), the Fund’s effective advisory fee rate and total expense ratio were each approximately at the Lipper expense group median.

 

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Board Review of Investment Advisory Agreement – continued

 

The Trustees also considered the advisory fees charged by MFS to any comparable 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 may benefit from any economies of scale in the management of the Fund in the event of growth in assets of the Fund and/or growth in assets of the MFS Funds as a whole. They noted that MFS has agreed in writing to reduce its advisory fee rate on the Fund’s average daily net assets over $1.5 billion and $2.5 billion, which may not be changed without the Trustees’ approval. The Trustees also noted that MFS has agreed in writing to waive a portion of the management fees of certain MFS Funds, including the Fund, if the total combined assets of certain funds within the MFS Funds’ complex increase above agreed upon thresholds (the “group fee waiver”), enabling the Fund’s shareholders to share in the benefits from any economies of scale at the complex level. The group fee waiver is reviewed and renewed annually between the Board and MFS. The Trustees concluded that the breakpoints and the group fee waiver were sufficient to allow the Fund to benefit from economies of scale as its assets and overall complex 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.

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 presence 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

 

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Board Review of Investment Advisory Agreement – continued

 

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 Fund 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 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 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, 2014.

 

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PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND INFORMATION

MFS votes proxies on behalf of the fund pursuant to proxy voting policies and procedures that are 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. A shareholder can obtain the quarterly portfolio holdings report at mfs.com. The fund’s Form N-Q is also available on the EDGAR database on the Commission’s Internet Web site at http://www.sec.gov, and 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. Copies of the fund’s Form N-Q also 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.

FURTHER INFORMATION

From time to time, MFS may post important information about the fund or the MFS funds on the MFS web site (mfs.com). This information is available by visiting the “Commentary & Announcements” and “Market Outlooks” sections of mfs.com or by clicking on the fund’s name under “Mutual Funds” in the “Products” section of mfs.com.

PROVISION OF FINANCIAL REPORTS AND SUMMARY PROSPECTUSES

The fund produces financial reports every six months and updates its summary prospectus and prospectus annually. To avoid sending duplicate copies of materials to households, only one copy of the fund’s annual and semiannual report and summary prospectus may be mailed to shareholders having the same last name and residential address on the fund’s records. However, any shareholder may contact MFSC (please see back cover for address and telephone number) to request that copies of these reports and summary prospectuses be sent personally to that shareholder.

 

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LOGO

 

Save paper with eDelivery.

 

LOGO

MFS® will send you prospectuses,

reports, and proxies directly via e-mail so you will get information faster with less mailbox clutter.

To sign up:

1. Go to mfs.com.

2. Log in via MFS® Access.

3. Select eDelivery.

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

 

CONTACT

WEB SITE

mfs.com

MFS TALK

1-800-637-8255

24 hours a day

ACCOUNT SERVICE AND LITERATURE

Shareholders

1-800-225-2606

Financial advisors

1-800-343-2829

Retirement plan services

1-800-637-1255

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

 


Table of Contents

SEMIANNUAL REPORT

July 31, 2014

 

LOGO

 

MFS® MUNICIPAL HIGH INCOME FUND

 

LOGO

 

MMH-SEM

 


Table of Contents

MFS® MUNICIPAL HIGH INCOME FUND

 

CONTENTS

 

Letter from the Chairman and CEO     1   
Portfolio composition     2   
Expense table     4   
Portfolio of investments     6   
Statement of assets and liabilities     49   
Statement of operations     50   
Statements of changes in net assets     51   
Financial highlights     52   
Notes to financial statements     56   
Board review of investment advisory agreement     67   
Proxy voting policies and information     71   
Quarterly portfolio disclosure     71   
Further information     71   
Provision of financial reports and summary prospectuses     71   
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 GUARANTEE


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN AND CEO

 

Dear Shareholders:

The U.S. economy has gathered momentum after a slow start to the year. Industrial output, consumer confidence and retail sales have all strengthened along with the labor market. However, the unemployment rate remains elevated and the housing

market has cooled off. With second-quarter economic growth rebounding strongly, economists have a favorable outlook for the rest of the year.

China’s economy has picked up again, and Japan is moving steadily towards Prime Minister Abe’s economic goals, including an inflation rate of 2% by next spring. The eurozone’s economy appears to have turned a corner, with renewed growth. However, historically high unemployment persists, deflation remains a risk and Russian sanctions could present a new obstacle to regional growth.

With corporate earnings surpassing expectations, the greatest concerns now are related to conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine as well as growing speculation on when the U.S. Federal Reserve will begin increasing interest rates.

As always at MFS®, active risk management is integral to how we manage your investments. We use a collaborative process, sharing insights across asset classes, regions and economic sectors. Our global team of investment professionals uses a multidisciplined, long-term, diversified investment approach.

We understand that these are challenging economic times. We believe that we can serve you best by applying proven principles, such as asset allocation and diversification, over the long term. We are confident that this approach can serve you well as you work with your financial advisors to reach your goals in the years ahead.

Respectfully,

 

LOGO

Robert J. Manning

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

MFS Investment Management

September 15, 2014

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

 

1


Table of Contents

PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION

 

Portfolio structure (i)

 

LOGO

 

Top ten industries (i)  
Healthcare Revenue-Hospitals     15.0%   
Healthcare Revenue-Long Term Care     12.4%   
Universities-Colleges     8.3%   
Tobacco     6.9%   
Universities-Secondary Schools     6.3%   
Industrial Revenue-Airlines     5.6%   
Miscellaneous Revenue-Other     3.8%   
Tax Assessment     3.6%   
General Obligations-General Purpose     3.0%   
Utilities-Other     2.6%   
Composition including fixed income credit quality (a)(i)    
AAA     1.9%   
AA     8.5%   
A     17.2%   
BBB     26.6%   
BB     11.0%   
B     10.7%   
CC     0.2%   
C     1.0%   
Not Rated     19.9%   
Cash & Other     3.0%   
Portfolio facts (i)  
Average Duration (d)     8.6   
Average Effective Maturity (m)     20.0 yrs.   
 

 

(a) For all securities other than those specifically described below, ratings are assigned to underlying securities utilizing ratings from Moody’s, Fitch, and Standard & Poor’s rating agencies and applying the following hierarchy: If all three agencies provide a rating, the middle rating (after dropping the highest and lowest ratings) is assigned; if two of the three agencies rate a security, the lower of the two is assigned. Ratings are shown in the S&P and Fitch scale (e.g., AAA). Securities rated BBB or higher are considered investment grade. All ratings are subject to change. Not Rated includes fixed income securities, including fixed income futures contracts, which have not been rated by any rating agency. The fund may not hold all of these instruments. The fund is not rated by these 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 due to the interest rate move.
(i) For purposes of this presentation, the components include the value of securities, and reflect the impact of the equivalent exposure of derivative positions, if any. These amounts may be negative from time to time. Equivalent exposure is a calculated amount that translates the derivative position into a reasonable approximation of the amount of the underlying asset that the portfolio would have to hold at a given point in time to have the same price sensitivity that results from the portfolio’s ownership of the derivative contract. When dealing with derivatives, equivalent exposure is a more representative measure of the potential impact of a position on portfolio performance than value. The bond component will include any accrued interest amounts.

 

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Table of Contents

Portfolio Composition – continued

 

(m) In determining an instrument’s effective maturity for purposes of calculating the fund’s dollar-weighted average effective maturity, MFS uses the instrument’s stated maturity or, if applicable, an earlier date on which MFS believes it is probable that a maturity-shortening device (such as a put, pre-refunding or prepayment) will cause the instrument to be repaid. Such an earlier date can be substantially shorter than the instrument’s stated maturity.

Where the fund holds convertible bonds, these are treated as part of the equity portion of the portfolio.

Cash & Other can include cash, other assets less liabilities, offsets to derivative positions, and short-term securities.

Percentages are based on net assets as of 7/31/14.

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

 

3


Table of Contents

EXPENSE TABLE

Fund expenses borne by the shareholders during the period,

February 1, 2014 through July 31, 2014

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, 2014 through July 31, 2014.

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.

 

4


Table of Contents

Expense Table – continued

 

 

Share
Class
      

Annualized

Expense

Ratio

    Beginning
Account Value
2/01/14
   

Ending

Account Value
7/31/14

    Expenses
Paid During
Period  (p)
2/01/14-7/31/14
 
A   Actual     0.68%        $1,000.00        $1,068.41        $3.49   
  Hypothetical (h)     0.68%        $1,000.00        $1,021.42        $3.41   
B   Actual     1.45%        $1,000.00        $1,065.67        $7.43   
  Hypothetical (h)     1.45%        $1,000.00        $1,017.60        $7.25   
C   Actual     1.68%        $1,000.00        $1,064.48        $8.60   
  Hypothetical (h)     1.68%        $1,000.00        $1,016.46        $8.40   
I   Actual     0.68%        $1,000.00        $1,069.68        $3.49   
  Hypothetical (h)     0.68%        $1,000.00        $1,021.42        $3.41   

 

(h) 5% class return per year before expenses.
(p) “Expenses Paid During Period” are equal to each class’s annualized expense ratio, as shown above, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period). Expenses paid do not include any applicable sales charges (loads). If these transaction costs had been included, your costs would have been higher.

Notes to Expense Table

Expense ratios include 0.02% of investment related expenses from inverse floaters that are outside of the expense limitation arrangement (See Note 3 of the Notes to Financial Statements).

 

5


Table of Contents

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS

7/31/14 (unaudited)

The Portfolio of Investments is a complete list of all securities owned by your fund. It is categorized by jurisdiction.

 

Municipal Bonds - 95.8%                 
Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Alabama - 1.8%                 
Alexander City, AL, Special Care Facilities Financing Authority Medical Facilities Rev., “A” (Russell Hospital Corp.), 5.75%, 12/01/36    $ 1,900,000      $ 1,910,003   
Butler, AL, Industrial Development Board, Solid Waste Disposal Rev. (Georgia-Pacific Corp.), 5.75%, 9/01/28      4,010,000        4,027,925   
Cullman County, AL, Health Care Authority (Cullman Regional Medical Center), “A”, 6.25%, 2/01/23      1,400,000        1,518,678   
Cullman County, AL, Health Care Authority (Cullman Regional Medical Center), “A”, 6.75%, 2/01/29      4,790,000        5,179,188   
Cullman County, AL, Health Care Authority (Cullman Regional Medical Center), “A”, 7%, 2/01/36      1,000,000        1,081,190   
Huntsville-Redstone Village, AL, Special Care Facilities Financing Authority (Redstone Village Project), 5.5%, 1/01/28      1,795,000        1,802,108   
Huntsville-Redstone Village, AL, Special Care Facilities Financing Authority (Redstone Village Project), 5.5%, 1/01/43      1,560,000        1,478,521   
Jefferson County, AL, Sewer Rev. Warrants, Capital Appreciation, Senior Lien, “B”, AGM, 0%, 10/01/25      65,000        37,877   
Jefferson County, AL, Sewer Rev. Warrants, Capital Appreciation, Senior Lien, “B”, AGM, 0%, 10/01/26      805,000        441,132   
Jefferson County, AL, Sewer Rev. Warrants, Capital Appreciation, Senior Lien, “B”, AGM, 0%, 10/01/29      1,130,000        510,771   
Jefferson County, AL, Sewer Rev. Warrants, Capital Appreciation, Senior Lien, “B”, AGM, 0%, 10/01/34      1,620,000        502,670   
Jefferson County, AL, Sewer Rev. Warrants, Capital Appreciation, Senior Lien, “B”, AGM, 0%, 10/01/35      3,080,000        891,414   
Jefferson County, AL, Sewer Rev. Warrants, Subordinate Lien, “D”, 5%, 10/01/15      390,000        402,359   
Jefferson County, AL, Sewer Rev. Warrants, Subordinate Lien, “D”, 5%, 10/01/16      860,000        915,461   
Jefferson County, AL, Sewer Rev. Warrants, Subordinate Lien, “D”, 5%, 10/01/17      1,165,000        1,266,856   
Jefferson County, AL, Sewer Rev. Warrants, Subordinate Lien, “D”, 5%, 10/01/18      1,210,000        1,335,695   
Jefferson County, AL, Sewer Rev. Warrants, Subordinate Lien, “D”, 5%, 10/01/21      1,360,000        1,525,566   
Jefferson County, AL, Sewer Rev. Warrants, Subordinate Lien, “D”, 5%, 10/01/23      1,995,000        2,230,929   
Pell City, AL, Special Care Facilities, Financing Authority Rev. (Noland Health Services, Inc.), 5%, 12/01/39      1,670,000        1,751,229   

 

6


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
Alabama - continued                 
Phenix City, AL, Industrial Development Board Environmental Improvement Rev. (MeadWestvaco Coated Board Project), “A”, 4.125%, 5/15/35    $ 6,785,000      $ 6,103,922   
Selma, AL, Industrial Development Board Rev., Gulf Opportunity Zone (International Paper Co.), “A”, 6.25%, 11/01/33      6,750,000        7,631,078   
Selma, AL, Industrial Development Board Rev., Gulf Opportunity Zone (International Paper Co.), “A”, 5.375%, 12/01/35      1,635,000        1,803,650   
    

 

 

 
             $ 44,348,222   
Alaska - 0.1%                 
Koyukuk, AK, Tanana Chiefs Conference, Healthcare Facilities Project, 7.75%, 10/01/41    $ 3,315,000      $ 3,633,107   
Arizona - 1.5%                 
Florence, AZ, Industrial Development Authority Education Rev. (Legacy Traditional School Project - Queen Creek & Casa Grande Campuses), 6%, 7/01/43    $ 3,150,000      $ 3,197,502   
Maricopa County, AZ, Pollution Control Rev. (El Paso Electric), “B”, 7.25%, 4/01/40      1,790,000        2,025,009   
Maricopa County, AZ, Pollution Control Rev. (Southern California Edison Co.), “A”, 5%, 6/01/35      4,700,000        5,001,975   
Phoenix, AZ, Industrial Development Authority Education Rev. (Choice Academies, Inc. Project), 5.625%, 9/01/42      2,205,000        2,059,977   
Phoenix, AZ, Industrial Development Authority Education Rev. (Eagle College Prep Project), 5%, 7/01/33      855,000        794,637   
Phoenix, AZ, Industrial Development Authority Education Rev. (Eagle College Prep Project), 5%, 7/01/43      1,715,000        1,510,589   
Phoenix, AZ, Industrial Development Authority Education Rev. (Legacy Traditional Schools Project), 6.5%, 7/01/34      1,970,000        2,147,064   
Phoenix, AZ, Industrial Development Authority Education Rev. (Legacy Traditional Schools Project), 6.75%, 7/01/44      3,155,000        3,460,467   
Pima County, AZ, Industrial Development Authority Rev. (Tucson Electric Power Co.), 5.75%, 9/01/29      5,430,000        5,501,405   
Pima County, AZ, Industrial Development Authority Rev. (Tucson Electric Power Co.), “A”, 5.25%, 10/01/40      4,755,000        5,068,212   
Salt Verde Financial Corp., AZ, Senior Gas Rev., 5%, 12/01/32      2,670,000        2,955,423   
Tempe, AZ, Industrial Development Authority Rev. (Friendship Village), “A”, 6.25%, 12/01/42      1,675,000        1,750,744   
Tempe, AZ, Industrial Development Authority Rev. (Friendship Village), “A”, 6.25%, 12/01/46      1,275,000        1,329,545   
    

 

 

 
             $ 36,802,549   

 

7


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
California - 10.3%                 
ABAG Finance Authority for Non-Profit Corps., CA, Rev. (Episcopal Senior Communities), 6.125%, 7/01/41    $ 4,000,000      $ 4,424,440   
Acton-Agua Dulce, CA, Unified School District (Election of 2008), Capital Appreciation, AGM, 0%, 5/01/39      7,550,000        2,059,867   
Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, CA, Rev., 6%, 7/01/18 (n)      1,455,000        1,455,422   
Beverly Hills, CA, Unified School District (Election of 2008), Capital Appreciation, 0%, 8/01/31      2,060,000        1,106,859   
Beverly Hills, CA, Unified School District (Election of 2008), Capital Appreciation, 0%, 8/01/32      2,095,000        1,056,886   
Beverly Hills, CA, Unified School District (Election of 2008), Capital Appreciation, 0%, 8/01/33      4,185,000        2,013,613   
California Educational Facilities Authority Rev., 5%, 2/01/26 (Prerefunded 2/01/17)      900,000        1,003,140   
California Educational Facilities Authority Rev., 5%, 2/01/26      2,690,000        2,818,098   
California Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (California Lutheran University), 5.75%, 10/01/38      2,320,000        2,608,933   
California Health Facilities Financing Authority Rev. (St. Joseph Health System), “A”, 5.75%, 7/01/39      2,765,000        3,135,012   
California Housing Finance Agency Rev. (Home Mortgage), “E”, 4.75%, 2/01/30      2,560,000        2,580,890   
California Housing Finance Agency Rev. (Home Mortgage), “G”, 4.95%, 8/01/23      8,080,000        8,246,690   
California Housing Finance Agency Rev. (Home Mortgage), “L”, 5.45%, 8/01/33      12,730,000        13,077,147   
California Housing Finance Agency Rev., “A”, 4.75%, 8/01/21      1,375,000        1,381,710   
California M-S-R Energy Authority Gas Rev., “A”, 7%, 11/01/34      1,135,000        1,548,197   
California M-S-R Energy Authority Gas Rev., “A”, 6.5%, 11/01/39      5,110,000        6,697,779   
California Municipal Finance Authority Rev. (Biola University), 5.8%, 10/01/28      1,915,000        2,157,975   
California Municipal Finance Authority Rev. (Partnerships to Uplift Communities Project), “A”, 5%, 8/01/32      1,585,000        1,629,111   
California Municipal Finance Authority Rev. (University of La Verne), “A”, 6.25%, 6/01/40      900,000        1,027,260   
California Pollution Control Financing Authority, Water Facilities Rev. (American Water Capital Corp. Project), 5.25%, 8/01/40      3,500,000        3,704,190   
California Pollution Control Financing Authority, Water Furnishing Rev. (Poseidon Resources Desalination Project), 5%, 11/21/45      7,865,000        8,065,951   
California Pollution Control Financing Authority, Water Furnishing Rev. (San Diego County Water Desalination Project Pipeline), 5%, 11/21/45      2,975,000        3,019,000   

 

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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
California - continued                 
California Public Works Board Lease Rev. (Various Capital Projects), “G-1”, 5.75%, 10/01/30    $ 3,380,000      $ 3,901,061   
California Public Works Board Lease Rev., Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (Various Correctional Facilities), “A”, 5%, 9/01/33      10,830,000        12,179,093   
California School Finance Authority, School Facility Rev. (Kipp LA Projects), “A”, 4.125%, 7/01/24      450,000        451,989   
California School Finance Authority, School Facility Rev. (Kipp LA Projects), “A”, 5.125%, 7/01/44      430,000        435,814   
California Statewide Communities Development Authority Rev. (American Baptist Homes of the West), 6.25%, 10/01/39      2,985,000        3,169,204   
California Statewide Communities Development Authority Rev. (California Baptist University), “A”, 6.125%, 11/01/33      1,035,000        1,117,034   
California Statewide Communities Development Authority Rev. (California Baptist University), “A”, 5.125%, 11/01/23      540,000        569,003   
California Statewide Communities Development Authority Rev. (California Baptist University), “A”, 5.4%, 11/01/27      1,385,000        1,419,764   
California Statewide Communities Development Authority Rev. (Lancer Educational Student Housing Project), 5.625%, 6/01/33      2,345,000        2,298,147   
California Statewide Communities Development Authority Rev. (Lancer Educational Student Housing Project), 7.5%, 6/01/42      1,575,000        1,745,982   
California Statewide Communities Development Authority Rev. (Lancer Plaza Project), 5.625%, 11/01/33      780,000        787,480   
California Statewide Communities Development Authority Rev. (Lancer Plaza Project), 5.125%, 11/01/23      730,000        746,936   
California Statewide Communities Development Authority Rev. (Lancer Plaza Project), 5.875%, 11/01/43      375,000        375,889   
California Statewide Communities Development Authority Rev. (Southern California Presbyterian Homes), 7%, 11/15/29      1,400,000        1,632,694   
California Statewide Communities Development Authority Rev. (Southern California Presbyterian Homes), 7.25%, 11/15/41      560,000        644,342   
California Statewide Communities Development Authority Rev. (Student Housing, SUCI East Campus), 6%, 5/15/40      2,125,000        2,280,975   
California Statewide Communities Development Authority Rev. (The Terraces at San Joaquin Gardens), “A”, 5.625%, 10/01/32      1,000,000        1,042,730   
California Statewide Communities Development Authority Rev. (The Terraces at San Joaquin Gardens), “A”, 6%, 10/01/42      1,000,000        1,050,510   
California Statewide Communities Development Authority Rev. (University of California, Irvine East Campus Apartments), 5.375%, 5/15/38      3,000,000        3,220,470   
California Statewide Communities Development Authority School Facility Rev. (Aspire Public Schools), 6%, 7/01/30      1,990,000        2,027,571   
California Statewide Communities Development Authority School Facility Rev. (Aspire Public Schools), 6.375%, 7/01/45      5,965,000        6,100,883   

 

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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
California - continued                 
California Statewide Communities Development Authority, School Facility Rev. (Aspire Public Schools), 6.125%, 7/01/46    $ 7,630,000      $ 7,729,114   
California Statewide Communities, Development Authority Environmental Facilities (Microgy Holdings Project), 9%, 12/01/38 (a)(d)      100,980        1,010   
California Statewide Financing Authority, Tobacco Settlement, 5.625%, 5/01/29      2,850,000        2,834,211   
Chula Vista, CA, Industrial Development Rev. (San Diego Gas & Electric Co.), “E”, 5.875%, 1/01/34      1,940,000        2,211,949   
Escondido, CA, Union High School District (Election of 2008), Capital Appreciation, “A”, ASSD GTY, 0%, 8/01/30      4,785,000        2,461,835   
Escondido, CA, Union High School District (Election of 2008), Capital Appreciation, “A”, ASSD GTY, 0%, 8/01/31      4,280,000        2,084,446   
Escondido, CA, Union High School District (Election of 2008), Capital Appreciation, “A”, ASSD GTY, 0%, 8/01/32      3,010,000        1,375,751   

Golden State, CA, Tobacco Securitization Corp., Tobacco

Settlement Rev., “A-1”, 4.5%, 6/01/27

     5,000,000        4,433,950   
Golden State, CA, Tobacco Securitization Corp., Tobacco Settlement Rev., “A-1”, 5.75%, 6/01/47      13,270,000        10,555,091   
Golden State, CA, Tobacco Securitization Corp., Tobacco Settlement Rev., Enhanced, “A”, FGIC, 5%, 6/01/35      2,030,000        2,087,124   
Golden State, CA, Tobacco Securitization Corp., Tobacco Settlement Rev., Enhanced, “A”, 5%, 6/01/45      6,065,000        6,171,987   
Golden State, CA, Tobacco Securitization Corp., Tobacco Settlement Rev., Enhanced, “A-1”, AMBAC, 4.6%, 6/01/23      1,185,000        1,285,962   
Hartnell, CA, Community College District (Election of 2002), Capital Appreciation, “D”, 0%, 8/01/39      10,355,000        2,074,728   
Inland Valley, CA, Development Successor Agency Tax Allocation, “A”, 5%, 9/01/44      1,745,000        1,865,405   
Jurupa, CA, Public Financing Authority, Special Tax Rev., “A”, 5%, 9/01/42      1,535,000        1,633,670   
La Verne, CA, COP (Brethren Hillcrest Homes), 5%, 5/15/36      455,000        464,496   
Lake Tahoe, CA, Unified School District (Election of 2008), Capital Appreciation, AGM, 0%, 8/01/45      4,240,000        2,046,097   
Los Angeles County, CA, Regional Financing Authority Rev. (Montecedro Inc. Project), “A”, CALHF, 5%, 11/15/44      555,000        595,365   
Los Angeles County, CA, Regional Financing Authority Rev. (Montecedro Inc. Project), “A”, CALHF, 5%, 11/15/34      330,000        361,565   
Los Angeles County, CA, Regional Financing Authority Rev. (Montecedro Inc. Project), “B-2”, CALHF, 3%, 11/15/20      290,000        295,994   
Los Angeles County, CA, Regional Financing Authority Rev. (Montecedro Inc. Project), “B-3”, CALHF, 2.5%, 11/15/20      730,000        741,972   
Los Angeles, CA, Regional Airports Improvement Corp. Lease Rev. (American Airlines, Inc.), “C”, 7.5%, 12/01/24      11,330,000        11,549,689   
Los Angeles, CA, Unified School District, “D”, 5%, 1/01/34      525,000        583,690   

 

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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
California - continued                 
Madera, CA, Irrigation Financing Authority Rev., 6.5%, 1/01/40    $ 5,970,000      $ 6,950,274   
Merced, CA, Union High School District, Capital Appreciation, “A”, ASSD GTY, 0%, 8/01/30      645,000        322,119   
Newport Mesa, CA, Unified School District (Election of 2005), Capital Appreciation, 0%, 8/01/41      12,965,000        2,499,911   
Oceanside, CA, Unified School District, Capital Appreciation, ASSD GTY, 0%, 8/01/24      3,110,000        2,173,330   
Oceanside, CA, Unified School District, Capital Appreciation, ASSD GTY, 0%, 8/01/27      2,070,000        1,245,436   
Oceanside, CA, Unified School District, Capital Appreciation, ASSD GTY, 0%, 8/01/29      4,025,000        2,181,027   
Oceanside, CA, Unified School District, Capital Appreciation, ASSD GTY, 0%, 8/01/30      4,455,000        2,284,880   
Palomar Pomerado Health Care District, CA, COP, 6.75%, 11/01/39      4,080,000        4,308,970   
Pittsburg, CA, Redevelopment Successor Agency, Tax Allocation (Los Medanos Community Development Project), AGM, 5%, 8/01/25      865,000        1,003,642   
Pittsburg, CA, Redevelopment Successor Agency, Tax Allocation (Los Medanos Community Development Project), AGM, 5%, 8/01/26      905,000        1,037,501   
Pittsburg, CA, Redevelopment Successor Agency, Tax Allocation (Los Medanos Community Development Project), AGM, 5%, 8/01/27      1,225,000        1,385,389   
Pittsburg, CA, Redevelopment Successor Agency, Tax Allocation (Los Medanos Community Development Project), AGM, 5%, 8/01/28      635,000        712,997   
Rancho Cucamonga, CA, Redevelopment Agency Tax Allocation, AGM, 5%, 9/01/30      505,000        570,196   
San Buenaventura, CA, Rev. (Community Memorial Health System), 7.5%, 12/01/41      6,000,000        6,905,760   
San Francisco, CA, Bay Area Toll Authority, Bridge Rev., “B”, 1.5%, 4/01/47 (Put Date 4/02/18)      3,095,000        3,122,700   
San Francisco, CA, Bay Area Toll Authority, Bridge Rev., “C”, 1.875%, 4/01/47 (Put Date 4/01/19)      2,505,000        2,536,613   
San Francisco, CA, City & County Redevelopment Successor Agency Tax Allocation (Mission Bay South Public Improvements), “A”, 5%, 8/01/43      225,000        241,841   
San Francisco, CA, City & County Redevelopment Successor Agency, Community Facilities District No. 6 (Mission Bay South Public Improvements), Capital Appreciation, “A”, 0%, 8/01/43      8,725,000        1,633,582   
San Jose, CA, Airport Rev., “A-2”, 5.25%, 3/01/34      6,545,000        7,119,913   
State of California (Veterans), 5.05%, 12/01/36      600,000        616,326   

 

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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
California - continued                 
State of California, General Obligation, “A”, FRN, 0.74%, 5/01/33 (Put Date 11/01/14)    $ 10,330,000      $ 10,341,983   
Upland, CA, COP (San Antonio Community Hospital), 6.375%, 1/01/32      600,000        681,972   
West Contra Costa, CA, Healthcare District, AMBAC, 5.5%, 7/01/29      700,000        702,170   
West Contra Costa, CA, Unified School District (Election of 2005), Capital Appreciation, “C”, ASSD GTY, 0%, 8/01/29      3,665,000        1,968,508   
Whittier, CA, Health Facility Rev. (PIH Health), 5%, 6/01/44      6,035,000        6,455,096   
Whittier, CA, Union High School District, Capital Appreciation, 0%, 8/01/34      2,270,000        739,566   
    

 

 

 
             $ 257,202,544   
Colorado - 3.8%                 
Arvada, CO, Cimarron Metropolitan District, Rev., 6%, 12/01/22    $ 2,000,000      $ 1,995,920   
Colorado Educational & Cultural Facilities Authority Rev. (Liberty Common Project), 5%, 1/15/29      305,000        330,535   
Colorado Educational & Cultural Facilities Authority Rev. (Liberty Common Project), 5%, 1/15/39      395,000        410,050   
Colorado Educational & Cultural Facilities Authority Rev. (Liberty Common Project), 5%, 1/15/44      395,000        407,593   
Colorado Educational & Cultural Facilities Authority Rev. (Littleton Preparatory Charter School Project), 5%, 12/01/33      450,000        430,619   
Colorado Educational & Cultural Facilities Authority Rev. (Littleton Preparatory Charter School Project), 5%, 12/01/42      540,000        492,070   
Colorado Educational & Cultural Facilities Authority Rev. (Montessori Charter School Project), 5%, 7/15/37      490,000        504,220   
Colorado Educational & Cultural Facilities Authority Rev. (Peak to Peak Charter School Project), 5%, 8/15/30      350,000        378,676   
Colorado Educational & Cultural Facilities Authority Rev. (Peak to Peak Charter School Project), 5%, 8/15/34      350,000        375,386   
Colorado Health Care Facilities Authority Rev. (American Baptist Homes of the Midwest Obligated Group), 8%, 8/01/43      2,975,000        3,464,031   
Colorado Health Facilities Authority Rev. (American Baptist Homes), “A”, 5.9%, 8/01/37      1,355,000        1,356,450   
Colorado Health Facilities Authority Rev. (Christian Living Communities Project), 6.375%, 1/01/41      1,620,000        1,703,155   
Colorado Health Facilities Authority Rev. (Christian Living Communities Project), “A”, 5.75%, 1/01/37      2,650,000        2,695,580   
Colorado Health Facilities Authority Rev. (Covenant Retirement Communities, Inc.), “A”, 5%, 12/01/33      4,295,000        4,454,516   
Colorado Health Facilities Authority Rev. (Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society), 5.625%, 6/01/43      825,000        904,497   

 

