N-CSRS 1 d476509dncsrs.htm MFS SERIES TRUST IX N-CSRS MFS SERIES TRUST IX 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 811-02464

MFS SERIES TRUST IX

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

111 Huntington Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02199

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

Christopher R. Bohane

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: April 30*

Date of reporting period: October 31, 2017

 

* This Form N-CSR pertains to the following series of the Registrant: MFS Corporate Bond Fund, MFS Limited Maturity Fund, MFS Municipal Limited Maturity Fund, and MFS Total Return Bond Fund. The remaining series of the Registrant has a fiscal year end of October 31.


Table of Contents
ITEM 1. REPORTS TO STOCKHOLDERS.


Table of Contents

SEMIANNUAL REPORT

October 31, 2017

 

LOGO

 

MFS® CORPORATE BOND FUND

 

LOGO

 

MFB-SEM

 


Table of Contents

MFS® CORPORATE BOND FUND

 

CONTENTS

 

Letter from the Executive Chairman     1  
Portfolio composition     2  
Expense table     4  
Portfolio of investments     6  
Statement of assets and liabilities     20  
Statement of operations     22  
Statements of changes in net assets     23  
Financial highlights     24  
Notes to financial statements     33  
Board review of investment advisory agreement     44  
Proxy voting policies and information     48  
Quarterly portfolio disclosure     48  
Further information     48  
Information about fund contracts and legal claims     49  
Provision of financial reports and summary prospectuses     49  
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 MAY LOSE VALUE NO BANK GUARANTEE



Table of Contents

LOGO

 

LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN

 

Dear Shareholders:

Despite policy uncertainty accompanying a new presidential administration in the United States and unease over ongoing Brexit negotiations, most markets have proved

resilient. U.S. share prices have reached new highs in recent months although the U.S. Federal Reserve has continued to gradually hike interest rates and has begun to shrink its balance sheet. However, rates in most developed markets remain very low, with major central banks outside of the U.S. just now beginning to contemplate curbing accommodative monetary policies.

Globally, we’ve experienced a year-long synchronized upturn in economic growth. Despite better growth, there are few immediate signs of worrisome inflation amid muted wage gains around the world. Emerging market economies have been boosted in part by

a weaker U.S. dollar and are recovering despite lingering concerns over the potential for restrictive U.S. trade policies. Commodity markets have recovered somewhat in response to solid global demand and robust global trade, though not enough to rekindle inflation fears.

At MFS®, we believe having a disciplined, long-term investment approach through a full market cycle is essential to capturing the best opportunities while also managing risk. In our view, such a strategy, along with the professional guidance of a financial advisor, will help you reach your investment objectives.

Respectfully,

 

LOGO

Robert J. Manning

Executive Chairman

MFS Investment Management

December 15, 2017

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


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PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION

 

Portfolio structure (i)

 

LOGO

 

Fixed income sectors (i)  
Investment Grade Corporates     84.6%  
High Yield Corporates     7.2%  
U.S. Treasury Securities     2.2%  
Emerging Markets Bonds     1.7%  
Floating Rate Loans     0.6%  
Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities (o)     0.0%  
Mortgage-Backed Securities (o)     0.0%  
Asset-Backed Securities (o)     0.0%  
Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities (o)     0.0%  
Composition including fixed income credit quality (a)(i)  
AAA     1.0%  
AA     2.1%  
A     23.0%  
BBB     60.7%  
BB     7.1%  
B     0.2%  
C (o)     0.0%  
D (o)     0.0%  
U.S. Government     2.2%  
Not Rated (o)     0.0%  
Cash & Cash Equivalents     3.7%  
Portfolio facts (i)  
Average Duration (d)     7.3  
Average Effective Maturity (m)     10.9 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. U.S. Government includes securities issued by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Not Rated includes fixed income securities, including fixed income futures contracts, which have not been rated by any rating agency. The fund may or may not have held all of these instruments on this date. 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

 

2


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Portfolio Composition – continued

 

  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%.

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

Cash & Cash Equivalents includes any cash, investments in money market funds, short-term securities, and other assets less liabilities. Please see the Statement of Assets and Liabilities for additional information related to the fund’s cash position and other assets and liabilities.

Percentages are based on net assets as of October 31, 2017.

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,

May 1, 2017 through October 31, 2017

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 May 1, 2017 through October 31, 2017.

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
5/01/17
  Ending
Account Value
10/31/17
  Expenses
Paid During
Period  (p)
5/01/17-10/31/17
 
A   Actual   0.78%   $1,000.00   $1,030.69     $3.99  
  Hypothetical (h)   0.78%   $1,000.00   $1,021.27     $3.97  
B   Actual   1.53%   $1,000.00   $1,026.15     $7.81  
  Hypothetical (h)   1.53%   $1,000.00   $1,017.49     $7.78  
C   Actual   1.53%   $1,000.00   $1,026.89     $7.82  
  Hypothetical (h)   1.53%   $1,000.00   $1,017.49     $7.78  
I   Actual   0.53%   $1,000.00   $1,031.98     $2.71  
  Hypothetical (h)   0.53%   $1,000.00   $1,022.53     $2.70  
R1   Actual   1.53%   $1,000.00   $1,026.88     $7.82  
  Hypothetical (h)   1.53%   $1,000.00   $1,017.49     $7.78  
R2   Actual   1.03%   $1,000.00   $1,028.67     $5.27  
  Hypothetical (h)   1.03%   $1,000.00   $1,020.01     $5.24  
R3   Actual   0.78%   $1,000.00   $1,030.69     $3.99  
  Hypothetical (h)   0.78%   $1,000.00   $1,021.27     $3.97  
R4   Actual   0.53%   $1,000.00   $1,031.96     $2.71  
  Hypothetical (h)   0.53%   $1,000.00   $1,022.53     $2.70  
R6   Actual   0.43%   $1,000.00   $1,032.47     $2.20  
  Hypothetical (h)   0.43%   $1,000.00   $1,023.04     $2.19  

 

(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 184/365 (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.

 

5


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PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS

10/31/17 (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 - 94.8%  
Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Aerospace - 1.4%  
Lockheed Martin Corp., 3.55%, 1/15/2026    $ 9,857,000     $ 10,238,638  
Northrop Grumman Corp., 2.55%, 10/15/2022      31,622,000       31,664,596  
Northrop Grumman Corp., 2.93%, 1/15/2025      27,106,000       27,175,296  
    

 

 

 
      $ 69,078,530  
Apparel Manufacturers - 0.5%  
Coach, Inc., 4.125%, 7/15/2027    $ 24,765,000     $ 24,935,802  
Asset-Backed & Securitized - 0.1%  
Bayview Financial Revolving Mortgage Loan Trust, FLR, 2.842%, (LIBOR-1mo. + 1.6%) 12/28/2040 (z)    $ 1,167,685     $ 1,011,102  
BlackRock Capital Finance LP, 7.75%, 9/25/2026 (z)      37,700       3,419  
Greenwich Capital Commercial Funding Corp., 5.959%, 7/10/2038      881,785       887,781  
JPMorgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Corp., 5.574%, 7/15/2042 (n)(q)      1,709,859       716,300  
Lehman Brothers Commercial Conduit Mortgage Trust, 0.972%, 2/18/2030 (i)      228,136       2  
Morgan Stanley Capital I, Inc., 1.287%, 11/15/2030 (i)(n)      1,890,367       19  
    

 

 

 
      $ 2,618,623  
Automotive - 3.3%  
General Motors Co., 6.6%, 4/01/2036    $ 1,500,000     $ 1,795,028  
General Motors Co., 5.15%, 4/01/2038      10,480,000       10,899,460  
General Motors Co., 6.25%, 10/02/2043      10,919,000       12,603,426  
General Motors Financial Co., Inc., 2.35%, 10/04/2019      32,777,000       32,899,526  
General Motors Financial Co., Inc., 3.45%, 4/10/2022      11,528,000       11,785,493  
General Motors Financial Co., Inc., 4%, 10/06/2026      10,385,000       10,472,074  
General Motors Financial Co., Inc., 4.35%, 1/17/2027      6,485,000       6,670,754  
Lear Corp., 5.25%, 1/15/2025      17,224,000       18,456,737  
Lear Corp., 3.8%, 9/15/2027      29,743,000       29,842,988  
ZF North America Capital, Inc., 4.75%, 4/29/2025 (n)      22,571,000       23,699,550  
    

 

 

 
      $ 159,125,036  
Biotechnology - 0.4%  
Life Technologies Corp., 6%, 3/01/2020    $ 19,411,000     $ 21,060,051  
Broadcasting - 0.8%  
Omnicom Group, Inc., 3.6%, 4/15/2026    $ 11,456,000     $ 11,614,643  
SES Global Americas Holdings GP, 2.5%, 3/25/2019 (n)      5,075,000       5,072,315  

 

6


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Bonds - continued  
Broadcasting - continued  
SES S.A., 3.6%, 4/04/2023 (n)    $ 1,680,000     $ 1,696,128  
Time Warner, Inc., 3.8%, 2/15/2027      14,214,000       14,207,803  
Time Warner, Inc., 5.35%, 12/15/2043      6,056,000       6,461,037  
    

 

 

 
      $ 39,051,926  
Brokerage & Asset Managers - 2.0%  
CME Group, Inc., 3%, 3/15/2025    $ 10,133,000     $ 10,320,129  
E*TRADE Financial Corp., 2.95%, 8/24/2022      15,023,000       15,030,156  
Intercontinental Exchange, Inc., 2.75%, 12/01/2020      6,672,000       6,807,702  
Intercontinental Exchange, Inc., 2.35%, 9/15/2022      21,865,000       21,782,000  
Intercontinental Exchange, Inc., 4%, 10/15/2023      16,230,000       17,473,169  
Intercontinental Exchange, Inc., 3.75%, 12/01/2025      10,952,000       11,517,266  
TD Ameritrade Holding Corp., 3.3%, 4/01/2027      16,712,000       16,918,865  
    

 

 

 
      $ 99,849,287  
Building - 2.0%  
Martin Marietta Materials, Inc., 4.25%, 7/02/2024    $ 7,431,000     $ 7,863,163  
Martin Marietta Materials, Inc., 3.45%, 6/01/2027      8,095,000       8,033,444  
Masco Corp., 4.45%, 4/01/2025      5,390,000       5,776,409  
Masco Corp., 4.375%, 4/01/2026      13,202,000       14,037,819  
Masco Corp., 4.5%, 5/15/2047      14,265,000       14,266,049  
Mohawk Industries, Inc., 3.85%, 2/01/2023      11,265,000       11,722,118  
Owens Corning, 4.2%, 12/15/2022      4,120,000       4,363,609  
Owens Corning, 3.4%, 8/15/2026      10,397,000       10,219,964  
Vulcan Materials Co., 4.5%, 6/15/2047      23,394,000       23,640,650  
    

 

 

 
      $ 99,923,225  
Business Services - 1.9%  
Cisco Systems, Inc., 2.2%, 2/28/2021    $ 14,891,000     $ 14,930,972  
Equinix, Inc., 5.75%, 1/01/2025      15,055,000       16,146,488  
Equinix, Inc., 5.375%, 5/15/2027      4,197,000       4,496,036  
Fidelity National Information Services, Inc., 2%, 4/15/2018      1,475,000       1,476,925  
Fidelity National Information Services, Inc., 3.5%, 4/15/2023      2,389,000       2,462,187  
Fidelity National Information Services, Inc., 5%, 10/15/2025      2,588,000       2,882,022  
Fidelity National Information Services, Inc., 3%, 8/15/2026      13,572,000       13,169,689  
Fidelity National Information Services, Inc., 4.5%, 8/15/2046      6,787,000       7,029,140  
Fiserv, Inc., 2.7%, 6/01/2020      8,911,000       9,008,808  
MSCI, Inc., 5.75%, 8/15/2025 (n)      15,656,000       16,908,480  
MSCI, Inc., 4.75%, 8/01/2026 (n)      5,205,000       5,419,706  
    

 

 

 
      $ 93,930,453  
Cable TV - 3.5%  
Charter Communications Operating LLC, 6.384%, 10/23/2035    $ 31,910,000     $ 36,775,561  
Charter Communications Operating LLC, 5.375%, 5/01/2047 (n)      13,540,000       13,707,312  

 

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Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Bonds - continued  
Cable TV - continued  
Comcast Corp., 4.2%, 8/15/2034    $ 13,916,000     $ 14,849,842  
Comcast Corp., 4.65%, 7/15/2042      1,789,000       1,963,591  
Comcast Corp., 4.75%, 3/01/2044      10,775,000       11,979,621  
Cox Communications, Inc., 3.5%, 8/15/2027 (n)      13,693,000       13,541,046  
Cox Communications, Inc., 4.6%, 8/15/2047 (n)      5,670,000       5,629,119  
NBCUniversal Enterprise, Inc., 1.974%, 4/15/2019 (n)      2,215,000       2,219,664  
Sirius XM Radio, Inc., 5.375%, 4/15/2025 (n)      1,635,000       1,722,881  
Sirius XM Radio, Inc., 5.375%, 7/15/2026 (n)      19,940,000       21,011,775  
Sirius XM Radio, Inc., 5%, 8/01/2027 (n)      13,311,000       13,427,471  
Time Warner Cable, Inc., 8.25%, 4/01/2019      6,150,000       6,659,221  
Time Warner Cable, Inc., 5%, 2/01/2020      1,480,000       1,557,644  
Time Warner Cable, Inc., 4.5%, 9/15/2042      9,034,000       8,319,183  
Time Warner Entertainment Co. LP, 8.375%, 7/15/2033      1,734,000       2,359,910  
Videotron Ltd., 5%, 7/15/2022      13,220,000       14,277,600  
    

 

 

 
      $ 170,001,441  
Chemicals - 1.3%  
Air Liquide Finance Co., 2.25%, 9/27/2023 (n)    $ 13,552,000     $ 13,180,174  
Braskem Netherlands Finance B.V., 3.5%, 1/10/2023 (n)      22,940,000       22,933,118  
LyondellBasell Industries N.V., 5%, 4/15/2019      2,378,000       2,459,855  
LyondellBasell Industries N.V., 6%, 11/15/2021      9,720,000       10,918,653  
Sherwin-Williams Co., 4.5%, 6/01/2047      13,884,000       14,734,447  
    

 

 

 
      $ 64,226,247  
Computer Software - 1.4%  
Microsoft Corp., 1.55%, 8/08/2021    $ 9,594,000     $ 9,406,363  
Microsoft Corp., 3.45%, 8/08/2036      25,000,000       25,258,781  
Microsoft Corp., 4.1%, 2/06/2037      13,500,000       14,760,543  
Oracle Corp., 3.4%, 7/08/2024      9,697,000       10,149,944  
VeriSign, Inc., 4.625%, 5/01/2023      7,628,000       7,866,375  
    

 

 

 
      $ 67,442,006  
Computer Software - Systems - 1.3%  
Apple, Inc., 3.2%, 5/11/2027    $ 33,231,000     $ 33,728,945  
Apple, Inc., 4.5%, 2/23/2036      10,000,000       11,395,771  
Apple, Inc., 4.375%, 5/13/2045      3,713,000       4,080,899  
Apple, Inc., 3.85%, 8/04/2046      8,346,000       8,440,738  
Apple, Inc., 4.25%, 2/09/2047      4,778,000       5,123,312  
    

 

 

 
      $ 62,769,665  
Conglomerates - 0.6%  
Johnson Controls International PLC, 4.5%, 2/15/2047    $ 3,906,000     $ 4,106,149  
Parker-Hannifin Corp., 4.1%, 3/01/2047 (n)      10,130,000       10,590,941  
Roper Industries, Inc., 1.85%, 11/15/2017      12,204,000       12,205,181  
    

 

 

 
      $ 26,902,271  

 

8


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Bonds - continued  
Consumer Products - 1.0%  
Newell Rubbermaid, Inc., 2.05%, 12/01/2017    $ 6,178,000     $ 6,180,203  
Reckitt Benckiser Treasury Services PLC, 3%, 6/26/2027 (n)      44,353,000       43,262,452  
    

 

 

 
      $ 49,442,655  
Consumer Services - 2.0%  
Priceline Group, Inc., 3.55%, 3/15/2028    $ 10,204,000     $ 10,285,765  
Priceline Group, Inc., 3.65%, 3/15/2025      17,059,000       17,543,299  
Priceline Group, Inc., 3.6%, 6/01/2026      20,768,000       21,227,115  
Service Corp. International, 5.375%, 1/15/2022      1,705,000       1,751,888  
Service Corp. International, 5.375%, 5/15/2024      18,149,000       19,147,195  
Visa, Inc., 4.15%, 12/14/2035      14,578,000       15,916,816  
Visa, Inc., 3.65%, 9/15/2047      11,718,000       11,689,811  
    

 

 

 
      $ 97,561,889  
Containers - 1.2%  
Ball Corp., 5%, 3/15/2022    $ 5,370,000     $ 5,799,600  
Ball Corp., 4%, 11/15/2023      6,003,000       6,168,082  
Ball Corp., 5.25%, 7/01/2025      10,370,000       11,394,037  
Crown American LLC, 4.5%, 1/15/2023      10,828,000       11,273,031  
Sealed Air Corp., 5.5%, 9/15/2025 (n)      20,780,000       22,909,950  
    

 

 

 
      $ 57,544,700  
Defense Electronics - 0.2%  
BAE Systems Holdings, Inc., 6.375%, 6/01/2019 (n)    $ 10,202,000     $ 10,865,685  
Electrical Equipment - 0.9%  
Arrow Electronics, Inc., 3.5%, 4/01/2022    $ 4,412,000     $ 4,508,749  
Arrow Electronics, Inc., 3.25%, 9/08/2024      18,437,000       18,349,572  
Arrow Electronics, Inc., 3.875%, 1/12/2028      19,987,000       20,032,791  
    

 

 

 
      $ 42,891,112  
Electronics - 2.6%  
Broadcom Corp./Broadcom Cayman Finance Ltd., 3.875%, 1/15/2027 (n)    $ 35,463,000     $ 36,485,196  
Flextronics International Ltd., 4.625%, 2/15/2020      16,917,000       17,653,158  
Flextronics International Ltd., 4.75%, 6/15/2025      6,626,000       7,134,688  
Intel Corp., 3.15%, 5/11/2027      4,138,000       4,219,742  
Intel Corp., 4.1%, 5/11/2047      36,383,000       38,523,879  
Jabil Circuit, Inc., 4.7%, 9/15/2022      3,601,000       3,832,544  
NXP B.V./NXP Funding LLC, 4.125%, 6/15/2020 (n)      7,329,000       7,631,321  
Tyco Electronics Group S.A., 2.375%, 12/17/2018      1,303,000       1,308,159  
Tyco Electronics Group S.A., 3.5%, 2/03/2022      11,088,000       11,506,972  
    

 

 

 
      $ 128,295,659  

 

9


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Bonds - continued  
Emerging Market Quasi-Sovereign - 0.6%  
Petroleos Mexicanos, 6.5%, 3/13/2027 (n)    $ 4,816,000     $ 5,259,072  
State Grid Overseas Investment (2016) Ltd., 2.75%, 5/04/2022 (n)      26,102,000       26,155,390  
    

 

 

 
      $ 31,414,462  
Energy - Integrated - 0.4%  
BP Capital Markets PLC, 2.521%, 1/15/2020    $ 2,680,000     $ 2,714,658  
Shell International Finance B.V., 3.75%, 9/12/2046      16,673,000       16,424,294  
    

 

 

 
      $ 19,138,952  
Entertainment - 0.1%  
Carnival Corp., 1.875%, 12/15/2017    $ 4,565,000     $ 4,567,140  
Financial Institutions - 1.4%  
AerCap Ireland Capital Co., 3.65%, 7/21/2027    $ 24,414,000     $ 24,396,003  
AerCap Ireland Capital Ltd., 4.625%, 10/30/2020      2,323,000       2,467,578  
Aircastle Ltd., 4.125%, 5/01/2024      18,898,000       19,323,205  
International Lease Finance Corp., 7.125%, 9/01/2018 (n)      3,221,000       3,355,512  
International Lease Finance Corp., 5.875%, 8/15/2022      15,000,000       16,924,519  
    

 

 

 
      $ 66,466,817  
Food & Beverages - 5.3%  
Anheuser-Busch InBev Worldwide, Inc., 3.75%, 1/15/2022    $ 45,055,000     $ 47,530,069  
Anheuser-Busch InBev Worldwide, Inc., 3.3%, 2/01/2023      33,610,000       34,596,343  
Anheuser-Busch InBev Worldwide, Inc., 4.7%, 2/01/2036      30,325,000       33,201,606  
Constellation Brands, Inc., 4.25%, 5/01/2023      39,599,000       42,326,576  
Danone S.A., 2.077%, 11/02/2021 (n)      11,063,000       10,874,762  
Danone S.A., 2.589%, 11/02/2023 (n)      25,885,000       25,427,383  
Kraft Heinz Foods Co., 3.5%, 7/15/2022      7,915,000       8,178,163  
Kraft Heinz Foods Co., 3%, 6/01/2026      6,972,000       6,736,754  
Kraft Heinz Foods Co., 5%, 7/15/2035      4,020,000       4,408,537  
Kraft Heinz Foods Co., 6.5%, 2/09/2040      12,504,000       15,678,833  
PepsiCo, Inc., 4.45%, 4/14/2046      6,411,000       7,144,804  
SYSCO Corp., 2.5%, 7/15/2021      4,796,000       4,820,598  
Tyson Foods, Inc., 4.5%, 6/15/2022      8,026,000       8,656,620  
Tyson Foods, Inc., 5.15%, 8/15/2044      3,239,000       3,711,377  
Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co., 2.9%, 10/21/2019 (n)      4,831,000       4,904,087  
Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co., 3.375%, 10/21/2020 (n)      2,809,000       2,897,259  
    

 

 

 
      $ 261,093,771  
Food & Drug Stores - 0.3%  
Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc., 2.7%, 11/18/2019    $ 12,906,000     $ 13,043,094  

 

10


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Bonds - continued  
Forest & Paper Products - 0.5%  
Georgia-Pacific LLC, 5.4%, 11/01/2020 (n)    $ 13,758,000     $ 15,023,446  
International Paper Co., 6%, 11/15/2041      5,640,000       7,027,074  
Packaging Corp. of America, 3.9%, 6/15/2022      2,554,000       2,683,109  
    

 

 

 
      $ 24,733,629  
Gaming & Lodging - 0.2%  
Wyndham Worldwide Corp., 2.5%, 3/01/2018    $ 7,176,000     $ 7,185,802  
Wyndham Worldwide Corp., 5.1%, 10/01/2025      4,492,000       4,777,006  
    

 

 

 
      $ 11,962,808  
Insurance - 0.6%  
American International Group, Inc., 3.875%, 1/15/2035    $ 6,000,000     $ 5,939,276  
American International Group, Inc., 4.7%, 7/10/2035      9,821,000       10,654,791  
American International Group, Inc., 4.5%, 7/16/2044      12,351,000       12,940,982  
    

 

 

 
      $ 29,535,049  
Insurance - Health - 1.2%  
Aetna, Inc., 1.5%, 11/15/2017    $ 3,281,000     $ 3,280,804  
Aetna, Inc., 2.8%, 6/15/2023      11,637,000       11,564,336  
Anthem, Inc., 1.875%, 1/15/2018      9,382,000       9,389,717  
Humana, Inc., 7.2%, 6/15/2018      10,075,000       10,408,424  
UnitedHealth Group, Inc., 4.625%, 7/15/2035      20,120,000       22,800,696  
    

 

 

 
      $ 57,443,977  
Insurance - Property & Casualty - 1.6%  
AXIS Capital Holdings Ltd., 5.875%, 6/01/2020    $ 1,810,000     $ 1,963,137  
Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., 2.75%, 3/15/2023      8,920,000       9,044,199  
Chubb Corp., FLR, 3.609% (LIBOR-3mo. + 2.25%), 3/29/2067      1,838,000       1,828,810  
Chubb INA Holdings, Inc., 2.3%, 11/03/2020      3,464,000       3,490,232  
Chubb INA Holdings, Inc., 2.875%, 11/03/2022      8,035,000       8,171,153  
CNA Financial Corp., 5.875%, 8/15/2020      6,010,000       6,523,561  
Liberty Mutual Group, Inc., 4.85%, 8/01/2044 (n)      11,230,000       12,222,301  
Marsh & McLennan Cos., Inc., 2.55%, 10/15/2018      4,402,000       4,428,042  
Marsh & McLennan Cos., Inc., 4.8%, 7/15/2021      8,500,000       9,192,059  
Marsh & McLennan Cos., Inc., 3.5%, 6/03/2024      6,766,000       7,008,773  
Marsh & McLennan Cos., Inc., 4.35%, 1/30/2047      6,467,000       6,973,706  
Swiss Re Ltd., 4.25%, 12/06/2042 (n)      1,842,000       1,892,953  
XL Group Ltd., 5.75%, 10/01/2021      6,890,000       7,659,539  
    

 

 

 
      $ 80,398,465  
Major Banks - 13.7%  
Bank of America Corp., 2%, 1/11/2018    $ 25,000,000     $ 25,019,250  
Bank of America Corp., 1.75%, 6/05/2018      4,800,000       4,802,411  
Bank of America Corp., 7.625%, 6/01/2019      1,290,000       1,399,162  

 