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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
Colorado - continued                 
Colorado Health Facilities Authority Rev. (Total Longterm Care, Inc.), “A”, 6%, 11/15/30    $ 700,000      $ 765,212   
Colorado Health Facilities Authority Rev. (Total Longterm Care, Inc.), “A”, 6.25%, 11/15/40      1,150,000        1,251,695   
Colorado Health Facilities Hospital Authority Rev. (Adventist Health System/Sunbelt Obligated Group), “2014-E”, 5%, 11/15/34      6,530,000        7,294,663   
Colorado Housing & Finance Authority, Solid Waste Rev. (Waste Management, Inc.), 5.7%, 7/01/18      540,000        626,384   
Colorado Regional Transportation District, Private Activity Rev. (Denver Transportation Partners), 6%, 1/15/34      8,490,000        9,399,109   
Denver, CO, City & County Airport Rev. (United Airlines), 5.25%, 10/01/32      13,545,000        13,768,222   
Denver, CO, City & County Airport Rev. (United Airlines), 5.75%, 10/01/32      4,705,000        4,866,099   
Denver, CO, Health & Hospital Authority Rev., “A”, 5%, 12/01/39      560,000        589,814   
Denver, CO, Health & Hospital Authority Rev., “A”, 5.25%, 12/01/45      795,000        850,563   
E-470 Public Highway Authority Rev., CO, Capital Appreciation, “B”, NATL, 0%, 9/01/27      12,305,000        6,387,649   
Fruita, CO, Rev. (Family Health West Project), 7%, 1/01/18      700,000        774,074   
Fruita, CO, Rev. (Family Health West Project), 8%, 1/01/43      4,440,000        4,998,152   
Public Authority for Colorado Energy Natural Gas Purchase Rev., 6.25%, 11/15/28      5,275,000        6,452,538   
Public Authority for Colorado Energy Natural Gas Purchase Rev., 6.5%, 11/15/38      7,145,000        9,317,937   
Salida, CO, Hospital District Rev., 5.25%, 10/01/36      5,991,000        6,001,424   
Stone Ridge, CO, Metropolitan District No. 2, 7.25%, 12/01/31 (d)(q)      2,396,000        619,486   
Tallyn’s Reach, CO, Metropolitan District No. 3, CO, 5%, 12/01/33      404,000        408,472   
Tallyn’s Reach, CO, Metropolitan District No. 3, CO, 5.125%, 11/01/38      824,000        829,101   
    

 

 

 
             $ 95,103,892   
Delaware - 0.0%                 
Delaware Economic Development Authority Rev. (Newark Charter School, Inc. Project), 5%, 9/01/42    $ 1,170,000      $ 1,201,110   
District of Columbia - 0.9%                 
District of Columbia Rev. (Kipp, D.C. Charter School), “A”, 6%, 7/01/43    $ 1,095,000      $ 1,231,470   

 

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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
District of Columbia - continued                 
District of Columbia Rev. (Kipp, D.C. Charter School), “A”, 6%, 7/01/33    $ 420,000      $ 481,379   
District of Columbia Student Dormitory Rev. (Provident Group - Howard Properties LLC), 5%, 10/01/30      1,475,000        1,524,796   
District of Columbia Student Dormitory Rev. (Provident Group - Howard Properties LLC), 5%, 10/01/35      5,000,000        5,019,600   
District of Columbia Student Dormitory Rev. (Provident Group - Howard Properties LLC), 5%, 10/01/45      8,820,000        8,628,606   
District of Columbia, Tobacco Settlement, 6.25%, 5/15/24      1,100,000        1,107,733   
District of Columbia, Tobacco Settlement, 6.75%, 5/15/40      885,000        891,089   
Metropolitan Washington, DC, Airports Authority Rev. Senior Lien (Dulles Toll Road), 5%, 10/01/53      2,920,000        3,002,081   
    

 

 

 
      $ 21,886,754   
Florida - 7.8%                 
Alachua County, FL, Health Facilities Authority Rev. (East Ridge Retirement Village, Inc.), 6%, 11/15/34    $ 1,180,000      $ 1,232,522   
Alachua County, FL, Health Facilities Authority Rev. (East Ridge Retirement Village, Inc.), 6.25%, 11/15/44      2,955,000        3,103,725   
Alachua County, FL, Health Facilities Authority Rev. (East Ridge Retirement Village, Inc.), 6.375%, 11/15/49      1,970,000        2,069,012   
Alachua County, FL, Health Facilities Authority, Continuing Care Rev. (Oak Hammock at the University of Florida, Inc.), “A”, 8%, 10/01/32      1,250,000        1,488,250   
Alachua County, FL, Health Facilities Authority, Continuing Care Rev. (Oak Hammock at the University of Florida, Inc.), “A”, 8%, 10/01/42      2,000,000        2,357,780   
Alachua County, FL, Health Facilities Authority, Continuing Care Rev. (Oak Hammock at the University of Florida, Inc.), “A”, 8%, 10/01/46      1,000,000        1,170,210   
Arborwood Community Development District, FL, Capital Improvement Rev. (Centex Homes Project), “A-1”, 5.5%, 5/01/36 (a)(d)      635,000        381,000   
Arborwood Community Development District, FL, Capital Improvement Rev. (Centex Homes Project), “A-3”, 5.5%, 5/01/36      305,000        304,430   
Arborwood Community Development District, FL, Capital Improvement Rev. (Master Infrastructure Project), “B”, 5.1%, 5/01/15 (a)(d)      165,000        99,000   
Arborwood Community Development District, FL, Capital Improvement Rev. (Master Infrastructure Projects), “A”, 5.35%, 5/01/36 (a)(d)      350,000        210,000   

 

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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
Florida - continued                 
Arborwood Community Development District, FL, Capital Improvement Rev. (Master Infrastructure Projects), “A-2”, 5.35%, 5/01/36    $ 1,295,000      $ 1,295,026   
Baker, FL, Correctional Development Corp. (Baker County Detention Center), 7.5%, 2/01/30      1,560,000        1,120,844   
Bay County, FL, Housing Finance Authority, Multi-Family Rev. (Andrews Place II Apartments), AGM, 5%, 10/01/35      635,000        636,537   
Bellalago, FL, Educational Facilities Benefit District (Osceola County) Capital Improvement Refunding Rev., 4.375%, 5/01/30      690,000        684,149   
Bellalago, FL, Educational Facilities Benefit District (Osceola County) Capital Improvement Refunding Rev., 4.5%, 5/01/33      320,000        318,778   
Bellalago, FL, Educational Facilities Benefit District (Osceola County) Capital Improvement Refunding Rev., 4.6%, 5/01/34      490,000        490,730   
Brevard County, FL, Industrial Development Rev. (TUFF Florida Tech LLC Project), 6.75%, 11/01/39      4,720,000        5,187,233   
Capital Region Community Development District, FL, Capital Improvement Rev., “A”, 7%, 5/01/39      2,525,000        2,546,261   
Century Gardens Village Community Development District, FL, Special Assessment, 5.1%, 5/01/37      915,000        878,071   
Citrus County, FL, Hospital Board Rev. (Citrus Memorial Hospital), 6.25%, 8/15/23      2,905,000        2,905,058   
Citrus County, FL, Hospital Board Rev. (Citrus Memorial Hospital), 6.375%, 8/15/32      5,810,000        5,810,058   
Collier County, FL, Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Ave Maria University, Inc. Project), “A”, 6.125%, 6/01/43      3,200,000        3,463,488   
Collier County, FL, Industrial Development Authority Continuing Care Community Rev. (The Arlington of Naples Project), “A”, 8.125%, 5/15/44      4,970,000        5,363,922   
Concord Station Community Development District, FL, Special Assessment, 5%, 5/01/15      120,000        120,162   
Creekside Community Development District, FL, Special Assessment, 5.2%, 5/01/38 (a)(d)      1,400,000        434,000   
Escambia County, FL, Health Facilities Authority (Baptist Hospital, Inc.), “A”, 6%, 8/15/36      3,050,000        3,480,660   
Florida Board of Education, Lottery Rev., “A”, 5%, 7/01/20      8,410,000        10,035,989   
Florida Citizens Property Insurance Corp., “A-1”, 5%, 6/01/19      660,000        762,399   
Florida Development Finance Corp. Educational Facilities Rev. (Bay Area Charter Foundation LLC), “A”, 7.75%, 6/15/42      3,480,000        3,718,310   
Florida Development Finance Corp. Educational Facilities Rev. (Renaissance Charter School), “A”, 6%, 6/15/32      1,950,000        1,895,771   
Florida Development Finance Corp. Educational Facilities Rev. (Renaissance Charter School), “A”, 6.125%, 6/15/43      4,070,000        3,949,121   
Florida Development Finance Corp. Educational Facilities Rev. (Renaissance Charter School), “A”, 6%, 9/15/30      2,575,000        2,658,404   

 

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Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
Florida - continued                 
Florida Development Finance Corp. Educational Facilities Rev. (Renaissance Charter School), “A”, 6%, 9/15/40    $ 5,490,000      $ 5,567,958   
Florida Development Finance Corp. Educational Facilities Rev. (Renaissance Charter School), “A”, 7.625%, 6/15/41      10,125,000        10,740,499   
Heritage Harbour North Community Development District, FL, Capital Improvement Rev., 6.375%, 5/01/38      1,780,000        1,753,033   
Hillsborough County, FL, Industrial Development Authority Rev. (University Community Hospital), “A”, 5.625%, 8/15/29 (Prerefunded 8/15/18)      4,700,000        5,574,435   
Killarney Community Development District, FL, Special Assessment, “B”, 5.125%, 5/01/09 (a)(d)      640,000        288,000   
Lee County, FL, Industrial Development Authority Healthcare Facilities Rev. (Shell Point Alliance), “B”, 6.5%, 11/15/31      1,600,000        1,752,128   
Lee County, FL, Industrial Development Authority Rev. (Lee Charter Foundation), “A”, 5.25%, 6/15/27      2,070,000        2,097,262   
Lee County, FL, Industrial Development Authority Rev. (Lee Charter Foundation), “A”, 5.375%, 6/15/37      3,155,000        3,157,682   
Legends Bay Community Development District, FL, “A”, 5.875%, 5/01/38      1,330,000        983,469   
Main Street Community Development District, FL, “A”, 6.8%, 5/01/38      1,675,000        1,692,755   
Miami Beach, FL, Health Facilities Authority Rev. (Mount Sinai Medical Center), 6.75%, 11/15/21      1,115,000        1,132,996   
Miami Beach, FL, Health Facilities Authority Rev. (Mount Sinai Medical Center), 6.75%, 11/15/29 (Prerefunded 11/15/14)      338,500        344,654   
Miami Beach, FL, Health Facilities Authority Rev. (Mount Sinai Medical Center), 6.75%, 11/15/29      2,151,500        2,186,053   
Miami-Dade County, FL, Health Facilities Authority Hospital Rev. (Miami Childrens Hospital), 6%, 8/01/46      7,250,000        8,220,920   
Miami-Dade County, FL, Industrial Development Authority Rev. (Pinecrest Academy Project), 5.25%, 9/15/44      1,715,000        1,709,752   
Miami-Dade County, FL, Industrial Development Authority Rev. (Pinecrest Academy Project), 5%, 9/15/24      345,000        372,848   
Mid-Bay Bridge Authority, FL, Springing Lien Rev., “A”, 7.25%, 10/01/34      300,000        362,412   
Mid-Bay Bridge Authority, FL, Springing Lien Rev., “A”, 7.25%, 10/01/40      8,365,000        10,024,365   
Middle Village Community Development District, FL, Special Assessment, “A”, 5.8%, 5/01/22      510,000        442,333   
Midtown Miami, FL, Community Development District Special Assessment (Infrastructure Project), “B”, 5%, 5/01/29      1,220,000        1,243,265   
Midtown Miami, FL, Community Development District Special Assessment (Infrastructure Project), “B”, 5%, 5/01/37      750,000        757,350   
Midtown Miami, FL, Community Development District Special Assessment (Parking Garage Project), “A”, 5%, 5/01/37      1,065,000        1,078,270   

 

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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
Florida - continued                 
Miromar Lakes, FL, Community Development District, Capital Improvement Rev., 4.875%, 5/01/22    $ 830,000      $ 876,181   
Miromar Lakes, FL, Community Development District, Capital Improvement Rev., 5.375%, 5/01/32      990,000        1,051,994   
Naturewalk Community Development District, FL, Capital Improvement Rev., “B”, 5.3%, 5/01/16 (d)(q)      2,300,000        1,196,000   
OTC Community Development District, FL, Special Assessment, “A”, 5.3%, 5/01/38      4,505,000        4,500,495   
Palm Beach County, FL, Health Facilities Rev. (Sinai Residences of Boca Raton Project), 7.5%, 6/01/49      2,030,000        2,255,330   
Palm Glades Community Development District, FL, Special Assessment, “A”, 5.3%, 5/01/36      910,000        918,345   
Palm River, FL, Community Development District, Special Assessment Rev., “A”, 5.375%, 5/01/36 (a)(d)      895,000        331,150   
Palm River, FL, Community Development District, Special Assessment Rev., “B”, 5.15%, 5/01/15 (a)(d)      1,000,000        370,000   
Parkway Center Community Development District, FL, Special Assessment, “B”, 7%, 5/01/23      1,670,000        1,650,695   
Pasco County, FL, Estancia At Wiregrass Community Development District, Capital Improvement, 7%, 11/01/45      1,995,000        2,204,475   
Paseo Community Development District, FL, Capital Improvement Rev., “B”, 4.875%, 5/01/10 (a)(d)      1,415,000        14   
Paseo Community Development District, FL, Capital Improvement Rev., Capital Appreciation, “A-2”, 0%, 5/01/36      2,625,000        1,070,239   
Paseo Community Development District, FL, Special Assessment, “A-1”, 5.4%, 5/01/36      245,000        252,509   
Pinellas County, FL, Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Barry University), 6%, 10/01/41      5,330,000        5,906,919   
Sarasota County, FL, Health Facility Authority Rev. (Sarasota Manatee), 5.75%, 7/01/37      3,240,000        3,127,928   
Sarasota County, FL, Health Facility Authority Rev. (Sarasota Manatee), 5.75%, 7/01/45      395,000        373,236   
Seminole County, FL, Industrial Development Authority Rev. (Choices in Learning, Inc.), “A”, 7.375%, 11/15/41      2,500,000        2,733,375   
Seminole Tribe, FL, Special Obligation Rev., “A”, 5.75%, 10/01/22 (n)      4,150,000        4,569,939   
Seminole Tribe, FL, Special Obligation Rev., “A”, 5.5%, 10/01/24 (n)      2,505,000        2,725,215   
Seminole Tribe, FL, Special Obligation Rev., “A”, 5.25%, 10/01/27 (n)      1,840,000        1,925,229   
South Lake County, FL, Hospital District Rev. (South Lake Hospital), “A”, 6%, 4/01/29      1,155,000        1,274,866   
South Lake County, FL, Hospital District Rev. (South Lake Hospital), “A”, 6.25%, 4/01/39      1,715,000        1,891,868   

 

17


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
Florida - continued                 
St. John’s County, FL, Industrial Development Authority Rev. (Bayview Project), “A”, 5.2%, 10/01/27    $ 1,590,000      $ 1,417,994   
St. John’s County, FL, Industrial Development Authority Rev. (Bayview Project), “A”, 5.25%, 10/01/41      2,800,000        2,283,064   
St. John’s County, FL, Industrial Development Authority Rev. (Presbyterian Retirement), “A”, 6%, 8/01/45      7,715,000        8,278,967   
Sterling Hill Community Development District, FL, Capital Improvement Rev., “B”, 5.5%, 11/01/10 (d)      545,000        349,018   
Stonebrier Community Development District, FL, Special Assessment, 5.5%, 5/01/37      1,640,000        1,633,014   
Sumter County, FL, Industrial Development Authority Hospital Rev. (Central Florida Health Alliance Projects), “A”, 5%, 7/01/26      155,000        169,975   
Sumter County, FL, Industrial Development Authority Hospital Rev. (Central Florida Health Alliance Projects), “A”, 5%, 7/01/29      145,000        155,679   
Sumter County, FL, Industrial Development Authority Hospital Rev. (Central Florida Health Alliance Projects), “A”, 5.125%, 7/01/34      315,000        333,916   
Sumter County, FL, Industrial Development Authority Hospital Rev. (Central Florida Health Alliance Projects), “A”, 5.25%, 7/01/44      935,000        982,395   
Tuscany Reserve Community Development District, FL, Special Assessment, “B”, 5.25%, 5/01/16      1,935,000        1,949,416   
Two Creeks Community Development District, FL, Capital Improvement Rev., 5.25%, 5/01/37      1,915,000        1,905,559   
Villa Portofino East Community Development District, FL, Special Assessment, 5.2%, 5/01/37      1,810,000        1,844,517   
Villa Vizcaya Community Development District, FL, “A”, 5.55%, 5/01/39 (a)(d)      790,000        339,700   
Watergrass Community Development District, FL, “A”, 5.375%, 5/01/39      1,360,000        957,630   
Watergrass Community Development District, FL, Special Assessment, “B”, 6.96%, 11/01/17      270,000        264,149   
    

 

 

 
             $ 195,724,334   
Georgia - 2.0%                 
Americus and Sumter County, GA, Hospital Authority Rev. (Magnolia Manor Obligated Group), “A”, 6.25%, 5/15/33    $ 1,060,000      $ 1,130,617   
Americus and Sumter County, GA, Hospital Authority Rev. (Magnolia Manor Obligated Group), “A”, 6.375%, 5/15/43      1,060,000        1,126,059   
Atlanta, GA, Tax Allocation (Eastside Project), “B”, 5.6%, 1/01/30      2,450,000        2,538,078   

 

18


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
Georgia - continued                 
Atlanta, GA, Tax Allocation (Princeton Lakes Project), 5.5%, 1/01/31    $ 1,515,000      $ 1,527,620   
Atlanta, GA, Water & Wastewater Rev., “A”, 6%, 11/01/22      2,895,000        3,552,223   
Brunswick, GA, Hospital Authority Rev. (Glynn-Brunswick Memorial Hospital), 5.625%, 8/01/34      1,375,000        1,481,838   
Clayton County, GA, Development Authority Special Facilities Rev. (Delta Airlines, Inc.), “A”, 8.75%, 6/01/29      4,070,000        5,060,109   
Clayton County, GA, Development Authority Special Facilities Rev. (Delta Airlines, Inc.), “B”, 9%, 6/01/35      1,290,000        1,349,701   
DeKalb County, GA, Hospital Authority Rev. (DeKalb Medical Center, Inc.), 6.125%, 9/01/40      7,170,000        7,591,453   
DeKalb County, GA, Water & Sewer Rev., “A”, 5.25%, 10/01/31      175,000        199,938   
Fulton County, GA, Residential Care Facilities Authority Rev., “A”, 6.125%, 2/15/34      1,020,000        1,029,945   
Georgia Housing & Finance Authority Rev., Single Family Mortgage, “A-1”, 4%, 6/01/44      1,645,000        1,811,129   
Georgia Main Street Natural Gas, Inc., Gas Project Rev., “A”, 5.5%, 9/15/28      2,245,000        2,618,568   
Georgia Medical Center Hospital Authority Rev. (Spring Harbor Green Island Project), 5.25%, 7/01/37      4,610,000        4,624,522   
Marietta, GA, Development Facilities Authority Rev. (Life University), 7%, 6/15/30      2,330,000        2,455,680   
Marietta, GA, Development Facilities Authority Rev. (Life University), 7%, 6/15/39      4,360,000        4,547,436   
Monroe County, GA, Development Authority Pollution Control Rev. (Georgia Power Company Plant Scherer Project), FRN, 2%, 7/01/25 (Put Date 6/13/19)      1,230,000        1,233,961   
Private Colleges & Universities, GA, Authority Rev. (Mercer University), “C”, 5.25%, 10/01/27      920,000        1,014,788   
Rockdale County, GA, Development Authority Project Rev. (Visy Paper Project), “A”, 6.125%, 1/01/34      4,835,000        4,928,509   
    

 

 

 
             $ 49,822,174   
Guam - 0.2%                 
Guam Government Department of Education (John F. Kennedy High School), “A”, COP, 6.875%, 12/01/40    $ 3,055,000      $ 3,374,125   
Guam Government, “A”, 7%, 11/15/39      1,115,000        1,217,212   
Guam International Airport Authority Rev., “C”, 5%, 10/01/16      255,000        271,167   
    

 

 

 
             $ 4,862,504   
Hawaii - 0.6%   
Hawaii Department of Budget & Finance, Special Purpose Rev. (15 Craigside Project), “A”, 8.75%, 11/15/29    $ 415,000      $ 481,977   

 

19


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
Hawaii - continued                 
Hawaii Department of Budget & Finance, Special Purpose Rev. (15 Craigside Project), “A”, 9%, 11/15/44    $ 1,190,000      $ 1,386,076   
Hawaii Department of Budget & Finance, Special Purpose Rev. (Hawaiian Electric Co. & Subsidiary), 6.5%, 7/01/39      10,580,000        12,122,035   
    

 

 

 
             $ 13,990,088   
Idaho - 0.2%                 
Idaho Health Facilities Authority Rev. (The Terraces of Boise Project), “B2”, 6%, 10/01/21    $ 2,120,000      $ 2,137,193   
Idaho Health Facilities Authority Rev. (The Terraces of Boise Project), “B3”, 5.25%, 10/01/20      2,060,000        2,084,761   
    

 

 

 
             $ 4,221,954   
Illinois - 5.6%                 
Bellwood, IL, 5.875%, 12/01/27    $ 2,300,000      $ 2,248,940   
Bellwood, IL, 6.15%, 12/01/32      4,800,000        4,671,072   
Chicago, IL, O’Hare International Airport Rev., Customer Facility Charge, AGM, 5.25%, 1/01/32      675,000        738,734   
Chicago, IL, O’Hare International Airport Rev., Customer Facility Charge, AGM, 5.25%, 1/01/33      335,000        364,631   
Chicago, IL, O’Hare International Airport Rev., Customer Facility Charge, AGM, 5.5%, 1/01/43      1,350,000        1,422,306   
Chicago, IL, O’Hare International Airport Rev., Third Lien, “A”, 5.625%, 1/01/35      5,645,000        6,296,941   
Chicago, IL, Transit Authority Sales Tax Receipts Rev., 5.25%, 12/01/31      540,000        599,076   
Du Page County, IL, Special Service Area No. 31 Special Tax (Monarch Landing Project), 5.625%, 3/01/36      945,000        948,374   
Illinois Finance Authority Charter School Rev. (Uno Charter School Network, Inc.), “A”, 7.125%, 10/01/41      2,000,000        2,298,220   
Illinois Finance Authority Rev. (Centegra Health System), “A”, 5%, 9/01/39      3,780,000        3,866,978   
Illinois Finance Authority Rev. (Christian Homes, Inc.), 6.125%, 5/15/27      4,150,000        4,634,637   
Illinois Finance Authority Rev. (Evangelical Retirement Homes of Greater Chicago, Inc.), 7.25%, 2/15/45      3,600,000        3,800,340   
Illinois Finance Authority Rev. (Franciscan Communities, Inc.), “A”, 5.5%, 5/15/27      1,600,000        1,658,560   
Illinois Finance Authority Rev. (Franciscan Communities, Inc.), “A”, 4.75%, 5/15/33      2,685,000        2,610,035   
Illinois Finance Authority Rev. (Franciscan Communities, Inc.), “A”, 5.5%, 5/15/37      8,015,000        8,152,377   
Illinois Finance Authority Rev. (Franciscan Communities, Inc.), “A”, 5.125%, 5/15/43      3,410,000        3,331,945   

 

20


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
Illinois - continued                 
Illinois Finance Authority Rev. (Friendship Village), “A”, 5.375%, 2/15/25    $ 4,630,000      $ 4,634,306   
Illinois Finance Authority Rev. (Illinois Institute of Technology), “A”, 5%, 4/01/31      3,125,000        3,093,469   
Illinois Finance Authority Rev. (KishHealth Systems Obligated Group), 5.75%, 10/01/28      3,770,000        4,066,473   
Illinois Finance Authority Rev. (Lutheran Home & Services), 5.625%, 5/15/42      3,110,000        3,151,705   
Illinois Finance Authority Rev. (Montgomery Place), “A”, 5.75%, 5/15/38      1,730,000        1,753,718   
Illinois Finance Authority Rev. (O.S.F. Healthcare Systems) “A”, 7%, 11/15/29      3,025,000        3,638,833   
Illinois Finance Authority Rev. (O.S.F. Healthcare Systems) “A”, 7.125%, 11/15/37      2,555,000        3,018,222   
Illinois Finance Authority Rev. (Provena Health), “A”, 6%, 5/01/28      4,000,000        4,363,480   
Illinois Finance Authority Rev. (Provena Health), “A”, 7.75%, 8/15/34      3,865,000        4,705,753   
Illinois Finance Authority Rev. (Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago), “A”, 6%, 7/01/43      1,305,000        1,483,159   
Illinois Finance Authority Rev. (Resurrection Health), 6.125%, 5/15/25      2,620,000        2,918,916   
Illinois Finance Authority Rev. (Roosevelt University Project), 6.25%, 4/01/29      6,045,000        6,347,794   
Illinois Finance Authority Rev. (Silver Cross Hospital & Medical Centers), 6.875%, 8/15/38      1,500,000        1,716,645   
Illinois Finance Authority Rev. (Silver Cross Hospital & Medical Centers), 7%, 8/15/44      2,545,000        2,914,509   
Illinois Finance Authority Rev. (Smith Village), “A”, 6.125%, 11/15/25      1,185,000        1,194,113   
Illinois Finance Authority Rev. (Smith Village), “A”, 6.25%, 11/15/35      2,195,000        2,199,807   
Illinois Finance Authority Rev. (The Clare at Water Tower), “A-6”, 6%, 5/15/28 (a)(d)      1,057,000        106   
Illinois Finance Authority Rev. (The Clare at Water Tower), Capital Appreciation, “B”, 0%, 5/15/50 (a)      453,000        45   
Illinois Finance Authority Student Housing Rev. (Illinois State University), 6.75%, 4/01/31      1,875,000        2,215,594   
Illinois Finance Authority Student Housing Rev. (Northern Illinois University Project), 6.625%, 10/01/31      5,785,000        6,859,853   
Illinois Railsplitter Tobacco Settlement Authority, 5.5%, 6/01/23      560,000        652,529   
Illinois Railsplitter Tobacco Settlement Authority, 6.25%, 6/01/24      3,110,000        3,395,747   

 

21


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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
Illinois - continued                 
Illinois Railsplitter Tobacco Settlement Authority, 6%, 6/01/28    $ 14,375,000      $ 16,737,388   
Illinois Toll Highway Authority Rev., “B”, 5.5%, 1/01/33      4,355,000        4,868,019   
Lincolnshire, IL, Special Service Area No. 1 (Sedgebrook Project), 6.25%, 3/01/34      3,052,000        3,118,015   
Upper Illinois River Valley Development Authority (Pleasant View Lutheran Home), 7.25%, 11/15/40      1,080,000        1,141,528   
Upper Illinois River Valley Development Authority (Pleasant View Lutheran Home), 7.375%, 11/15/45      1,250,000        1,321,925   
    

 

 

 
             $ 139,154,817   
Indiana - 2.5%                 
Carmel, IN, Rev. (Barrington of Carmel Project), “A”, 7.125%, 11/15/42    $ 3,000,000      $ 3,191,130   
Indiana Economic Development Finance Authority Rev. (Republic Services, Inc. Project), “B”, 0.3%, 5/01/28 (Put Date 9/02/14)      1,315,000        1,315,000   
Indiana Finance Authority Rev. (I-69 Section 5 Project), 5.25%, 9/01/34      1,960,000        2,089,380   
Indiana Finance Authority Rev. (I-69 Section 5 Project), 5.25%, 9/01/40      3,005,000        3,168,382   
Indiana Finance Authority Rev. (Marquette Project), 4.75%, 3/01/32      4,790,000        4,865,969   
Indiana Finance Authority Rev. (Marquette Project), 5%, 3/01/39      1,215,000        1,222,569   
Indiana Finance Authority Rev. (Ohio River Bridges East End Crossing Project), “A”, 5%, 7/01/35      2,095,000        2,193,004   
Indiana Finance Authority Rev. (Ohio River Bridges East End Crossing Project), “A”, 5%, 7/01/40      5,350,000        5,540,300   
Indiana Finance Authority Rev. (Ohio River Bridges East End Crossing Project), “A”, 5%, 7/01/44      3,260,000        3,361,484   
Indiana Finance Authority Rev. (Ohio River Bridges East End Crossing Project), “B”, 5%, 1/01/19      1,640,000        1,765,804   
Indiana Health & Educational Facilities Finance Authority, Hospital Rev. (Clarian Health), “A”, 5%, 2/15/39      2,000,000        2,049,640   
Indiana Health & Educational Facilities Finance Authority, Hospital Rev. (Clarian Health), “B”, 5%, 2/15/33      2,510,000        2,583,643   
Indianapolis, IN, Multi-Family Rev. (Cambridge Station Apartments II), FNMA, 5.25%, 1/01/39 (Put Date 1/01/27)      1,345,000        1,351,792   
Knox County, IN, Economic Development Rev. (Good Samaritan Hospital), “A”, 5%, 4/01/42      1,030,000        1,056,935   
Richmond, IN, Hospital Authority Rev. (Reid Hospital & Health Center Services), “A”, 6.625%, 1/01/39      4,760,000        5,443,726   
Terre Haute, IN, Rev. (Westminster Village), 6%, 8/01/39      3,600,000        3,447,468   

 

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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
Indiana - continued                 
University of Southern Indiana Rev. (Student Fee), “J”, ASSD GTY, 5.75%, 10/01/28    $ 1,445,000      $ 1,670,796   
Valparaiso, IN, Exempt Facilities Rev. (Pratt Paper LLC Project), 6.75%, 1/01/34      4,370,000        4,830,904   
Valparaiso, IN, Exempt Facilities Rev. (Pratt Paper LLC Project), 7%, 1/01/44      10,875,000        11,884,200   
    

 

 

 
      $ 63,032,126   
Iowa - 1.2%                 
Altoona, IA, Urban Renewal Tax Increment Rev., 6%, 6/01/43    $ 3,000,000      $ 3,134,760   
Iowa Finance Authority Health Facilities Rev. (UnityPoint Health), “C”, 5%, 2/15/30      800,000        902,032   
Iowa Finance Authority Health Facilities Rev. (UnityPoint Health), “C”, 5%, 2/15/31      1,480,000        1,659,805   
Iowa Finance Authority Health Facilities Rev. (UnityPoint Health), “C”, 5%, 2/15/32      715,000        797,568   
Iowa Finance Authority Midwestern Disaster Area Rev. (Iowa Fertilizer Co.), 5%, 12/01/19      1,455,000        1,528,317   
Iowa Finance Authority Midwestern Disaster Area Rev. (Iowa Fertilizer Co.), 5.5%, 12/01/22      2,910,000        3,041,532   
Iowa Finance Authority Midwestern Disaster Area Rev. (Iowa Fertilizer Co.), 5.25%, 12/01/25      2,910,000        3,060,913   
Iowa Finance Authority, Health Care Facilities Rev. (Care Initiatives), “A”, 5.5%, 7/01/21      1,530,000        1,607,556   
Iowa Finance Authority, Health Care Facilities Rev. (Care Initiatives), “A”, 5.5%, 7/01/25      2,495,000        2,583,897   
Iowa Student Loan Liquidity Corp., “A-2”, 5.5%, 12/01/25      1,395,000        1,491,897   
Iowa Student Loan Liquidity Corp., “A-2”, 5.6%, 12/01/26      1,400,000        1,496,236   
Iowa Student Loan Liquidity Corp., “A-2”, 5.7%, 12/01/27      165,000        176,385   
Iowa Student Loan Liquidity Corp., “A-2”, 5.75%, 12/01/28      2,825,000        3,012,665   
Iowa Tobacco Settlement Authority, Tobacco Settlement Rev., Asset Backed, “B”, 5.6%, 6/01/34      4,295,000        3,754,861   
Scott County, IA, Rev. (Christian Retirement Homes, Inc.), 5.25%, 11/15/21      2,410,000        2,453,766   
    

 

 

 
      $ 30,702,190   
Kansas - 0.9%                 
Atchison, KS, Hospital Rev. (Atchison Hospital Assn.), “A”, 6.75%, 9/01/30    $ 2,600,000      $ 2,799,992   
Lenexa, KS, Health Care Facilities Rev. (Lakeview Village, Inc.), 5.375%, 5/15/27      1,185,000        1,202,123   
Lenexa, KS, Health Care Facilities Rev. (Lakeview Village, Inc.), 7.125%, 5/15/29      1,555,000        1,756,373   