11


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Bonds - continued  
Major Banks - continued  
Bank of America Corp., 5.625%, 7/01/2020    $ 360,000     $ 390,657  
Bank of America Corp., 3.124% to 1/20/2022, FLR to 1/20/2023      17,201,000       17,464,327  
Bank of America Corp., 4.125%, 1/22/2024      16,866,000       17,965,542  
Bank of America Corp., 4.2%, 8/26/2024      27,122,000       28,641,147  
Bank of America Corp., 3.875%, 8/01/2025      23,407,000       24,545,049  
Bank of America Corp., 4.45%, 3/03/2026      23,347,000       24,823,231  
Bank of America Corp., 3.5%, 4/19/2026      19,080,000       19,422,623  
Bank of America Corp., 6.1% to 3/17/2025, FLR to 12/29/2049      18,007,000       20,100,314  
Bank of New York Mellon Corp., 3.442% to 2/07/2027,
FLR to 2/07/2028
     23,523,000       24,111,452  
Barclays PLC, 3.2%, 8/10/2021      10,000,000       10,130,200  
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., 2.625%, 4/25/2021      11,876,000       11,919,381  
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., 3.85%, 1/26/2027      25,624,000       26,217,959  
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., 4.017% to 10/31/2037,
FLR to 10/31/2038
     4,745,000       4,781,905  
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., 4.8%, 7/08/2044      7,916,000       8,839,550  
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., 5.15%, 5/22/2045      3,670,000       4,179,619  
HSBC Holdings PLC, 3.4%, 3/08/2021      15,677,000       16,156,323  
HSBC Holdings PLC, 2.65%, 1/05/2022      4,800,000       4,807,512  
HSBC Holdings PLC, 4.375%, 11/23/2026      12,488,000       13,132,706  
HSBC Holdings PLC, 6% to 5/22/2027, FLR to 11/22/2065      18,740,000       19,911,250  
JPMorgan Chase & Co., 4.25%, 10/15/2020      6,107,000       6,454,365  
JPMorgan Chase & Co., 2.295%, 8/15/2021      15,000,000       14,937,466  
JPMorgan Chase & Co., 4.5%, 1/24/2022      26,589,000       28,703,918  
JPMorgan Chase & Co., 3.25%, 9/23/2022      30,989,000       31,866,594  
JPMorgan Chase & Co., 3.125%, 1/23/2025      22,031,000       22,159,180  
JPMorgan Chase & Co., 3.2%, 6/15/2026      9,000,000       8,991,336  
JPMorgan Chase & Co., 2.95%, 10/01/2026      16,291,000       16,003,541  
JPMorgan Chase & Co., 3.54% to 5/01/2027, FLR to 5/01/2028      18,887,000       19,073,669  
JPMorgan Chase & Co., 6.75% to 2/01/2024, FLR to 1/29/2049      15,247,000       17,476,874  
Morgan Stanley, 2.5%, 4/21/2021      7,620,000       7,636,727  
Morgan Stanley, 5.5%, 7/28/2021      5,652,000       6,244,644  
Morgan Stanley, 2.625%, 11/17/2021      32,200,000       32,246,478  
Morgan Stanley, 3.125%, 7/27/2026      38,307,000       37,750,573  
Morgan Stanley, 3.95%, 4/23/2027      18,795,000       19,169,021  
Morgan Stanley, 3.971% to 7/22/2037, FLR to 7/22/2038      11,335,000       11,480,800  
PNC Bank N.A., 2.6%, 7/21/2020      11,281,000       11,418,951  
UBS Group Funding (Switzerland) AG, 4.253%, 3/23/2028 (n)      26,795,000       28,232,321  
Wachovia Corp., 6.605%, 10/01/2025      7,936,000       9,533,266  
Wells Fargo & Co., 4.1%, 6/03/2026      12,997,000       13,531,149  
    

 

 

 
      $ 671,672,443  

 

12


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Bonds - continued  
Medical & Health Technology & Services - 3.3%  
Becton, Dickinson and Co., 3.734%, 12/15/2024    $ 1,460,000     $ 1,500,467  
Becton, Dickinson and Co., 4.685%, 12/15/2044      9,974,000       10,479,695  
Becton, Dickinson and Co., 4.669%, 6/06/2047      26,561,000       27,845,120  
HCA, Inc., 4.75%, 5/01/2023      9,090,000       9,510,413  
HCA, Inc., 5.25%, 6/15/2026      10,033,000       10,672,604  
Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings, 3.25%, 9/01/2024      16,049,000       16,176,658  
Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings, 3.6%, 2/01/2025      4,792,000       4,899,200  
Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings, 4.7%, 2/01/2045      8,278,000       8,606,702  
Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc., 3.15%, 1/15/2023      1,177,000       1,197,668  
Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc., 3%, 4/15/2023      9,452,000       9,567,022  
Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc., 2.95%, 9/19/2026      14,540,000       14,232,006  
Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc., 4.1%, 8/15/2047      27,051,000       27,223,574  
Universal Health Services, Inc., 4.75%, 8/01/2022 (n)      11,190,000       11,497,725  
Universal Health Services, Inc., 5%, 6/01/2026 (n)      7,502,000       7,952,120  
    

 

 

 
      $ 161,360,974  
Medical Equipment - 2.1%  
Abbott Laboratories, 2.9%, 11/30/2021    $ 30,627,000     $ 31,105,149  
Abbott Laboratories, 4.75%, 11/30/2036      21,877,000       24,072,200  
Medtronic, Inc., 3.5%, 3/15/2025      32,749,000       34,009,739  
Medtronic, Inc., 4.375%, 3/15/2035      3,458,000       3,819,790  
Zimmer Holdings, Inc., 3.55%, 4/01/2025      10,000,000       10,173,385  
    

 

 

 
      $ 103,180,263  
Metals & Mining - 2.3%  
Barrick Gold Corp., 3.85%, 4/01/2022    $ 3,225,000     $ 3,417,048  
Barrick North America Finance LLC, 4.4%, 5/30/2021      1,007,000       1,077,750  
Glencore Funding LLC, 3%, 10/27/2022 (z)      2,911,000       2,915,000  
Glencore Funding LLC, 4.125%, 5/30/2023 (n)      11,974,000       12,544,202  
Glencore Funding LLC, 4%, 4/16/2025 (n)      7,423,000       7,581,110  
Glencore Funding LLC, 4%, 3/27/2027 (n)      21,861,000       22,007,788  
Glencore Funding LLC, 3.875%, 10/27/2027 (n)      10,188,000       10,112,354  
Kinross Gold Corp., 4.5%, 7/15/2027 (n)      1,685,000       1,706,063  
Kinross Gold Corp., 5.95%, 3/15/2024      9,796,000       10,873,560  
Southern Copper Corp., 6.75%, 4/16/2040      2,884,000       3,610,434  
Southern Copper Corp., 5.25%, 11/08/2042      21,462,000       23,300,802  
Steel Dynamics, Inc., 4.125%, 9/15/2025 (n)      458,000       459,145  
Steel Dynamics, Inc., 5%, 12/15/2026      12,510,000       13,260,600  
    

 

 

 
      $ 112,865,856  
Midstream - 3.3%  
APT Pipelines Ltd., 4.25%, 7/15/2027 (n)    $ 5,122,000     $ 5,272,088  
APT Pipelines Ltd., 5%, 3/23/2035 (n)      12,850,000       13,434,171  
Dominion Gas Holdings LLC, 2.8%, 11/15/2020      9,949,000       10,090,907  

 

13


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Bonds - continued  
Midstream - continued  
Kinder Morgan (Delaware), Inc., 7.75%, 1/15/2032    $ 4,075,000     $ 5,234,470  
Kinder Morgan Energy Partners LP, 6.85%, 2/15/2020      4,303,000       4,736,401  
Kinder Morgan Energy Partners LP, 3.5%, 3/01/2021      3,745,000       3,852,503  
Kinder Morgan Energy Partners LP, 7.4%, 3/15/2031      3,627,000       4,477,605  
Kinder Morgan Energy Partners LP, 6.5%, 9/01/2039      1,000,000       1,157,865  
ONEOK, Inc., 4.95%, 7/13/2047      38,103,000       38,973,431  
Phillips 66 Partners LP, 3.75%, 3/01/2028      8,497,000       8,529,283  
Phillips 66 Partners LP, 4.9%, 10/01/2046      9,059,000       9,394,469  
Sabine Pass Liquefaction LLC, 5.625%, 4/15/2023      12,865,000       14,289,561  
Sabine Pass Liquefaction LLC, 5.625%, 3/01/2025      1,257,000       1,396,726  
Sabine Pass Liquefaction LLC, 5.875%, 6/30/2026      13,222,000       14,958,405  
Sabine Pass Liquefaction LLC, 5%, 3/15/2027      7,084,000       7,621,603  
Sabine Pass Liquefaction LLC, 4.2%, 3/15/2028      15,455,000       15,765,089  
    

 

 

 
      $ 159,184,577  
Mortgage-Backed - 0.0%  
Freddie Mac, 3.244%, 8/25/2027    $ 1,276,000     $ 1,311,048  
Natural Gas - Distribution - 1.2%  
NiSource Finance Corp., 3.85%, 2/15/2023    $ 10,894,000     $ 11,428,972  
NiSource Finance Corp., 4.8%, 2/15/2044      4,239,000       4,720,459  
Sempra Energy, 3.25%, 6/15/2027      44,879,000       44,565,665  
    

 

 

 
      $ 60,715,096  
Network & Telecom - 3.5%  
AT&T, Inc., 2.45%, 6/30/2020    $ 5,778,000     $ 5,832,330  
AT&T, Inc., 3.8%, 3/01/2024      17,387,000       17,841,461  
AT&T, Inc., 4.5%, 5/15/2035      13,000,000       12,671,489  
AT&T, Inc., 4.9%, 8/14/2037      35,881,000       35,804,777  
AT&T, Inc., 4.75%, 5/15/2046      15,772,000       14,877,339  
AT&T, Inc., 5.65%, 2/15/2047      17,526,000       18,748,739  
Verizon Communications, Inc., 4.5%, 9/15/2020      25,714,000       27,402,911  
Verizon Communications, Inc., 1.75%, 8/15/2021      8,069,000       7,889,358  
Verizon Communications, Inc., 3%, 11/01/2021      12,119,000       12,362,893  
Verizon Communications, Inc., 5.012%, 4/15/2049      16,468,000       16,810,436  
    

 

 

 
      $ 170,241,733  
Oils - 1.4%  
Marathon Petroleum Corp., 3.4%, 12/15/2020    $ 11,333,000     $ 11,676,436  
Marathon Petroleum Corp., 4.75%, 9/15/2044      16,090,000       16,356,031  
Valero Energy Corp., 3.4%, 9/15/2026      20,305,000       20,304,369  
Valero Energy Corp., 4.9%, 3/15/2045      17,086,000       18,754,332  
    

 

 

 
      $ 67,091,168  

 

14


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Bonds - continued  
Other Banks & Diversified Financials - 5.3%  
BPCE S.A., 4.5%, 3/15/2025 (n)    $ 6,746,000     $ 7,043,856  
Capital One Financial Corp., 3.75%, 4/24/2024      7,016,000       7,270,801  
Capital One Financial Corp., 3.3%, 10/30/2024      38,018,000       38,093,818  
Citigroup, Inc., 4.4%, 6/10/2025      8,354,000       8,827,474  
Citigroup, Inc., 3.2%, 10/21/2026      35,061,000       34,634,843  
Citigroup, Inc., 3.52% to 10/27/2027, FLR to 10/27/2028      40,653,000       40,547,709  
Citizens Bank N.A., 2.25%, 3/02/2020      23,010,000       23,037,123  
Citizens Bank N.A., 2.55%, 5/13/2021      9,910,000       9,950,769  
Discover Bank, 7%, 4/15/2020      17,724,000       19,581,600  
Groupe BPCE S.A.,12.5% to 9/30/2019, FLR to 8/29/2049 (n)      3,146,000       3,710,329  
ING Groep N.V., 3.95%, 3/29/2027      14,650,000       15,336,956  
Macquarie Bank Ltd., 6.125% to 3/08/2027,
FLR to 12/31/2065 (n)
     6,524,000       6,859,986  
SunTrust Banks, Inc., 2.7%, 1/27/2022      29,944,000       30,123,713  
SunTrust Banks, Inc., 3.3%, 5/15/2026      14,449,000       14,303,160  
    

 

 

 
      $ 259,322,137  
Personal Computers & Peripherals - 0.1%  
Equifax, Inc., 2.3%, 6/01/2021    $ 6,156,000     $ 5,997,304  
Pharmaceuticals - 2.2%  
Actavis, Inc., 3.25%, 10/01/2022    $ 4,118,000     $ 4,185,162  
Biogen, Inc., 3.625%, 9/15/2022      12,455,000       13,036,830  
Celgene Corp., 2.875%, 8/15/2020      18,498,000       18,783,704  
Celgene Corp., 2.75%, 2/15/2023      29,591,000       29,574,429  
Forest Laboratories, Inc., 4.375%, 2/01/2019 (n)      6,577,000       6,729,028  
Gilead Sciences, Inc., 3.65%, 3/01/2026      15,567,000       16,203,354  
Gilead Sciences, Inc., 4.5%, 2/01/2045      4,419,000       4,825,927  
Shire Acquisitions Investments Ireland, 2.4%, 9/23/2021      14,055,000       13,960,672  
    

 

 

 
      $ 107,299,106  
Pollution Control - 0.1%  
Republic Services, Inc., 5.25%, 11/15/2021    $ 6,200,000     $ 6,835,657  
Railroad & Shipping - 0.4%  
Canadian Pacific Railway Co., 7.25%, 5/15/2019    $ 11,151,000     $ 12,029,911  
Canadian Pacific Railway Co., 4.5%, 1/15/2022      6,058,000       6,484,095  
    

 

 

 
      $ 18,514,006  
Real Estate - Office - 0.1%  
Boston Properties LP, REIT, 3.7%, 11/15/2018    $ 3,355,000     $ 3,407,158  
Boston Properties LP, REIT, 3.85%, 2/01/2023      3,562,000       3,740,043  
    

 

 

 
      $ 7,147,201  

 

15


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Bonds - continued  
Real Estate - Retail - 0.2%  
Simon Property Group, Inc., REIT, 1.5%, 2/01/2018 (n)    $ 9,465,000     $ 9,465,631  
Retailers - 1.1%  
Best Buy Co., Inc., 5%, 8/01/2018    $ 8,415,000     $ 8,607,308  
Best Buy Co., Inc., 5.5%, 3/15/2021      17,673,000       19,224,395  
Dollar General Corp., 4.15%, 11/01/2025      5,508,000       5,873,813  
Home Depot, Inc., 3%, 4/01/2026      7,218,000       7,265,885  
Home Depot, Inc., 4.875%, 2/15/2044      10,313,000       12,037,436  
    