 

23


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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
Kansas - continued                 
Lenexa, KS, Health Care Facilities Rev. (Lakeview Village, Inc.), 5.5%, 5/15/39    $ 2,325,000      $ 2,336,067   
Overland Park, KS, Special Assessment (Tallgrass Creek), 4.85%, 9/01/16      361,000        362,025   
Overland Park, KS, Special Assessment (Tallgrass Creek), 5.125%, 9/01/28      3,848,000        3,725,826   
Sedgwick & Shawnee Counties, KS, Single Family Housing Rev., “A-1”, GNMA, 5.75%, 12/01/37      90,000        94,428   
Sedgwick & Shawnee Counties, KS, Single Family Housing Rev., “A-2”, GNMA, 5.75%, 12/01/37      325,000        331,900   
Sedgwick & Shawnee Counties, KS, Single Family Housing Rev., “A-4”, GNMA, 5.625%, 6/01/36      335,000        357,472   
Sedgwick & Shawnee Counties, KS, Single Family Housing Rev., “A-4”, GNMA, 5.85%, 6/01/37      490,000        505,455   
Sedgwick & Shawnee Counties, KS, Single Family Housing Rev., “A-5”, GNMA, 5.9%, 12/01/37      125,000        130,555   
Wichita, KS, Health Care Facilities Rev. (Presbyterian Manors, Inc.), “A”, 6.375%, 5/15/43      4,165,000        4,436,516   
Wichita, KS, Health Care Facilities Rev. (Presbyterian Manors, Inc.), “IV-B2”, 3.375%, 11/15/20      635,000        621,767   
Wyandotte County/Kansas City, KS, Unified Government Special Obligation Rev., Capital Appreciation, “B”, 0%, 6/01/21      3,210,000        2,232,523   
Wyandotte County/Kansas City, KS, Unified Government Utility System Improvement Rev., “A”, 5%, 9/01/44      1,740,000        1,890,562   
    

 

 

 
      $ 22,783,584   
Kentucky - 1.5%                 
Glasgow, KY, Healthcare Rev. (TJ Samson Community Hospital), 6.375%, 2/01/35    $ 2,840,000      $ 3,179,749   
Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority Health Care Rev. (Masonic Homes of Kentucky, Inc.), 5.375%, 11/15/42      2,130,000        2,112,981   
Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority Health Care Rev. (Masonic Homes of Kentucky, Inc.), 5.5%, 11/15/45      1,325,000        1,327,491   
Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority Rev. (Masonic Home Independent Living II), 7.25%, 5/15/41      3,000,000        3,363,570   
Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority Rev. (Masonic Home Independent Living II), 7.375%, 5/15/46      1,050,000        1,170,057   
Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority, Hospital Facilities Rev. (Baptist Healthcare System), “A”,
5.625%, 8/15/27
     815,000        909,027   
Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority, Hospital Facilities Rev. (Owensboro Medical Health System), “A”,
6%, 6/01/30
     710,000        799,538   

 

24


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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
Kentucky - continued                 
Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority, Hospital Facilities Rev. (Owensboro Medical Health System), “A”, 6.375%, 6/01/40    $ 6,215,000      $ 6,964,218   
Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority, Hospital Facilities Rev. (Owensboro Medical Health System), “A”, 6.5%, 3/01/45      1,955,000        2,194,624   
Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority, Solid Waste Refunding Rev. (Republic Services, Inc.), “A”, 0.4%, 4/01/31 (Put Date 9/02/14)      565,000        565,000   
Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority, Solid Waste Refunding Rev. (Republic Services, Inc.), “B”, 0.3%, 4/01/31 (Put Date 9/02/14)      655,000        655,000   
Louisville & Jefferson County, KY, Metropolitan Government Healthcare Systems Rev. (Norton Healthcare, Inc.), 5.25%, 10/01/36      5,180,000        5,290,697   
Owen County, KY, Waterworks System Rev. (American Water Co. Project), “A”, 6.25%, 6/01/39      1,635,000        1,819,788   
Owen County, KY, Waterworks System Rev. (American Water Co. Project), “B”, 5.625%, 9/01/39      1,830,000        1,972,209   
University of Kentucky, General Receipts, “A”, 5%, 4/01/36      1,460,000        1,649,552   
University of Kentucky, General Receipts, “A”, 5%, 4/01/37      2,715,000        3,057,959   
    

 

 

 
      $ 37,031,460   
Louisiana - 1.7%                 
Jefferson Parish, LA, Hospital Service District No. 1 (West Jefferson Medical Center), “A”, 6%, 1/01/39    $ 1,500,000      $ 1,655,505   
Jefferson Parish, LA, Hospital Service District No. 2 (East Jefferson General Hospital), 6.25%, 7/01/31      3,200,000        3,517,120   
Jefferson Parish, LA, Hospital Service District No. 2 (East Jefferson General Hospital), 6.375%, 7/01/41      2,000,000        2,158,800   
Lakeshore Villages Master Community Development District, LA, Special Assessment, “A”, 5.25%, 7/01/17 (a)(d)      2,862,000        1,001,700   
Louisiana Environmental Facilities & Community Development Authority Rev. (Westlake Chemical), 6.75%, 11/01/32      4,800,000        5,345,040   
Louisiana Environmental Facilities & Community Development Authority Rev. (Westlake Chemical), “A”, 6.5%, 8/01/29      2,990,000        3,429,111   
Louisiana Environmental Facilities & Community Development Authority Rev. (Westlake Chemical), “A-2”, 6.5%, 11/01/35      4,000,000        4,596,960   
Louisiana Local Government, Environmental Facilities & Community Development Authority Rev. (CDF Healthcare), “A”, 7%, 6/01/36      1,530,000        1,542,990   
Louisiana Local Government, Environmental Facilities & Community Development Authority Rev. (CDF Healthcare), “C”, 7%, 6/01/36      1,255,000        1,262,467   

 

25


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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
Louisiana - continued                 
Louisiana Local Government, Environmental Facilities & Community Development Authority Rev. (Westside Rehab Center Project), “A”, 6.85%, 10/01/36    $ 6,995,000      $ 7,140,636   
Louisiana Public Facilities Authority Hospital Rev. (Lake Charles Memorial Hospital), 6.375%, 12/01/34      5,470,000        5,928,058   
New Orleans, LA, Aviation Board Gulf Opportunity Zone CFC Rev. (Consolidated Rental Car), “A”, 6.25%, 1/01/30      2,050,000        2,339,317   
Sabine River, LA, Water Facilities Authority Rev. (International Paper Co.), 6.2%, 2/01/25      2,250,000        2,259,383   
    

 

 

 
             $ 42,177,087   
Maine - 0.6%                 
Maine Finance Authority Solid Waste Disposal Rev. (Casella Waste Systems, Inc.), 6.25%, 1/01/25 (Put Date 2/01/17)    $ 3,985,000      $ 4,068,446   
State of Maine, “B”, 5%, 6/01/21      9,675,000        11,654,021   
    

 

 

 
      $ 15,722,467   
Maryland - 0.6%                 
Anne Arundel County, MD, Special Obligation (National Business Park-North Project), 6.1%, 7/01/40    $ 1,320,000      $ 1,405,232   
Anne Arundel County, MD, Special Obligation (VLG South Waugh Chapel Project), 6.25%, 7/01/40      4,700,000        5,012,738   
Baltimore, MD, Special Obligation (East Baltimore Research Park Project), “A”, 7%, 9/01/38      2,600,000        2,778,464   
Maryland Economic Development Corp. Rev. (Port America Chesapeake Terminal Project), “B”, 5.375%, 6/01/25      885,000        957,145   
Maryland Health & Higher Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Charlestown Community), 6.25%, 1/01/41      2,360,000        2,577,899   
Maryland Industrial Development Financing Authority, Economic Development Authority Rev. (Our Lady of Good Council), “A”, 6%, 5/01/35      450,000        469,260   
Westminster, MD, Refunding Rev. (Carroll Lutheran Village, Inc.), 5.125%, 7/01/40      2,600,000        2,625,012   
    

 

 

 
      $ 15,825,750   
Massachusetts - 3.2%                 
Massachusetts College Building Authority Rev., “A”, 5%, 5/01/31    $ 2,535,000      $ 2,901,130   
Massachusetts College Building Authority Rev., “C”, 3%, 5/01/42      835,000        691,706   
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency Rev. (Adventcare), “A”, 6.75%, 10/15/37      4,640,000        4,826,574   
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency Rev. (Linden Ponds, Inc.), “A-1”, 6.25%, 11/15/31      869,621        780,659   

 

26


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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
Massachusetts - continued                 
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency Rev. (Linden Ponds, Inc.), “A-1”, 6.25%, 11/15/39    $ 218,601      $ 186,279   
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency Rev. (Linden Ponds, Inc.), “A-2”, 5.5%, 11/15/46      58,153        42,187   
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency Rev. (Linden Ponds, Inc.), Capital Appreciation, “B”, 0%, 11/15/56      289,249        2,175   
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency Rev. (North Hill Communities), “A”, 6.25%, 11/15/33      1,350,000        1,440,869   
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency Rev. (North Hill Communities), “A”, 6.5%, 11/15/43      2,080,000        2,230,925   
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency Rev. (Simmons College), “H”, SYNCORA, 5.25%, 10/01/33      430,000        491,443   
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency Rev. (Williams College), “P”, 5%, 7/01/43      1,000,000        1,115,510   
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency, Resource Recovery Rev. (Covanta Energy Project), “A”, 4.875%, 11/01/27      3,585,000        3,603,929   
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency, Resource Recovery Rev. (Covanta Energy Project), “C”, 5.25%, 11/01/42      11,780,000        11,818,992   
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency, Solid Waste Disposal Rev. (Dominion Energy Brayton), 5.75%, 12/01/42 (Prerefunded 5/01/19)      685,000        828,501   
Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority, Education Loan Rev., “H”, ASSD GTY, 6.35%, 1/01/30      2,315,000        2,472,814   
Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority, Education Loan Rev., “I-A”, 5.5%, 1/01/22      250,000        279,988   
Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority, Education Loan Rev., “J”, 4.7%, 7/01/26      2,175,000        2,266,002   
Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority, Education Loan Rev., “J”, 4.9%, 7/01/28      2,265,000        2,359,111   
Massachusetts Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Harvard University), 5.5%, 11/15/36 (u)      25,000,000        29,060,250   
Massachusetts Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Jordan Hospital), “D”, 5.25%, 10/01/18      3,750,000        3,753,488   
Massachusetts Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Simmons College), 8%, 10/01/29 (Prerefunded 10/01/15)      875,000        954,161   
Massachusetts Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Simmons College), 8%, 10/01/29      1,265,000        1,370,767   
Massachusetts Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Suffolk University), “A”, 6.25%, 7/01/30      6,130,000        7,181,785   
Massachusetts Port Authority Facilities Rev. (Conrac Project), “A”, 5.125%, 7/01/41      340,000        364,140   
    

 

 

 
             $ 81,023,385   

 

27


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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
Michigan - 2.1%                 

Detroit, MI, (Financial Recovery Bonds), FRN,

3.5%, 10/07/16

   $ 9,550,000      $ 9,550,000   
Detroit, MI, Sewage Disposal System Rev., Senior Lien, “A”, 5.25%, 7/01/39      2,735,000        2,738,364   
Detroit, MI, Water & Sewerage Department, Senior Lien Sewage Disposal System Rev., “A”, 5%, 7/01/19      3,270,000        3,281,118   
Detroit, MI, Water & Sewerage Department, Senior Lien Sewage Disposal System Rev., “A”, 5%, 7/01/20      3,275,000        3,284,792   
Detroit, MI, Water & Sewerage Department, Senior Lien Sewage Disposal System Rev., “A”, AGM, 5%, 7/01/16      1,695,000        1,706,238   
Detroit, MI, Water Supply System Rev., Senior Lien, “A”, AGM, 5%, 7/01/23      1,020,000        1,024,182   
Detroit, MI, Water Supply System Rev., Senior Lien, “A”, AGM, 5%, 7/01/25      155,000        155,467   
Grand Valley, MI, State University Rev., 5.5%, 12/01/27      1,015,000        1,110,471   
Grand Valley, MI, State University Rev., 5.625%, 12/01/29      495,000        541,535   
Kalamazoo, MI, Economic Development Corp. Rev. (Heritage Community), 5.375%, 5/15/27      750,000        723,405   
Kalamazoo, MI, Economic Development Corp. Rev. (Heritage Community), 5.5%, 5/15/36      2,550,000        2,404,752   
Michigan Hospital Finance Authority Rev. (Henry Ford Health System), 5.75%, 11/15/39      4,405,000        4,803,212   
Michigan Strategic Fund (Waste Management, Inc.), 1.5%, 8/01/27 (Put Date 8/01/17)      4,505,000        4,505,000   
Michigan Strategic Fund Ltd. Obligation Rev. (Detroit Edison Co.), 5.625%, 7/01/20      1,050,000        1,231,608   
Royal Oak, MI, Hospital Finance Authority Rev. (William Beaumont Hospital), 5%, 9/01/39      6,055,000        6,472,795   
Royal Oak, MI, Hospital Finance Authority Rev. (William Beaumont Hospital), “V”, 8.25%, 9/01/39 (Prerefunded 9/01/19)      6,945,000        8,962,106   
    

 

 

 
      $ 52,495,045   
Minnesota - 0.2%                 
Anoka County, MN, Charter School Lease Rev. (Spectrum Building Co.), “A”, 5%, 6/01/43    $ 1,000,000      $ 977,530   
St. Paul, MN, Housing & Redevelopment Authority Charter School Lease Rev. (Nova Classical Academy), “A”, 6.375%, 9/01/31      630,000        687,305   
St. Paul, MN, Housing & Redevelopment Authority Charter School Lease Rev. (Nova Classical Academy), “A”, 6.625%, 9/01/42      1,260,000        1,375,958   
St. Paul, MN, Port Authority Rev. (Energy Park Utility Co. Project), 5.45%, 8/01/28      250,000        259,668   

 

28


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
Minnesota - continued                 
St. Paul, MN, Port Authority Rev. (Energy Park Utility Co. Project), 5.7%, 8/01/36    $ 1,250,000      $ 1,289,600   
    

 

 

 
             $ 4,590,061   
Mississippi - 0.1%                 
Mississippi Development Bank Special Obligation (Greenville, MS Project), 5%, 4/01/27    $ 1,355,000      $ 1,374,404   
Mississippi Home Corp. Rev. (Kirkwood Apartments Project), 6.8%, 11/01/37 (d)(q)      3,665,000        2,350,878   
    

 

 

 
             $ 3,725,282   
Missouri - 0.7%                 
Dardenne, MO, Town Square Transportation Development District, “A”, 5%, 5/01/26 (d)(q)    $ 2,495,000      $ 923,150   
Grundy County, MO, Industrial Development Authority, Health Facilities Rev. (Wright Memorial Hospital), 6.75%, 9/01/34      1,590,000        1,725,071   
Missouri Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (A.T. Still University Health Services), 5%, 10/01/39      465,000        498,122   
Missouri Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Lutheran Senior Service Projects), “A”, 5%, 2/01/35      3,190,000        3,365,003   
Missouri Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Lutheran Senior Service Projects), “A”, 5%, 2/01/44      795,000        829,789   
Missouri Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (SSM Health Care), “A”, 5%, 6/01/31      1,735,000        1,939,557   
Missouri Housing Development Commission, Single Family Mortgage Rev. (Home Loan Program), “B”, GNMA, 6.05%, 3/01/37      680,000        695,735   
Osage Beach, MO, Tax Increment Rev. (Prewitts), 4.8%, 5/01/16      735,000        735,074   
Osage Beach, MO, Tax Increment Rev. (Prewitts), 5%, 5/01/23      1,500,000        1,447,110   
St. Louis, MO, Land Clearance Redevelopment Authority, Facilities Improvement Special Rev. (Kiel Opera House), “B”, 7%, 9/01/35      4,390,000        4,493,955   
    

 

 

 
             $ 16,652,566   
Nebraska - 0.2%                 
Nebraska Investment Finance Authority, Housing Rev., “A”, 3%, 3/01/44    $ 1,425,000      $ 1,498,844   
Nebraska Investment Finance Authority, Housing Rev., “A”, 4%, 9/01/44      2,465,000        2,710,021   
    

 

 

 
             $ 4,208,865   
New Hampshire - 1.3%                 
New Hampshire Business Finance Authority Rev. (Elliot Hospital Obligated Group), “A”, 6%, 10/01/27    $ 4,935,000      $ 5,380,828   

 

29


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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
New Hampshire - continued                 
New Hampshire Business Finance Authority Rev. (Huggins Hospital), 6.875%, 10/01/39    $ 830,000      $ 890,540   
New Hampshire Health & Education Facilities Authority Rev. (Dartmouth College), 5.25%, 6/01/39 (u)      20,000,000        22,570,600   
New Hampshire Health & Education Facilities Authority Rev. (Rivermead), “A”, 6.875%, 7/01/41      2,625,000        2,886,791   
    

 

 

 
             $ 31,728,759   
New Jersey - 5.7%                 
Bayonne, NJ, Redevelopment Agency (Royal Caribbean Project), “A”, 5.375%, 11/01/35    $ 2,500,000      $ 2,463,975   
New Jersey Economic Development Authority (Waste Management, Inc.), “A”, 0.55%, 6/01/15      915,000        915,677   
New Jersey Economic Development Authority Rev. (GMT Realty LLC), “B”, 6.875%, 1/01/37      1,570,000        1,595,104   
New Jersey Economic Development Authority Rev. (GMT Realty LLC), “C”, 6.5%, 1/01/15      505,000        510,111   
New Jersey Economic Development Authority Rev. (Kapkowski Road Landfill Project), 5.75%, 10/01/21      200,000        220,638   
New Jersey Economic Development Authority Rev. (Kapkowski Road Landfill Project), 6.5%, 4/01/28      1,500,000        1,783,125   
New Jersey Economic Development Authority Rev. (Kapkowski Road Landfill Project), 6.5%, 4/01/31      5,850,000        6,914,174   
New Jersey Economic Development Authority Rev. (Kapkowski Road Landfill Project), “B”, 6.5%, 4/01/18      2,145,000        2,302,979   
New Jersey Economic Development Authority Rev. (Lions Gate Project), 5%, 1/01/34      850,000        843,702   
New Jersey Economic Development Authority Rev. (Lions Gate Project), 5.25%, 1/01/44      1,695,000        1,687,356   
New Jersey Economic Development Authority Rev. (Seabrook Village, Inc.), 5.25%, 11/15/36      2,735,000        2,773,427   
New Jersey Economic Development Authority Rev. (The Goethals Bridge Replacement Project), 5.5%, 1/01/27      325,000        369,717   
New Jersey Economic Development Authority Rev. (The Goethals Bridge Replacement Project), 5%, 1/01/28      325,000        354,517   
New Jersey Economic Development Authority Rev. (The Goethals Bridge Replacement Project), AGM, 5%, 1/01/31      975,000        1,060,332   
New Jersey Economic Development Authority, Special Facilities Rev. (Continental Airlines, Inc.), 4.875%, 9/15/19      12,100,000        12,365,474   
New Jersey Economic Development Authority, Special Facilities Rev. (Continental Airlines, Inc.), 5.125%, 9/15/23      5,870,000        6,141,488   
New Jersey Economic Development Authority, Special Facilities Rev. (Continental Airlines, Inc.), 5.25%, 9/15/29      5,770,000        6,031,900   

 

30


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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
New Jersey - continued                 
New Jersey Economic Development Authority, Special Facilities Rev. (Continental Airlines, Inc.), “A”, 5.625%, 11/15/30    $ 1,820,000      $ 1,941,813   
New Jersey Economic Development Authority, Special Facilities Rev. (Continental Airlines, Inc.), “B”, 5.625%, 11/15/30      1,655,000        1,765,769   
New Jersey Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (University of Medicine & Dentistry), “B”, 7.5%, 12/01/32 (Prerefunded 6/01/19)      4,280,000        5,516,321   
New Jersey Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (University of Medicine & Dentistry), “B”, ETM, 6%, 12/01/17      2,335,000        2,678,805   
New Jersey Health Care Facilities, Financing Authority Rev. (St. Joseph’s Healthcare System), 6.625%, 7/01/38      8,000,000        8,679,680   

New Jersey Tobacco Settlement Financing Corp., “1-A”,

4.5%, 6/01/23

     18,930,000        18,510,890   

New Jersey Tobacco Settlement Financing Corp., “1-A”,

4.75%, 6/01/34

     31,335,000        23,266,551   
New Jersey Tobacco Settlement Financing Corp., “1-A”, 5%, 6/01/41      34,705,000        25,654,977   
New Jersey Tobacco Settlement Financing Corp., Capital Appreciation, “1-B”, 0%, 6/01/41      29,790,000        7,200,839   
New Jersey Tobacco Settlement Financing Corp., Capital Appreciation, “1-C”, 0%, 6/01/41      400,000        93,896   
    

 

 

 
      $ 143,643,237   
New Mexico - 1.0%                 
Farmington, NM, Pollution Control Rev. (Public Service New Mexico), “D”, 5.9%, 6/01/40    $ 11,915,000      $ 13,125,207   
New Mexico Hospital Equipment Loan Council, Hospital Rev. (Rehoboth McKinley Christian Hospital), “A”, 5%, 8/15/17      200,000        205,878   
New Mexico Hospital Equipment Loan Council, Hospital Rev. (Rehoboth McKinley Christian Hospital), “A”, 5.25%, 8/15/26      1,580,000        1,522,678   
New Mexico Municipal Energy Acquisition Authority, Gas Supply Rev., “A”, 5%, 11/01/39 (Put Date 8/01/19)      8,250,000        9,554,820   
    

 

 

 
      $ 24,408,583   
New York - 5.4%                 
Brooklyn, NY, Arena Local Development Corp. (Barclays Center Project), 6%, 7/15/30    $ 2,265,000      $ 2,545,815   
Build NYC Resource Corp. Rev. (International Leadership Charter School Project), 5.75%, 7/01/33 (n)      3,860,000        3,870,422   
Build NYC Resource Corp. Rev. (International Leadership Charter School Project), 6%, 7/01/43 (n)      4,025,000        4,027,455   
Build NYC Resource Corp. Rev. (South Bronx Charter School for International Cultures and the Arts), “A”, 5%, 4/15/43      1,790,000        1,563,816   
Chautauqua County, NY, Capital Resource Corp. Rev. (Women’s Christian Assn.), “A”, 8%, 11/15/30      3,890,000        4,074,697   

 

31


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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
New York - continued                 
East Rochester, NY, Housing Authority Rev. (Woodland Village Project), 5.5%, 8/01/33    $ 600,000      $ 582,126   
Hudson Yards, NY, Infrastructure Corp. Rev., “A”, 5%, 2/15/47      3,340,000        3,456,065   
Hudson Yards, NY, Infrastructure Corp. Rev., “A”, 5.75%, 2/15/47      3,230,000        3,681,102   
Liberty, NY, Development Corp. Rev. (Goldman Sachs Headquarters), 5.25%, 10/01/35      17,535,000        20,340,951   
New York Dormitory Authority Rev., Non-State Supported Debt (Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center), LOC, 6.5%, 8/15/30      1,570,000        1,835,047   
New York Dormitory Authority Rev., Non-State Supported Debt (Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center), LOC, 6.25%, 2/15/35      975,000        1,108,214   
New York Liberty Development Corp., Liberty Rev. (One Bryant Park LLC), 6.375%, 7/15/49      4,760,000        5,268,796   
New York Urban Development Corp., State Personal Income Tax Rev., “C”, 5%, 3/15/31      8,320,000        9,445,862   
New York, NY, “J-9”, FRN, 0.46%, 8/01/27      3,355,000        3,354,698   
New York, NY, City Industrial Development Agency Rev., Liberty Bonds (IAC/InterActiveCorp), 5%, 9/01/35      2,440,000        2,457,129   
New York, NY, City Industrial Development Agency Special Facility Rev. (American Airlines, Inc. - JFK International Airport Project), 7.625%, 8/01/25      18,935,000        20,977,518   
New York, NY, City Industrial Development Agency Special Facility Rev. (American Airlines, Inc. - JFK International Airport Project), 7.75%, 8/01/31      8,045,000        8,885,461   
New York, NY, City Industrial Development Agency Special Facility Rev. (American Airlines, Inc. - JFK International Airport Project), “B”, 8.5%, 8/01/28      3,125,000        3,216,219   
Niagara County, NY, Industrial Development Agency, Solid Waste Disposal Rev. (Covanta Energy Project), “A”, 5.25%, 11/01/42      12,055,000        12,094,902   
Onondaga, NY, Civic Development Corp. Rev. (St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center), 5%, 7/01/25      505,000        527,503   
Onondaga, NY, Civic Development Corp. Rev. (St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center), 5.125%, 7/01/31      510,000        522,969   

Orange County, NY, Funding Corp. Assisted Living Residence Rev. (The Hamlet at Wallkill Assisted Living Project),

6.5%, 1/01/46

     3,000,000        2,894,880   
Port Authority of NY & NJ, Special Obligation Rev. (JFK International Air Terminal LLC), 6%, 12/01/36      2,435,000        2,811,768   
Port Authority of NY & NJ, Special Obligation Rev. (JFK International Air Terminal LLC), 6%, 12/01/42      2,780,000        3,176,039   
Seneca Nation of Indians, NY, Capital Improvements Authority, Special Obligation, 5%, 12/01/23 (n)      6,470,000        6,779,784   

 

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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
New York - continued                 
Seneca Nation of Indians, NY, Capital Improvements Authority, Special Obligation, “A”, 5.25%, 12/01/16 (n)    $ 215,000      $ 227,752   
Suffolk County, NY, Industrial Development Agency (Medford Hamlet Assisted Living), 6.375%, 1/01/39      1,400,000        1,400,952   
Ulster County, NY, Industrial Development Agency (Woodland Pond), “A”, 6%, 9/15/37      3,925,000        3,193,027   
    

 

 

 
             $ 134,320,969   
North Carolina - 0.5%                 
North Carolina Housing Finance Agency Rev., “30-A”, 5.25%, 7/01/39 (u)    $ 10,565,000      $ 10,690,407   
University of North Carolina, Greensboro, Rev., 5%, 4/01/39      955,000        1,064,013   
    

 

 

 
      $ 11,754,420   
North Dakota - 0.1%                 
Burleigh County, ND, Health Care Rev. (St. Alexius Medical Center Project), “A”, 5%, 7/01/31    $ 385,000      $ 405,405   
Burleigh County, ND, Health Care Rev. (St. Alexius Medical Center Project), “A”, 5%, 7/01/35      385,000        401,405   
North Dakota Housing Finance Agency Rev. (Home Mortgage Finance Program), “A”, 4%, 7/01/34      1,050,000        1,141,655   
    

 

 

 
             $ 1,948,465   
Ohio - 5.6%                 
Bowling Green, OH, Student Housing Rev. (State University Project), 6%, 6/01/45    $ 5,990,000      $ 6,215,404   
Buckeye, OH, Tobacco Settlement Financing Authority, “A-2”, 5.125%, 6/01/24      5,000,000        4,175,150   
Buckeye, OH, Tobacco Settlement Financing Authority, “A-2”, 5.875%, 6/01/30      3,310,000        2,671,799   
Buckeye, OH, Tobacco Settlement Financing Authority, “A-2”, 5.75%, 6/01/34      4,485,000        3,552,972   
Buckeye, OH, Tobacco Settlement Financing Authority, “A-2”, 5.875%, 6/01/47      15,065,000        11,718,762   
Buckeye, OH, Tobacco Settlement Financing Authority, “A-2”, 6.5%, 6/01/47      25,000,000        20,914,250   
Buckeye, OH, Tobacco Settlement Financing Authority, “A-3”, 6.25%, 6/01/37      11,535,000        9,514,299   
Butler County, OH, Hospital Facilities Rev. (UC Health), 5.5%, 11/01/40      5,435,000        5,912,139   
Butler County, OH, Hospital Facilities Rev. (UC Health), 5.75%, 11/01/40      2,210,000        2,440,768   
Cleveland-Cuyahoga County, OH, Port Authority Rev., 7%, 5/15/40      1,165,000        1,275,058   

 

33


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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
Ohio - continued                 
Cleveland-Cuyahoga County, OH, Port Authority Rev. (Columbia National Group), 5%, 5/15/20    $ 860,000      $ 855,760   
Cleveland-Cuyahoga County, OH, Port Authority Rev. (Fairmount), “B”, 5.125%, 5/15/25      420,000        434,087   
Gallia County, OH, Hospital Facilities Rev. (Holzer Health Systems), “A”, 8%, 7/01/42      7,730,000        8,432,271   
Lake County, OH, Hospital Facilities Rev. (Lake Hospital), “C”, 6%, 8/15/43      2,870,000        3,055,172   
Montgomery County, OH, Health Care & Multifamily Housing Rev. (St. Leonard), 6.375%, 4/01/30      2,235,000        2,439,704   
Montgomery County, OH, Health Care & Multifamily Housing Rev. (St. Leonard), 6.625%, 4/01/40      3,230,000        3,528,710   
Muskingum County, OH, Hospital Facilities Rev. (Genesis Health System Obligated Group), 5%, 2/15/33      3,400,000        3,371,576   
Muskingum County, OH, Hospital Facilities Rev. (Genesis Health System Obligated Group), 5%, 2/15/44      1,635,000        1,600,387   
Muskingum County, OH, Hospital Facilities Rev. (Genesis Health System Obligated Group), 5%, 2/15/48      3,400,000        3,282,122   
Ohio Air Quality Development Authority Rev. (FirstEnergy Corp.), “A”, 5.7%, 8/01/20      4,335,000        4,990,192   
Ohio Higher Educational Facility Commission (University Hospital Health System), “A”, 6.75%, 1/15/39 (Prerefunded 1/01/15)      5,390,000        5,547,981   
Ohio Solid Waste Rev. (Republic Services, Inc. Project), 0.3%, 11/01/35 (Put Date 9/02/14)      3,280,000        3,280,000   
Riversouth, OH, Authority Rev. (Lazarus Building), “A”, 5.75%, 12/01/27      3,975,000        4,034,546   
Scioto County, OH, Hospital Facilities Rev. (Southern Ohio Medical Center), 5.625%, 2/15/31      1,370,000        1,470,983   
Scioto County, OH, Hospital Facilities Rev. (Southern Ohio Medical Center), 5.75%, 2/15/38      4,100,000        4,368,550   
Southeastern Ohio Port Authority, Hospital Facilities Rev. (Memorial Health System), 5.75%, 12/01/32      3,725,000        3,791,156   
Summit County, OH, Port Authority Building Rev. (Flats East Development Recovery Zone Facility Bonds), 6.875%, 5/15/40      440,000        481,510   
Summit County, OH, Port Authority Building Rev. (Seville Project), “A”, 5.1%, 5/15/25      475,000        475,404   
Summit County, OH, Port Authority Building Rev. (Workforce Policy Board), “F”, 4.875%, 11/15/25      2,380,000        2,384,736   
The Ohio State University, Special Purpose Rev., “A”, 5%, 6/01/38 (u)      3,355,000        3,704,490   
The Ohio State University, Special Purpose Rev., “A”, 5%, 6/01/43 (u)      8,150,000        8,953,753   
    

 

 

 
      $ 138,873,691   

 

34


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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
Oklahoma - 1.1%                 
Fort Sill Apache Tribe, OK, Economic Development Authority, Gaming Enterprise., “A”, 8.5%, 8/25/26 (n)    $ 2,710,000      $ 3,146,798   
Norman, OK, Regional Hospital Authority Rev., 5%, 9/01/27      1,350,000        1,397,709   
Norman, OK, Regional Hospital Authority Rev., 5.375%, 9/01/29      795,000        816,982   
Oklahoma Development Finance Authority Continuing Care Retirement Community Rev. (Inverness Village), 5.75%, 1/01/37      3,720,000        3,771,708   
Tulsa County, OK, Industrial Authority, Senior Living Community Rev. (Montereau, Inc.), “A”, 7.25%, 11/01/45      3,500,000        3,796,660   
Tulsa, OK, Industrial Authority Rev. (University of Tulsa), 6%, 10/01/27      4,795,000        5,514,250   
Tulsa, OK, Municipal Airport Trust Rev. (American Airlines, Inc.), “B”, 5.5%, 6/01/35      2,205,000        2,276,354   
Tulsa, OK, Municipal Airport Trust Rev. (American Airlines, Inc.), “B”, 5.5%, 12/01/35      6,615,000        6,872,059   
    

 

 

 
      $ 27,592,520   
Oregon - 0.4%                 
Forest Grove, OR, Campus Improvement Rev. (Pacific University Project), “A”, 4.5%, 5/01/29    $ 655,000      $ 678,783   
Forest Grove, OR, Campus Improvement Rev. (Pacific University Project), “A”, 5%, 5/01/40      815,000        869,295   
Forest Grove, OR, Student Housing Rev. (Oak Tree Foundation, Inc.), 5.5%, 3/01/37      2,775,000        2,785,406   
Oregon Facilities Authority Rev. (Concordia University Project), “A”, 6.125%, 9/01/30      2,585,000        2,741,134   
Oregon Facilities Authority Rev. (Concordia University Project), “A”, 6.375%, 9/01/40      4,100,000        4,358,874   
    

 

 

 
             $ 11,433,492   
Pennsylvania - 4.4%                 
Allegheny County, PA, Higher Education Building Authority Rev. (Robert Morris University), “A”, 5.9%, 10/15/28    $ 1,305,000      $ 1,465,084   
Allegheny County, PA, Higher Education Building Authority Rev. (Robert Morris University), “A”, 6%, 10/15/38      2,025,000        2,151,704   
Allentown, PA, Neighborhood Improvement Zone Development Authority Tax Rev., “A”, 5%, 5/01/35      1,110,000        1,142,934   
Allentown, PA, Neighborhood Improvement Zone Development Authority Tax Rev., “A”, 5%, 5/01/42      4,605,000        4,714,461   
Bucks County, PA, Industrial Development Authority Rev. (Lutheran Community Telford Center), 5.75%, 1/01/27      620,000        627,725   
Bucks County, PA, Industrial Development Authority Rev. (Lutheran Community Telford Center), 5.75%, 1/01/37      800,000        802,080   
Chartiers Valley, PA, Industrial & Commercial Development Authority (Asbury Health Center Project), 5.75%, 12/01/22      500,000        504,055   

 

35


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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
Pennsylvania - continued                 
Clairton, PA, Municipal Authority, “B”, 5%, 12/01/37    $ 1,735,000      $ 1,820,345   
Clarion County, PA, Industrial Development Authority, Student Housing Rev. (Clarion University Foundation, Inc.), 5%, 7/01/34      330,000        339,336   
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, State Public School Building Authority Lease Rev. (School District of Philadelphia Project), 5%, 4/01/28      1,740,000        1,895,573   
Cumberland County, PA, Municipal Authority Rev. (Asbury Atlantic, Inc.), 6%, 1/01/30      1,035,000        1,104,624   
Cumberland County, PA, Municipal Authority Rev. (Asbury Atlantic, Inc.), 6%, 1/01/40      2,495,000        2,648,118   
Cumberland County, PA, Municipal Authority Rev. (Asbury Atlantic, Inc.), 5.25%, 1/01/41      965,000        966,119   
Cumberland County, PA, Municipal Authority Rev. (Asbury Atlantic, Inc.), 6.125%, 1/01/45      7,220,000        7,702,152   
Cumberland County, PA, Municipal Authority Rev. (Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries), 6.125%, 1/01/29      905,000        986,133   
Cumberland County, PA, Municipal Authority Rev. (Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries), 6.375%, 1/01/39      7,060,000        7,656,641   
Delaware County, PA, Authority College Rev. (Neumann University), 6%, 10/01/25      510,000        580,666   
Delaware County, PA, Authority University Rev. (Neumann University), 6.125%, 10/01/34      250,000        284,808   
Delaware Valley, PA, Regional Finance Authority, 5.75%, 7/01/17      3,520,000        3,939,443   
Delaware Valley, PA, Regional Finance Authority, AMBAC, 5.5%, 8/01/18      1,380,000        1,567,694   
Delaware Valley, PA, Regional Finance Authority, “B”, FRN, AMBAC, 0.035%, 8/01/18      500,000        500,000   
Delaware Valley, PA, Regional Finance Authority, RITES, FRN, AMBAC, 10.352%, 8/01/18 (p)      150,000        190,805   
East Hempfield, PA, Industrial Development Authority Rev. (Millersville University Student Services), 5%, 7/01/39      325,000        332,121   
East Hempfield, PA, Industrial Development Authority Rev. (Millersville University Student Services), 5%, 7/01/46      180,000        182,945   
Lebanon County, PA, Health Facilities Authority Rev. (Good Samaritan Hospital), 5.9%, 11/15/28      1,890,000        1,890,284   
Lebanon County, PA, Health Facilities Authority Rev. (Good Samaritan Hospital), 6%, 11/15/35      5,500,000        5,500,220   
Lehigh County, PA, Water and Sewer Authority Rev. (Allentown Concession), “A”, 5%, 12/01/43      7,735,000        8,269,411   
Luzerne County, PA, AGM, 6.75%, 11/01/23      1,220,000        1,400,658   
Montgomery County, PA, Higher Education & Health Authority Rev. (AHF/Montgomery), 6.875%, 4/01/36      4,455,000        4,653,337   

 

36


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
Pennsylvania - continued                 
Montgomery County, PA, Industrial Development Authority (Wordsworth Academy), 8%, 9/01/24    $ 2,145,000      $ 2,146,351   
Northampton County, PA, General Purpose Authority Hospital Rev. (St. Luke’s Hospital), “A”, 5.5%, 8/15/40      1,075,000        1,127,084   
Pennsylvania Economic Development Financing Authority Rev., Resource Recovery Rev. (Colver), “G”, 5.125%, 12/01/15      800,000        826,480   
Pennsylvania Economic Development Financing Authority, Sewer Sludge Disposal Rev. (Philadelphia Biosolids Facility), 6.25%, 1/01/32      3,415,000        3,705,582   
Pennsylvania Higher Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (East Stroudsburg University), 5%, 7/01/42      2,525,000        2,575,298   
Pennsylvania Higher Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Edinboro University Foundation), 5.8%, 7/01/30      740,000        793,332   
Pennsylvania Higher Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Edinboro University Foundation), 6%, 7/01/43      1,050,000        1,103,613   
Pennsylvania Higher Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Saint Francis University Project), “JJ2”, 6.25%, 11/01/41      1,545,000        1,705,325   
Pennsylvania Higher Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Shippensburg University Student Services), 6.25%, 10/01/43      5,500,000        6,154,225   
Philadelphia, PA, Authority for Industrial Development Rev. (Discovery Charter School Project), 6.25%, 4/01/37      1,065,000        1,096,173   
Philadelphia, PA, Authority for Industrial Development Rev. (Discovery Charter School Project), 6.25%, 4/01/42      1,950,000        1,992,569   
Philadelphia, PA, Authority for Industrial Development Rev. (MaST Charter School), 6%, 8/01/35      470,000        503,088   
Philadelphia, PA, Authority for Industrial Development Rev. (Philadelphia Performing Arts Charter School Project), 6.5%, 6/15/33      2,780,000        2,887,836   
Philadelphia, PA, Authority for Industrial Development Rev. (Philadelphia Performing Arts Charter School Project), 6.75%, 6/15/43      5,820,000        6,035,340   
Philadelphia, PA, Authority for Industrial Development Rev. (Tacony Academy Charter School ), 6.875%, 6/15/33      1,145,000        1,193,010   
Philadelphia, PA, Authority for Industrial Development Rev. (Tacony Academy Charter School Project), “A-1”, 6.75%, 6/15/33      850,000        878,492   
Philadelphia, PA, Authority for Industrial Development Rev. (Tacony Academy Charter School Project), “A-1”, 7%, 6/15/43      1,670,000        1,724,258   
Philadelphia, PA, Authority for Industrial Development Rev. (Tacony Academy Charter School), 7.375%, 6/15/43      1,975,000        2,088,444   
Philadelphia, PA, Municipal Authority Rev., 6.5%, 4/01/34      1,060,000        1,221,523   
Washington County, PA, Redevelopment Authority (Victory Centre Project), “A”, 5.45%, 7/01/35      750,000        763,185   

 

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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
Pennsylvania - continued                 
Wilkes-Barre, PA, Finance Authority Rev. (Wilkes University), 5%, 3/01/37    $ 3,000,000      $ 3,038,130   
    

 

 

 
      $ 109,378,814   
Puerto Rico - 0.7%                 
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Highway & Transportation Authority Rev., AGM, 5.5%, 7/01/29    $ 80,000      $ 76,166   
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Public Improvement, “A”, NATL, 5.5%, 7/01/16      345,000        351,914   
Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority Rev., NATL, 5%, 7/01/19      740,000        751,862   
Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority Rev., “KK”, NATL, 5.5%, 7/01/16      175,000        178,892   
Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority Rev., “LL”, NATL, 5.5%, 7/01/17      145,000        148,386   
Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority Rev., “MM”, NATL, 5%, 7/01/20      65,000        62,742   
Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority Rev., “PP”, NATL, 5%, 7/01/24      70,000        64,875   
Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority Rev., “UU”, NATL, 4.5%, 7/01/18      155,000        149,558   
Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority Rev., “UU”, NATL, 5%, 7/01/22      260,000        252,390   
Puerto Rico Industrial, Tourist, Educational, Medical & Environmental Control Facilities Financing Authority (Cogeneration Facilities - AES Puerto Rico Project), 6.625%, 6/01/26      4,530,000        3,770,455   
Puerto Rico Industrial, Tourist, Educational, Medical, & Environmental Control Facilities Financing Authority, Higher Education Rev. (Ana G. Mendez University System Project), 5%, 4/01/17      505,000        496,486   
Puerto Rico Industrial, Tourist, Educational, Medical, & Environmental Control Facilities Financing Authority, Higher Education Rev. (Ana G. Mendez University System Project), 5%, 4/01/18      320,000        312,678   
Puerto Rico Industrial, Tourist, Educational, Medical, & Environmental Control Facilities Financing Authority, Higher Education Rev. (Ana G. Mendez University System Project), 4%, 4/01/20      165,000        151,440   
Puerto Rico Industrial, Tourist, Educational, Medical, & Environmental Control Facilities Financing Authority, Higher Education Rev. (Ana G. Mendez University System Project), 5%, 4/01/21      570,000        547,200   

 

38


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
Puerto Rico - continued                 
Puerto Rico Industrial, Tourist, Educational, Medical, & Environmental Control Facilities Financing Authority, Higher Education Rev. (Ana G. Mendez University System Project), 5%, 4/01/22    $ 645,000      $ 615,717   
Puerto Rico Industrial, Tourist, Educational, Medical, & Environmental Control Facilities Financing Authority, Higher Education Rev. (Ana G. Mendez University System Project), 5%, 4/01/27      1,090,000        994,222   
Puerto Rico Industrial, Tourist, Educational, Medical, & Environmental Control Facilities Financing Authority, Higher Education Rev. (Ana G. Mendez University System Project), 5.125%, 4/01/32      840,000        725,214   
Puerto Rico Industrial, Tourist, Educational, Medical, & Environmental Control Facilities Financing Authority, Higher Education Rev. (Ana G. Mendez University System Project), 5.375%, 4/01/42      1,625,000        1,332,695   
Puerto Rico Industrial, Tourist, Medical, & Environmental Central Facilities (University of Sacred Heart), 4.375%, 10/01/31      525,000        418,189   
Puerto Rico Industrial, Tourist, Medical, & Environmental Central Facilities (University of Sacred Heart), 5%, 10/01/42      260,000        202,966   
Puerto Rico Sales Tax Financing Corp., Sales Tax Rev., “C”, 5%, 8/01/40      5,570,000        4,315,859   
Puerto Rico Sales Tax Financing Corp., Sales Tax Rev., Capital Appreciation, “A”, 0%, 8/01/47      14,305,000        1,616,322   
    

 

 

 
      $ 17,536,228   
South Carolina - 0.5%                 
Lancaster County, SC, Assessment Rev. (Sun City Carolina Lakes), 5.45%, 12/01/37    $ 1,440,000      $ 1,439,611   
North Charleston, SC, Housing Authority Rev. (Horizon Village), “A”, GNMA, 5.15%, 2/20/48      1,380,000        1,390,322   
Richland County, SC, Environmental Improvement Rev. (International Paper), “A”, 3.875%, 4/01/23      4,130,000        4,332,783   
South Carolina Jobs & Economic Development Authority Rev. (Woodlands at Furman), “A”, 6%, 11/15/32      1,311,828        1,091,454   
South Carolina Jobs & Economic Development Authority Rev. (Woodlands at Furman), “A”, 6%, 11/15/47      2,712,274        2,019,966   
South Carolina Jobs & Economic Development Authority Rev. (Woodlands at Furman), Capital Appreciation, “B”, 0%, 11/15/47      562,212        9,282   
South Carolina Jobs & Economic Development Authority Rev. (Woodlands at Furman), Capital Appreciation, “B”, 0%, 11/15/47      516,379        8,525   

 

39


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
South Carolina - continued                 
South Carolina Jobs & Economic Development Authority, Health Facilities Rev. (Lutheran Homes of South Carolina, Inc.), 5.125%, 5/01/48    $ 805,000      $ 768,324   
South Carolina Jobs & Economic Development Authority, Hospital Rev. (Palmetto Health), 5.75%, 8/01/39      940,000        1,011,966   
York County, SC, Industrial Rev. (Hoechst Celanese), 5.7%, 1/01/24      130,000        130,013   
    

 

 

 
             $ 12,202,246   
Tennessee - 2.4%                 
Chattanooga, TN, Health Educational & Housing Facility Board Rev. (Catholic Health Initiatives), “A”, 5.25%, 1/01/45    $ 2,270,000      $ 2,469,079   
Claiborne County, TN, Industrial Development Board Rev. (Lincoln Memorial University Project), 6.125%, 10/01/40      5,000,000        5,382,200   
Hardeman County, TN, Correctional Facilities Rev., 7.75%, 8/01/17      2,200,000        2,212,518   
Johnson City, TN, Health & Educational Facilities Board Rev. (Appalachian Christian Village Project), “A”, 5%, 2/15/43      3,000,000        2,986,410   
Johnson City, TN, Health & Educational Facilities Board, Hospital Rev. (Mountain States Health Alliance), 6%, 7/01/38      1,700,000        1,906,618   
Memphis, TN, Refunding General Improvement, “B”, 5%, 4/01/31      2,735,000        3,128,813   
Nashville & Davidson County, TN, Metropolitan Government Health & Educational Facilities Board (Vanderbilt University), “A”, 5%, 10/01/39 (u)      10,000,000        11,114,900   
Nashville & Davidson County, TN, Metropolitan Government Health & Educational Facilities Board (Vanderbilt University), “B”, 5%, 10/01/39 (u)      10,000,000        11,038,900   
Tennessee Energy Acquisition Corp., Gas Rev., “A”, 5.25%, 9/01/19      12,055,000        13,686,283   
Tennessee Energy Acquisition Corp., Gas Rev., “A”, 5.25%, 9/01/22      2,105,000        2,409,804   
Tennessee Energy Acquisition Corp., Gas Rev., “A”, 5.25%, 9/01/24      3,625,000        4,133,044   
    

 

 

 
             $ 60,468,569   
Texas - 9.2%                 
Austin, TX, Convention Center (Convention Enterprises, Inc.), “A”, SYNCORA, 5.25%, 1/01/17    $ 845,000      $ 891,805   
Austin, TX, Convention Center (Convention Enterprises, Inc.), “A”, SYNCORA, 5.25%, 1/01/20      830,000        879,153   
Austin, TX, Convention Center (Convention Enterprises, Inc.), “A”, SYNCORA, 5.25%, 1/01/24      4,640,000        4,852,930   

 

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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
Texas - continued                 
Bell County, TX, Health Facility Development Corp. (Advanced Living Technologies, Inc.), Capital Appreciation 8%, 12/15/36 (a)(d)    $ 4,650,000      $ 930   
Brazoria County, TX, Health Facilities Development Corp., Hospital Rev. (Brazosport Regional Health System), 5.5%, 7/01/42      4,500,000        4,320,180   
Brazos River, TX, Harbor Navigation District (Dow Chemical Co.), “A”, 5.95%, 5/15/33      8,190,000        8,942,743   
Brazos River, TX, Harbor Navigation District (Dow Chemical Co.), “B-2”, 4.95%, 5/15/33      1,625,000        1,728,350   
Cass County, TX, Industrial Development Corp. (International Paper Co.), “A”, 4.625%, 3/01/27      3,750,000        3,807,563   
Clifton, TX, Higher Education Finance Corp. Rev. (Idea Public Schools), 6%, 8/15/33      845,000        964,432   
Clifton, TX, Higher Education Finance Corp. Rev. (Idea Public Schools), 5.75%, 8/15/41      695,000        754,680   
Clifton, TX, Higher Education Finance Corp. Rev. (Idea Public Schools), 5%, 8/15/42      2,385,000        2,490,703   
Clifton, TX, Higher Education Finance Corp. Rev. (Idea Public Schools), 6%, 8/15/43      1,850,000        2,099,528   
Clifton, TX, Higher Education Finance Corp. Rev. (Uplift Education), “A”, 6.125%, 12/01/40      4,940,000        5,538,530   
Clifton, TX, Higher Education Finance Corp. Rev. (Uplift Education), “A”, 6.25%, 12/01/45      1,670,000        1,878,950   
Dallas and Fort Worth, TX, International Airport Rev., “A”, 5%, 11/01/38      4,430,000        4,615,041   
Dallas and Fort Worth, TX, International Airport Rev., “B”, 5%, 11/01/44      4,370,000        4,712,084   
Dallas and Fort Worth, TX, International Airport Rev., “C”, 5%, 11/01/45      9,175,000        9,811,653   
Deaf Smith County, TX, Hospital District, “A”, 6.5%, 3/01/40      3,800,000        4,355,902   
Decatur Hospital Authority Rev. (Wise Regional Health System), “A”, 5.25%, 9/01/44      1,860,000        1,880,813   
Gulf Coast Waste Disposal Authority (Waste Management, Inc.), 5.2%, 5/01/28      3,260,000        3,402,364   
Gulf Coast, TX, Industrial Development Authority Rev. (CITGO Petroleum Corp.), 4.875%, 5/01/25      4,640,000        4,666,077   
Gulf Coast, TX, Industrial Development Authority Rev. (Microgy Holdings Project), 7%, 12/01/36 (a)(d)      746,831        7,468   
Harris County, Houston, TX, Sports Authority Rev., Capital Appreciation, “A”, 0%, 11/15/34      4,580,000        1,586,741   
Harris County, Houston, TX, Sports Authority Rev., Capital Appreciation, “A”, 0%, 11/15/38      40,280,000        10,768,455   

 

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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
Texas - continued                 
Harris County, Houston, TX, Sports Authority, Special Rev., “A”, NATL, 5%, 11/15/25    $ 6,780,000      $ 6,783,661   
Harris County, TX, 5.625%, 5/01/20      1,165,857        1,166,906   
Harris County, TX, Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corp. Medical Facilities Rev. (Baylor College of Medicine), “D”, 5.625%, 11/15/32      4,535,000        5,173,619   
Harris County, TX, Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corp. Rev. (Brazos Presbyterian Homes Inc. Project), 7%, 1/01/43      2,265,000        2,534,716   
Harris County, TX, Health Facilities Development Corp., Hospital Rev. (Memorial Hermann Healthcare Systems), “B”, 7.25%, 12/01/35 (Prerefunded 12/01/18)      2,400,000        3,030,600   
Houston, TX, Airport Systems Rev., “B”, 5%, 7/01/26      1,335,000        1,511,060   
Houston, TX, Airport Systems Rev., Special Facilities Rev. (Continental Airlines, Inc.), 6.625%, 7/15/38      5,630,000        6,265,627   
Houston, TX, Airport Systems Rev., Special Facilities Rev. (Continental Airlines, Inc.), “B”, 6.125%, 7/15/17      1,430,000        1,432,274   
Houston, TX, Airport Systems Rev., Special Facilities Rev. (United Airlines, Inc. Terminal E Project), 4.5%, 7/01/20      2,630,000        2,688,754   
Houston, TX, Airport Systems Rev., Special Facilities Rev. (United Airlines, Inc. Terminal E Project), 4.75%, 7/01/24      5,015,000        5,162,642   
Houston, TX, Airport Systems Rev., Special Facilities Rev. (United Airlines, Inc. Terminal E Project), 5%, 7/01/29      9,655,000        9,744,695   
Houston, TX, Industrial Development Corp. (United Parcel Service, Inc.), 6%, 3/01/23      190,000        194,083   
Jefferson County, TX, Housing Finance Corp., Capital Appreciation, NATL, 0%, 9/01/15      236,436        210,991   
La Vernia, TX, Higher Education Finance Corp. Rev. (KIPP, Inc.), “A”, 6.25%, 8/15/39      1,670,000        1,830,036   
La Vernia, TX, Higher Education Finance Corp. Rev. (Lifeschool of Dallas), “A”, 7.5%, 8/15/41 (Prerefunded 8/15/19)      4,385,000        5,704,008   
Lufkin, TX, Health Facilities Development Corp. Rev. (Memorial Health System), 5.5%, 2/15/37      6,400,000        6,662,912   
Lufkin, TX, Health Facilities Development Corp. Rev. (Memorial Health System), 6.25%, 2/15/37      4,340,000        4,782,203   
Matagorda County, TX, Pollution Control Rev. (Central Power & Light Co.), “A”, 6.3%, 11/01/29      2,680,000        3,064,580   
New Hope, TX, Cultural Education Facilities Corp., Student Housing Rev. (Texas A&M University Project), “A”, 5%, 4/01/44      5,000,000        5,099,500   
New Hope, TX, Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corp. Student Housing Rev. (Texas A&M University Project), “A”, 5%, 4/01/46      805,000        853,670   
North Texas Education Finance Corp., Education Rev. (Uplift Education), “A”, 5.125%, 12/01/42      2,355,000        2,433,728   
North Texas Tollway Authority Rev., 6%, 1/01/43      1,280,000        1,478,029   

 

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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
Texas - continued                 
Port of Bay, TX, City Authority (Hoechst Celanese Corp.), 6.5%, 5/01/26    $ 2,500,000      $ 2,503,775   
Red River Authority, TX, Pollution Control Rev. (Celanese Project) “A”, 6.45%, 11/01/30      430,000        430,942   
Red River Authority, TX, Pollution Control Rev. (Celanese Project) “B”, 6.7%, 11/01/30      5,380,000        5,391,782   
Red River, TX, Health Facilities Development Corp., 5.4%, 11/15/28 (a)      880,000        325,600   
Red River, TX, Health Facilities Development Corp., 6.05%, 11/15/46 (a)      3,654,000        1,351,980   
Red River, TX, Health Facilities Development Corp., 6.05%, 11/15/46 (a)      766,000        283,420   
Red River, TX, Health Facilities Development Corp., 6.25%, 5/09/53 (a)      390,000        144,300   
Red River, TX, Health Facilities Development Corp., Retirement Facilities Rev. (MRC The Crossings Project), “A”, 7.5%, 11/15/34      1,075,000        1,105,820   
Red River, TX, Health Facilities Development Corp., Retirement Facilities Rev. (MRC The Crossings Project), “A”, 7.75%, 11/15/44      1,970,000        2,034,419   
Red River, TX, Health Facilities Development Corp., Retirement Facilities Rev. (MRC The Crossings Project), “A”, 8%, 11/15/49      1,680,000        1,749,518   
Red River, TX, Health Facilities Development Corp., Retirement Facilities Rev. (MRC The Crossings Project), “B-2”, 5%, 11/15/19      355,000        359,278   
Royse City, TX, Independent School District, School Building, Capital Appreciation, PSF, 0%, 8/15/27      2,960,000        1,619,653   
Royse City, TX, Independent School District, School Building, Capital Appreciation, PSF, 0%, 8/15/29      2,995,000        1,470,575   
SA Energy Acquisition Public Facility Corp. (Tex Gas Supply), 5.5%, 8/01/27      4,000,000        4,603,200   
San Juan, TX, Higher Education Finance Authority Education Rev. (Idea Public Schools), “A”, 6.7%, 8/15/40      2,955,000        3,466,599   
San Leanna, TX, Educational Facilities Corp., Higher Education Rev. (St. Edwards University), 5.125%, 6/01/36      1,055,000        1,075,024   
Tarrant County, TX, Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corp. Retirement Facility (Air Force Village Foundation, Inc.), 5.75%, 11/15/19      500,000        558,605   
Tarrant County, TX, Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corp. Retirement Facility (Air Force Village Foundation, Inc.), 6.125%, 11/15/29      520,000        561,288   
Tarrant County, TX, Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corp. Retirement Facility (Air Force Village Foundation, Inc.), 5.125%, 5/15/37      835,000        831,042   

 

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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
Texas - continued                 
Tarrant County, TX, Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corp. Retirement Facility (Air Force Village Foundation, Inc.), 6.375%, 11/15/44    $ 3,515,000      $ 3,746,498   
Tarrant County, TX, Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corp. Retirement Facility (Stayton at Museum Way), 8%, 11/15/28      1,000,000        882,830   
Tarrant County, TX, Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corp. Retirement Facility (Stayton at Museum Way), 8.25%, 11/15/44      7,500,000        6,630,825   
Texas Affordable Housing Corp. (Single Family Mortgage), “B”, GNMA, 5.25%, 9/01/39      1,155,000        1,192,076   
Texas Private Activity Surface Transportation Corp. Senior Lien Rev. (NTE Mobility Partners Segments 3 LLC Segments 3A & 3B Facility), 7%, 12/31/38      1,375,000        1,672,179   
Texas Private Activity Surface Transportation Corp. Senior Lien Rev. (NTE Mobility Partners Segments 3 LLC Segments 3A & 3B Facility), 6.75%, 6/30/43      1,105,000        1,312,033   
Texas Transportation Commission State Highway Fund (First Tier), “A”, 4.75%, 4/01/17      6,620,000        7,355,681   
Travis County, TX, Health Facilities Development Corp. Rev. (Westminster Manor Health), 7%, 11/01/30      3,940,000        4,463,390   
Travis County, TX, Health Facilities Development Corp. Rev. (Westminster Manor Health), 7.125%, 11/01/40      3,560,000        3,991,152   
Travis County, TX, Health Facilities Development Corp., Retirement Facilities Rev. (Querencia Barton Creek), 5.5%, 11/15/25      1,440,000        1,453,118   
Tyler, TX, Health Facilities Development Corp. (East Texas Medical Center), “A”, 5.25%, 11/01/32      3,515,000        3,548,006   
    

 

 

 
      $ 228,879,977   
U.S. Virgin Islands - 0.2%                 
Virgin Islands Public Finance Authority Rev. (Diageo Project), “A”, 6.75%, 10/01/37    $ 4,090,000      $ 4,459,859   
Utah - 0.7%                 
Utah County, UT, Charter School Finance Authority, Charter School Rev. (Early Light Academy Project), 8.25%, 7/15/35    $ 3,730,000      $ 4,197,593   
Utah County, UT, Charter School Finance Authority, Charter School Rev. (Hawthorne Academy Project), 8.25%, 7/15/35 (Prerefunded 7/15/18)      4,015,000        5,166,181   
Utah County, UT, Charter School Rev. (Renaissance Academy), “A”, 5.625%, 7/15/37      2,405,000        2,239,584   
Utah County, UT, Charter School Rev. (Ronald Wilson Reagan Academy), “A”, 6%, 2/15/38      6,070,000        6,195,224   
    

 

 

 
      $ 17,798,582   

 

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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
Vermont - 0.2%                 
Burlington, VT, Airport Rev., “A”, 4%, 7/01/28    $ 1,565,000      $ 1,403,633   
Vermont Economic Development Authority, Solid Waste Disposal Rev. (Casella Waste Systems, Inc.), 4.75%, 4/01/36 (Put Date 4/02/18)      3,275,000        3,206,029   
    

 

 

 
      $ 4,609,662   
Virginia - 1.1%                 
Embrey Mill Community Development Authority, VA, Special Assessment Rev., 7.25%, 3/01/43    $ 4,785,000      $ 4,848,497   
Giles County, VA, Industrial Development Authority Rev. (Celanese Corp.), 6.45%, 5/01/26      1,000,000        1,000,630   
James City County, VA, Economic Development Authority, Residential Care Facilities Rev. (Virginia United Methodist Homes of Williamsburg), “A”, 2%, 10/01/48 (a)      981,912        26,001   
Norfolk, VA, Redevelopment & Housing Authority Rev. (Fort Norfolk Retirement Community), “A”, 6%, 1/01/25      785,000        785,228   
Norfolk, VA, Redevelopment & Housing Authority Rev. (Fort Norfolk Retirement Community), “A”, 6.125%, 1/01/35      3,530,000        3,540,025   
Peninsula Ports Authority, VA, Coal Terminal Rev. (Dominion Terminal Associates), 6%, 4/01/33      530,000        530,228   
Virginia Small Business Financing Authority Rev. (Elizabeth River Crossings Opco LLC Project), 6%, 1/01/37      6,065,000        6,689,756   
Virginia Small Business Financing Authority Rev. (Elizabeth River Crossings Opco LLC Project), 5.5%, 1/01/42      9,705,000        10,277,983   
West Point, VA, Industrial Development Authority, Solid Waste Disposal Rev. (Chesapeake Corp.), “A”, 6.375%, 3/01/19 (a)(d)      769,496        77   
West Point, VA, Industrial Development Authority, Solid Waste Disposal Rev. (Chesapeake Corp.), “B”, 6.25%, 3/01/19 (a)(d)      6,569,571        657   
    

 

 

 
             $ 27,699,082   
Washington - 2.5%                 
Port Seattle, WA, Industrial Development Corp., Special Facilities Rev. (Delta Airlines, Inc.), 5%, 4/01/30    $ 4,000,000      $ 4,013,680   
Skagit County, WA, Public Hospital District No. 001 Rev. (Skagit Valley Hospital), 5.5%, 12/01/30      2,750,000        2,782,258   
Skagit County, WA, Public Hospital District No. 001 Rev. (Skagit Valley Hospital), 5.75%, 12/01/32      2,205,000        2,405,501   
Washington Health Care Facilities Authority Rev. (Central Washington Health Services), 6.75%, 7/01/29      1,550,000        1,765,450   
Washington Health Care Facilities Authority Rev. (Central Washington Health Services), 7%, 7/01/39      3,665,000        4,181,692   
Washington Health Care Facilities Authority Rev. (Highline Medical Center), FHA, 6.25%, 8/01/36      5,670,000        6,828,721   
Washington Health Care Facilities Authority Rev. (Virginia Mason Medical Center), “A”, 6.25%, 8/15/42      5,075,000        5,313,474   

 