 

 

 
      $ 53,008,837  
Specialty Chemicals - 0.1%  
Ecolab, Inc., 2.25%, 1/12/2020    $ 600,000     $ 602,750  
Ecolab, Inc., 4.35%, 12/08/2021      4,000,000       4,306,784  
    

 

 

 
      $ 4,909,534  
Telecommunications - Wireless - 2.3%  
American Tower Corp., REIT, 4.7%, 3/15/2022    $ 7,973,000     $ 8,601,117  
American Tower Corp., REIT, 3.5%, 1/31/2023      3,999,000       4,119,954  
American Tower Corp., REIT, 4%, 6/01/2025      12,172,000       12,642,839  
Crown Castle International Corp., 5.25%, 1/15/2023      4,570,000       5,058,041  
Crown Castle International Corp., 4.45%, 2/15/2026      15,364,000       16,232,656  
Crown Castle International Corp., 4%, 3/01/2027      11,286,000       11,556,750  
Crown Castle International Corp., 3.65%, 9/01/2027      8,862,000       8,843,469  
Crown Castle Towers LLC, 4.883%, 8/15/2020 (n)      12,662,000       13,370,177  
SBA Tower Trust, 2.898%, 10/11/2044 (n)      9,621,000       9,695,337  
T-Mobile USA, Inc., 6%, 4/15/2024      21,678,000       23,195,460  
    

 

 

 
      $ 113,315,800  
Tobacco - 2.0%  
B.A.T. Capital Corp., 3.557%, 8/15/2027 (n)    $ 24,315,000     $ 24,375,301  
Imperial Tobacco Finance PLC, 4.25%, 7/21/2025 (n)      17,708,000       18,649,102  
Philip Morris International, Inc., 4.875%, 11/15/2043      7,949,000       9,038,754  
Reynolds American, Inc., 8.125%, 6/23/2019      6,504,000       7,130,358  
Reynolds American, Inc., 6.875%, 5/01/2020      5,000,000       5,555,232  
Reynolds American, Inc., 3.25%, 6/12/2020      1,586,000       1,626,237  
Reynolds American, Inc., 4%, 6/12/2022      5,408,000       5,699,023  
Reynolds American, Inc., 4.45%, 6/12/2025      19,045,000       20,499,543  
Reynolds American, Inc., 5.7%, 8/15/2035      4,634,000       5,469,559  
    

 

 

 
      $ 98,043,109  
Transportation - Services - 0.3%  
ERAC USA Finance LLC, 3.85%, 11/15/2024 (n)    $ 2,391,000     $ 2,482,719  
ERAC USA Finance LLC, 7%, 10/15/2037 (n)      6,480,000       8,595,030  
ERAC USA Finance LLC, 5.625%, 3/15/2042 (n)      2,420,000       2,807,192  

 

16


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Bonds - continued  
Transportation - Services - continued  
ERAC USA Finance LLC, 4.5%, 2/15/2045 (n)    $ 1,850,000     $ 1,854,698  
    

 

 

 
      $ 15,739,639  
U.S. Treasury Obligations - 2.2%  
U.S. Treasury Bonds, 3.5%, 2/15/2039    $ 95,396,000     $ 107,413,660  
Utilities - Electric Power - 7.0%  
Alabama Power Co., 4.15%, 8/15/2044    $ 4,231,000     $ 4,482,237  
American Electric Power Co., Inc., 1.65%, 12/15/2017      8,244,000       8,244,805  
Berkshire Hathaway Energy, 4.5%, 2/01/2045      5,432,000       5,976,103  
CMS Energy Corp., 6.25%, 2/01/2020      6,891,000       7,483,480  
CMS Energy Corp., 5.05%, 3/15/2022      5,159,000       5,665,967  
Dominion Resources, Inc., 2.5%, 12/01/2019      3,550,000       3,574,319  
DTE Electric Co., 3.7%, 3/15/2045      2,077,000       2,056,385  
Duke Energy Corp., 3.75%, 9/01/2046      13,123,000       12,755,274  
EDP Finance B.V., 4.9%, 10/01/2019 (n)      3,533,000       3,708,191  
EDP Finance B.V., 5.25%, 1/14/2021 (n)      6,828,000       7,372,355  
EDP Finance B.V., 3.625%, 7/15/2024 (n)      20,257,000       20,515,074  
Emera U.S. Finance LP, 2.7%, 6/15/2021      3,920,000       3,937,804  
Emera U.S. Finance LP, 3.55%, 6/15/2026      4,478,000       4,520,528  
Enel Finance International N.V., 2.75%, 4/06/2023 (n)      36,129,000       35,870,166  
Enel Finance International N.V., 4.75%, 5/25/2047 (n)      32,876,000       34,966,530  
Eversource Energy, 2.9%, 10/01/2024      18,060,000       18,008,206  
Exelon Corp., 3.497%, 6/01/2022      17,819,000       18,339,297  
FirstEnergy Corp., 3.9%, 7/15/2027      32,446,000       33,117,075  
NextEra Energy Capital Holdings, Inc., 3.55%, 5/01/2027      22,319,000       22,987,775  
NextEra Energy Operating Co., 4.5%, 9/15/2027 (n)      14,862,000       14,954,888  
PPL Capital Funding, Inc., 4.2%, 6/15/2022      2,500,000       2,669,302  
PPL Capital Funding, Inc., 3.1%, 5/15/2026      14,911,000       14,718,547  
PPL Capital Funding, Inc., 5%, 3/15/2044      5,193,000       5,967,400  
PPL WEM Holdings PLC, 5.375%, 5/01/2021 (n)      5,693,000       6,157,482  
Public Service Enterprise Group, 2%, 11/15/2021      20,489,000       20,031,995  
Southern Co., 2.95%, 7/01/2023      8,880,000       8,925,408  
Southern Co., 4.4%, 7/01/2046      13,396,000       14,096,761  
    

 

 

 
      $ 341,103,354  
Total Bonds (Identified Cost, $4,510,934,301)     $ 4,643,052,560  
Floating Rate Loans (g)(r) - 0.6%  
Automotive - 0.1%  
Allison Transmission, Inc., Term Loan B, 3.25%, 8/23/2019    $ 7,564,930     $ 7,600,576  
Gaming & Lodging - 0.2%  
Hilton Worldwide Finance LLC, Term Loan B2, 3.23%, 10/25/2023    $ 10,054,831     $ 10,110,967  

 

17


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Floating Rate Loans (g)(r) - continued  
Medical & Health Technology & Services - 0.3%  
DaVita Healthcare Partners, Inc., Term Loan B, 3.99%, 6/24/2021    $ 13,268,103     $ 13,362,877  
Total Floating Rate Loans (Identified Cost, $31,048,257)     $ 31,074,420  
Investment Companies (h) - 4.3%  
Money Market Funds - 4.3%  
MFS Institutional Money Market Portfolio, 1.13% (v)
(Identified Cost, $211,840,641)
     211,849,744     $ 211,849,744  
Other Assets, Less Liabilities - 0.3%       12,504,933  
Net Assets - 100.0%     $ 4,898,481,657  

 

(g) The rate shown represents a weighted average coupon rate on settled positions at period end, unless otherwise indicated.
(h) 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. At period end, the aggregate values of the fund’s investments in affiliated issuers and in unaffiliated issuers were $211,849,744 and $4,674,126,980, respectively.
(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 $760,624,927, representing 15.5% of net assets.
(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) Affiliated issuer 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.

 

18


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

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

 

Restricted Securities    Acquisition
Date
  
Cost
     Value  
Bayview Financial Revolving Mortgage Loan Trust, FLR, 2.842%, (LIBOR-1mo. + 1.6%) 12/28/2040    3/01/06      $1,167,685        $1,011,102  
BlackRock Capital Finance LP, 7.75%, 9/25/2026    10/10/96-1/03/97      36,929        3,419  
Glencore Funding LLC, 3%, 10/27/2022    10/20/17      2,898,718        2,915,000  
Total Restricted Securities        $3,929,521  
% of Net assets        0.1%  

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

 

FLR   Floating rate. Interest rate resets periodically based on the parenthetically disclosed reference rate plus a spread (if any). The period-end rate reported may not be the current rate.
PLC   Public Limited Company
REIT   Real Estate Investment Trust

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

19


Table of Contents

Financial Statements

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

At 10/31/17 (unaudited)

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

 

Assets         
Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value (identified cost, $4,541,982,558)      $4,674,126,980  
Investments in affiliated issuers, at value (identified cost, $211,840,641)      211,849,744  

Cash

     73,203  

Receivables for

  

Investments sold

     1,647,289  

Fund shares sold

     16,588,575  

Interest

     44,847,717  

Other assets

     42  

Total assets

     $4,949,133,550  
Liabilities         

Payables for

  

Distributions

     $1,873,874  

Investments purchased

     39,168,643  

Fund shares reacquired

     8,124,989  

Payable to affiliates

  

Investment adviser

     103,213  

Shareholder servicing costs

     1,150,997  

Distribution and service fees

     41,198  

Payable for independent Trustees’ compensation

     18,558  

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

     170,421  

Total liabilities

     $50,651,893  

Net assets

     $4,898,481,657  
Net assets consist of         

Paid-in capital

     $4,782,043,344  

Unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     132,153,525  

Accumulated net realized gain (loss)

     (10,208,170

Accumulated distributions in excess of net investment income

     (5,507,042

Net assets

     $4,898,481,657  

Shares of beneficial interest outstanding

     346,805,944  

 

20


Table of Contents

Statement of Assets and Liabilities (unaudited) – continued

 

 

     Net assets      Shares
outstanding
     Net asset value
per share (a)
 

Class A

     $1,691,685,045        119,698,282        $14.13  

Class B

     56,241,731        3,987,865        14.10  

Class C

     227,732,015        16,164,724        14.09  

Class I

     1,755,153,636        124,275,830        14.12  

Class R1

     6,494,180        460,632        14.10  

Class R2

     50,912,608        3,602,166        14.13  

Class R3

     58,239,742        4,120,888        14.13  

Class R4

     176,485,484        12,485,173        14.14  

Class R6

     875,537,216        62,010,384        14.12  

 

(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 $14.76 [100 / 95.75 x $14.13]. On sales of $100,000 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 R6. Net asset value per share is calculated using actual net assets and shares outstanding rather than amounts that have been rounded for presentation purposes.

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

21


Table of Contents

Financial Statements

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Six months ended 10/31/17 (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 (loss)         

Income

  

Interest

     $84,770,576  

Dividends from affiliated issuers

     924,687  

Total investment income

     $85,695,263  

Expenses

  

Management fee

     $8,794,811  

Distribution and service fees

     3,811,060  

Shareholder servicing costs

     2,243,810  

Administrative services fee

     328,609  

Independent Trustees’ compensation

     30,563  

Custodian fee

     119,482  

Shareholder communications

     315,274  

Audit and tax fees

     36,645  

Legal fees

     21,273  

Miscellaneous

     237,987  

Total expenses

     $15,939,514  

Fees paid indirectly

     (5,138

Reduction of expenses by investment adviser and distributor

     (212,469

Net expenses

     $15,721,907  

Net investment income (loss)

     $69,973,356  
Realized and unrealized gain (loss)         

Realized gain (loss) (identified cost basis)

  

Unaffiliated issuers

     $20,904,125  

Affiliated issuers

     2,124  

Net realized gain (loss)

     $20,906,249  

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

  

Unaffiliated issuers

     $46,617,821  

Affiliated issuers

     (4,714

Net unrealized gain (loss)

     $46,613,107  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

     $67,519,356  

Change in net assets from operations

     $137,492,712  

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

22


Table of Contents

Financial Statements

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

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

 

Change in net assets

  

Six months ended

10/31/17

(unaudited)

     Year ended
4/30/17
 
         
From operations                  

Net investment income (loss)

     $69,973,356        $109,112,277  

Net realized gain (loss)

     20,906,249        10,729,076  

Net unrealized gain (loss)

     46,613,107        (19,563,041

Change in net assets from operations

     $137,492,712        $100,278,312  
Distributions declared to shareholders                  

From net investment income

     $(71,889,481      $(115,352,326

Change in net assets from fund share transactions

     $580,217,078        $1,176,131,453  

Total change in net assets

     $645,820,309        $1,161,057,439  
Net assets                  

At beginning of period

     4,252,661,348        3,091,603,909  

At end of period (including accumulated distributions in excess of net investment income of $5,507,042 and $3,590,917, respectively)

     $4,898,481,657        $4,252,661,348  

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

23


Table of Contents

Financial Statements

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

The financial highlights table is intended to help you understand the fund’s financial performance for the semiannual period and the past 5 fiscal years (or life of a particular share class, if shorter). Certain information reflects financial results for a single fund share. The total returns in the table represent the rate that 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

10/31/17

(unaudited)

    Year ended  
Class A     4/30/17     4/30/16     4/30/15     4/30/14     4/30/13  
                                 

Net asset value, beginning of
period

    $13.92       $13.99       $14.11       $14.02       $14.38       $13.86  
Income (loss) from investment operations                                  

Net investment income (loss) (d)

    $0.21       $0.42 (c)      $0.44       $0.46       $0.44       $0.46  

Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss)

    0.22       (0.04     (0.06     0.13       (0.28     0.61  

Total from investment operations

    $0.43       $0.38       $0.38       $0.59       $0.16       $1.07  
Less distributions declared to shareholders                                  