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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
Washington - continued                 
Washington Health Care Facilities Authority Rev. (Virginia Mason Medical Center), “B”, ACA, 5.75%, 8/15/37    $ 1,000,000      $ 1,050,010   
Washington Higher Education Facilities Authority Rev. (Whitworth University), 5.875%, 10/01/34      2,435,000        2,747,143   
Washington Housing Finance Community Nonprofit Housing Rev. (Rockwood Retirement Communities), 5.125%, 1/01/20      4,095,000        4,143,976   
Washington Motor Vehicle Fuel Tax, “B”, NATL, 5%, 7/01/32 (u)      25,010,000        27,564,521   
    

 

 

 
      $ 62,796,426   
West Virginia - 0.3%                 
Ohio County, WV, Commission Tax Increment Rev. (Fort Henry Centre), “A”, 5.85%, 6/01/34    $ 865,000      $ 888,640   
West Virginia Hospital Finance Authority Rev. (Charleston Area Medical Center), “A”, 5%, 9/01/27      2,100,000        2,335,221   
West Virginia Hospital Finance Authority Rev. (Charleston Area Medical Center), “A”, 5%, 9/01/28      1,000,000        1,104,030   
West Virginia Hospital Finance Authority, Hospital Rev. (Thomas Health System), 6.5%, 10/01/38      3,450,000        3,538,976   
    

 

 

 
      $ 7,866,867   
Wisconsin - 2.2%                 
Wisconsin Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (American Eagle Nursing Home), 7.15%, 6/01/28    $ 3,300,000      $ 3,466,518   
Wisconsin Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Beloit College), “A”, 6.125%, 6/01/35      710,000        772,636   
Wisconsin Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Beloit College), “A”, 6.125%, 6/01/39      1,435,000        1,557,750   
Wisconsin Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Meritor Hospital), “A”, 5.5%, 5/01/31 (Prerefunded 5/01/21)      1,855,000        2,303,316   
Wisconsin Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Meritor Hospital), “A”, 6%, 5/01/41 (Prerefunded 5/01/21)      1,405,000        1,789,127   
Wisconsin Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Sauk-Prairie Memorial Hospital), 5.25%, 2/01/43      4,695,000        4,667,487   
Wisconsin Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Sauk-Prairie Memorial Hospital), “A”, 5.125%, 2/01/38      3,000,000        2,973,690   
Wisconsin Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (St. John’s Community, Inc.), “A”, 7.25%, 9/15/29      485,000        556,460   
Wisconsin Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (St. John’s Community, Inc.), “A”, 7.625%, 9/15/39      1,960,000        2,265,780   
Wisconsin Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Wheaton Franciscan Services), 5.25%, 8/15/34      4,155,000        4,281,312   
Wisconsin Public Finance Authority Senior Living Rev. (Rose Villa Project), “A”, 5.125%, 11/15/29      1,905,000        1,862,423   

 

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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
Wisconsin - continued                 
Wisconsin Public Finance Authority Senior Living Rev. (Rose Villa Project), “A”, 5.5%, 11/15/34    $ 1,730,000      $ 1,705,936   
Wisconsin Public Finance Authority Senior Living Rev. (Rose Villa Project), “A”, 5.75%, 11/15/44      1,685,000        1,686,129   
Wisconsin Public Finance Authority Senior Living Rev. (Rose Villa Project), “A”, 6%, 11/15/49      1,350,000        1,366,376   
Wisconsin Public Finance Authority Senior Living Rev. (Rose Villa Project), “B-3”, 3.75%, 11/15/19      1,160,000        1,173,908   
Wisconsin Public Finance Authority, Airport Facilities Rev. (Transportation Infrastructure Properties LLC), “B”, 5%, 7/01/22      1,470,000        1,617,882   
Wisconsin Public Finance Authority, Airport Facilities Rev. (Transportation Infrastructure Properties LLC), “B”, 5.25%, 7/01/28      2,175,000        2,377,667   
Wisconsin Public Finance Authority, Airport Facilities Rev. (Transportation Infrastructure Properties LLC), “B”, 5%, 7/01/42      17,610,000        17,711,962   
    

 

 

 
             $ 54,136,359   
Total Municipal Bonds
(Identified Cost, $2,266,105,869)
           $ 2,391,460,724   
Floating Rate Demand Notes - 0.2%                 
Sublette County, WY, Pollution Control Rev. (Exxon Mobil Corp.), 0.04%, due 8/01/14, at Identified Cost    $ 6,100,000      $ 6,100,000   
Money Market Funds - 6.1%                 
MFS Institutional Money Market Portfolio, 0.09%, at Cost and Net Asset Value (v)      151,341,143      $ 151,341,143   
Total Investments (Identified Cost, $2,423,547,012)            $ 2,548,901,867   
Other Assets, Less Liabilities - (2.1)%              (52,424,058
Net Assets - 100.0%            $ 2,496,477,809   

 

(a) Non-income producing security.
(d) In default. Interest and/or scheduled principal payment(s) have been missed.
(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 $28,728,016 representing 1.2% of net assets.
(p) Primary inverse floater.
(q) Interest received was less than stated coupon rate.
(u) Underlying security deposited into special purpose trust (“the trust”) by investment banker upon creation of self-deposited inverse floaters.
(v) Underlying affiliated fund that is available only to investment companies managed by MFS. The rate quoted for the MFS Institutional Money Market Portfolio is the annualized seven-day yield of the fund at period end.

 

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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

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.
LOC   Letter of Credit

 

Insurers    Inverse Floaters
ACA    ACA Financial Guaranty Corp.    RITES    Residual Interest Tax-Exempt Security
AGM    Assured Guaranty Municipal      
AMBAC    AMBAC Indemnity Corp.      
ASSD GTY    Assured Guaranty Insurance Co.      
CALHF    California Health Facility Construction Loan Program      
FGIC    Financial Guaranty Insurance Co.      
FHA    Federal Housing Administration      
FNMA    Federal National Mortgage Assn.      
GNMA    Government National Mortgage Assn.      
NATL    National Public Finance Guarantee Corp.      
PSF    Permanent School Fund      
SYNCORA    Syncora Guarantee Inc.      

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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Financial Statements

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

At 7/31/14 (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, $2,272,205,869)

     $2,397,560,724   

Underlying affiliated funds, at cost and value

     151,341,143   

Total investments, at value (identified cost, $2,423,547,012)

     $2,548,901,867   

Receivables for

  

Investments sold

     2,821,282   

Fund shares sold

     10,852,346   

Interest

     30,290,112   

Other assets

     3,831   

Total assets

     $2,592,869,438   
Liabilities         

Payables for

  

Distributions

     $1,507,919   

Investments purchased

     32,586,804   

Interest expense and fees

     68,472   

Fund shares reacquired

     4,232,470   

Payable to the holders of the floating rate certificates from trust assets

     56,158,389   

Payable to affiliates

  

Investment adviser

     46,186   

Shareholder servicing costs

     1,612,552   

Distribution and service fees

     14,910   

Payable for independent Trustees’ compensation

     12,956   

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

     150,971   

Total liabilities

     $96,391,629   

Net assets

     $2,496,477,809   
Net assets consist of         

Paid-in capital

     $2,501,683,197   

Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

     125,354,855   

Accumulated net realized gain (loss) on investments

     (140,637,671

Undistributed net investment income

     10,077,428   

Net assets

     $2,496,477,809   

Shares of beneficial interest outstanding

     314,328,309   

 

     Net assets     

Shares

outstanding

    

Net asset value

per share (a)

 

Class A

     $1,497,177,272         188,487,842         $7.94   

Class B

     33,845,167         4,256,638         7.95   

Class C

     233,842,720         29,409,434         7.95   

Class I

     731,612,650         92,174,395         7.94   

 

(a) Maximum offering price per share was equal to the net asset value per share for all share classes, except for Class A, for which the maximum offering price per share was $8.34 [100 / 95.25 x $7.94]. On sales of $50,000 or more, the maximum 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. Redemption price per share was equal to the net asset value per share for Class I.

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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Financial Statements

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Six months ended 7/31/14 (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

     $63,953,986   

Dividends from underlying affiliated funds

     45,392   

Total investment income

     $63,999,378   

Expenses

  

Management fee

     $6,252,858   

Distribution and service fees

     1,300,156   

Shareholder servicing costs

     1,071,512   

Administrative services fee

     135,564   

Independent Trustees’ compensation

     26,023   

Custodian fee

     101,232   

Shareholder communications

     58,740   

Audit and tax fees

     29,901   

Legal fees

     26,081   

Interest expense and fees

     183,577   

Miscellaneous

     128,232   

Total expenses

     $9,313,876   

Fees paid indirectly

     (27

Reduction of expenses by investment adviser

     (294,229

Net expenses

     $9,019,620   

Net investment income

     $54,979,758   
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments         

Realized gain (loss) on investments (identified cost basis)

     $(6,559,545

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

     $101,727,894   

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     $95,168,349   

Change in net assets from operations

     $150,148,107   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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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

7/31/14

    

Year ended

1/31/14

 
Change in net assets    (unaudited)         
From operations                  

Net investment income

     $54,979,758         $119,497,795   

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

     (6,559,545      (36,000,910

Net unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     101,727,894         (204,886,066

Change in net assets from operations

     $150,148,107         $(121,389,181
Distributions declared to shareholders                  

From net investment income

     $(53,280,549      $(117,740,818

Change in net assets from fund share transactions

     $311,220,415         $(631,619,752

Total change in net assets

     $408,087,973         $(870,749,751
Net assets                  

At beginning of period

     2,088,389,836         2,959,139,587   

At end of period (including undistributed net investment income of $10,077,428 and $8,378,219, respectively)

     $2,496,477,809         $2,088,389,836   

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
7/31/14

(unaudited)

    Years ended 1/31  
Class A     2014     2013     2012     2011     2010  
                                 

Net asset value, beginning of
period

    $7.61        $8.34        $7.89        $7.13        $7.39        $6.33   
Income (loss) from investment operations                           

Net investment income (d)

    $0.19        $0.40        $0.39        $0.41        $0.43        $0.43   

Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss) on investments

    0.33        (0.74     0.44        0.75        (0.27     1.05   

Total from investment operations

    $0.52        $(0.34     $0.83        $1.16        $0.16        $1.48   
Less distributions declared to shareholders                                   

From net investment income

    $(0.19     $(0.39     $(0.38     $(0.40     $(0.42     $(0.42

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $7.94        $7.61        $8.34        $7.89        $7.13        $7.39   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

    6.84 (n)      (4.05     10.72        16.83        2.03        24.03   
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                           

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

    0.71 (a)      0.72        0.72        0.71        0.72        0.72   

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

    0.68 (a)      0.69        0.70        0.70        0.70        0.69   

Net investment income

    4.96 (a)      5.03        4.83        5.49        5.68        6.17   

Portfolio turnover

    6 (n)      18        18        21        20        17   

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $1,497,177        $1,445,607        $2,161,677        $1,858,416        $1,463,867        $1,452,126   
Supplemental Ratios (%):                                           

Ratio of expenses to average net
assets after expense
reductions and excluding
interest expense and fees (f)(l)

    0.67 (a)      0.67        0.67        0.67        0.67        0.67   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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Financial Highlights – continued

 

   

Six months
ended
7/31/14

(unaudited)

    Years ended 1/31  
Class B     2014     2013     2012     2011     2010  
                                 

Net asset value, beginning of
period

    $7.61        $8.35        $7.90        $7.13        $7.40        $6.33   
Income (loss) from investment operations                           

Net investment income (d)

    $0.16        $0.33        $0.33        $0.35        $0.37        $0.38   

Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss) on investments

    0.34        (0.74     0.43        0.76        (0.28     1.06   

Total from investment operations

    $0.50        $(0.41     $0.76        $1.11        $0.09        $1.44   
Less distributions declared to shareholders                                   

From net investment income

    $(0.16     $(0.33     $(0.31     $(0.34     $(0.36     $(0.37

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $7.95        $7.61        $8.35        $7.90        $7.13        $7.40   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

    6.57 (n)      (4.92     9.82        16.06        1.10        23.25   
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                           

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

    1.71 (a)      1.72        1.71        1.71        1.64        1.50   

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

    1.45 (a)      1.48        1.51        1.49        1.49        1.47   

Net investment income

    4.19 (a)      4.25        4.02        4.74        4.89        5.45   

Portfolio turnover

    6 (n)      18        18        21        20        17   

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $33,845        $34,969        $52,886        $47,927        $50,750        $68,348   
Supplemental Ratios (%):                                                

Ratio of expenses to average net
assets after expense
reductions and excluding
interest expense and fees (f)(l)

    1.44 (a)      1.46        1.48        1.46        1.46        1.45   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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Financial Highlights – continued

 

   

Six months

ended

7/31/14

(unaudited)

    Years ended 1/31  
Class C     2014     2013     2012     2011     2010  
                                 

Net asset value, beginning of
period

    $7.61        $8.35        $7.90        $7.13        $7.40        $6.33   
Income (loss) from investment operations                           

Net investment income (d)

    $0.15        $0.32        $0.31        $0.33        $0.35        $0.36   

Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss) on investments

    0.34        (0.75     0.44        0.77        (0.27     1.06   

Total from investment operations

    $0.49        $(0.43     $0.75        $1.10        $0.08        $1.42   
Less distributions declared to shareholders                                   

From net investment income

    $(0.15     $(0.31     $(0.30     $(0.33     $(0.35     $(0.35

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $7.95        $7.61        $8.35        $7.90        $7.13        $7.40   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

    6.45 (n)      (5.12     9.61        15.82        0.88        22.99   
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                           

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

    1.71 (a)      1.72        1.71        1.71        1.72        1.72   

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

    1.68 (a)      1.69        1.70        1.70        1.70        1.69   

Net investment income

    3.96 (a)      4.05        3.82        4.51        4.68        5.17   

Portfolio turnover

    6 (n)      18        18        21        20        17   

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $233,843        $221,393        $299,381        $236,487        $209,064        $213,166   
Supplemental Ratios (%):                                                

Ratio of expenses to average net
assets after expense
reductions and excluding
interest expense and fees (f)(l)

    1.67 (a)      1.67        1.67        1.67        1.67        1.67   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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Financial Highlights – continued

 

    Six months
ended
7/31/14
    Years ended 1/31  
Class I     2014     2013     2012 (i)  
    (unaudited)                    

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $7.60        $8.34        $7.89        $7.28   
Income (loss) from investment operations           

Net investment income (d)

    $0.19        $0.40        $0.39        $0.26   

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

    0.34        (0.75     0.44        0.61   

Total from investment operations

    $0.53        $(0.35     $0.83        $0.87   
Less distributions declared to shareholders                   

From net investment income

    $(0.19     $(0.39     $(0.38     $(0.26

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $7.94        $7.60        $8.34        $7.89   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(x)

    6.97 (n)      (4.18     10.71        12.22 (n) 
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                           

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

    0.70 (a)      0.72        0.72        0.72 (a) 

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

    0.68 (a)      0.69        0.70        0.69 (a) 

Net investment income

    4.90 (a)      5.04        4.82        5.03 (a) 

Portfolio turnover

    6 (n)      18        18        21   

Net assets at end of period (000 omitted)

    $731,613        $386,421        $445,195        $145,622   
Supplemental Ratios (%):                                

Ratio of expenses to average net assets after expense
reductions and excluding interest expense and fees (f)(l)

    0.66 (a)      0.67        0.67        0.67 (a) 

 

(a) Annualized.
(d) Per share data is 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 1, 2011, through the stated period end.
(l) Interest expense and fees relate to payments made to the holders of the floating rate certificates 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.
(x) The net asset values per share and total returns have been calculated on net assets which include adjustments made in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles required at period end for financial reporting purposes.

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 diversified series of MFS Series Trust III which 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.

The fund is an investment company and accordingly follows the investment company accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standard Codification Topic 946 Financial Services – Investment Companies.

(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 increases and decreases in net assets from operations during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. In the preparation of these financial statements, management has evaluated subsequent events occurring after the date of the fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities through the date that the financial statements were issued. The fund invests primarily in municipal instruments. The value of municipal instruments can be affected by changes in their actual or perceived credit quality. The credit quality of municipal instruments can be affected by, among other things, the financial condition of the issuer or guarantor, the issuer’s future borrowing plans and sources of revenue, the economic feasibility of the revenue bond project or general borrowing purpose, political or economic developments in the region where the instrument is issued and the liquidity of the security. Municipal instruments generally trade in the over-the-counter market. Municipal instruments backed by current and 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 instrument has not complied with the applicable tax requirements, interest from the security could become taxable, the security could decline in value, and distributions made by the fund could be taxable to shareholders. The fund invests 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.

In June 2014, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-11, Transfers and Servicing (Topic 860) – Repurchase-to-Maturity Transactions, Repurchase Financings, and Disclosures (“ASU 2014-11”). ASU 2014-11 changes the accounting for repurchase-to-maturity transactions (i.e., repurchase agreements that settle at the same time as the maturity of the transferred financial asset) and enhances the required disclosures for repurchase agreements and other similar transactions. Although still evaluating the potential impacts of ASU 2014-11 to the fund, management expects

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

that the impact of the fund’s adoption will be limited to additional financial statement disclosures which would first be effective for interim reporting periods beginning after March 15, 2015.

Balance Sheet Offsetting – The fund’s accounting policy with respect to balance sheet offsetting is that, absent an event of default by the counterparty or a termination of the agreement, the International Swaps and Derivatives Association (ISDA) Master Agreement does not result in an offset of reported amounts of financial assets and financial liabilities in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities across transactions between the fund and the applicable counterparty. The fund’s right to setoff may be restricted or prohibited by the bankruptcy or insolvency laws of the particular jurisdiction to which a specific master netting agreement counterparty is subject. Balance sheet offsetting disclosures, to the extent applicable to the fund, have been included in the fund’s Significant Accounting Policies note under the captions for each of the fund’s in-scope financial instruments and transactions.

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 provided by a third-party pricing service. Short-term instruments with a maturity at issuance of 60 days or less generally are valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value. 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 third-party pricing services can utilize both transaction data and market information such as 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 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. The adviser generally relies on third-party 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

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

value. When fair valuation is used, the value of an investment used to determine the fund’s net asset value may differ from quoted or published prices for the same investment. There can be no assurance that the fund could obtain the fair value assigned to an investment if it were to sell the investment at the same time at which the fund determines its net asset value per share.

Various inputs are used in determining the value of the fund’s assets or liabilities. These inputs are categorized into three broad levels. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, an investment’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The fund’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and considers factors specific to the investment. Level 1 includes unadjusted 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. The following is a summary of the levels used as of July 31, 2014 in valuing the fund’s assets or liabilities:

 

Investments at Value    Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  
Municipal Bonds      $—         $2,391,460,724         $—         $2,391,460,724   
Short Term Securities              6,100,000                 6,100,000   
Mutual Funds      151,341,143                         151,341,143   
Total Investments      $151,341,143         $2,397,560,724         $—         $2,548,901,867   

For further information regarding security characteristics, see the Portfolio of Investments.

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 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 holders of the inverse floaters transfer 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

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

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 holders of the floating rate certificates 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 holders of the floating rate certificates from trust assets”. The carrying value of the fund’s payable to the holders of the floating rate certificates from trust assets as reported in the fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities approximates its fair value. The value of the payable to the holders of the floating rate certificates from trust assets as of the reporting date is considered level 2 under the fair value hierarchy disclosure. At July 31, 2014, the fund’s payable to the holders of the floating rate certificates from trust assets was $56,158,389 and the interest rate on the floating rate certificates issued by the trust was 0.08%. For the six months ended July 31, 2014, the average payable to the holders of the floating rate certificates from trust assets was $62,782,329 at a weighted average interest rate of 0.08%. Interest expense and fees relate to interest payments made to the holders 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, 2014, interest expense and fees in connection with self-deposited inverse floaters were $183,577. 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. Interest payments received in additional securities are recorded on the ex-interest date in an amount equal to the value of the security on such date. Debt obligations may be placed on non-accrual status or set to accrue at a rate of interest less than the contractual coupon when the collection of all or a portion of interest has become doubtful. Interest income for those debt obligations may be further reduced by the write-off of the related interest receivables when deemed uncollectible.

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.

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

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, 2014, is shown as a reduction of total expenses in 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’s federal tax returns, when filed, will remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service for a three year period. Management has analyzed the fund’s tax positions taken on federal and state tax returns for all open tax years and does not believe that there are any uncertain tax positions that require recognition of a tax liability.

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, 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 defaulted bonds.

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 for the last fiscal year is as follows:

 

     1/31/14  
Ordinary income (including any
short-term capital gains)
     $2,660,724   
Tax-exempt income      115,080,094   
Total distributions      $117,740,818   

 

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

 

As of 7/31/14       
Cost of investments      $2,356,327,850   
Gross appreciation      175,757,222   
Gross depreciation      (39,341,594
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)      $136,415,628   
As of 1/31/14       
Undistributed ordinary income      1,434,566   
Undistributed tax-exempt income      17,646,954   
Capital loss carryforwards      (140,316,438
Post-October capital loss deferral      (4,020,867
Other temporary differences      (10,703,301
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)      33,886,140   

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

Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010 (the “Act”), net capital losses recognized for fund fiscal years beginning after January 31, 2011 may be carried forward indefinitely, and their character is retained as short-term and/or long-term losses (“post-enactment losses”). Previously, net capital losses were carried forward for eight years and treated as short-term losses (“pre-enactment losses”). As a transition rule, the Act requires that all post-enactment net capital losses be used before pre-enactment net capital losses.

As of January 31, 2014 the fund had capital loss carryforwards available to offset future realized gains as follows:

 

Pre-enactment losses which
expire as follows:
 
1/31/15      $(230,213
1/31/17      (18,935,036
1/31/18      (28,497,487
1/31/19      (16,085,714
Total      $(63,748,450
Post-enactment losses which are
characterized as follows:
 
Short-Term      $(18,166,242
Long-Term      (58,401,746
Total      $(76,567,988

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 and common expenses are allocated to shareholders based on the value of settled shares outstanding of each class. The fund’s realized and unrealized gain (loss) are allocated to shareholders based on the daily net assets of each class. 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

 

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shares approximately eight years after purchase. The fund’s distributions declared to shareholders as reported in the Statements of Changes in Net Assets are presented by class as follows:

 

     From net investment
income
 
     Six months
ended

7/31/14
     Year
ended
1/31/14
 
Class A      $35,238,238         $85,515,458   
Class B      691,025         1,827,375   
Class C      4,297,163         10,410,666   
Class I      13,054,123         19,987,319   
Total      $53,280,549         $117,740,818   

(3) Transactions with Affiliates

Investment Adviser – The fund has an investment advisory agreement with 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 0.55% of the fund’s average daily net assets.

The investment adviser has agreed in writing to reduce its management fee to 0.50% of average daily net assets in excess of $2.5 billion. This written agreement will continue until modified by the fund’s Board of Trustees, but such agreement will continue at least until May 31, 2016. For the six months ended July 31, 2014, the fund’s average daily net assets did not exceed $2.5 billion and therefore, the management fee was not reduced in accordance with this agreement. MFS has also agreed in writing to reduce its management fee by a specified amount if certain MFS mutual fund assets exceed thresholds agreed to by MFS and the fund’s Board of Trustees. For the six months ended July 31, 2014, this management fee reduction amounted to $46,273, which is included in the reduction of total expenses in the Statement of Operations. The management fee incurred for the six months ended July 31, 2014 was equivalent to an annual effective rate of 0.55% of the fund’s average daily net assets.

The investment adviser has agreed in writing to pay a portion of the fund’s operating expenses, exclusive of management fee, distribution and service fees, interest, taxes, extraordinary expenses, brokerage and transaction costs and investment-related expenses (such as interest expenses and fees associated with investments in inverse floating rate instruments), such that fund operating expenses do not exceed 0.12% annually of the fund’s average daily net assets. This written agreement will continue until modified by the fund’s Board of Trustees, but such agreement will continue at least until May 31, 2016. For the six months ended July 31, 2014, this reduction amounted to $205,823 and is included in the reduction of total expenses in the Statement of Operations.

Distributor – MFS Fund Distributors, Inc. (MFD), a wholly-owned subsidiary of MFS, as distributor, received $287,190 for the six months ended July 31, 2014, as its portion of the initial sales charge on sales of Class A shares of the fund.

 

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The Board of Trustees has adopted a distribution plan for certain share classes 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 (d)
     Service
Fee Rate (d)
     Total
Distribution
Plan (d)
     Annual
Effective
Rate (e)
     Distribution
and Service
Fee
 
Class B      0.75%         0.25%         1.00%         0.77%         $171,061   
Class C      0.75%         0.25%         1.00%         1.00%         1,129,095   
Total Distribution and Service Fees         $1,300,156   

 

(d) In accordance with the distribution plan for certain classes, the fund pays distribution and/or service fees equal to these annual percentage rates of each class’s average daily net assets. The distribution and service fee rates disclosed by class represent the current rates in effect at the end of the reporting period. Any rate changes, if applicable, are detailed below.
(e) The annual effective rates represent actual fees incurred under the distribution plan for the six months ended July 31, 2014 based on each class’s 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, MFD has agreed in writing to waive the service fee. This agreement will continue until modified by the fund’s Board of Trustees, but such agreement will continue at least until May 31, 2015. For the six months ended July 31, 2014, this waiver amounted to $39,211 and is included in the reduction of total expenses in the Statement of Operations. MFD has voluntarily agreed to rebate a portion of each class’s 0.25% service fee attributable to accounts for which MFD retains the 0.25% service fee except for accounts attributable to MFS or its affiliates’ seed money. For the six months ended July 31, 2014, this rebate amounted to $570 for Class C and is included in the reduction of total expenses in the Statement of Operations.

Certain Class A shares are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) in the event of a shareholder redemption within 18 months of purchase for shares purchased on or after August 1, 2012, and within 24 months of purchase for shares purchased prior to August 1, 2012. 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, 2014, were as follows:

 

     Amount  
Class A      $8,194   
Class B      32,753   
Class C      6,170   

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, 2014, the fee was $102,077, which equated to 0.0090%

 

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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, 2014, these out-of-pocket expenses, sub-accounting and other shareholder servicing costs amounted to $969,435.

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 an annual fixed amount of $17,500 plus a fee based on average daily net assets. The administrative services fee incurred for the six months ended July 31, 2014 was equivalent to an annual effective rate of 0.0119% 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.

Prior to December 31, 2001, the fund had an unfunded defined benefit plan (“DB plan”) for independent Trustees. As of December 31, 2001, the Board took action to terminate the DB plan with respect to then-current and any future independent Trustees, such that the DB plan covers only certain of those former independent Trustees who retired on or before December 31, 2001. Effective January 1, 2002, accrued benefits under the DB plan for then-current independent Trustees who continued were credited to an unfunded retirement deferral plan (the “Retirement Deferral plan”), which was established for and exists solely with respect to these credited amounts, and is not available for other deferrals by these or other independent Trustees. Although the Retirement Deferral plan is unfunded, amounts deferred under the plan are periodically adjusted for investment experience as if they had been invested in shares of the fund. The DB plan resulted in a pension expense of $1,202 and is included in independent Trustees’ compensation for the six months ended July 31, 2014. The liability for deferred retirement benefits payable to certain independent Trustees under both plans amounted to $12,890 at July 31, 2014, and is included in “Payable for independent Trustees’ compensation” in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

Other – This fund and certain other funds managed by MFS (the funds) have entered into services agreements (the Agreements) which provide for payment of fees by the funds to Tarantino LLC and Griffin Compliance LLC in return for the provision of services of an Independent Chief Compliance Officer (ICCO) and Assistant ICCO, respectively, for the funds. The funds can terminate the Agreements with Tarantino LLC and Griffin Compliance LLC at any time under the terms of the Agreements. The ICCO is an officer of the funds and the sole member of Tarantino LLC. Prior to June 1, 2014, Robyn L. Griffin served as the Assistant ICCO and was an officer of the funds. Ms. Griffin is the sole member of Griffin Compliance LLC. Effective May 31, 2014, Ms. Griffin resigned as Assistant ICCO and the service agreement between the funds

 

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and Griffin Compliance LLC was terminated. For the six months ended July 31, 2014, the aggregate fees paid by the fund to Tarantino LLC and Griffin Compliance LLC were $3,343 and are included in “Miscellaneous” expense in the Statement of Operations. MFS has agreed to reimburse the fund for a portion of the payments made by the fund in the amount of $2,352, which is included in the 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 and Assistant ICCO.

The fund invests in the MFS Institutional Money Market Portfolio which is managed by MFS and seeks current income consistent with preservation of capital and liquidity. Income earned on this investment is included in “Dividends from underlying affiliated funds” in the Statement of Operations. This money market fund does not pay a management fee to MFS.

(4) Portfolio Securities

For the six months ended July 31, 2014, purchases and sales of investments, other than short-term obligations, aggregated $383,097,507 and $137,021,763, 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
7/31/14
     Year ended
1/31/14
 
     Shares      Amount      Shares      Amount  
Shares sold            

Class A

     20,291,240         $158,688,719         44,514,342         $352,701,695   

Class B

     196,538         1,534,559         307,212         2,439,936   

Class C

     2,461,005         19,277,904         4,663,621         37,096,211   

Class I

     47,089,840         368,409,921         33,583,975         259,565,999   
     70,038,623         $547,911,103         83,069,150         $651,803,841   
Shares issued to shareholders in reinvestment of distributions             

Class A

     4,010,341         $31,475,150         9,414,498         $73,360,147   

Class B

     71,563         562,097         185,289         1,442,550   

Class C

     407,651         3,203,164         966,160         7,510,034   

Class I

     1,228,575         9,661,988         1,884,839         14,596,597   
     5,718,130         $44,902,399         12,450,786         $96,909,328   
Shares reacquired            

Class A

     (25,891,541      $(202,282,366      (122,897,571      $(972,648,919

Class B

     (604,817      (4,722,032      (2,230,077      (17,246,107

Class C

     (2,538,898      (19,846,828      (12,388,606      (95,711,451

Class I

     (6,989,594      (54,741,861      (38,012,376      (294,726,444
     (36,024,850      $(281,593,087      (175,528,630      $(1,380,332,921

 

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     Six months ended
7/31/14
     Year ended
1/31/14
 
     Shares      Amount      Shares      Amount  
Net change            

Class A

     (1,589,960      $(12,118,497      (68,968,731      $(546,587,077

Class B

     (336,716      (2,625,376      (1,737,576      (13,363,621

Class C

     329,758         2,634,240         (6,758,825      (51,105,206

Class I

     41,328,821         323,330,048         (2,543,562      (20,563,848
     39,731,903         $311,220,415         (80,008,694      $(631,619,752

(6) Line of Credit

The fund and certain other funds managed by MFS participate in a $1.1 billion unsecured committed line of credit, subject to a $1 billion sublimit, provided by a syndication of banks under a credit agreement. 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 higher of the Federal Reserve funds rate or one month LIBOR plus an agreed upon spread. 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. In addition, the fund and other funds managed by MFS have established unsecured uncommitted borrowing arrangements with certain banks for temporary financing needs. Interest is charged to each fund, based on its borrowings, at a rate equal to the Federal Reserve funds rate plus an agreed upon spread. For the six months ended July 31, 2014, the fund’s commitment fee and interest expense were $4,400 and $0, respectively, and are included in “Miscellaneous” expense in the Statement of Operations.

(7) Transactions in Underlying Affiliated 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 an affiliated issuer:

 

Underlying Affiliated Fund    Beginning
Shares/Par
Amount
     Acquisitions
Shares/Par
Amount
     Dispositions
Shares/Par
Amount
    Ending
Shares/Par
Amount
 
MFS Institutional Money
Market Portfolio
     78,636,485         289,432,134         (216,727,476     151,341,143   
Underlying Affiliated Fund    Realized
Gain (Loss)
     Capital Gain
Distributions
     Dividend
Income
    Ending
Value
 
MFS Institutional Money
Market Portfolio
     $—         $—         $45,392        $151,341,143   

 

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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, 2014 (“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, 2013 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) 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, and compared to MFS’ institutional business, (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

 

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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, 2013, 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 2nd 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- and five-year periods ended December 31, 2013 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.