From net investment income

    $(0.22     $(0.45     $(0.46     $(0.50     $(0.48     $(0.55

From net realized gain

                (0.04           (0.04      

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

    $(0.22     $(0.45     $(0.50     $(0.50     $(0.52     $(0.55

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $14.13       $13.92       $13.99       $14.11       $14.02       $14.38  

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

    3.07 (n)      2.73 (c)      2.83       4.27       1.18       7.82  
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                 

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

    0.79 (a)      0.81 (c)      0.83       0.83       0.82       0.83  

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

    0.78 (a)      0.80 (c)      0.82       0.82       0.81       0.83  

Net investment income (loss)

    2.95 (a)      3.04 (c)      3.24       3.26       3.19       3.24  

Portfolio turnover

    17 (n)      28       30       29       31       47  

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $1,691,685       $1,597,201       $1,709,595       $1,572,022       $1,489,744       $1,766,159  

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

24


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

   

Six months
ended

10/31/17

(unaudited)

    Year ended  
Class B     4/30/17     4/30/16     4/30/15     4/30/14     4/30/13  
                                 

Net asset value, beginning of
period

    $13.89       $13.96       $14.08       $13.99       $14.35       $13.82  
Income (loss) from investment operations                                  

Net investment income (loss) (d)

    $0.16       $0.32 (c)      $0.34       $0.35       $0.34       $0.35  

Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss)

    0.21       (0.05     (0.06     0.13       (0.29     0.62  

Total from investment operations

    $0.37       $0.27       $0.28       $0.48       $0.05       $0.97  
Less distributions declared to shareholders                                  

From net investment income

    $(0.16     $(0.34     $(0.36     $(0.39     $(0.37     $(0.44

From net realized gain

                (0.04           (0.04      

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

    $(0.16     $(0.34     $(0.40     $(0.39     $(0.41     $(0.44

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $14.10       $13.89       $13.96       $14.08       $13.99       $14.35  

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

    2.69 (n)      1.96 (c)      2.06       3.49       0.42       7.11  
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                 

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

    1.54 (a)      1.56 (c)      1.58       1.58       1.57       1.58  

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

    1.53 (a)      1.55 (c)      1.57       1.57       1.57       1.58  

Net investment income (loss)

    2.22 (a)      2.30 (c)      2.50       2.52       2.44       2.51  

Portfolio turnover

    17 (n)      28       30       29       31       47  

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $56,242       $61,123       $72,298       $80,296       $87,094       $112,822  

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

25


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

   

Six months
ended

10/31/17

(unaudited)

    Year ended  
Class C     4/30/17     4/30/16     4/30/15     4/30/14     4/30/13  
                                 

Net asset value, beginning of
period

    $13.88       $13.94       $14.06       $13.97       $14.33       $13.81  
Income (loss) from investment operations                                  

Net investment income (loss) (d)

    $0.16       $0.32 (c)      $0.34       $0.35       $0.34       $0.35  

Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss)

    0.21       (0.04     (0.06     0.13       (0.29     0.61  

Total from investment operations

    $0.37       $0.28       $0.28       $0.48       $0.05       $0.96  
Less distributions declared to shareholders                                  

From net investment income

    $(0.16     $(0.34     $(0.36     $(0.39     $(0.37     $(0.44

From net realized gain

                (0.04           (0.04      

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

    $(0.16     $(0.34     $(0.40     $(0.39     $(0.41     $(0.44

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $14.09       $13.88       $13.94       $14.06       $13.97       $14.33  

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

    2.69 (n)      2.04 (c)      2.06       3.50       0.42       7.04  
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                 

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

    1.54 (a)      1.56 (c)      1.58       1.58       1.57       1.58  

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

    1.53 (a)      1.56 (c)      1.57       1.57       1.57       1.58  

Net investment income (loss)

    2.22 (a)      2.30 (c)      2.50       2.52       2.45       2.49  

Portfolio turnover

    17 (n)      28       30       29       31       47  

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $227,732       $242,889       $264,424       $271,920       $276,008       $412,671  

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

26


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

   

Six months
ended

10/31/17

(unaudited)

    Year ended  
Class I     4/30/17     4/30/16     4/30/15     4/30/14     4/30/13  
                                 

Net asset value, beginning of
period

    $13.91       $13.98       $14.11       $14.01       $14.38       $13.86  
Income (loss) from investment operations                                  

Net investment income (loss) (d)

    $0.23       $0.45 (c)      $0.47       $0.49       $0.47       $0.49  

Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss)

    0.21       (0.04     (0.06     0.14       (0.29     0.61  

Total from investment operations

    $0.44       $0.41       $0.41       $0.63       $0.18       $1.10  
Less distributions declared to shareholders                                  

From net investment income

    $(0.23     $(0.48     $(0.50     $(0.53     $(0.51     $(0.58

From net realized gain

                (0.04           (0.04      

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

    $(0.23     $(0.48     $(0.54     $(0.53     $(0.55     $(0.58

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $14.12       $13.91       $13.98       $14.11       $14.01       $14.38  

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

    3.20 (n)      2.99 (c)      3.01       4.60       1.36       8.09  
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                 

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

    0.54 (a)      0.56 (c)      0.57       0.58       0.57       0.58  

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

    0.53 (a)      0.56 (c)      0.57       0.57       0.57       0.58  

Net investment income (loss)

    3.20 (a)      3.25 (c)      3.48       3.50       3.43       3.44  

Portfolio turnover

    17 (n)      28       30       29       31       47  

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $1,755,154       $2,005,193       $720,809       $553,364       $446,377       $666,992  

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

27


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Financial Highlights – continued

 

   

Six months
ended

10/31/17

(unaudited)

    Year ended  
Class R1     4/30/17     4/30/16     4/30/15     4/30/14     4/30/13  
                                 

Net asset value, beginning of
period

    $13.89       $13.95       $14.07       $13.98       $14.34       $13.82  
Income (loss) from investment operations                                  

Net investment income (loss) (d)

    $0.16       $0.32 (c)      $0.34       $0.36       $0.34       $0.36  

Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss)

    0.21       (0.04     (0.06     0.12       (0.29     0.60  

Total from investment operations

    $0.37       $0.28       $0.28       $0.48       $0.05       $0.96  
Less distributions declared to shareholders                                  

From net investment income

    $(0.16     $(0.34     $(0.36     $(0.39     $(0.37     $(0.44

From net realized gain

                (0.04           (0.04      

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

    $(0.16     $(0.34     $(0.40     $(0.39     $(0.41     $(0.44

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $14.10       $13.89       $13.95       $14.07       $13.98       $14.34  

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

    2.69 (n)      2.04 (c)      2.06       3.49       0.42       7.04  
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                 

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

    1.54 (a)      1.56 (c)      1.58       1.58       1.57       1.58  

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

    1.53 (a)      1.56 (c)      1.57       1.57       1.57       1.58  

Net investment income (loss)

    2.21 (a)      2.30 (c)      2.50       2.53       2.44       2.58  

Portfolio turnover

    17 (n)      28       30       29       31       47  

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $6,494       $6,780       $7,145       $7,978       $21,548       $8,672  

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

28


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Financial Highlights – continued

 

   

Six months
ended

10/31/17

(unaudited)

    Year ended  
Class R2     4/30/17     4/30/16     4/30/15     4/30/14     4/30/13  
                                 

Net asset value, beginning of
period

    $13.92       $13.99       $14.11       $14.02       $14.38       $13.86  
Income (loss) from investment operations                                  

Net investment income (loss) (d)

    $0.19       $0.39 (c)      $0.41       $0.42       $0.41       $0.43  

Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss)

    0.22       (0.05     (0.06     0.13       (0.29     0.60  

Total from investment operations

    $0.41       $0.34       $0.35       $0.55       $0.12       $1.03  
Less distributions declared to shareholders                                  

From net investment income

    $(0.20     $(0.41     $(0.43     $(0.46     $(0.44     $(0.51

From net realized gain

                (0.04           (0.04      

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

    $(0.20     $(0.41     $(0.47     $(0.46     $(0.48     $(0.51

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $14.13       $13.92       $13.99       $14.11       $14.02       $14.38  

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

    2.94 (n)      2.47 (c)      2.58       4.01       0.93       7.56  
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                 

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

    1.04 (a)      1.06 (c)      1.08       1.08       1.07       1.08  

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

    1.03 (a)      1.05 (c)      1.07       1.07       1.07       1.08  

Net investment income (loss)

    2.71 (a)      2.79 (c)      3.00       3.01       2.94       3.03  

Portfolio turnover

    17 (n)      28       30       29       31       47  

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $50,913       $49,948       $58,938       $74,307       $77,290       $73,594  

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

29


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

   

Six months
ended

10/31/17

(unaudited)

    Year ended  
Class R3     4/30/17     4/30/16     4/30/15     4/30/14     4/30/13  
                                 

Net asset value, beginning of
period

    $13.92       $13.99       $14.11       $14.02       $14.38       $13.86  
Income (loss) from investment operations                                  

Net investment income (loss) (d)

    $0.21       $0.43 (c)      $0.44       $0.46       $0.44       $0.46  

Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss)

    0.22       (0.05     (0.06     0.13       (0.28     0.61  

Total from investment operations

    $0.43       $0.38       $0.38       $0.59       $0.16       $1.07  
Less distributions declared to shareholders                                  

From net investment income

    $(0.22     $(0.45     $(0.46     $(0.50     $(0.48     $(0.55

From net realized gain

                (0.04           (0.04      

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

    $(0.22     $(0.45     $(0.50     $(0.50     $(0.52     $(0.55

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $14.13       $13.92       $13.99       $14.11       $14.02       $14.38  

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

    3.07 (n)      2.73 (c)      2.83       4.27       1.18       7.82  
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                 

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

    0.79 (a)      0.81 (c)      0.83       0.83       0.82       0.83  

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

    0.78 (a)      0.80 (c)      0.82       0.82       0.82       0.83  

Net investment income (loss)

    2.96 (a)      3.04 (c)      3.24       3.26       3.19       3.26  

Portfolio turnover

    17 (n)      28       30       29       31       47  

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $58,240       $61,292       $65,655       $69,696       $63,349       $68,674  

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

30


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Financial Highlights – continued

 

   

Six months
ended

10/31/17

(unaudited)

    Year ended  
Class R4     4/30/17     4/30/16     4/30/15     4/30/14     4/30/13  
                                 

Net asset value, beginning of
period

    $13.93       $13.99       $14.11       $14.02       $14.38       $13.87  
Income (loss) from investment operations                                  

Net investment income (loss) (d)

    $0.23       $0.46 (c)      $0.48       $0.49       $0.48       $0.49  

Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss)

    0.21       (0.04     (0.06     0.14       (0.29     0.60  

Total from investment operations

    $0.44       $0.42       $0.42       $0.63       $0.19       $1.09  
Less distributions declared to shareholders                                  

From net investment income

    $(0.23     $(0.48     $(0.50     $(0.54     $(0.51     $(0.58

From net realized gain

                (0.04           (0.04      

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

    $(0.23     $(0.48     $(0.54     $(0.54     $(0.55     $(0.58

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $14.14       $13.93       $13.99       $14.11       $14.02       $14.38  

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

    3.20 (n)      3.06 (c)      3.09       4.53       1.43       8.01  
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                 

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

    0.54 (a)      0.56 (c)      0.58       0.58       0.57       0.58  

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

    0.53 (a)      0.56 (a)      0.57       0.57       0.57       0.58  

Net investment income (loss)

    3.20 (a)      3.29 (c)      3.49       3.51       3.44       3.46  

Portfolio turnover

    17 (n)      28       30       29       31       47  

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $176,485       $169,661       $148,266       $150,116       $139,924       $144,755  

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

31


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Financial Highlights – continued

 

   

Six months
ended

10/31/17

(unaudited)

    Year ended  
Class R6     4/30/17     4/30/16     4/30/15     4/30/14     4/30/13 (i)  
                                 

Net asset value, beginning of
period

    $13.91       $13.98       $14.10       $14.01       $14.38       $13.82  
Income (loss) from investment operations                                  

Net investment income (loss) (d)

    $0.23       $0.47 (c)      $0.49       $0.51       $0.49       $0.46  

Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss)

    0.22       (0.04     (0.06     0.13       (0.29     0.64  

Total from investment operations

    $0.45       $0.43       $0.43       $0.64       $0.20       $1.10  
Less distributions declared to shareholders                                  

From net investment income

    $(0.24     $(0.50     $(0.51     $(0.55     $(0.53     $(0.54

From net realized gain

                (0.04           (0.04      

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

    $(0.24     $(0.50     $(0.55     $(0.55     $(0.57     $(0.54

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $14.12       $13.91       $13.98       $14.10       $14.01       $14.38  

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

    3.25 (n)      3.09 (c)      3.20       4.64       1.47       8.06 (n) 
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                 

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

    0.44 (a)      0.46 (c)      0.46       0.47       0.46       0.49 (a) 

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

    0.43 (a)      0.45 (c)      0.45       0.46       0.46       0.49 (a) 

Net investment income (loss)

    3.24 (a)      3.39 (c)      3.57       3.61       3.57       3.52 (a) 

Portfolio turnover

    17 (n)      28       30       29       31       47  

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $875,537       $58,575       $44,475       $26,041       $18,414       $110  

 

(a) Annualized.
(c) Amount reflects a one-time reimbursement of expenses by the custodian (or former custodian) without which net investment income and performance would be lower and expenses would be higher.
(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, 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.
(x) The net asset values 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

 

32


Table of Contents

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

(1) Business and Organization

MFS Corporate Bond Fund (the fund) is a diversified series of MFS Series Trust IX (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 Standards 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 October 2016, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) released its Final Rule on Investment Company Reporting Modernization (the “Rule”). The Rule, which introduced two new regulatory reporting forms for investment companies – Form N-PORT and Form N-CEN – also contained amendments to Regulation S-X which impact financial statement presentation, particularly the presentation of derivative investments, for all reporting periods ending after August 1, 2017. The fund has adopted the Rule’s Regulation S-X amendments and believes that the fund’s financial statements are in compliance with those amendments.

In March 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2017-08, Receivables – Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20) – Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities (“ASU 2017-08”). For entities that hold callable debt securities at a premium, ASU 2017-08 requires that the premium be amortized to the earliest call date. ASU 2017-08 will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Management is still evaluating the potential impacts of ASU 2017-08 but believes that adoption of ASU 2017-08 will not have a material effect on the fund’s overall financial position or its overall results of operations.

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

 

33


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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

of the agreement, the International Swaps and Derivatives Association (ISDA) Master Agreement, or similar 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, 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 may be 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 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

 

34


Table of Contents

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

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 October 31, 2017 in valuing the fund’s assets or liabilities:

 

Financial Instruments   Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  
U.S. Treasury Bonds & U.S. Government Agency & Equivalents     $—       $107,413,660       $—       $107,413,660  
Non-U.S. Sovereign Debt           31,414,462             31,414,462  
U.S. Corporate Bonds           3,859,768,879             3,859,768,879  
Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities           1,314,467             1,314,467  
Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities           1,604,103             1,604,103  
Asset-Backed Securities (including CDOs)           1,011,102             1,011,102  
Foreign Bonds           640,525,887             640,525,887  
Floating Rate Loans           31,074,420             31,074,420  
Mutual Funds     211,849,744                   211,849,744  
Total     $211,849,744       $4,674,126,980       $—       $4,885,976,724  

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

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.

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

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. 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.

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 by a credit earned under an arrangement that measures the value of U.S. dollars deposited with the custodian by the fund. The amount of the credit, for the six months ended October 31, 2017, 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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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:

 

    

Year ended

4/30/17

 
Ordinary income (including any short-term capital gains)      $115,352,326  

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

 

As of 10/31/17       
Cost of investments      $4,770,984,684  
Gross appreciation      131,350,199  
Gross depreciation      (16,358,159
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)      $114,992,040  
As of 4/30/17       
Undistributed ordinary income      7,438,478  
Capital loss carryforwards      (14,282,875
Other temporary differences      (11,029,395
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)      68,708,874  

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

As of April 30, 2017, the fund had capital loss carryforwards available to offset future realized gains. These net capital losses may be carried forward indefinitely and their character is retained as short-term and/or long-term losses. Such losses are characterized as follows:

 

Long-Term      $(14,282,875

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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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

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
10/31/17
     Year
ended
4/30/17
 
Class A      $25,340,215        $54,890,580  
Class B      681,944        1,676,152  
Class C      2,726,485        6,449,209  
Class I      29,596,327        41,196,697  
Class R1      78,738        169,923  
Class R2      702,741        1,667,753  
Class R3      907,712        2,063,656  
Class R4      2,855,506        5,502,187  
Class R6      8,999,813        1,736,169  
Total      $71,889,481        $115,352,326  

(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 based on the fund’s average daily net assets:

 

Up to $1.1 billion      0.39
In excess of $1.1 billion      0.38

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 October 31, 2017, this management fee reduction amounted to $185,232, which is included in the reduction of total expenses in the Statement of Operations. The management fee incurred for the six months ended October 31, 2017 was equivalent to an annual effective rate of 0.37% of the fund’s average daily net assets.

Distributor – MFS Fund Distributors, Inc. (MFD), a wholly-owned subsidiary of MFS, as distributor, received $90,003 for the six months ended October 31, 2017, 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.

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

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%        $2,089,202  
Class B      0.75%        0.25%        1.00%        1.00%        297,320  
Class C      0.75%        0.25%        1.00%        1.00%        1,189,260  
Class R1      0.75%        0.25%        1.00%        1.00%        34,348  
Class R2      0.25%        0.25%        0.50%        0.50%        126,122  
Class R3             0.25%        0.25%        0.25%        74,808  
Total Distribution and Service Fees        $3,811,060  

 

(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 October 31, 2017 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 October 31, 2017, this rebate amounted to $26,729, $152, $349, and $7 for Class A, Class B, Class C, and Class R3, 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. 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 October 31, 2017, were as follows:

 

     Amount  
Class A      $35,160  
Class B      37,772  
Class C      11,881  

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 October 31, 2017, the fee was $218,274, which equated to 0.0095% 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 R6 shares do not incur sub-accounting fees. For the six months ended October 31, 2017, these out-of-pocket expenses, sub-accounting and other shareholder servicing costs amounted to $2,025,536.

Administrator – MFS provides certain financial, legal, shareholder communications, compliance, and other administrative services to the fund. Under an administrative services agreement, the fund reimburses MFS the costs incurred to provide these

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

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 October 31, 2017 was equivalent to an annual effective rate of 0.0143% 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 $1,595 and the Retirement Deferral plan resulted in an expense of $458. Both amounts are included in “Independent Trustees’ compensation” in the Statement of Operations for the six months ended October 31, 2017. The liability for deferred retirement benefits payable to certain independent Trustees under both plans amounted to $18,545 at October 31, 2017, 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 a service agreement (the ISO Agreement) which provides for payment of fees solely by the funds to Tarantino LLC in return for the provision of services of an Independent Senior Officer (ISO) for the funds. Frank L. Tarantino serves as the ISO and is an officer of the funds and the sole member of Tarantino LLC. The funds can terminate the ISO Agreement with Tarantino LLC at any time under the terms of the ISO Agreement. For the six months ended October 31, 2017, the fee paid by the fund under this agreement was $3,926 and is included in “Miscellaneous” expense in the Statement of Operations. MFS has agreed to bear all expenses associated with office space, other administrative support, and supplies provided to the ISO.

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. This money market fund does not pay a management fee to MFS.

On March 16, 2017, MFS redeemed 86,129 shares of Class I for an aggregate amount of $1,179,105.

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

On September 20, 2017, MFS redeemed 752 shares of Class I for an aggregate amount of $10,603.

(4) Portfolio Securities

For the six months ended October 31, 2017, purchases and sales of investments, other than short-term obligations, aggregated $1,283,225,316 and $761,360,924, 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
10/31/17
    Year ended
4/30/17
 
    Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount  
Shares sold        

Class A

    20,088,730       $282,613,392       43,275,849       $604,285,516  

Class B

    108,026       1,519,518       415,882       5,829,135  

Class C

    1,097,136       15,393,319       3,650,048       51,046,388  

Class I

    42,377,561       596,027,005       121,326,111       1,687,489,235  

Class R1

    53,428       749,559       112,809       1,571,358  

Class R2

    415,106       5,855,932       774,206       10,828,688  

Class R3

    341,541       4,813,667       940,755       13,162,478  

Class R4

    1,215,049       17,137,868       4,430,292       62,192,360  

Class R6

    59,921,824       840,282,965       1,729,902       23,933,059  
    125,618,401       $1,764,393,225       176,655,854       $2,460,338,217  
Shares issued to shareholders in
reinvestment of distributions
       

Class A

    1,713,358       $24,173,662       3,752,234       $52,508,291  

Class B

    46,440       653,774       114,438       1,598,234  

Class C

    173,063       2,434,100       397,613       5,545,735  

Class I

    1,480,931       20,865,750       2,478,105       34,555,573  

Class R1

    5,590       78,684       12,148       169,558  

Class R2

    47,097       664,453       112,881       1,579,804  

Class R3

    64,139       904,837       147,169       2,059,110  

Class R4

    185,820       2,622,601       371,198       5,194,054  

Class R6

    620,224       8,760,865       91,787       1,282,388  
    4,336,662       $61,158,726       7,477,573       $104,492,747  

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

    Six months ended
10/31/17
    Year ended
4/30/17
 
    Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount  
Shares reacquired        

Class A

    (16,812,891     $(236,669,450     (54,555,793     $(760,048,870

Class B

    (565,594     (7,951,619     (1,311,838     (18,278,326

Class C

    (2,604,807     (36,570,240     (5,516,287     (76,625,651

Class I

    (63,699,194     (892,807,944     (31,250,235     (435,337,120

Class R1

    (86,492     (1,215,643     (148,989     (2,077,558

Class R2

    (446,971     (6,298,673     (1,514,029     (21,140,945

Class R3

    (686,866     (9,670,961     (1,380,292     (19,268,712

Class R4

    (1,098,291     (15,478,068     (3,217,421     (44,764,480

Class R6

    (2,741,795     (38,672,275     (793,884     (11,157,849
    (88,742,901     $(1,245,334,873     (99,688,768     $(1,388,699,511
Net change        

Class A

    4,989,197       $70,117,604       (7,527,710     $(103,255,063

Class B

    (411,128     (5,778,327     (781,518     (10,850,957

Class C

    (1,334,608     (18,742,821     (1,468,626     (20,033,528

Class I

    (19,840,702     (275,915,189     92,553,981       1,286,707,688  

Class R1

    (27,474     (387,400     (24,032     (336,642

Class R2

    15,232       221,712       (626,942     (8,732,453

Class R3

    (281,186     (3,952,457     (292,368     (4,047,124

Class R4

    302,578       4,282,401       1,584,069       22,621,934  

Class R6

    57,800,253       810,371,555       1,027,805       14,057,598  
    41,212,162       $580,217,078       84,444,659       $1,176,131,453  

Class T shares were not publicly available for sale during the period. Please see the fund’s prospectus for details.

(6) Line of Credit

The fund and certain other funds managed by MFS participate in a $1.25 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 Overnight Federal Reserve funds rate or daily 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 Overnight Federal Reserve funds rate plus an agreed upon spread. For the six months ended October 31, 2017, the fund’s commitment fee and interest expense were $14,294 and $0, respectively, and are included in “Miscellaneous” expense in the Statement of Operations.

 

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(7) Investments in 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:

 

Affiliated Issuers          Beginning
Shares/Par
Amount
    Acquisitions
Shares/Par
Amount
    Dispositions
Shares/Par
Amount
    Ending
Shares/Par
Amount
 
MFS Institutional Money Market Portfolio       138,260,099       963,930,303       (890,340,658     211,849,744  
Affilated Issuers   Realized
Gain (Loss)
    Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
    Capital Gain
Distributions
    Dividend
Income
    Ending
Value
 
MFS Institutional Money Market Portfolio     $2,124       $(4,714     $—       $924,687       $211,849,744  

 

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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, 2017 (“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 Senior Officer, a 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 Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (“Broadridge”), an independent third party, on the investment performance of the Fund for various time periods ended December 31, 2016 and the investment performance of a group of funds with substantially similar investment classifications/objectives (the “Lipper performance universe”), (ii) information provided by Broadridge on the Fund’s advisory fees and other expenses and the advisory fees and other expenses of comparable funds identified by Broadridge (the “Broadridge expense group”), (iii) information provided by MFS on the advisory fees of 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,

 

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administrative and other services to the Fund and the other MFS Funds. The comparative performance, fee and expense information prepared and provided by Broadridge 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 Broadridge 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, 2016, 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, 2016 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 Broadridge. The Trustees considered that, according to the data provided by Broadridge (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 approximately at the Broadridge expense group median and the Fund’s total expense ratio was lower than the Broadridge expense group median.

 

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The Trustees also considered the advisory fees charged by MFS to any institutional separate accounts advised by MFS (“separate accounts”) and unaffiliated investment companies for which MFS serves as subadviser (“subadvised funds”) that have comparable investment strategies to the Fund, if any. 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, as well as the more extensive regulatory burdens imposed on MFS in managing the Fund, in comparison to separate accounts and subadvised funds. The Trustees also considered 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 in comparison to separate 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 $1.1 billion. 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 under agreements and plans other than the investment advisory agreement, including

 

46


Table of Contents

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, 2017.

 

47


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 mfs.com/proxyvoting, 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 by August 31 of each year without charge by visiting mfs.com/proxyvoting, 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 at https://www.mfs.com/en-us/what-we-do/announcements.html or at mfs.com/openendfunds by choosing the fund’s name.

 

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INFORMATION ABOUT FUND CONTRACTS AND LEGAL CLAIMS

The fund has entered into contractual arrangements with an investment adviser, administrator, distributor, shareholder servicing agent, 529 program manager (if applicable), and custodian who each provide services to the fund. Unless expressly stated otherwise, shareholders are not parties to, or intended beneficiaries of these contractual arrangements, and these contractual arrangements are not intended to create any shareholder right to enforce them against the service providers or to seek any remedy under them against the service providers, either directly or on behalf of the fund.