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 MFS currently observes an expense limitation for the Fund, which may not be changed without the Trustees’ approval. The Trustees also considered that, according to the Lipper data (which takes into account any fee reductions or expense limitations that were in effect during the Fund’s last fiscal year),

 

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the Fund’s effective advisory fee rate was higher than 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 any comparable 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 may benefit from any economies of scale in the management of the Fund in the event of growth in assets of the Fund and/or growth in assets of the MFS Funds as a whole. They noted that MFS has agreed in writing to reduce its advisory fee rate on the Fund’s average daily net assets over $2.5 billion, which may not be changed without the Trustees’ approval. The Trustees also noted that MFS has agreed in writing to waive a portion of the management fees of certain MFS Funds, including the Fund, if the total combined assets of certain funds within the MFS Funds’ complex increase above agreed upon thresholds (the “group fee waiver”), enabling the Fund’s shareholders to share in the benefits from any economies of scale at the complex level. The group fee waiver is reviewed and renewed annually between the Board and MFS. The Trustees concluded that the breakpoint and the group fee waiver were sufficient to allow the Fund to benefit from economies of scale as its assets and overall complex 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.

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 presence 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

 

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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 Fund 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 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 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, 2014.

 

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PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND INFORMATION

MFS votes proxies on behalf of the fund pursuant to proxy voting policies and procedures that are 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. A shareholder can obtain the quarterly portfolio holdings report at mfs.com. The fund’s Form N-Q is also available on the EDGAR database on the Commission’s Internet Web site at http://www.sec.gov, and 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. Copies of the fund’s Form N-Q also 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.

FURTHER INFORMATION

From time to time, MFS may post important information about the fund or the MFS funds on the MFS web site (mfs.com). This information is available by visiting the “Commentary & Announcements” and “Market Outlooks” sections of mfs.com or by clicking on the fund’s name under “Mutual Funds” in the “Products” section of mfs.com.

PROVISION OF FINANCIAL REPORTS AND SUMMARY PROSPECTUSES

The fund produces financial reports every six months and updates its summary prospectus and prospectus annually. To avoid sending duplicate copies of materials to households, only one copy of the fund’s annual and semiannual report and summary prospectus may be mailed to shareholders having the same last name and residential address on the fund’s records. However, any shareholder may contact MFSC (please see back cover for address and telephone number) to request that copies of these reports and summary prospectuses be sent personally to that shareholder.

 

71


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

Save paper with eDelivery.

 

LOGO

MFS® will send you prospectuses,

reports, and proxies directly via e-mail so you will get information faster with less mailbox clutter.

To sign up:

1. Go to mfs.com.

2. Log in via MFS® Access.

3. Select eDelivery.

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

 

CONTACT

WEB SITE

mfs.com

MFS TALK

1-800-637-8255

24 hours a day

ACCOUNT SERVICE AND LITERATURE

Shareholders

1-800-225-2606

Financial advisors

1-800-343-2829

Retirement plan services

1-800-637-1255

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

 


Table of Contents

SEMIANNUAL REPORT

July 31, 2014

 

LOGO

 

MFS® HIGH YIELD POOLED PORTFOLIO

 

LOGO

 

HYP-SEM

 


Table of Contents

MFS® HIGH YIELD POOLED PORTFOLIO

 

CONTENTS

 

Letter from the Chairman and CEO     1   
Portfolio composition     2   
Expense table     4   
Portfolio of investments     5   
Statement of assets and liabilities     23   
Statement of operations     24   
Statements of changes in net assets     25   
Financial highlights     26   
Notes to financial statements     27   
Board review of investment advisory agreement     41   
Proxy voting policies and information     44   
Quarterly portfolio disclosure     44   
Further information     44   
Provision of financial reports and summary prospectuses     44   
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 GUARANTEE


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN AND CEO

 

Dear Shareholders:

The U.S. economy has gathered momentum after a slow start to the year. Industrial output, consumer confidence and retail sales have all strengthened along with the labor market. However, the unemployment rate remains elevated and the housing

market has cooled off. With second-quarter economic growth rebounding strongly, economists have a favorable outlook for the rest of the year.

China’s economy has picked up again, and Japan is moving steadily towards Prime Minister Abe’s economic goals, including an inflation rate of 2% by next spring. The eurozone’s economy appears to have turned a corner, with renewed growth. However, historically high unemployment persists, deflation remains a risk and Russian sanctions could present a new obstacle to regional growth.

With corporate earnings surpassing expectations, the greatest concerns now are related to conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine as well as growing speculation on when the U.S. Federal Reserve will begin increasing interest rates.

As always at MFS®, active risk management is integral to how we manage your investments. We use a collaborative process, sharing insights across asset classes, regions and economic sectors. Our global team of investment professionals uses a multidisciplined, long-term, diversified investment approach.

We understand that these are challenging economic times. We believe that we can serve you best by applying proven principles, such as asset allocation and diversification, over the long term. We are confident that this approach can serve you well as you work with your financial advisors to reach your goals in the years ahead.

Respectfully,

 

LOGO

Robert J. Manning

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

MFS Investment Management

September 15, 2014

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

 

1


Table of Contents

PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION

 

Portfolio structure (i)

 

LOGO

 

Top five industries (i)  
Energy-Independent     9.0%   
Cable TV     5.4%   
Midstream     5.1%   
Metals & Mining     5.0%   
Medical & Health Technology & Services     4.9%   
Composition including fixed income
credit quality (a)(i)
   
BBB     2.6%   
BB     35.1%   
B     47.7%   
CCC     12.4%   
Not Rated     0.5%   
Non-Fixed Income     0.2%   
Cash & Other     1.5%   
Portfolio facts (i)  
Average Duration (d)     4.6   
Average Effective Maturity (m)     7.0 yrs.   
 

 

(a) For all securities other than those specifically described below, ratings are assigned to underlying securities utilizing ratings from Moody’s, Fitch, and Standard & Poor’s rating agencies and applying the following hierarchy: If all three agencies provide a rating, the middle rating (after dropping the highest and lowest ratings) is assigned; if two of the three agencies rate a security, the lower of the two is assigned. Ratings are shown in the S&P and Fitch scale (e.g., AAA). Securities rated BBB or higher are considered investment grade. All ratings are subject to change. Not Rated includes fixed income securities, including fixed income futures contracts, which have not been rated by any rating agency. Non-Fixed Income includes equity securities (including convertible bonds and equity derivatives) and commodities. The fund may not hold all of these instruments. The fund is not rated by these 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 due to the interest rate move.
(i) For purposes of this presentation, the components include the value of securities, and reflect the impact of the equivalent exposure of derivative positions, if any. These amounts may be negative from time to time. Equivalent exposure is a calculated amount that translates the derivative position into a reasonable approximation of the amount of the underlying asset that the portfolio would have to hold at a given point in time to have the same price sensitivity that results from the portfolio’s ownership of the derivative contract. When dealing with derivatives, equivalent exposure is a more representative measure of the potential impact of a position on portfolio performance than value. The bond component will include any accrued interest amounts.

 

2


Table of Contents

Portfolio Composition – continued

 

(m) In determining an instrument’s effective maturity for purposes of calculating the fund’s dollar-weighted average effective maturity, MFS uses the instrument’s stated maturity or, if applicable, an earlier date on which MFS believes it is probable that a maturity-shortening device (such as a put, pre-refunding or prepayment) will cause the instrument to be repaid. Such an earlier date can be substantially shorter than the instrument’s stated maturity.

Where the fund holds convertible bonds, these are treated as part of the equity portion of the portfolio.

Cash & Other can include cash, other assets less liabilities, offsets to derivative positions, and short-term securities.

Percentages are based on net assets as of 7/31/14.

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

 

3


Table of Contents

EXPENSE TABLE

Fund expenses borne by the shareholders during the period, February 1, 2014 through July 31, 2014

As a shareholder of the fund, you incur ongoing costs, including 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, 2014 through July 31, 2014.

Actual Expenses

The first line of 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 of 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 of 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.

 

    

Annualized

Expense

Ratio

  Beginning
Account Value
2/01/14
 

Ending

Account Value
7/31/14

 

Expenses

Paid During
Period (p)

2/01/14-7/31/14

Actual   0.03%   $1,000.00   $1,032.66   $0.15
Hypothetical (h)   0.03%   $1,000.00   $1,024.65   $0.15

 

(h) 5% fund return per year before expenses.
(p) “Expenses Paid During Period” are equal to the fund’s annualized expense ratio, as shown above, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

4


Table of Contents

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS

7/31/14 (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 - 92.4%                 
Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Aerospace - 2.3%                 
Bombardier, Inc., 7.5%, 3/15/18 (n)    $ 2,765,000      $ 3,020,763   
Bombardier, Inc., 7.75%, 3/15/20 (n)      1,995,000        2,154,600   
Bombardier, Inc., 6.125%, 1/15/23 (n)      4,140,000        4,077,900   
CPI International, Inc., 8.75%, 2/15/18      3,875,000        4,049,375   
Gencorp, Inc., 7.125%, 3/15/21      4,205,000        4,551,072   
Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc., 7.125%, 3/15/21      5,380,000        5,756,600   
TransDigm, Inc., 6%, 7/15/22 (z)      375,000        376,875   
TransDigm, Inc., 6.5%, 7/15/24 (z)      1,570,000        1,585,700   
    

 

 

 
      $ 25,572,885   
Apparel Manufacturers - 0.4%                 
Hanesbrands, Inc., 6.375%, 12/15/20    $ 2,250,000      $ 2,390,625   
PVH Corp., 4.5%, 12/15/22      1,820,000        1,760,850   
    

 

 

 
      $ 4,151,475   
Automotive - 3.0%                 
Accuride Corp., 9.5%, 8/01/18    $ 5,005,000      $ 5,255,250   
Allison Transmission, Inc., 7.125%, 5/15/19 (n)      5,365,000        5,686,900   
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., 6.5%, 3/01/21      4,920,000        5,202,900   
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., 7%, 5/15/22      1,110,000        1,204,350   
Jaguar Land Rover PLC, 8.125%, 5/15/21 (n)      4,605,000        5,100,038   
Jaguar Land Rover PLC, 5.625%, 2/01/23 (n)      1,360,000        1,421,200   
Lear Corp., 8.125%, 3/15/20      1,432,000        1,532,240   
Lear Corp., 4.75%, 1/15/23      2,430,000        2,392,031   
Schaeffler Finance B.V., 6.875%, 8/15/18 (p)(n)      2,405,000        2,525,250   
Schaeffler Finance B.V., 4.75%, 5/15/21 (z)      2,175,000        2,207,625   
    

 

 

 
      $ 32,527,784   
Broadcasting - 2.3%                 
AMC Networks, Inc., 7.75%, 7/15/21    $ 2,645,000      $ 2,896,275   
Clear Channel Communications, Inc., 9%, 3/01/21      2,573,000        2,659,839   
Clear Channel Worldwide Holdings, Inc., “A”, 6.5%, 11/15/22      745,000        778,525   
Clear Channel Worldwide Holdings, Inc., “B”, 6.5%, 11/15/22      2,570,000        2,698,500   
Liberty Media Corp., 8.5%, 7/15/29      2,790,000        3,096,900   
Liberty Media Corp., 8.25%, 2/01/30      1,215,000        1,342,575   
Netflix, Inc., 5.375%, 2/01/21      2,835,000        2,927,138   
Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc., 6.875%, 11/15/20      2,730,000        2,893,800   
Univision Communications, Inc., 6.875%, 5/15/19 (n)      2,200,000        2,310,000   
Univision Communications, Inc., 7.875%, 11/01/20 (n)      2,610,000        2,805,750   

 

5


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Bonds - continued                 
Broadcasting - continued                 
Univision Communications, Inc., 8.5%, 5/15/21 (n)    $ 730,000      $ 788,400   
    

 

 

 
      $ 25,197,702   
Brokerage & Asset Managers - 0.5%                 
E*TRADE Financial Corp., 6.375%, 11/15/19    $ 5,580,000      $ 5,928,750   
Building - 3.4%                 
Allegion U.S. Holding Co., Inc., 5.75%, 10/01/21    $ 4,375,000      $ 4,593,750   
Building Materials Holding Corp., 6.875%, 8/15/18 (n)      630,000        652,050   
Building Materials Holding Corp., 7%, 2/15/20 (n)      925,000        970,094   
Building Materials Holding Corp., 6.75%, 5/01/21 (n)      3,495,000        3,726,544   
CEMEX Espana S.A., 9.25%, 5/12/20      2,640,000        2,857,800   
CEMEX Espana S.A., 9.25%, 5/12/20 (n)      1,345,000        1,455,963   
CEMEX S.A.B. de C.V., 5.875%, 3/25/19 (n)      202,000        205,535   
CEMEX S.A.B. de C.V., 6.5%, 12/10/19 (n)      440,000        459,250   
CEMEX S.A.B. de C.V., 7.25%, 1/15/21 (n)      866,000        917,960   
Gibraltar Industries, Inc., 6.25%, 2/01/21      2,275,000        2,326,188   
HD Supply, Inc., 8.125%, 4/15/19      2,060,000        2,224,800   
HD Supply, Inc., 7.5%, 7/15/20      4,555,000        4,862,463   
Headwaters, Inc., 7.25%, 1/15/19      1,795,000        1,875,775   
Headwaters, Inc., 7.625%, 4/01/19      1,215,000        1,275,750   
Nortek, Inc., 8.5%, 4/15/21      3,340,000        3,623,900   
Roofing Supply Group LLC/Roofing Supply Finance, Inc., 10%, 6/01/20 (n)      3,047,000        3,245,055   
USG Corp., 7.875%, 3/30/20 (n)      1,335,000        1,450,144   
USG Corp., 5.875%, 11/01/21 (n)      780,000        803,400   
    

 

 

 
      $ 37,526,421   
Business Services - 1.5%                 
Equinix, Inc., 4.875%, 4/01/20    $ 2,950,000      $ 2,972,125   
Equinix, Inc., 5.375%, 4/01/23      1,640,000        1,648,200   
Fidelity National Information Services, Inc., 5%, 3/15/22      3,305,000        3,499,945   
Iron Mountain, Inc., 8.375%, 8/15/21      1,451,000        1,505,413   
Iron Mountain, Inc., 6%, 8/15/23      2,865,000        2,986,763   
Lender Processing Services, Inc., 5.75%, 4/15/23      1,195,000        1,279,845   
NeuStar, Inc., 4.5%, 1/15/23      3,730,000        3,170,500   
    

 

 

 
      $ 17,062,791   
Cable TV - 5.2%                 
CCO Holdings LLC/CCO Holdings Capital Corp., 8.125%, 4/30/20    $ 4,825,000      $ 5,144,656   
CCO Holdings LLC/CCO Holdings Capital Corp., 7.375%, 6/01/20      705,000        752,588   
CCO Holdings LLC/CCO Holdings Capital Corp., 6.5%, 4/30/21      3,335,000        3,468,400   

 

6


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Bonds - continued                 
Cable TV - continued                 
CCO Holdings LLC/CCO Holdings Capital Corp., 5.75%, 1/15/24    $ 3,370,000      $ 3,353,150   
Cequel Communications Holdings, 6.375%, 9/15/20 (n)      3,775,000        3,888,250   
DISH DBS Corp., 6.75%, 6/01/21      2,540,000        2,794,000   
DISH DBS Corp., 5%, 3/15/23      2,750,000        2,695,000   
Intelsat Jackson Holdings S.A., 6.625%, 12/15/22      2,550,000        2,575,500   
Intelsat Jackson Holdings S.A., 5.5%, 8/01/23      4,995,000        4,795,200   
Intelsat Luxembourg S.A., 8.125%, 6/01/23      3,595,000        3,738,800   
Lynx I Corp., 5.375%, 4/15/21 (n)      1,390,000        1,403,900   
Lynx II Corp., 6.375%, 4/15/23 (n)      2,030,000        2,131,500   
Numericable Group S.A., 6%, 5/15/22 (n)      4,235,000        4,256,175   
SIRIUS XM Radio, Inc., 4.25%, 5/15/20 (n)      860,000        827,750   
SIRIUS XM Radio, Inc., 5.875%, 10/01/20 (n)      395,000        403,888   
SIRIUS XM Radio, Inc., 4.625%, 5/15/23 (n)      1,995,000        1,855,350   
SIRIUS XM Radio, Inc., 6%, 7/15/24 (z)      1,860,000        1,869,300   
Telenet Finance Luxembourg, 6.375%, 11/15/20 (n)    EUR 1,510,000        2,148,864   
Unitymedia Hessen, 5.5%, 1/15/23 (n)    $ 3,480,000        3,497,393   
UPCB Finance III Ltd., 6.625%, 7/01/20 (n)      2,398,000        2,529,880   
Ziggo Bond Co. B.V., 8%, 5/15/18 (n)    EUR 1,895,000        2,778,308   
    

 

 

 
      $ 56,907,852   
Chemicals - 3.1%                 
Celanese U.S. Holdings LLC, 5.875%, 6/15/21    $ 3,149,000      $ 3,408,793   
Celanese U.S. Holdings LLC, 4.625%, 11/15/22      1,485,000        1,477,575   
Flash Dutch 2 B.V./U.S. Coatings Acquisition, 7.375%, 5/01/21 (n)      2,775,000        2,948,428   
Hexion U.S. Finance Corp., 6.625%, 4/15/20      1,840,000        1,913,600   
Hexion U.S. Finance Corp./Hexion Nova Scotia Finance, 8.875%, 2/01/18      3,160,000        3,261,120   
Huntsman International LLC, 8.625%, 3/15/21      3,325,000        3,615,938   
INEOS Finance PLC, 8.375%, 2/15/19 (n)      3,690,000        3,985,200   
INEOS Group Holdings S.A., 6.125%, 8/15/18 (n)      3,090,000        3,120,900   
INEOS Group Holdings S.A., 5.875%, 2/15/19 (n)      1,390,000        1,403,900   
Taminco Global Chemical Corp., 9.75%, 3/31/20 (n)      3,115,000        3,418,713   
Tronox Finance LLC, 6.375%, 8/15/20      5,160,000        5,211,600   
    

 

 

 
      $ 33,765,767   
Computer Software - 0.4%                 
Syniverse Holdings, Inc., 9.125%, 1/15/19    $ 1,150,000      $ 1,207,500   
VeriSign, Inc., 4.625%, 5/01/23      3,490,000        3,402,750   
    

 

 

 
      $ 4,610,250   
Computer Software - Systems - 0.7%                 
Audatex North America, Inc., 6%, 6/15/21 (n)    $ 2,445,000      $ 2,561,138   
Audatex North America, Inc., 6.125%, 11/01/23 (n)      715,000        747,175   

 

7


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Bonds - continued                 
Computer Software - Systems - continued                 
CDW LLC/CDW Finance Corp., 8.5%, 4/01/19    $ 2,920,000      $ 3,102,500   
CDW LLC/CDW Finance Corp., 6%, 8/15/22      1,505,000        1,505,000   
    

 

 

 
      $ 7,915,813   
Conglomerates - 2.1%   
Amsted Industries Co., 5%, 3/15/22 (n)    $ 3,705,000      $ 3,677,213   
BC Mountain LLC, 7%, 2/01/21 (n)      2,785,000        2,673,600   
Dynacast International LLC, 9.25%, 7/15/19      1,875,000        2,053,125   
Entegris, Inc., 6%, 4/01/22 (n)      4,375,000        4,517,188   
Renaissance Acquisition, 6.875%, 8/15/21 (n)      4,125,000        4,155,938   
Rexel S.A., 6.125%, 12/15/19 (n)      2,780,000        2,877,300   
Silver II Borrower, 7.75%, 12/15/20 (n)      2,510,000        2,629,225   
    

 

 

 
      $ 22,583,589   
Construction - 0.3%                 
Empresas ICA S.A.B. de C.V., 8.875%, 5/29/24 (n)    $ 1,223,000      $ 1,250,518   
Empresas ICA Sociedad Controladora S.A. de C.V., 8.9%, 2/04/21      2,120,000        2,226,000   
    

 

 

 
      $ 3,476,518   
Consumer Products - 0.9%                 
Elizabeth Arden, Inc., 7.375%, 3/15/21    $ 3,482,000      $ 3,595,165   
Prestige Brands, Inc., 8.125%, 2/01/20      1,240,000        1,357,800   
Prestige Brands, Inc., 5.375%, 12/15/21 (n)      2,585,000        2,585,000   
Spectrum Brands, Inc., 6.375%, 11/15/20      2,760,000        2,904,900   
    

 

 

 
      $ 10,442,865   
Consumer Services - 1.5%                 
ADT Corp., 6.25%, 10/15/21    $ 3,490,000      $ 3,612,150   
ADT Corp., 4.125%, 6/15/23      1,360,000        1,230,800   
Garda World Security Corp., 7.25%, 11/15/21 (z)      2,330,000        2,370,775   
Garda World Security Corp., 7.25%, 11/15/21 (z)      945,000        961,538   
Grupo Posadas S.A.B. de C.V., 7.875%, 11/30/17      1,765,000        1,791,475   
Monitronics International, Inc., 9.125%, 4/01/20      3,265,000        3,428,250   
Service Corp. International, 7%, 6/15/17      1,610,000        1,783,075   
Service Corp. International, 5.375%, 5/15/24 (n)      1,655,000        1,692,238   
    

 

 

 
      $ 16,870,301   
Containers - 3.0%                 
Ardagh Packaging Finance PLC, 7%, 11/15/20 (n)    $ 317,647      $ 312,882   
Ardagh Packaging Finance PLC, 9.125%, 10/15/20 (n)      400,000        432,000   
Ardagh Packaging Finance PLC, 9.125%, 10/15/20 (n)      2,980,000        3,203,500   
Ardagh Packaging Finance PLC, 6%, 6/30/21 (z)      2,210,000        2,110,550   
Ball Corp., 5%, 3/15/22      1,008,000        1,005,480   

 

8


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Bonds - continued                 
Containers - continued                 
Ball Corp., 4%, 11/15/23    $ 2,410,000      $ 2,223,225   
Berry Plastics Group, Inc., 5.5%, 5/15/22      4,290,000        4,182,750   
Crown American LLC, 4.5%, 1/15/23      5,755,000        5,438,475   
Greif, Inc., 6.75%, 2/01/17      1,100,000        1,196,250   
Greif, Inc., 7.75%, 8/01/19      980,000        1,107,400   
Reynolds Group, 7.125%, 4/15/19      1,975,000        2,049,063   
Reynolds Group, 9.875%, 8/15/19      735,000        791,963   
Reynolds Group, 5.75%, 10/15/20      2,050,000        2,091,000   
Reynolds Group, 8.25%, 2/15/21      3,965,000        4,202,900   
Signode Industrial Group, 6.375%, 5/01/22 (z)      2,730,000        2,689,050   
    

 

 

 
      $ 33,036,488   
Defense Electronics - 0.4%                 
Ducommun, Inc., 9.75%, 7/15/18    $ 3,927,000      $ 4,329,518   
Electronics - 1.8%                 
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc., 6.75%, 3/01/19 (n)    $ 3,235,000      $ 3,315,875   
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc., 7.5%, 8/15/22      1,180,000        1,221,300   
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc., 7%, 7/01/24 (z)      925,000        901,875   
Micron Technology, Inc., 5.875%, 2/15/22 (n)      2,630,000        2,761,500   
Micron Technology, Inc., 5.5%, 2/01/25 (z)      1,765,000        1,756,175   
Nokia Corp., 5.375%, 5/15/19      995,000        1,054,700   
Nokia Corp., 6.625%, 5/15/39      1,015,000        1,083,513   
NXP B.V., 5.75%, 2/15/21 (n)      1,375,000        1,430,000   
NXP B.V., 5.75%, 3/15/23 (n)      2,610,000        2,694,825   
Sensata Technologies B.V., 6.5%, 5/15/19 (n)      3,320,000        3,469,400   
    

 

 

 
      $ 19,689,163   
Energy - Independent - 8.7%                 
American Energy-Permian Basin LLC, 7.125%, 11/01/20 (z)    $ 1,410,000      $ 1,360,650   
American Energy-Permian Basin LLC, 7.375%, 11/01/21 (z)      1,175,000        1,133,875   
Antero Resources Finance Corp., 6%, 12/01/20      2,270,000        2,366,475   
Antero Resources Finance Corp., 5.375%, 11/01/21      2,220,000        2,247,750   
Athlon Holdings LP/Athlon Finance Corp., 6%, 5/01/22 (z)      3,240,000        3,248,100   
Baytex Energy Corp., 5.125%, 6/01/21 (z)      465,000        461,513   
Baytex Energy Corp., 5.625%, 6/01/24 (z)      2,340,000        2,304,900   
Bill Barrett Corp., 7%, 10/15/22      3,070,000        3,146,750   
BreitBurn Energy Partners LP, 8.625%, 10/15/20      1,075,000        1,155,625   
BreitBurn Energy Partners LP, 7.875%, 4/15/22      4,755,000        4,968,975   
Chaparral Energy, Inc., 7.625%, 11/15/22      2,980,000        3,121,550   
Chesapeake Energy Corp., 5.75%, 3/15/23      1,060,000        1,131,550   
Concho Resources, Inc., 6.5%, 1/15/22      2,440,000        2,598,600   
Concho Resources, Inc., 5.5%, 4/01/23      3,565,000        3,689,775   
Denbury Resources, Inc., 4.625%, 7/15/23      3,050,000        2,851,750   

 

9


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Bonds - continued                 
Energy - Independent - continued                 
EP Energy LLC, 6.875%, 5/01/19    $ 1,205,000      $ 1,262,238   
EP Energy LLC, 9.375%, 5/01/20      4,295,000        4,756,713   
EP Energy LLC, 7.75%, 9/01/22      5,050,000        5,504,500   
EPL Oil & Gas, Inc., 8.25%, 2/15/18      3,830,000        4,002,350   
Halcon Resources Corp., 8.875%, 5/15/21      4,605,000        4,777,688   
Harvest Operations Corp., 6.875%, 10/01/17      3,190,000        3,437,225   
Hilcorp Energy I/Hilcorp Finance Co., 8%, 2/15/20 (n)      1,670,000        1,778,550   
Laredo Petroleum, Inc., 5.625%, 1/15/22      1,175,000        1,195,563   
Laredo Petroleum, Inc., 7.375%, 5/01/22      960,000        1,046,400   
LINN Energy LLC, 8.625%, 4/15/20      740,000        781,625   
LINN Energy LLC, 7.75%, 2/01/21      3,614,000        3,785,665   
MEG Energy Corp., 6.5%, 3/15/21 (n)      1,760,000        1,808,400   
MEG Energy Corp., 7%, 3/31/24 (n)      2,595,000        2,744,213   
Northern Blizzard Resources, Inc., 7.25%, 2/01/22 (n)      3,460,000        3,641,650   
Oasis Petroleum, Inc., 6.875%, 3/15/22 (n)      4,555,000        4,930,788   
Range Resources Corp., 5%, 8/15/22      4,315,000        4,422,875   
Sanchez Energy Corp., 6.125%, 1/15/23 (z)      2,345,000        2,339,138   
SandRidge Energy, Inc., 8.125%, 10/15/22      3,430,000        3,652,950   
SM Energy Co., 6.5%, 11/15/21      3,455,000        3,705,488   
    

 

 

 
      $ 95,361,857   
Entertainment - 1.8%                 
Activision Blizzard, Inc., 6.125%, 9/15/23 (n)    $ 2,465,000      $ 2,656,038   
Cedar Fair LP, 5.25%, 3/15/21      3,555,000        3,590,550   
Cedar Fair LP, 5.375%, 6/01/24 (n)      1,420,000        1,420,000   
Cinemark USA, Inc., 5.125%, 12/15/22      2,445,000        2,463,338   
Cinemark USA, Inc., 4.875%, 6/01/23      2,060,000        2,013,650   
Seven Seas Cruises S. DE R.L., 9.125%, 5/15/19      3,845,000        4,152,600   
Six Flags Entertainment Corp., 5.25%, 1/15/21 (n)      3,490,000        3,472,550   
    

 

 

 
      $ 19,768,726   
Financial Institutions - 4.8%                 
Aircastle Ltd., 4.625%, 12/15/18    $ 2,840,000      $ 2,889,700   
Aircastle Ltd., 5.125%, 3/15/21      1,415,000        1,418,538   
Aviation Capital Group, 4.625%, 1/31/18 (n)      3,015,000        3,190,603   
Aviation Capital Group, 6.75%, 4/06/21 (n)      1,935,000        2,179,114   
CIT Group, Inc., 5.25%, 3/15/18      2,875,000        3,033,125   
CIT Group, Inc., 6.625%, 4/01/18 (n)      4,276,000        4,714,290   
CIT Group, Inc., 5.5%, 2/15/19 (n)      4,287,000        4,576,373   
CIT Group, Inc., 5%, 8/15/22      2,605,000        2,689,663   
Icahn Enterprises LP, 6%, 8/01/20      3,160,000        3,294,300   
Icahn Enterprises LP, 5.875%, 2/01/22      3,930,000        4,006,144   
International Lease Finance Corp., 7.125%, 9/01/18 (n)      1,736,000        1,987,720   
Nationstar Mortgage LLC/Capital Corp., 6.5%, 8/01/18      2,220,000        2,197,800   

 

10


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Bonds - continued                 
Financial Institutions - continued                 
Nationstar Mortgage LLC/Capital Corp., 7.875%, 10/01/20    $ 3,815,000      $ 3,891,300   
SLM Corp., 4.875%, 6/17/19      788,000        793,910   
SLM Corp., 8%, 3/25/20      5,800,000        6,554,000   
SLM Corp., 7.25%, 1/25/22      3,130,000        3,427,350   
SLM Corp., 6.125%, 3/25/24      1,685,000        1,642,875   
    

 

 

 
      $ 52,486,805   
Food & Beverages - 1.4%                 
B&G Foods, Inc., 4.625%, 6/01/21    $ 2,250,000      $ 2,193,750   
Constellation Brands, Inc., 3.75%, 5/01/21      430,000        419,250   
Constellation Brands, Inc., 4.25%, 5/01/23      3,255,000        3,214,313   
Darling Ingrediants, Inc., 5.375%, 1/15/22 (n)      3,345,000        3,436,988   
H.J. Heinz Co., 4.25%, 10/15/20      2,185,000        2,171,344   
Sun Merger Sub, Inc., 5.875%, 8/01/21 (n)      3,410,000        3,580,500   
    

 

 

 
      $ 15,016,145   
Forest & Paper Products - 0.5%                 
Appvion, Inc., 9%, 6/01/20 (n)    $ 2,680,000      $ 2,559,400   
Tembec Industries, Inc., 11.25%, 12/15/18      2,440,000        2,616,900   
    

 

 

 
      $ 5,176,300   
Gaming & Lodging - 2.5%                 
CCM Merger, Inc., 9.125%, 5/01/19 (n)    $ 3,280,000      $ 3,460,400   
Chester Downs & Marina LLC, 9.25%, 2/01/20 (n)      1,450,000        1,377,500   
Greektown Holdings LLC, 8.875%, 3/15/19 (n)      2,840,000        2,825,800   
Hilton Worldwide Finance Co., 5.625%, 10/15/21 (n)      3,315,000        3,472,463   
Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc., 8.875%, 6/15/20      1,550,000        1,643,000   
Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc., 5.875%, 3/15/21      610,000        625,250   
MGM Resorts International, 6.625%, 12/15/21      2,985,000        3,227,531   
Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc., 8.75%, 5/15/20      2,130,000        2,273,775   
Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc., 6.375%, 8/01/21      1,860,000        1,915,800   
Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc., REIT, 5%, 4/15/21      3,045,000        3,022,163   
Wynn Las Vegas LLC, 7.75%, 8/15/20      3,085,000        3,324,088   
    