Under the Trust’s By-Laws and Declaration of Trust, any claims asserted against or on behalf of the MFS Funds, including claims against Trustees and Officers, must be brought in state and federal courts located within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

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

October 31, 2017

 

LOGO

 

MFS® LIMITED MATURITY FUND

 

LOGO

 

MQL-SEM

 


Table of Contents

MFS® LIMITED MATURITY FUND

 

CONTENTS

 

Letter from the Executive Chairman     1  
Portfolio composition     2  
Expense table     4  
Portfolio of investments     7  
Statement of assets and liabilities     22  
Statement of operations     24  
Statements of changes in net assets     25  
Financial highlights     26  
Notes to financial statements     38  
Board review of investment advisory agreement     53  
Proxy voting policies and information     57  
Quarterly portfolio disclosure     57  
Further information     57  
Information about fund contracts and legal claims     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 MAY LOSE VALUE NO BANK GUARANTEE



Table of Contents

LOGO

 

LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN

 

Dear Shareholders:

Despite policy uncertainty accompanying a new presidential administration in the United States and unease over ongoing Brexit negotiations, most markets have proved

resilient. U.S. share prices have reached new highs in recent months although the U.S. Federal Reserve has continued to gradually hike interest rates and has begun to shrink its balance sheet. However, rates in most developed markets remain very low, with major central banks outside of the U.S. just now beginning to contemplate curbing accommodative monetary policies.

Globally, we’ve experienced a year-long synchronized upturn in economic growth. Despite better growth, there are few immediate signs of worrisome inflation amid muted wage gains around the world. Emerging market economies have been boosted in part by

a weaker U.S. dollar and are recovering despite lingering concerns over the potential for restrictive U.S. trade policies. Commodity markets have recovered somewhat in response to solid global demand and robust global trade, though not enough to rekindle inflation fears.

At MFS®, we believe having a disciplined, long-term investment approach through a full market cycle is essential to capturing the best opportunities while also managing risk. In our view, such a strategy, along with the professional guidance of a financial advisor, will help you reach your investment objectives.

Respectfully,

 

LOGO

Robert J. Manning

Executive Chairman

MFS Investment Management

December 15, 2017

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

 

Fixed income sectors (i)  
Investment Grade Corporates     57.7%  
Asset-Backed Securities     11.7%  
Collateralized Debt Obligations     10.3%  
U.S. Treasury Securities     6.3%  
Non-U.S. Government Bonds     4.1%  
Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities     2.7%  
Emerging Markets Bonds     2.5%  
Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities     0.7%  
High Yield Corporates     0.6%  
Mortgage-Backed Securities     0.4%  
U.S. Government Agencies     0.3%  
Composition including fixed income credit quality (a)(i)  
AAA     11.3%  
AA     17.8%  
A     27.9%  
BBB     31.9%  
BB     0.7%  
B     0.1%  
CC     0.1%  
C (o)     0.0%  
D     0.2%  
U.S. Government     6.3%  
Federal Agencies     0.7%  
Not Rated     0.3%  
Cash & Cash Equivalents     2.7%  
Portfolio facts (i)  
Average Duration (d)     1.8  
Average Effective Maturity (m)     3.0 yrs.  
Issuer country weightings (i)(x)  
United States     73.0%  
United Kingdom     5.2%  
Canada     3.6%  
France     3.3%  
Japan     2.5%  
Switzerland     2.3%  
Sweden     2.1%  
Netherlands     1.8%  
Australia     1.0%  
Other Countries     5.2%  
 

 

2


Table of Contents

Portfolio Composition – continued

 

 

(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. U.S. Government includes securities issued by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Federal Agencies includes rated and unrated U.S. Agency fixed-income securities, U.S. Agency mortgage-backed securities, and collateralized mortgage obligations of U.S. Agency mortgage-backed securities. Not Rated includes fixed income securities, including fixed income futures contracts, which have not been rated by any rating agency. The fund may or may not have held all of these instruments on this date. 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.
(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 & Cash Equivalents.

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

Cash & Cash Equivalents includes any cash, investments in money market funds, short-term securities, and other assets less liabilities. Please see the Statement of Assets and Liabilities for additional information related to the fund’s cash position and other assets and liabilities.

Percentages are based on net assets as of October 31, 2017.

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, May 1, 2017 through October 31, 2017

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 May 1, 2017 through October 31, 2017.

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 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.

 

4


Table of Contents

Expense Table – continued

 

 

Share
Class
      

Annualized
Expense

Ratio

    Beginning
Account Value
5/01/17
   

Ending

Account Value
10/31/17

   

Expenses

Paid During

Period (p)
5/01/17-10/31/17

 
A   Actual     0.72%       $1,000.00       $1,006.40       $3.64  
  Hypothetical (h)     0.72%       $1,000.00       $1,021.58       $3.67  
B   Actual     1.48%       $1,000.00       $1,004.31       $7.48  
  Hypothetical (h)     1.48%       $1,000.00       $1,017.74       $7.53  
C   Actual     1.58%       $1,000.00       $1,003.81       $7.98  
  Hypothetical (h)     1.58%       $1,000.00       $1,017.24       $8.03  
I   Actual     0.58%       $1,000.00       $1,008.83       $2.94  
  Hypothetical (h)     0.58%       $1,000.00       $1,022.28       $2.96  
R1   Actual     1.58%       $1,000.00       $1,003.81       $7.98  
  Hypothetical (h)     1.58%       $1,000.00       $1,017.24       $8.03  
R2   Actual     0.98%       $1,000.00       $1,006.82       $4.96  
  Hypothetical (h)     0.98%       $1,000.00       $1,020.27       $4.99  
R3   Actual     0.83%       $1,000.00       $1,007.58       $4.20  
  Hypothetical (h)     0.83%       $1,000.00       $1,021.02       $4.23  
R4   Actual     0.58%       $1,000.00       $1,008.84       $2.94  
  Hypothetical (h)     0.58%       $1,000.00       $1,022.28       $2.96  
R6   Actual     0.50%       $1,000.00       $1,009.20       $2.53  
  Hypothetical (h)     0.50%       $1,000.00       $1,022.68       $2.55  
529A   Actual     0.77%       $1,000.00       $1,007.83       $3.90  
  Hypothetical (h)     0.77%       $1,000.00       $1,021.32       $3.92  
529B   Actual     1.53%       $1,000.00       $1,003.98       $7.73  
  Hypothetical (h)     1.53%       $1,000.00       $1,017.49       $7.78  
529C   Actual     1.62%       $1,000.00       $1,003.60       $8.18  
  Hypothetical (h)     1.62%       $1,000.00       $1,017.04       $8.24  

 

(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 184/365 (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 529B and 529C shares, this rebate reduced the expense ratios above by 0.01%. See Note 3 in the Notes to Financial Statements for additional information.

 

5


Table of Contents

Expense Table – continued

 

Changes to the fund’s fee arrangements occurred during the six month period. Had these fee changes been in effect throughout the entire six month period, the annualized expense ratios, the actual expenses paid during the period, and the hypothetical expenses paid during the period would have been approximately 1.52%, $7.68, and $7.73, respectively, for Class 529B. For further information about the fund’s fee arrangements and changes to those fee arrangements, please see Note 3 in the Notes to Financial Statements.

 

6


Table of Contents

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS

10/31/17 (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 - 96.8%                 
Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Asset-Backed & Securitized - 25.3%                 
A Voce CLO Ltd., 2014-1A, “A2R”, FLR, 2.909%, (U.S. LIBOR-3mo. + 1.55%) 7/15/2026 (n)    $ 4,318,000     $ 4,343,126  
A Voce CLO Ltd., 2014-1A, “BR”, FLR, 3.509%, (U.S. LIBOR-3mo. + 2.15%) 7/15/2026 (n)      5,584,000       5,606,833  
AIMCO Properties CLO LP, 2014-AA, “B1R”, FLR, 2.963%, (U.S. LIBOR-3mo. + 1.6%) 7/20/2026 (n)      4,342,000       4,367,058  
AIMCO Properties CLO LP, 2014-AA, “B2R”, 3.49%, 7/20/2026 (n)      1,381,000       1,383,507  
AmeriCredit Automobile Receivables Trust, 2016-3, “A2A”, 1.37%, 11/08/2019      1,257,808       1,257,266  
AmeriCredit Automobile Receivables Trust, 2017-2, “C”, 2.97%, 3/20/2023      4,648,000       4,683,698  
Ares CLO Ltd., 2013-3A, “B1R”, FLR, 2.853%, (U.S. LIBOR-3mo. + 1.5%) 10/17/2024 (n)      5,304,000       5,298,654  
ARI Fleet Lease Trust, 2016-A, “A2”, 1.82%, 7/15/2024 (n)      2,012,413       2,012,862  
Atrium CDO Corp., 2010-A, “B1R”, FLR, 2.809%, (U.S. LIBOR-3mo. + 1.45%) 7/16/2025 (n)      6,523,000       6,522,948  
Atrium CDO Corp., 2011-A, “BR”, FLR, 2.863%, (U.S. LIBOR-3mo. + 1.5%) 10/23/2025 (n)      4,318,000       4,332,344  
Avery Point CLO Ltd., 2014-1A, “CR”, FLR, 3.717%, (U.S. LIBOR-3mo. + 2.35%) 4/25/2026 (n)      4,335,000       4,379,213  
Babson CLO Ltd., 2013-IIA, “A2R”, FLR, 2.904%, (U.S. LIBOR-3mo. + 1.55%) 1/18/2025 (n)      3,668,192       3,668,944  
Babson CLO Ltd., 2013-IIA, “BR”, FLR, 2.853%, (U.S. LIBOR-3mo. + 1.5%) 10/17/2026 (n)      6,471,000       6,478,901  
Babson CLO Ltd., 2013-IIA, “BR”, FLR, 3.604%, (U.S. LIBOR-3mo. + 2.25%) 1/18/2025 (n)      3,668,192       3,671,273  
Ballyrock Ltd., 2014-1A, “A2R”, FLR, 3.007%, (U.S. LIBOR-3mo. + 1.7%) 10/20/2026 (n)      4,335,000       4,351,824  
Ballyrock Ltd., 2014-1A, “BR”, FLR, 3.407%, (U.S. LIBOR-3mo. + 2.1%) 10/20/2026 (n)      1,837,000       1,840,542  
Bayview Commercial Asset Trust, FLR, 1.548%, (LIBOR-1mo. + 0.31%) 8/25/2035 (z)      472,234       447,485  
Bayview Commercial Asset Trust, FLR, 1.508%, (LIBOR-1mo. + 0.27%) 4/25/2036 (z)      417,991       395,061  
Bayview Financial Acquisition Trust, 5.638%, 11/28/2036      748,365       740,825  
Bayview Financial Revolving Mortgage Loan Trust, FLR, 2.842%, (LIBOR-1mo. + 1.6%) 12/28/2040 (z)      559,133       484,155  

 

7


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Bonds - continued                 
Asset-Backed & Securitized - continued                 
Canadian Pacific Auto Receivables Trust, 2017-1A, “A2B”, FLR, 1.438%, (U.S. LIBOR-1mo. + 0.43%) 12/19/2019 (n)    $ 3,724,000     $ 3,724,000  
Capital Auto Receivables Asset Trust, 2016-3, “A2A”, 1.36%, 4/22/2019      503,582       503,422  
Capital One Multi-Asset Execution Trust, 2016-A4, “A4”, 1.33%, 6/15/2022      9,510,000       9,420,562  
CD Commercial Mortgage Trust, 2017-CD4, “XA”, 1.328%, 5/10/2050 (i)      44,757,392       4,125,334  
Cent CLO LP, 2014-21A, “A2AR”, FLR, 3.074%, (U.S. LIBOR-3mo. + 1.7%) 7/27/2026 (n)      2,612,650       2,629,579  
Cent CLO LP, 2014-21A, “BR”, FLR, 3.774%, (U.S. LIBOR-3mo. + 2.4%) 7/27/2026 (n)      3,547,925       3,551,349  
Chesapeake Funding II LLC, 2016-1A, “A2”, FLR, 2.389%, (U.S. LIBOR-1mo. + 1.15%) 3/15/2028 (n)      2,578,511       2,587,402  
Chesapeake Funding II LLC, 2017-2A, “B”, 2.81%, 5/15/2029 (n)      3,046,000       3,054,691  
Chesapeake Funding II LLC, 2017-2A, “C”, 3.01%, 5/15/2029 (n)      1,360,000       1,363,788  
Chesapeake Funding II LLC, 2017-3A, “B”, 2.57%, 8/15/2029 (n)      2,147,000       2,135,712  
Chesapeake Funding II LLC, 2017-4A, “C”, 2.76%, 11/15/2029 (n)      1,099,000       1,098,599  
Chrysler Capital Auto Receivables Trust 2016-B, “A2”, 1.36%, 1/15/2020 (n)      1,589,621       1,588,277  
Colony Starwood Homes, 2016-2A, “A”, FLR, 2.487%, (LIBOR-1mo. + 1.25%) 12/17/2033 (n)      5,871,662       5,920,720  
Commercial Mortgage Asset Trust, 0.994%, 1/17/2032 (i)(z)      307,689       94  
CPS Auto Trust, 2016-D, “B”, 2.11%, 3/15/2021 (n)      5,201,000       5,186,827  
CPS Auto Trust, 2017-C, “C”, 2.86%, 6/15/2023 (n)      3,270,000       3,258,021  
Credit Acceptance Auto Loan Trust, 2015-2A, “A”, 2.4%, 2/15/2023 (n)      4,028,809       4,037,804  
Credit Acceptance Auto Loan Trust, 2016-3A, “A”, 2.15%, 4/15/2024 (n)      5,913,000       5,892,970  
Credit Acceptance Auto Loan Trust, 2017-2A, “B”, 3.02%, 4/15/2026 (n)      6,441,000       6,410,378  
Credit-Based Asset Servicing & Securitization LLC, 3.858%, 12/25/2035      178,277       177,581  
Credit-Based Asset Servicing & Securitization LLC, 3.755%, 1/25/2037 (q)      2,169,805       1,054,811  
Credit-Based Asset Servicing & Securitization LLC, 3.85%, 3/25/2037 (q)      3,088,485       1,712,652  
Cutwater Ltd., 2014-1A, “A2R”, FLR, 3.059%, (U.S. LIBOR-3mo. + 1.7%) 7/15/2026 (n)      4,500,000       4,527,567  
Dell Equipment Finance Trust, 2017-2, “B”, 2.47%, 10/24/2022 (n)      1,718,000       1,719,765  
Drive Auto Receivables Trust, 2016-CA, “A3”, 1.67%, 11/15/2019 (n)      3,929,702       3,929,981  
Drive Auto Receivables Trust, 2017-1, “B”, 2.36%, 3/15/2021      2,066,000       2,070,733  