 

 

 
      $ 27,167,770   
Health Maintenance Organizations - 0.0%                 
Wellcare Health Plans, Inc., 5.75%, 11/15/20    $ 205,000      $ 209,100   
Industrial - 1.3%                 
Dematic S.A., 7.75%, 12/15/20 (n)    $ 4,995,000      $ 5,344,650   
Howard Hughes Corp., 6.875%, 10/01/21 (n)      3,755,000        3,952,138   
Hyva Global B.V., 8.625%, 3/24/16 (n)      1,760,000        1,821,600   
SPL Logistics Escrow LLC, 8.875%, 8/01/20 (n)      2,675,000        2,962,563   
    

 

 

 
      $ 14,080,951   

 

11


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Bonds - continued                 
International Market Quasi-Sovereign - 0.3%                 
Eksportfinans A.S.A., 5.5%, 5/25/16    $ 170,000      $ 179,945   
Eksportfinans A.S.A., 5.5%, 6/26/17      2,915,000        3,128,757   
    

 

 

 
      $ 3,308,702   
Machinery & Tools - 1.3%                 
H&E Equipment Services Co., 7%, 9/01/22    $ 3,855,000      $ 4,173,038   
Jurassic Holdings III, Inc., 6.875%, 2/15/21 (n)      3,210,000        3,193,950   
Light Tower Rentals, Inc., 8.125%, 8/01/19 (z)      1,415,000        1,439,763   
RSC Equipment Rental, Inc., 8.25%, 2/01/21      1,890,000        2,062,463   
United Rentals North America, Inc., 7.625%, 4/15/22      3,238,000        3,569,896   
    

 

 

 
      $ 14,439,110   
Major Banks - 1.1%                 
Bank of America Corp., FRN, 5.2%, 12/31/49    $ 3,900,000      $ 3,656,250   
JPMorgan Chase & Co., 6% to 8/01/23, FRN to 12/29/49      3,680,000        3,735,200   
Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC, 7.648% to 9/30/31, FRN to 8/29/49      2,800,000        3,332,560   
Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC, 6.99% to 10/04/17, FRN to 10/29/49 (n)      905,000        1,038,488   
    

 

 

 
      $ 11,762,498   
Medical & Health Technology & Services - 4.6%                 
CHS/Community Health Systems, Inc., 5.125%, 8/01/21 (z)    $ 700,000      $ 705,250   
CHS/Community Health Systems, Inc., 6.875%, 2/01/22 (z)      5,695,000        5,823,138   
Davita, Inc., 6.625%, 11/01/20      4,110,000        4,315,500   
Davita, Inc., 5.125%, 7/15/24      1,755,000        1,728,675   
Fresenius Medical Care Capital Trust III, 5.625%, 7/31/19 (n)      1,640,000        1,746,600   
Fresenius Medical Care Capital Trust III, 5.875%, 1/31/22 (n)      1,375,000        1,502,188   
HCA, Inc., 7.25%, 9/15/20      1,015,000        1,073,363   
HCA, Inc., 7.5%, 2/15/22      5,140,000        5,821,050   
HCA, Inc., 5.875%, 3/15/22      3,575,000        3,807,375   
HCA, Inc., 5%, 3/15/24      2,340,000        2,322,450   
HealthSouth Corp., 8.125%, 2/15/20      4,780,000        5,042,900   
Lifepoint Hospitals, Inc., 5.5%, 12/01/21 (n)      5,165,000        5,281,213   
Tenet Healthcare Corp., 8%, 8/01/20      4,790,000        5,113,325   
Tenet Healthcare Corp., 4.5%, 4/01/21      4,100,000        3,987,250   
Universal Health Services, Inc., 7.625%, 8/15/20      2,750,000        2,805,000   
    

 

 

 
      $ 51,075,277   
Medical Equipment - 0.8%                 
Biomet, Inc., 6.5%, 8/01/20    $ 1,885,000      $ 2,033,255   
Physio-Control International, Inc., 9.875%, 1/15/19 (n)      1,430,000        1,569,425   
Teleflex, Inc., 6.875%, 6/01/19      2,550,000        2,696,625   

 

12


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Bonds - continued                 
Medical Equipment - continued                 
Teleflex, Inc., 5.25%, 6/15/24 (n)    $ 2,155,000      $ 2,187,325   
    

 

 

 
      $ 8,486,630   
Metals & Mining - 4.7%                 
ArcelorMittal S.A., 6.75%, 2/25/22    $ 965,000      $ 1,044,613   
ArcelorMittal S.A., 7.25%, 3/01/41      1,735,000        1,769,700   
Arch Coal, Inc., 8%, 1/15/19 (n)      1,695,000        1,635,675   
Arch Coal, Inc., 7.25%, 10/01/20      2,190,000        1,456,350   
Century Aluminum Co., 7.5%, 6/01/21 (n)      3,675,000        3,895,500   
Commercial Metals Co., 4.875%, 5/15/23      2,493,000        2,399,513   
Consol Energy, Inc., 8.25%, 4/01/20      3,445,000        3,668,925   
Consol Energy, Inc., 6.375%, 3/01/21      1,235,000        1,296,750   
Consol Energy, Inc., 5.875%, 4/15/22 (n)      2,990,000        3,023,638   
First Quantum Minerals Ltd., 7.25%, 10/15/19 (n)      5,492,000        5,711,680   
First Quantum Minerals Ltd., 7.25%, 5/15/22 (n)      2,140,000        2,201,525   
FMG Resources, 6.875%, 4/01/22 (n)      855,000        909,506   
Fortescue Metals Group Ltd., 8.25%, 11/01/19 (n)      4,060,000        4,354,350   
GrafTech International Co., 6.375%, 11/15/20      3,450,000        3,527,625   
Molycorp, Inc., 10%, 6/01/20      955,000        849,950   
Peabody Energy Corp., 6%, 11/15/18      2,110,000        2,104,725   
Steel Dynamics, Inc., 5.25%, 4/15/23      2,230,000        2,246,725   
Suncoke Energy Partners LP/Suncoke Energy Partners Finance Corp., 7.375%, 2/01/20 (z)      1,150,000        1,213,250   
Suncoke Energy, Inc., 7.625%, 8/01/19      2,570,000        2,724,200   
TMS International Corp., 7.625%, 10/15/21 (n)      2,400,000        2,544,000   
Walter Energy, Inc., 9.5%, 10/15/19 (n)      1,615,000        1,606,925   
Walter Energy, Inc., 8.5%, 4/15/21      3,150,000        1,512,000   
    

 

 

 
      $ 51,697,125   
Midstream - 5.1%                 
Access Midstream Partners Co., 5.875%, 4/15/21    $ 1,020,000      $ 1,073,550   
Access Midstream Partners Co., 4.875%, 5/15/23      4,390,000        4,521,700   
AmeriGas Finance LLC, 6.75%, 5/20/20      4,805,000        5,057,263   
Atlas Pipeline Partners LP/Atlas Pipeline, 4.75%, 11/15/21      860,000        812,700   
Atlas Pipeline Partners LP/Atlas Pipeline, 5.875%, 8/01/23      3,225,000        3,168,563   
Crestwood Midstream Partners LP, 6%, 12/15/20      3,240,000        3,337,200   
Crestwood Midstream Partners LP, 6.125%, 3/01/22 (n)      1,970,000        2,034,025   
El Paso Corp., 7.75%, 1/15/32      6,530,000        7,215,650   
Energy Transfer Equity LP, 7.5%, 10/15/20      3,405,000        3,805,088   
Ferrellgas LP/Ferrellgas Finance Corp., 6.5%, 5/01/21      1,085,000        1,120,263   
Ferrellgas LP/Ferrellgas Finance Corp., 6.75%, 1/15/22 (n)      4,705,000        4,904,963   
MarkWest Energy Partners LP, 5.5%, 2/15/23      2,825,000        2,930,938   
MarkWest Energy Partners LP, 4.5%, 7/15/23      2,429,000        2,392,565   
Sabine Pass Liquefaction LLC, 5.625%, 2/01/21      2,720,000        2,815,200   

 

13


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Bonds - continued                 
Midstream - continued                 
Sabine Pass Liquefaction LLC, 5.625%, 4/15/23    $ 4,800,000      $ 4,872,000   
Sabine Pass Liquefaction LLC, 5.75%, 5/15/24 (z)      1,705,000        1,730,575   
Summit Midstream Holdings LLC/Summit Midstream Finance Corp., 7.5%, 7/01/21      2,135,000        2,321,813   
Summit Midstream Holdings LLC/Summit Midstream Finance Corp., 5.5%, 8/15/22      1,685,000        1,685,000   
    

 

 

 
      $ 55,799,056   
Municipals - 0.1%                 
Golden State, CA, Tobacco Securitization Corp., Tobacco Settlement Rev., “A-1”, 4.5%, 6/01/27    $ 1,200,000      $ 1,064,148   
Network & Telecom - 1.9%                 
Centurylink, Inc., 6.45%, 6/15/21    $ 2,770,000      $ 2,977,750   
Centurylink, Inc., 6.75%, 12/01/23      940,000        1,019,900   
Centurylink, Inc., 7.65%, 3/15/42      2,830,000        2,830,000   
Citizens Communications Co., 9%, 8/15/31      3,390,000        3,610,350   
Frontier Communications Corp., 8.125%, 10/01/18      870,000        996,150   
Qwest Corp., 7.5%, 10/01/14      3,000        3,032   
Telecom Italia Capital, 6%, 9/30/34      1,180,000        1,156,400   
Telecom Italia S.p.A., 5.303%, 5/30/24 (n)      3,105,000        3,011,850   
TW Telecom Holdings, Inc., 5.375%, 10/01/22      1,900,000        2,056,750   
TW Telecom Holdings, Inc., 5.375%, 10/01/22      950,000        1,028,375   
Windstream Corp., 7.75%, 10/15/20      2,345,000        2,509,150   
    

 

 

 
      $ 21,199,707   
Oil Services - 1.3%                 
Bristow Group, Inc., 6.25%, 10/15/22    $ 4,003,000      $ 4,223,165   
Pacific Drilling S.A., 5.375%, 6/01/20 (n)      3,865,000        3,681,413   
Shale-Inland Holdings LLC/Finance Co., 8.75%, 11/15/19 (n)      2,595,000        2,689,069   
Unit Corp., 6.625%, 5/15/21      3,765,000        3,953,240   
    

 

 

 
      $ 14,546,887   
Oils - 0.1%                 
CITGO Petroleum Corp., 6.25%, 8/15/22 (z)    $ 1,170,000      $ 1,205,100   
Other Banks & Diversified Financials - 0.4%                 
Groupe BPCE S.A., 12.5% to 8/6/19, FRN to 8/29/49 (n)    $ 2,973,000      $ 4,080,443   
Pharmaceuticals - 1.7%                 
Endo Finance LLC/Endo Finco, Inc., 7.25%, 1/15/22 (z)    $ 4,260,000      $ 4,504,950   
Mallinckrodt International Finance S.A., 5.75%, 8/01/22 (n)      2,485,000        2,497,424   
Salix Pharmaceuticals Ltd., 6%, 1/15/21 (n)      1,670,000        1,745,150   

 

14


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Bonds - continued                 
Pharmaceuticals - continued                 
Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc., 7%, 10/01/20 (n)    $ 5,100,000      $ 5,329,500   
Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc., 7.25%, 7/15/22 (n)      2,700,000        2,862,000   
Vantage Point Imaging, 7.5%, 7/15/21 (n)      1,560,000        1,684,800   
    

 

 

 
      $ 18,623,824   
Precious Metals & Minerals - 0.6%                 
Aurico Gold, Inc., 7.75%, 4/01/20 (z)    $ 1,990,000      $ 2,014,875   
Eldorado Gold Corp., 6.125%, 12/15/20 (n)      3,310,000        3,384,475   
IAMGOLD Corp., 6.75%, 10/01/20 (n)      1,444,000        1,328,480   
    

 

 

 
      $ 6,727,830   
Printing & Publishing - 0.8%                 
American Media, Inc., 13.5%, 6/15/18 (z)    $ 338,724      $ 355,660   
Gannett Co., Inc., 6.375%, 10/15/23 (n)      2,900,000        3,059,500   
Gannett Co., Inc., 5.125%, 7/15/20      1,415,000        1,429,150   
Lamar Media Corp., 5%, 5/01/23      2,255,000        2,235,269   
Nielsen Finance LLC, 5%, 4/15/22 (n)      2,165,000        2,132,525   
    

 

 

 
      $ 9,212,104   
Railroad & Shipping - 0.2%                 
Watco Cos. LLC, 6.375%, 4/01/23 (n)    $ 2,270,000      $ 2,304,050   
Real Estate - Healthcare - 0.9%                 
Aviv Healthcare Properties LP/Aviv Healthcare, 6%, 10/15/21    $ 3,825,000      $ 4,016,250   
MPT Operating Partnership LP, REIT, 6.875%, 5/01/21      2,275,000        2,445,625   
MPT Operating Partnership LP, REIT, 6.375%, 2/15/22      3,400,000        3,621,000   
    

 

 

 
      $ 10,082,875   
Real Estate - Other - 1.3%                 
CNL Lifestyle Properties, Inc., REIT, 7.25%, 4/15/19    $ 2,585,000      $ 2,636,700   
DuPont Fabros Technology LP, REIT, 5.875%, 9/15/21      4,725,000        4,819,500   
ERP Properties, REIT, 7.75%, 7/15/20      1,805,000        2,188,981   
ERP Properties, REIT, 5.75%, 8/15/22      805,000        873,972   
Felcor Lodging LP, REIT, 5.625%, 3/01/23      3,460,000        3,460,000   
    

 

 

 
      $ 13,979,153   
Retailers - 1.8%                 
Best Buy Co., Inc., 5.5%, 3/15/21    $ 4,315,000      $ 4,433,663   
Bon Ton Stores, Inc., 8%, 6/15/21      2,380,000        2,165,800   
Burlington Coat Factory Warehouse Corp., 10%, 2/15/19      2,770,000        3,041,820   
Jo-Ann Stores Holdings, Inc., 9.75%, 10/15/19 (p)(n)      2,580,000        2,605,800   
Limited Brands, Inc., 7%, 5/01/20      1,295,000        1,463,350   
Limited Brands, Inc., 6.95%, 3/01/33      720,000        748,800   
Rite Aid Corp., 9.25%, 3/15/20      3,760,000        4,211,200   

 

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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Bonds - continued                 
Retailers - continued                 
Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc., 6.875%, 11/15/19    $ 1,495,000      $ 1,592,175   
    

 

 

 
      $ 20,262,608   
Specialty Chemicals - 0.3%                 
Chemtura Corp., 5.75%, 7/15/21    $ 3,020,000      $ 3,080,400   
Specialty Stores - 0.6%                 
Group 1 Automotive, Inc., 5%, 6/01/22 (n)    $ 2,635,000      $ 2,595,475   
Men’s Wearhouse, Inc., 7%, 7/01/22 (z)      1,180,000        1,227,200   
Michaels Stores, Inc., 5.875%, 12/15/20 (n)      2,350,000        2,314,750   
    

 

 

 
      $ 6,137,425   
Telecommunications - Wireless - 4.2%                 
Crown Castle International Corp., 4.875%, 4/15/22    $ 1,155,000      $ 1,143,450   
Crown Castle International Corp., 5.25%, 1/15/23      2,685,000        2,711,850   
Digicel Group Ltd., 8.25%, 9/01/17 (n)      2,420,000        2,474,450   
Digicel Group Ltd., 8.25%, 9/30/20 (n)      1,190,000        1,282,225   
Digicel Group Ltd., 6%, 4/15/21 (n)      1,225,000        1,246,438   
Digicel Group Ltd., 7.125%, 4/01/22 (n)      1,731,000        1,756,965   
Eileme 2 AB, 11.625%, 1/31/20 (n)      1,220,000        1,431,975   
Sprint Capital Corp., 6.875%, 11/15/28      3,690,000        3,597,750   
Sprint Corp., 7.875%, 9/15/23 (n)      3,340,000        3,573,800   
Sprint Corp., 7.125%, 6/15/24 (n)      3,715,000        3,789,300   
Sprint Nextel Corp., 9%, 11/15/18 (n)      1,745,000        2,046,013   
Sprint Nextel Corp., 6%, 11/15/22      3,210,000        3,161,850   
T-Mobile USA, Inc., 6.125%, 1/15/22      475,000        488,656   
T-Mobile USA, Inc., 6.5%, 1/15/24      1,440,000        1,501,200   
T-Mobile USA, Inc., 6.464%, 4/28/19      1,465,000        1,527,263   
T-Mobile USA, Inc., 6.25%, 4/01/21      5,495,000        5,742,275   
T-Mobile USA, Inc., 6.633%, 4/28/21      1,890,000        1,984,500   
Wind Acquisition Finance S.A., 4.75%, 7/15/20 (n)      3,140,000        3,069,350   
Wind Acquisition Finance S.A., 7.375%, 4/23/21 (z)      3,615,000        3,768,638   
    

 

 

 
      $ 46,297,948   
Telephone Services - 0.2%                 
Cogent Communications Group, Inc., 8.375%, 2/15/18 (n)    $ 965,000      $ 1,022,900   
Level 3 Financing, Inc., 8.625%, 7/15/20      1,320,000        1,435,500   
    

 

 

 
      $ 2,458,400   
Tobacco - 0.1%                 
New Jersey Tobacco Settlement Financing Corp., “1-A”, 4.5%, 6/01/23    $ 1,465,000      $ 1,432,565   

 

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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Bonds - continued                 
Transportation - Services - 2.2%                 
Aguila American Resources Ltd., 7.875%, 1/31/18 (n)    $ 4,000,000      $ 4,185,000   
Jack Cooper Holdings Corp., 9.25%, 6/01/20 (n)      4,255,000        4,659,225   
Navios Logistics Finance (U.S.), Inc., 7.25%, 5/01/22 (n)      538,000        548,760   
Navios Maritime Acquisition Corp., 8.125%, 11/15/21 (n)      3,132,000        3,171,150   
Navios Maritime Holding, Inc., 7.375%, 1/15/22 (n)      3,405,000        3,464,588   
Stena AB, 7%, 2/01/24 (n)      5,125,000        5,406,875   
Syncreon Group BV/Syncre, 8.625%, 11/01/21 (n)      2,140,000        2,148,025   
Ultrapetrol (Bahamas) Ltd., 8.875%, 6/15/21      786,000        842,985   
    

 

 

 
      $ 24,426,608   
Utilities - Electric Power - 2.0%                 
AES Corp., 7.375%, 7/01/21    $ 2,030,000      $ 2,314,200   
Calpine Corp., 5.375%, 1/15/23      1,760,000        1,724,800   
Covanta Holding Corp., 7.25%, 12/01/20      4,290,000        4,590,300   
Covanta Holding Corp., 6.375%, 10/01/22      1,185,000        1,259,063   
InterGen N.V., 7%, 6/30/23 (n)      2,375,000        2,363,125   
NRG Energy, Inc., 8.25%, 9/01/20      4,025,000        4,326,875   
NRG Energy, Inc., 6.25%, 7/15/22 (n)      1,440,000        1,483,200   
NRG Energy, Inc., 6.625%, 3/15/23      3,315,000        3,414,450   
    

 

 

 
      $ 21,476,013   
Total Bonds (Identified Cost, $997,330,683)      $ 1,016,030,072   
Floating Rate Loans (g)(r) - 3.8%                 
Aerospace - 0.2%                 
TransDigm, Inc., Term Loan C, 3.75%, 2/28/20    $ 2,287,745      $ 2,271,404   
Building - 0.5%                 
ABC Supply Co., Inc., Term Loan B, 3.5%, 4/16/20    $ 3,290,562      $ 3,267,426   
HD Supply, Term Loan B, 6/28/18 (o)      1,800,951        1,798,700   
    

 

 

 
      $ 5,066,126   
Cable TV - 0.2%                 
Cequel Communications LLC, Term Loan, 2/14/19 (o)    $ 1,812,492      $ 1,800,408   
Conglomerates - 0.5%                 
Entegris, Inc., Term Loan B, 3.5%, 2/21/21    $ 3,008,243      $ 2,978,160   
Silver II U.S. Holdings LLC, Term Loan B, 4%, 12/13/19      2,180,545        2,170,665   
    

 

 

 
      $ 5,148,825   
Consumer Services - 0.2%                 
Realogy Corp., Term Loan B, 3.75%, 3/05/20    $ 2,172,205      $ 2,171,527   
Containers - 0.1%                 
Berry Plastics, Term Loan E, 1/06/21 (o)    $ 1,682,179      $ 1,665,884   

 

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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Floating Rate Loans (g)(r) - continued                 
Electronics - 0.3%                 
Avago Technologies Ltd., Term Loan B, 3.75%, 5/06/21    $ 3,027,718      $ 3,020,602   
Energy - Independent - 0.1%                 
MEG Energy Corp., Term Loan B, 3.75%, 3/31/20    $ 1,422,407      $ 1,421,645   
Entertainment - 0.1%                 
Cedar Fair LP, Term Loan B, 3.25%, 3/06/20    $ 1,073,015      $ 1,076,223   
Food & Beverages - 0.1%                 
H.J. Heinz Co., Term Loan B2, 3.5%, 2/15/20    $ 695,885      $ 695,512   
Gaming & Lodging - 0.3%                 
Hilton Worldwide, Term Loan B, 3.5%, 10/25/20    $ 3,085,531      $ 3,069,461   
Medical & Health Technology & Services - 0.1%                 
Community Health Systems, Inc., Term Loan, 3.25%, 1/27/21    $ 549,457      $ 550,525   
Davita Healthcare, Term Loan B, 3.5%, 5/29/21      1,177,874        1,175,140   
    

 

 

 
      $ 1,725,665   
Metals & Mining - 0.1%                 
Fortescue Metals Group Ltd., Term Loan B, 4.25%, 6/30/19    $ 1,690,996      $ 1,684,655   
Printing & Publishing - 0.2%                 
CBS Outdoor, Term Loan B, 3%, 1/31/21    $ 2,111,557      $ 2,098,360   
Retailers - 0.1%                 
Rite Aid Corp., Term Loan, 4.87%, 6/07/21    $ 937,940      $ 946,147   
Specialty Stores - 0.2%                 
Mens Wearhouse, Inc., Term Loan B, 4.5%, 3/11/21    $ 2,408,712      $ 2,426,778   
Transportation - Services - 0.3%                 
American Commercial Lines, Inc., Term Loan, 7.5%, 9/15/19    $ 3,087,965      $ 3,099,545   
Utilities - Electric Power - 0.2%                 
Calpine Construction Finance Co., Term Loan B, 3%, 5/07/20    $ 2,619,701      $ 2,565,261   
Total Floating Rate Loans (Identified Cost, $42,051,534)      $ 41,954,028   
Common Stocks - 0.0%                 
Automotive - 0.0%                 
Accuride Corp. (a) (Identified Cost, $699,432)      48,891      $ 244,455   

 

18


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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Convertible Bonds - 0.1%                 
Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Network & Telecom - 0.1%                 
Nortel Networks Corp., 2.125%, 4/15/15 (a)(d)
(Identified Cost, $572,250)
   $ 582,000      $ 590,730   
Preferred Stocks - 0.1%                 
Other Banks & Diversified Financials - 0.1%                 
Ally Financial, Inc., 7% (z) (Identified Cost, $1,552,313)      1,639      $ 1,630,805   
Money Market Funds - 1.8%                 
MFS Institutional Money Market Portfolio, 0.09%,
at Cost and Net Asset Value (v)
     19,455,186      $ 19,455,186   
Total Investments (Identified Cost, $1,061,661,398)      $ 1,079,905,276   
Other Assets, Less Liabilities - 1.8%        20,200,142   
Net Assets - 100.0%      $ 1,100,105,418   

 

(a) Non-income producing security.
(d) In default. Interest and/or scheduled principal payment(s) have been missed.
(g) The rate shown represents a weighted average coupon rate on settled positions at period end, unless otherwise indicated.
(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 $351,027,073, representing 31.9% of net assets.
(o) All or a portion of this position has not settled. Upon settlement date, interest rates for unsettled amounts will be determined. The rate shown, if any, represents the weighted average coupon rate for settled amounts.
(p) Payment-in-kind security for which interest income may be received in additional securities and/or cash. During the period, the following amount of interest income was received in additional securities and/or cash:

 

Payment-in-kind Securities    Cash      Additional
Securities
 
Jo-Ann Stores Holdings, Inc., 9.75%, 10/15/19      $125,775         $—   
Schaeffler Finance B.V., 6.875%, 8/15/18                
Total      $125,775         $—   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(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 affiliated fund that is available only to investment companies managed by MFS. The rate quoted for the MFS Institutional Money Market Portfolio 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

 

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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

  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
     Value  
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc., 7%, 7/01/24    6/02/2014      $925,000         $901,875   
Ally Financial, Inc., 7% (Preferred Stock)    4/13/11-11/27/12      1,552,313         1,630,805   
American Energy-Permian Basin LLC, 7.125%, 11/01/20    7/16/14      1,410,000         1,360,650   
American Energy-Permian Basin LLC, 7.375%, 11/01/21    7/16/14      1,175,000         1,133,875   
American Media, Inc., 13.5%, 6/15/18    12/22/10-12/28/10      342,164         355,660   
Ardagh Packaging Finance PLC, 6%, 6/30/21    6/20/14-6/24/14      2,225,846         2,110,550   
Athlon Holdings LP/Athlon Finance Corp., 6%, 5/01/22    4/16/14-5/13/14      3,284,862         3,248,100   
Aurico Gold, Inc., 7.75%, 4/01/20    6/27/14-7/15/14      2,004,364         2,014,875   
Baytex Energy Corp., 5.125%, 6/01/21    5/29/14      465,000         461,513   
Baytex Energy Corp., 5.625%, 6/01/24    5/29/14-6/05/14      2,353,939         2,304,900   
CHS/Community Health Systems, Inc., 5.125%, 8/01/21    1/15/14      700,000         705,250   
CHS/Community Health Systems, Inc., 6.875%, 2/01/22    1/15/14-4/24/14      5,862,451         5,823,138   
CITGO Petroleum Corp., 6.25%, 8/15/22    7/23/14      1,170,000         1,205,100   
Endo Finance LLC/Endo Finco, Inc., 7.25%, 1/15/22    9/24/14-6/02/14      4,537,508         4,504,950   
Garda World Security Corp., 7.25%, 11/15/21    5/21/14-5/22/14      1,000,633         961,538   
Garda World Security Corp., 7.25%, 11/15/21    4/24/14      2,449,050         2,370,775   
Light Tower Rentals, Inc., 8.125%, 8/01/19    7/16/14      1,415,000         1,439,763   
Men’s Wearhouse, Inc., 7%, 7/01/22    6/11/14-6/20/14      1,219,764         1,227,200   
Micron Technology, Inc., 5.5%, 2/01/25    7/23/14      1,765,000         1,756,175   
SIRIUS XM Radio, Inc., 6%, 7/15/24    5/01/14-5/13/14      1,885,619         1,869,300   
Sabine Pass Liquefaction LLC, 5.75%, 5/15/24    5/13/14      1,705,000         1,730,575   
Sanchez Energy Corp., 6.125%, 1/15/23    6/13/14-6/30/14      2,387,709         2,339,138   
Schaeffler Finance B.V., 4.75%, 5/15/21    7/10/14-7/11/14      2,239,881         2,207,625   
Signode Industrial Group, 6.375%, 5/01/22    4/07/14-4/25/14      2,752,894         2,689,050   
Suncoke Energy Partners LP/Suncoke Energy Partners Finance Corp., 7.375%, 2/01/20    4/29/14      1,208,323         1,213,250   
TransDigm, Inc., 6%, 7/15/22    5/20/14      375,000         376,875   
TransDigm, Inc., 6.5%, 7/15/24    5/20/14-5/21/14      1,577,786         1,585,700   
Wind Acquisition Finance S.A., 7.375%, 4/23/21    4/08/14      3,615,000         3,768,638   
Total Restricted Securities         $53,296,843   
% of Net assets         4.8%   

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

 

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

 

PLC   Public Limited Company
REIT   Real Estate Investment Trust

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

Derivative Contracts at 7/31/14

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts at 7/31/14

 

Type   Currency   Counter-
party
  Contracts
to
Deliver/
Receive
    Settlement
Date Range
    In
Exchange
for
    Contracts
at Value
    Net
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Asset Derivatives                              
SELL   EUR   Credit Suisse Group     5,754,385        10/10/14        $7,835,458        $7,707,178        $128,280   
             

 

 

 
Liability Derivatives                              
BUY   EUR   Deutsche Bank     593,000        10/10/14        $798,788        $794,239        $(4,549
             

 

 

 

Futures Contracts at 7/31/14

 

Description    Currency      Contracts      Value    Expiration
Date
     Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Asset Derivatives               
Interest Rate Futures               
U.S. Treasury Note 10 yr (Short)      USD         88       $10,965,625      September - 2014         $95,896   
              

 

 

 

Swap Agreements at 7/31/14

 

Expiration          Notional
Amount
    Counterparty   Cash Flows to
Receive
  Cash Flows
to Pay
  Fair
Value
 
Asset Derivatives      
Credit Default Swap Agreements      
12/20/17     USD        14,580,000      Deutsche Bank (a)   5.00% (fixed rate)   (1)     $1,266,526   
           

 

 

 

 

(1) Fund, as protection seller, to pay notional amount upon a defined credit event by a reference obligation specified in the Markit CDX North America Investment Grade Index, a B rated credit default index. The fund entered into the contract to manage market/sector exposure.
(a) Net unamortized premiums paid by the fund amounted to $760,873.

The credit ratings presented here are an indicator of the current payment/performance risk of the related swap agreement, the reference obligation for which may be either a single security or, in the case of a credit default index, a basket of securities issued by corporate or sovereign issuers. Ratings are assigned to each reference security, including each individual security within a reference basket of securities, utilizing ratings from Moody’s, Fitch, and Standard & Poor’s rating agencies and applying the following hierarchy: If all three agencies provide a rating, the middle rating (after dropping the highest and lowest ratings) is assigned; if two of the three agencies rate a security, the lower of the two is assigned. Ratings are shown in the S&P and Fitch scale (e.g., AAA). The ratings for a credit default index are calculated by MFS as a weighted average of the external credit ratings of the individual securities that compose the index’s reference basket of securities.

 

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At July 31, 2014, the fund had cash collateral of $1,564,400 to cover any commitments for certain derivative contracts. Cash collateral is comprised of “Restricted cash” in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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Financial Statements

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

At 7/31/14 (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, $1,042,206,212)

     $1,060,450,090   

Underlying affiliated funds, at cost and value

     19,455,186   

Total investments, at value (identified cost, $1,061,661,398)

     $1,079,905,276   

Cash

     312,497   

Restricted cash

     1,564,400   

Receivables for

  

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

     128,280   

Daily variation margin on open futures contracts

     118,524   

Investments sold

     11,000,641   

Fund shares sold

     482,588   

Interest and dividends

     18,976,750   

Swaps, at value (net unamortized premiums paid, $760,873)

     1,266,526   

Other assets

     2,829   

Total assets

     $1,113,758,311   
Liabilities         

Payables for

  

Distributions

     $15   

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

     4,549   

Investments purchased

     11,488,462   

Fund shares reacquired

     2,091,364   

Payable to affiliates

  

Investment adviser

     96   

Shareholder servicing costs

     12   

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

     68,395   

Total liabilities

     $13,652,893   

Net assets

     $1,100,105,418   
Net assets consist of         

Paid-in capital

     $1,074,909,103   

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

     18,966,203   

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

     8,225,449   

Accumulated distributions in excess of net investment income

     (1,995,337

Net assets

     $1,100,105,418   

Shares of beneficial interest outstanding

     111,752,364   

Net asset value per share (net assets of $1,100,105,418 / 111,752,364 shares of beneficial interest outstanding)

     $9.84   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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Financial Statements

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Six months ended 7/31/14 (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

     $35,223,182   

Dividends

     112,689   

Dividends from underlying affiliated funds

     8,496   

Total investment income

     $35,344,367   

Expenses

  

Shareholder servicing costs

     $24   

Administrative services fee

     8,679   

Custodian fee

     65,343   

Shareholder communications

     3,504   

Audit and tax fees

     20,064   

Legal fees

     5,842   

Registration fees

     68,819   

Miscellaneous

     19,198   

Total expenses

     $191,473   

Fees paid indirectly

     (475

Reduction of expenses by investment adviser

     (1,155

Net expenses

     $189,843   

Net investment income

     $35,154,524   
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency   

Realized gain (loss) (identified cost basis)

  

Investments

     $12,538,514   

Futures contracts

     (179,939

Swap agreements

     120,712   

Foreign currency

     7,048   

Net realized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency

     $12,486,335   

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

  

Investments

     $(11,608,607

Futures contracts

     95,896   

Swap agreements

     92,149   

Translation of assets and liabilities in foreign currencies

     8,764   

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

     $(11,411,798

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

     $1,074,537   

Change in net assets from operations

     $36,229,061   

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.

 

     Six months ended
7/31/14
     Period ended
1/31/14 (c)
 
Change in net assets    (unaudited)         
From operations                  

Net investment income

     $35,154,524         $59,893,365   

Net realized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency

     12,486,335         7,836,022   

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

     (11,411,798      (12,177,417

Change in net assets from operations

     $36,229,061         $55,551,970   
Distributions declared to shareholders                  

From net investment income

     $(36,188,794      $(63,296,637

From net realized gain on investments

     (571,666      (7,958,402

Total distributions declared to shareholders

     $(36,760,460      $(71,255,039

Change in net assets from fund share transactions

     $(13,072,022      $1,129,411,908   

Total change in net assets

     $(13,603,421      $1,113,708,839   
Net assets                  

At beginning of period

     1,113,708,839           

At end of period (including accumulated distributions in excess of net investment income of $1,995,337 and $961,067, respectively)

     $1,100,105,418         $1,113,708,839   

 

(c) For the period from the commencement of the fund’s investment operations, March 25, 2013, through the stated period end.

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 (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
7/31/14
(unaudited)
   

Period Ended
1/31/14 (c)

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

     $9.85        $10.00   
Income (loss) from investment operations                 

Net investment income (d)

     $0.32        $0.55   

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

     0.06        (0.04

Total from investment operations

     $0.38        $0.51   
Less distributions declared to shareholders                 

From net investment income

     $(0.38     $(0.59

From net realized gain on investments

     (0.01     (0.07

Total distributions declared to shareholders

     $(0.39     $(0.66

Net asset value, end of period (x)

     $9.84        $9.85   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(x)

     3.27 (n)      5.26 (n) 
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

     0.03 (a)      0.02 (a) 

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

     0.03 (a)      0.02 (a) 

Net investment income

     6.41 (a)      6.54 (a) 

Portfolio turnover

     28 (n)      42 (n) 

Net assets at end of period (000 omitted)

     $1,100,105        $1,113,709   

 

(a) Annualized.
(c) For the period from the commencement of the fund’s investment operations, March 25, 2013, through the stated period end.
(d) Per share data is based on average shares outstanding.
(f) Ratios do not reflect reductions from fees paid indirectly, if applicable.
(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.
(x) The net asset values per share and total returns have been calculated on net assets which include adjustments made in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles required at period end for financial reporting purposes.

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

(1) Business and Organization

MFS High Yield Pooled Portfolio (the fund) is a diversified 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. This fund is available only to investment companies managed by MFS. MFS does not receive a management fee from this fund.

The fund is an investment company and accordingly follows the investment company accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standard Codification Topic 946 Financial Services – Investment Companies.

(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 increases and decreases in net assets from operations during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. In the preparation of these financial statements, management has evaluated subsequent events occurring after the date of the fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities through the date that the financial statements were issued. The fund invests 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 invests in foreign securities. 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.

In June 2014, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-11, Transfers and Servicing (Topic 860) – Repurchase-to-Maturity Transactions, Repurchase Financings, and Disclosures (“ASU 2014-11”). ASU 2014-11 changes the accounting for repurchase-to-maturity transactions (i.e., repurchase agreements that settle at the same time as the maturity of the transferred financial asset) and enhances the required disclosures for repurchase agreements and other similar transactions. Although still evaluating the potential impacts of ASU 2014-11 to the fund, management expects that the impact of the fund’s adoption will be limited to additional financial statement disclosures which would first be effective for interim reporting periods beginning after March 15, 2015.

Balance Sheet Offsetting The fund’s accounting policy with respect to balance sheet offsetting is that, absent an event of default by the counterparty or a termination of the agreement, the International Swaps and Derivatives Association (ISDA) Master Agreement does not result in an offset of reported amounts of financial assets and financial liabilities in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities across transactions between the fund and the applicable counterparty. The fund’s right to setoff may be restricted or prohibited by the bankruptcy or insolvency laws of the particular jurisdiction to which a specific master netting agreement counterparty is subject. Balance sheet

 

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offsetting disclosures, to the extent applicable to the fund, have been included in the fund’s Significant Accounting Policies note under the captions for each of the fund’s in-scope financial instruments and transactions.

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 provided by a third-party pricing service. Equity securities, including restricted equity securities, are generally valued at the last sale or official closing price as provided by a third-party pricing service on the market or exchange on which they are primarily traded. Equity securities, for which there were no sales reported that day, are generally valued at the last quoted daily bid quotation as provided 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 generally are valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value. Exchange-traded options are generally valued at the last sale or official closing price as provided by a third-party pricing service on the exchange on which such options are primarily traded. Exchange-traded options for which there were no sales reported that day are generally valued at the last daily bid quotation as provided by a third-party pricing service on the exchange on which such options are primarily traded. Options not traded on an exchange are generally valued at a broker/dealer bid quotation. Foreign currency options are generally valued at valuations provided by a third-party pricing service. Futures contracts are generally valued at last posted settlement price as provided 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 provided by a third-party pricing service on the market on which such futures contracts are primarily traded. Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are generally valued at the mean of bid and asked prices for the time period interpolated from rates provided by a third-party pricing service for proximate time periods. Swap agreements are generally valued at valuations provided by a third-party pricing service, which for cleared swaps includes an evaluation of any trading activity at the clearinghouses. 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 third-party pricing services can utilize both transaction data and market information such as 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 provided 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

 

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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. The adviser generally relies on third-party 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 an investment used to determine the fund’s net asset value may differ from quoted or published prices for the same investment. There can be no assurance that the fund could obtain the fair value assigned to an investment if it were to sell the investment at the same time at which the fund determines its net asset value per share.

Various inputs are used in determining the value of the fund’s assets or liabilities. These inputs are categorized into three broad levels. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, an investment’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The fund’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and considers factors specific to the investment. Level 1 includes unadjusted 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 contracts, forward foreign currency exchange contracts, and swap agreements.

 

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The following is a summary of the levels used as of July 31, 2014 in valuing the fund’s assets or liabilities:

 

Investments at Value    Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  
Equity Securities      $244,455         $1,630,805         $—         $1,875,260   
Non-U.S. Sovereign Debt              3,308,702                 3,308,702   
Municipal Bonds              2,496,713                 2,496,713   
U.S. Corporate Bonds              817,766,163                 817,766,163   
Foreign Bonds              193,049,224                 193,049,224   
Floating Rate Loans              41,954,028                 41,954,028   
Mutual Funds      19,455,186                         19,455,186   
Total Investments      $19,699,641         $1,060,205,635         $—         $1,079,905,276   
Other Financial Instruments                
Futures Contracts      $95,896         $—         $—         $95,896   
Swap Agreements              1,266,526                 1,266,526   
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts              123,731                 123,731   

For further information regarding security characteristics, see the Portfolio of Investments.

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 or on the reporting date for foreign denominated receivables and payables. 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 receivables, payables, 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.

Derivatives – The fund uses derivatives for different purposes, primarily to increase or decrease exposure to a particular market or segment of the market, or security, to increase or decrease interest rate or currency exposure, or as alternatives to direct investments. Derivatives are used 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 increase market exposure, or for hedging purposes, gains and losses from derivative instruments may be substantially greater than the derivative’s original cost.

The derivative instruments used by the fund were purchased options, futures contracts, forward foreign currency exchange contracts, and swap agreements. The fund’s period end derivatives, as presented in the Portfolio of Investments and the associated Derivative Contract tables, generally are indicative of the volume of its derivative activity during the period.

 

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The following table presents, by major type of derivative contract, the fair value, on a gross basis, of the asset and liability components of derivatives held by the fund at July 31, 2014 as reported in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities:

 

        Fair Value (a)  
Risk   Derivative Contracts   Asset Derivatives     Liability Derivatives  
Interest Rate   Interest Rate Futures     $95,896        $—   
Foreign Exchange   Forward Foreign Currency Exchange     128,280        (4,549
Credit   Credit Default Swaps     1,266,526          
Total       $1,490,702        $(4,549

 

(a) The value of futures contracts includes cumulative appreciation (depreciation) as reported in the fund’s Portfolio of Investments. Only the current day variation margin for futures contracts is separately reported within the fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

The following table presents, by major type of derivative contract, the realized gain (loss) on derivatives held by the fund for the six months ended July 31, 2014 as reported in the Statement of Operations:

 

Risk    Futures
Contracts
     Swap
Agreements
     Foreign
Currency
     Investments
(Purchased
Options)
 
Interest Rate      $(179,939      $—         $—         $—   
Foreign Exchange                      29,583           
Equity                              (155,258
Credit              120,712                   
Total      $(179,939      $120,712         $29,583         $(155,258

The following table presents, by major type of derivative contract, the change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on derivatives held by the fund for the six months ended July 31, 2014 as reported in the Statement of Operations:

 

Risk    Futures
Contracts
     Swap
Agreements
    

Translation

of Assets and

Liabilities in

Foreign
Currencies

 
Interest Rate      $95,896         $—         $—   
Foreign Exchange                      9,190   
Credit              92,149           
Total      $95,896         $92,149         $9,190   

Derivative counterparty credit risk is managed through formal evaluation of the creditworthiness of all potential counterparties. On certain, but not all, over-the-counter derivatives, the fund attempts to reduce its exposure to counterparty credit risk whenever possible 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 each party to the agreement the right to terminate all transactions traded under such agreement if there is a certain deterioration in the credit quality of the other party. Upon an event of default or a

 

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termination of the ISDA Master Agreement, the non-defaulting party has the right 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. The fund’s right to setoff may be restricted or prohibited by the bankruptcy or insolvency laws of the particular jurisdiction to which a specific ISDA counterparty is subject.

Collateral and margin requirements differ by type of derivative. Margin requirements are set by the broker or clearing house for cleared derivatives (i.e., futures contracts, cleared swaps, and exchange-traded options) while collateral terms are contract specific for over-the-counter traded derivatives (i.e., forward foreign currency exchange contracts, uncleared swap agreements, and over-the-counter options). For derivatives traded under an ISDA Master Agreement, the collateral requirements are netted across all transactions traded under such agreement and one amount is posted from one party to the other to collateralize such obligations. Cash that has been segregated to cover the fund’s collateral or margin obligations under derivative contracts, if any, will be reported separately in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as “Restricted cash” or “Deposits with brokers.” Securities pledged as collateral or margin for the same purpose, if any, are noted in the Portfolio of Investments.

Purchased Options – The fund purchased call options for a premium. Purchased call options entitle the holder to buy a specified number of shares or units of a particular security, currency or index at a specified price at a specified date or within a specified period of time. Purchasing call options may hedge against an anticipated increase in the dollar cost of securities or currency to be acquired or increase the fund’s exposure to an underlying instrument.

The premium paid is initially recorded as an investment in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. That investment is subsequently marked-to-market daily with the difference between the premium paid and the market value of the purchased option being recorded as unrealized appreciation or depreciation. Premiums paid for purchased call options which have expired are treated as realized losses on investments in the Statement of Operations. Upon the exercise or closing of a purchased call option, the premium paid is added to the cost of the security or financial instrument purchased.

Whether or not the option is exercised, the fund’s maximum risk of loss from purchasing an option is the amount of premium paid. All option contracts involve credit risk if the counterparty to the option contract fails to perform. For over-the-counter options, this risk is mitigated in cases where there is an ISDA Master Agreement between the fund and the counterparty providing for netting as described above and for posting of collateral by the counterparty to the fund to cover the fund’s exposure to the counterparty under such ISDA Master Agreement.

Futures Contracts – The fund entered into futures contracts which may be used to hedge against or obtain broad market exposure, interest rate exposure, currency exposure, or to manage duration. A futures contract represents a commitment for the future purchase or sale of an asset at a specified price on a specified date.

 

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Upon entering into a futures contract, the fund is required to deposit with the broker, either in cash or securities, an initial margin in an amount equal to a certain percentage of the notional amount of the contract. Subsequent payments (variation margin) 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 gain or loss by the fund until the contract is closed or expires at which point the gain or loss on futures contracts is realized.

The fund bears the risk of interest rates, 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. While futures contracts may present less counterparty risk to the fund since the contracts are exchange traded and the exchange’s clearinghouse guarantees payments to the broker, there is still counterparty credit risk due to the insolvency of the broker. The fund’s maximum risk of loss due to counterparty credit risk is equal to the margin posted by the fund to the broker plus any gains or minus any losses on the outstanding futures contracts.

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts – The fund entered into forward foreign currency exchange contracts for the purchase or sale of a specific foreign currency at a fixed price on a future date. These contracts may be used to hedge the fund’s currency risk or for non-hedging purposes. For hedging purposes, the fund may enter into contracts to deliver or receive foreign currency that the fund will receive from or use in its normal investment activities. The fund may also use contracts to hedge against declines in the value of foreign currency denominated securities 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 exchange rate changes.

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are adjusted by the daily exchange rate of the underlying currency and any unrealized gains or losses are recorded as a receivable or payable for forward foreign currency exchange contracts until the contract settlement date. On contract settlement date, any gain or loss on the contract is recorded as realized gains or losses on foreign currency.

Risks may arise upon entering into these contracts from unanticipated movements in the value of the contract and from the potential inability of counterparties to meet the terms of their contracts. Generally, the fund’s maximum risk due to counterparty credit risk is the unrealized gain on the contract due to the use of Continuous Linked Settlement, an industry accepted settlement system. This risk is mitigated in cases where there is an ISDA Master Agreement between the fund and the counterparty providing for netting as described above and for posting of collateral by the counterparty to the fund to cover the fund’s exposure to the counterparty under such ISDA Master Agreement.

Swap Agreements – During the period the fund entered into swap agreements. Certain types of swaps (“cleared swaps”) are required to be centrally cleared under provisions of the Dodd-Frank Regulatory Reform Bill. In a cleared swap transaction, the swap agreement is novated to a central counterparty (the “clearinghouse”)

 

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immediately following execution of the swap contract with an executing broker. Thereafter, throughout the term of the cleared swap, the fund interfaces indirectly with the clearinghouse through a clearing broker.

A swap agreement is generally an exchange of cash payments, at specified intervals or upon the occurrence of specified events, between the fund and a counterparty. The net cash payments exchanged are recorded as a realized gain or loss on swap agreements in the Statement of Operations. The value of the swap agreement, which is adjusted daily and includes any related interest accruals to be paid or received by the fund, is recorded in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities, as “Swaps, at value” for uncleared swaps and is included in “Due from brokers” or “Due to brokers” for cleared swaps. The daily change in value, including any related interest accruals to be paid or received, is recorded as unrealized appreciation or depreciation on swap agreements in the Statement of Operations. The daily change in valuation of cleared swaps is recorded as a receivable or payable for variation margin in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Amounts paid or received at the inception of the swap agreement are reflected as premiums paid or received in 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 on swap agreements in the Statement of Operations.

Risks related to swap agreements include the possible lack of a liquid market, unfavorable market and interest rate movements of the underlying instrument and the failure of the counterparty to perform under the terms of the agreements. To address counterparty risk, swap agreements are limited to only highly-rated counterparties. For uncleared swaps, that risk is further reduced by having an ISDA Master Agreement between the fund and the counterparty providing for netting as described above and by the posting of collateral by the counterparty to the fund to cover the fund’s exposure to the counterparty under such ISDA Master Agreement. Although not covered by an ISDA Master Agreement, the fund’s counterparty risk due to cleared swaps is mitigated by the clearinghouses’ margining requirements and financial safeguards in the event of a clearing broker default.

The fund entered into credit default swap agreements in order to manage its exposure to the market or certain sectors of the market, to reduce its credit risk exposure to defaults of corporate and sovereign issuers or to create exposure to corporate or sovereign issuers to which it is not otherwise exposed. In a credit default swap agreement, the protection buyer can make an upfront payment and will make a stream of payments to the protection seller based on a fixed percentage applied to the agreement notional amount in exchange for the right to receive a specified return upon the occurrence of a defined credit event on the reference obligation (which may be either a single security or a basket of securities issued by corporate or sovereign issuers) and, with respect to the rare cases where physical settlement applies, the delivery by the buyer to the seller of a defined deliverable obligation. Although agreement-specific, credit events generally consist of a combination of the following: bankruptcy, failure to pay, restructuring, obligation acceleration, obligation default, or repudiation/moratorium, each as defined in the 2003 ISDA Credit Derivatives Definitions as amended by the relevant agreement. Restructuring is generally not applicable when the reference obligation is issued by a North American corporation

 

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and obligation acceleration, obligation default, or repudiation/moratorium are generally only applicable when the reference obligation is issued by a sovereign entity or an entity in an emerging country. Upon determination of the final price for the deliverable obligation (or upon delivery of the deliverable obligation in the case of physical settlement), the difference between the value of the deliverable obligation and the swap agreement’s notional amount is recorded as realized gain or loss on swap agreements in the Statement of Operations.

Credit default swap agreements are considered to have credit-risk-related contingent features since they trigger payment by the protection seller to the protection buyer upon the occurrence of a defined credit event. The maximum amount of future, undiscounted payments that the fund, as protection seller, could be required to make is equal to the swap agreement’s notional amount. The protection seller’s payment obligation would be offset to the extent of the value of the agreement’s deliverable obligation. At July 31, 2014, the fund did not hold any credit default swap agreements at an unrealized loss where it is the protection seller.

The fund’s maximum risk of loss from counterparty risk, either as the protection seller or as the protection buyer, is the fair value of the agreement. For uncleared swaps, counterparty risk is reduced by having an ISDA Master Agreement between the fund and the counterparty providing for netting as described above and by the posting of collateral by the counterparty to the fund to cover the fund’s exposure to the counterparty under such ISDA Master Agreement. For cleared swaps, the fund’s counterparty risk is mitigated by the clearinghouses’ margining requirements and financial safeguards in the event of a clearing broker default.

Loans and Other Direct Debt Instruments – The fund invests in loans and loan participations or other receivables. These investments may include standby financing commitments, including revolving credit facilities, which contractually obligate the fund to supply additional cash to the borrower on demand. The fund generally provides this financial support in order to preserve its existing investment or to obtain a more senior secured interest in the assets of the borrower. 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 prepayment fees. Commitment fees are recorded on an accrual basis as income in the accompanying financial statements. Dividends received in cash are

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

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. Debt obligations may be placed on non-accrual status or set to accrue at a rate of interest less than the contractual coupon when the collection of all or a portion of interest has become doubtful. Interest income for those debt obligations may be further reduced by the write-off of the related interest receivables when deemed uncollectible.

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, 2014, is shown as a reduction of total expenses in 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’s federal tax returns, when filed, will remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service for a three year period. Management has analyzed the fund’s tax positions taken on federal and state tax returns for all open tax years and does not believe that there are any uncertain tax positions that require recognition of a tax liability. Foreign taxes, if any, have been accrued by the fund in the accompanying financial statements in accordance with the applicable foreign tax law. Foreign income taxes may be withheld by certain countries in which the fund invests. Additionally, capital gains realized by the fund on securities issued in or by certain foreign countries may be subject to capital gains tax imposed by those countries.

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, 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.

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

Book/tax differences primarily relate to amortization and accretion of debt securities 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 for the last fiscal year is as follows:

 

     1/31/14  
Ordinary income (including any short-term capital gains)      $63,296,637   
Long-term capital gains      7,958,402   
Total distributions      $71,255,039   

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

 

As of 7/31/14       
Cost of investments      $1,061,714,599   
Gross appreciation      25,946,538   
Gross depreciation      (7,755,861
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)      $18,190,677   
As of 1/31/14       
Undistributed ordinary income      6,155,826   
Undistributed long-term capital gain      385,606   
Post-October capital loss deferral      (313,726
Other temporary differences      (6,497,623
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)      25,997,631   

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

(3) Transactions with Affiliates

Investment Adviser – The fund has an investment advisory agreement with MFS to provide overall investment management and related administrative services and facilities to the fund. MFS receives no compensation under this agreement; however MFS receives management fees from MFS funds that invest in the fund.

Shareholder Servicing Agent – MFS Service Center, Inc. (MFSC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of MFS, provides transfer agent and recordkeeping functions in connection with the issuance, transfer, and redemption of shares of the fund under a Shareholder Servicing Agent Agreement. MFSC is not paid a fee for providing these services. MFSC may receive 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, 2014, out-of-pocket expenses amounted to $24. The fund may also pay shareholder servicing related costs to non-related parties.

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

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

these services. The fund is charged an annual fixed amount of $17,500 plus a fee based on average daily net assets. The administrative services fee incurred for the six months ended July 31, 2014 was equivalent to an annual effective rate of 0.0016% 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 to 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, MFS Fund Distributors, Inc. (MFD), and MFSC. The independent Trustees currently are not receiving any payments for their services to the fund.

Other – This fund and certain other funds managed by MFS (the funds) have entered into services agreements (the Agreements) which provide for payment of fees by the funds to Tarantino LLC and Griffin Compliance LLC in return for the provision of services of an Independent Chief Compliance Officer (ICCO) and Assistant ICCO, respectively, for the funds. The funds can terminate the Agreements with Tarantino LLC and Griffin Compliance LLC at any time under the terms of the Agreements. The ICCO is an officer of the funds and the sole member of Tarantino LLC. Prior to June 1, 2014, Robyn L. Griffin served as the Assistant ICCO and was an officer of the funds. Ms. Griffin is the sole member of Griffin Compliance LLC. Effective May 31, 2014, Ms. Griffin resigned as Assistant ICCO and the service agreement between the funds and Griffin Compliance LLC was terminated. For the six months ended July 31, 2014, the aggregate fees paid by the fund to Tarantino LLC and Griffin Compliance LLC were $1,490 and are included in “Miscellaneous” expense in the Statement of Operations. MFS has agreed to reimburse the fund for a portion of the payments made by the fund in the amount of $1,155, which is included in the 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 and Assistant ICCO.

The fund invests in the MFS Institutional Money Market Portfolio which is managed by MFS and seeks current income consistent with preservation of capital and liquidity. Income earned on this investment is included in “Dividends from underlying affiliated funds” in the Statement of Operations. This money market fund does not pay a management fee to MFS.

On March 22, 2013, MFS purchased 3 shares of the fund for an aggregate amount of $30. On March 25, 2013, the fund recorded a tax-free exchange of shares of the fund for high income debt instruments, accrued interest, and cash from certain other MFS funds. The transfer was accomplished by a tax-free exchange by the fund of 101,722,062 shares valued at $1,017,220,613 for investments from certain other MFS funds valued at approximately $979,990,962, with a cost basis of approximately $937,435,544, accrued interest of approximately $18,451,190, and cash of approximately $18,778,461. For financial reporting purposes, assets received and shares issued by the fund were recorded at fair value; however, the cost basis of the investments received from the other MFS funds were carried forward.

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

(4) Portfolio Securities

For the six months ended July 31, 2014, purchases and sales of investments, other than purchased option transactions and short-term obligations, aggregated $301,655,857 and $315,309,753, 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
7/31/14
    Period ended
1/31/14 (c)
 
     Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount  
Shares sold      5,296,050        $52,814,230        20,852,835        $206,073,744   
Shares issued in connection with in-kind transfer                    101,722,062        1,017,220,613   
Shares issued to shareholders in reinvestment of distributions      3,690,028        36,760,460        7,226,002        71,253,854   
Shares reacquired      (10,320,098     (102,646,712     (16,714,515     (165,136,303
Net change      (1,334,020     $(13,072,022     113,086,384        $1,129,411,908   

 

(c) For the period from the commencement of the fund’s investment operations, March 25, 2013, through the stated period end.

The fund is an MFS Pooled Portfolio, which is designed to be used by certain MFS funds to invest in a particular security type rather than invest in the security type directly. The fund is solely invested in by other MFS funds for the purpose of gaining exposure to high income debt instruments, rather than investing in high income debt instruments directly. The MFS funds do not invest in this fund for the purpose of exercising management or control. At the end of the period, the MFS Diversified Income Fund, the MFS High Yield Opportunities Fund, the MFS Strategic Income Fund, and the MFS Strategic Income Portfolio were the owners of record of approximately 48%, 39%, 10%, and 3%, respectively, of the value of outstanding voting shares of the fund.

(6) Line of Credit

The fund and certain other funds managed by MFS participate in a $1.1 billion unsecured committed line of credit, subject to a $1 billion sublimit, provided by a syndication of banks under a credit agreement. 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 higher of the Federal Reserve funds rate or one month LIBOR plus an agreed upon spread. 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. In addition, the fund and other funds managed by MFS have established unsecured uncommitted borrowing arrangements with certain banks for temporary financing needs. Interest is charged to each fund, based on its borrowings, at a rate equal to the Federal Reserve funds rate plus an agreed upon spread. For the six months ended July 31, 2014, the fund’s commitment fee and interest expense were $2,231 and $0, respectively, and are included in “Miscellaneous” expense in the Statement of Operations.

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

(7) Transactions in Underlying Affiliated 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 an affiliated issuer:

 

Underlying Affiliated Fund    Beginning
Shares/Par
Amount
     Acquisitions
Shares/Par
Amount
     Dispositions
Shares/Par
Amount
    Ending
Shares/Par
Amount
 
MFS Institutional Money Market Portfolio      9,978,615         170,719,254         (161,242,683     19,455,186   
Underlying Affiliated Fund    Realized
Gain (Loss)
     Capital Gain
Distributions
     Dividend
Income
    Ending
Value
 
MFS Institutional Money Market Portfolio      $—         $—         $8,496        $19,455,186   

 

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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, 2014 (“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.

As part of their deliberations, the Trustees took into account that the Fund was formed solely to act as a vehicle to pool the portions of other MFS funds invested in U.S. high yield bonds, and that shares of the Fund are not distributed or sold to the public. The Trustees gave substantial consideration to the fact that MFS does not charge a separate advisory fee to the Fund under the investment advisory agreement or charge transfer agency fees, administrative services fees, sales loads or distribution and service fees to the Fund, but that MFS receives advisory and other fees from the MFS funds that invest a portion of their assets in 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 Fund’s fees and expenses and the fees and expenses of comparable funds identified by Lipper Inc. (the “Lipper expense group”), (ii) information as to whether and to what extent applicable expense waivers, reimbursements or fee “breakpoints” are observed for the Fund, (iii) 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, and compared to MFS’ institutional business, (iv) MFS’ views regarding the outlook for the mutual fund industry and the strategic business plans of MFS, (v) descriptions of various functions performed by MFS for the Funds, such as compliance monitoring and portfolio trading practices, and (vi) information regarding

 

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Board Review of Investment Advisory Agreement – continued

 

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 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.

The Fund commenced operations on March 25, 2013 and has a limited operating history and performance record. As a result, the Trustees did not receive information provided by Lipper Inc. on the investment performance of the Fund. 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 this information 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 expenses, the Trustees considered, among other information, the total expense ratio of the Fund’s shares as a percentage of average daily net assets and the total expense ratios of peer groups of funds based on information provided by Lipper Inc., noting that the Fund’s total expense ratio was expected to be relatively low because, as noted above, the Fund does not bear advisory expenses. The Trustees considered that, according to the Lipper data (which takes into account any expense limitations that were in effect during the Fund’s last fiscal year), the Fund’s total expense ratio was lower than the Lipper expense group median. Because the Fund does not pay an advisory fee, the Trustees did not consider the extent to which economies of scale would be realized due to the Fund’s growth of assets, whether fee levels reflect economies of scale for shareholders, or the fees paid by similar funds to other investment advisers or by similar clients of MFS.

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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Board Review of Investment Advisory Agreement – continued

 

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 presence 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 services provided to the Fund by MFS under an agreement other than the investment advisory agreement. 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 Fund 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 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 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, 2014.

 

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PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND INFORMATION

MFS votes proxies on behalf of the fund pursuant to proxy voting policies and procedures that are 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. A shareholder can obtain the quarterly portfolio holdings report at mfs.com. The fund’s Form N-Q is also available on the EDGAR database on the Commission’s Internet Web site at http://www.sec.gov, and 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. Copies of the fund’s Form N-Q also 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.

FURTHER INFORMATION

From time to time, MFS may post important information about the fund or the MFS funds on the MFS web site (mfs.com). This information is available by visiting the “Commentary & Announcements” and “Market Outlooks” sections of mfs.com.

PROVISION OF FINANCIAL REPORTS AND SUMMARY PROSPECTUSES

The fund produces financial reports every six months and updates its summary prospectus and prospectus annually. To avoid sending duplicate copies of materials to households, only one copy of the fund’s annual and semiannual report and summary prospectus may be mailed to shareholders having the same last name and residential address on the fund’s records. However, any shareholder may contact MFSC (please see back cover for address and telephone number) to request that copies of these reports and summary prospectuses be sent personally to that shareholder.

 

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LOGO

 

Save paper with eDelivery.

 

LOGO

MFS® will send you prospectuses,

reports, and proxies directly via e-mail so you will get information faster with less mailbox clutter.

To sign up:

1. Go to mfs.com.

2. Log in via MFS® Access.

3. Select eDelivery.

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

 

CONTACT

WEB SITE

mfs.com

MFS TALK

1-800-637-8255

24 hours a day

ACCOUNT SERVICE AND LITERATURE

Shareholders

1-800-225-2606

Financial advisors

1-800-343-2829

Retirement plan services

1-800-637-1255

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

 


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ITEM 2. CODE OF ETHICS.

During the period covered by this report, the Registrant has not amended any provision in its Code of Ethics (the “Code”) that relates to an element of the Code’s definitions enumerated in paragraph (b) of Item 2 of this Form N-CSR. During the period covered by this report, the Registrant did not grant a waiver, including an implicit waiver, from any provision of the Code.

 

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.


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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.

 

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(a) 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.


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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)*    JOHN M. CORCORAN
  John M. Corcoran, President

Date: September 15, 2014

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)*    JOHN M. CORCORAN
  John M. Corcoran, President (Principal Executive Officer)

Date: September 15, 2014

 

By (Signature and Title)*    DAVID L. DILORENZO
  David L. DiLorenzo, Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer and Accounting Officer)

Date: September 15, 2014

 

* Print name and title of each signing officer under his or her signature.