 

8


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Bonds - continued                 
Asset-Backed & Securitized - continued                 
Drive Auto Receivables Trust, 2017-AA, “A3”, 1.77%, 1/15/2020 (n)    $ 3,380,000     $ 3,381,009  
Dryden Senior Loan Fund, 2014-31A, “CR”, FLR, 3.454%, (LIBOR-3mo. + 2.1%) 4/18/2026 (n)      2,757,000       2,770,625  
Dryden Senior Loan Fund, 2014-34A, “BR”, FLR, 2.909%, (LIBOR-3mo. + 1.55%) 10/15/2026 (n)      2,366,000       2,363,615  
Dryden Senior Loan Fund, 2014-34A, “CR”, CLO, 3.509%, (LIBOR-3mo. + 2.15%) 10/15/2026 (n)      3,033,734       3,073,955  
DT Auto Owner Trust, 2017-2A, “C”, 3.03%, 1/17/2023 (n)      5,100,000       5,092,999  
DT Auto Owner Trust, 2017-3A, “C”, 3.01%, 5/15/2023 (n)      3,606,000       3,594,728  
Eaton Vance CLO Ltd, 2014-1A, “BR”, FLR, 2.959%, (U.S. LIBOR-3mo. + 1.6%) 7/15/2026 (n)      3,142,924       3,144,200  
Eaton Vance CLO Ltd., 2014-1A, “CR”, FLR, 3.609%, (U.S. LIBOR-3mo. + 2.25%) 7/15/2026 (n)      6,285,849       6,293,593  
Enterprise Fleet Financing LLC, 1.74%, 2/22/2022 (n)      2,567,725       2,565,807  
Enterprise Fleet Financing LLC, 2017-1, “A2”, 2.13%, 7/20/2022 (n)      2,780,000       2,786,562  
Exeter Automobile Receivables Trust, 2016-1A, “A”, 2.35%, 7/15/2020 (n)      324,387       324,897  
Exeter Automobile Receivables Trust, 2016-3A, “A”, 1.84%, 11/16/2020 (n)      2,918,925       2,918,721  
Exeter Automobile Receivables Trust, 2017-1A, “A”, 1.96%, 3/15/2021 (n)      1,629,607       1,625,827  
Flagship Credit Auto Trust, 2016-1, “A”, 2.77%, 12/15/2020 (n)      1,584,374       1,593,535  
Ford Credit Auto Owner Trust, 2014-1,“A”, 2.26%, 11/15/2025 (n)      1,498,000       1,507,066  
Ford Credit Auto Owner Trust, 2014-2,“A”, 2.31%, 4/15/2026 (n)      8,877,000       8,933,692  
GMF Floorplan Owner Revolving Trust, 2017-A1, “A”, 2.22%, 1/18/2022 (n)      4,200,000       4,208,514  
Goldentree Loan Opportunities Ltd., 2014-8A, “B1R”, FLR, 2.907%, (U.S. LIBOR-3mo. + 1.55%) 4/19/2026 (n)      6,809,126       6,811,605  
Goldentree Loan Opportunities Ltd., 2014-8A, “CR”, FLR, 3.557%, (U.S. LIBOR-3mo. + 2.2%) 4/19/2026 (n)      3,928,342       3,931,685  
GS Mortgage Securities Trust, 2010-C1, “A2”, 4.592%, 8/10/2043 (n)      6,994,000       7,349,388  
GS Mortgage Securities Trust, 2017-GS6, “XA”, 1.198%, 5/10/2050 (i)      40,288,561       3,303,614  
GS Mortgage Securities Trust, 2017-GS7, “XA”, 1.29%, 8/10/2050 (i)      38,912,000       3,263,378  
HarbourView CLO VII Ltd., “B1R”, FLR, 2.967%, (U.S. LIBOR-3mo. + 1.65%) 11/18/2026 (n)      6,679,491       6,680,433  
HarbourView CLO VII Ltd., 7A, “CR”, FLR, 3.697%, (U.S. LIBOR-3mo. + 2.38%) 11/18/2026 (n)      4,308,491       4,309,297  

 

9


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Bonds - continued                 
Asset-Backed & Securitized - continued                 
Hertz Fleet Lease Funding LP, 2016-1, “A2”, 1.96%, 4/10/2030 (n)    $ 2,715,337     $ 2,709,997  
IMPAC CMB Trust, FLR, 1.978%, (U.S. LIBOR-1mo. + 0.74%) 11/25/2034      152,053       151,249  
IMPAC CMB Trust, FLR, 2.158%, (U.S. LIBOR-1mo. + 0.92%) 11/25/2034      160,056       155,540  
IMPAC Secured Assets Corp., FLR, 1.588%, (U.S. LIBOR-1mo. + 0.35%) 5/25/2036      494,535       470,053  
Interstar Millennium Trust, FLR, 1.719%, (LIBOR-3mo. + 0.40%) 3/14/2036      93,591       90,063  
JPMorgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Corp., 1.094%, 9/15/2050 (i)      80,657,568       6,185,153  
JPMorgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Corp., 2011-C3, “A4”, 4.717%, 2/15/2046 (n)      6,740,324       7,164,540  
Lehman Brothers Commercial Conduit Mortgage Trust, 1.497%, 10/15/2035 (i)      1,528,745       11,799  
Loomis, Sayles & Co., CLO, “A1”, FLR, 2.889%, (U.S. LIBOR-3mo. + 1.53%) 10/15/2027 (n)      3,678,505       3,701,573  
Madison Park Funding XIV Ltd., 2014-14A, “C1R”, FLR, 3.413%, (U.S. LIBOR-3mo. + 2.05%) 7/20/2026 (n)      6,034,000       6,079,521  
Magnetite XI Ltd., 2014-11A, “BR”, FLR, 3.454%, (U.S. LIBOR-3mo. + 2.1%) 1/18/2027 (n)      3,038,000       3,069,954  
Merrill Lynch Mortgage Investors, Inc., 4.26%, 2/25/2037 (q)      1,872,312       384,377  
Morgan Stanley Bank of America Merrill Lynch Trust, 2017-C33, “XA”, 1.449%, 5/15/2050 (i)      44,420,037       4,050,836  
Morgan Stanley Capital I Trust, 2017-H1, “XA”, 1.462%, 6/15/2050 (i)      19,044,381       1,841,163  
Morgan Stanley Capital I, Inc., 1.409%, 3/15/2031 (i)(z)      163,060       2  
Motor PLC, 2015-1A, “A1”, FLR, 1.838%, (U.S. LIBOR-1mo. + 0.6%) 6/25/2022 (n)      338,673       338,710  
Mountain Hawk CLO Ltd., 2014-3A, “BR”, FLR, 3.154%, (U.S. LIBOR-3mo. + 1.8%) 4/18/2025 (n)      8,600,000       8,641,985  
Nationstar HECM Loan Trust, 2016-2A, “A”, 2.239%, 6/25/2026 (n)      504,376       505,952  
Navient Student Loan Trust, 2016-3A, “A1”, FLR, 1.838%, (U.S. LIBOR-1mo. + 0.6%) 6/25/2065 (n)      1,065,172       1,067,514  
Navient Student Loan Trust, 2016-AA, “A1”, FLR, 2.339%, (U.S. LIBOR-1mo. + 1.1%) 12/15/2025 (n)      21,503       21,511  
NextGear Floorplan Master Owner Trust, 2017-1A, “A2”, 2.54%, 4/18/2022 (n)      3,461,000       3,458,771  
NextGear Floorplan Master Owner Trust, 2017-2A, “B”, 3.02%, 10/17/2022 (n)      2,577,000       2,574,381  
Oaktree CLO Ltd., 2014-2A, “BR”, FLR, 3.913%, (U.S. LIBOR-3mo. + 2.55%) 10/20/2026 (n)      4,321,000       4,360,312  

 

10


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Bonds - continued                 
Asset-Backed & Securitized - continued                 
OneMain Direct Auto Receivables Trust, 2016-1A, “A”, 2.04%, 1/15/2021 (n)    $ 610,889     $ 611,671  
OneMain Financial Issuance Trust, 2017-1A, “A1”, 2.37%, 9/14/2032 (n)      5,148,000       5,137,053  
Option One Mortgage Loan Trust, 5.611%, 1/25/2037 (q)      519,140       515,247  
Oscar U.S. Funding Trust, 2016-2A, “A”, 2.31%, 11/15/2019 (n)      1,134,898       1,134,189  
Oscar U.S. Funding Trust, 2017-1A, “A3”, 2.82%, 6/10/2021 (n)      4,420,000       4,432,084  
Oscar U.S. Funding Trust, 2017-2A, “A2B”, FLR, 1.979%, (U.S. LIBOR-1mo. + 6.5%) 11/10/2020 (n)      3,510,000       3,498,951  
Ownit Mortgage Loan Asset-Backed Certificates, 3.38%, 10/25/2035 (q)      1,459,280       931,498  
PFS Financing Corp., 2017-C, “A”, FLR , (LIBOR-1mo. + 0.47%) 10/15/2021 (n)      2,254,000       2,254,000  
Santander Drive Auto Receivables Trust, 2017-2, “C”, 2.79%, 8/15/2022      2,821,000       2,823,974  
Securitized Term Auto Receivables Trust, 2016-1A, “A2A”, 1.284%, 11/26/2018 (n)      951,932       951,372  
Shackelton CLO Ltd., 2013-4A, “CR”, FLR, 3.459%, (U.S. LIBOR-3mo. + 2.1%) 1/13/2025 (n)      2,150,000       2,158,413  
Sierra Receivables Funding Co. LLC, 2015-1A, “A”, 2.4%, 3/22/2032 (n)      1,247,147       1,245,465  
Silver Spring CLO Ltd., FLR, 4.109%, (LIBOR-3mo. + 2.75%) 10/15/2026 (n)      3,436,000       3,426,944  
SPS Servicer Advance Receivables Trust, 2016-T1, “AT1”, 2.53%, 11/16/2048 (n)      7,440,000       7,379,676  
Thacher Park CLO Ltd. 2014-1A. “CR”, FLR, 3.563%, (U.S. LIBOR-3mo. + 2.2%) 10/20/2026 (n)      4,301,000       4,317,632  
Thornburg Mortgage Securities Trust, FLR, 1.918%, (U.S. LIBOR-1mo. + 0.68%) 4/25/2043      412,258       409,947  
TICP CLO Ltd., FLR, 3.613%, (U.S. LIBOR-3mo. + 2.25%) 1/20/2027 (n)      3,767,000       3,786,611  
Tricon American Homes 2015-SFR1, Trust “1A”, 2.589%, 11/17/2033 (n)      3,980,000       3,944,057  
Verizon Owner Trust, 2016-1A, “A”, 1.42%, 1/20/2021 (n)      5,740,000       5,711,426  
Verizon Owner Trust, 2017-3a, “B”, 2.38%, 4/20/2022 (n)      3,075,000       3,076,027  
Veros Auto Receivables Trust, 2017-1, “A”, 2.84%, 4/17/2023 (n)      2,631,000       2,630,969  
Volvo Financial Equipment LLC, “A2”, 1.44%, 10/15/2018 (n)      563,663       563,622  
West CLO Ltd., 2013-1A, “A2BR”, 3.393%, 11/07/2025 (n)      4,332,000       4,307,102  
World Financial Network Credit Card Master Trust, 2017-B, “A”, 1.98%, 6/15/2023      7,430,000       7,424,269  
    

 

 

 
             $ 369,485,038  

 

11


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Bonds - continued                 
Automotive - 4.0%                 
American Honda Finance Corp., 1.6%, 7/13/2018    $ 2,630,000     $ 2,631,265  
Daimler Finance North America LLC, 1.65%, 5/18/2018 (n)      3,220,000       3,219,333  
Ford Motor Credit Co. LLC, 2.262%, 3/28/2019      5,308,000       5,320,990  
Ford Motor Credit Co. LLC, 2.021%, 5/03/2019      4,860,000       4,856,558  
Ford Motor Credit Co. LLC, 2.343%, 11/02/2020      4,305,000       4,302,005  
Ford Motor Credit Co. LLC, FLR, 2.29%, (U.S. LIBOR-3mo. + 0.94%) 1/09/2018      2,600,000       2,603,293  
General Motors Financial Co., Inc., 2.65%, 4/13/2020      13,401,000       13,516,100  
General Motors Financial Co., Inc., 3.15%, 6/30/2022      2,972,000       3,003,229  
Hyundai Capital America, 2%, 3/19/2018 (n)      6,625,000       6,626,884  
Hyundai Capital America, 2.4%, 10/30/2018 (n)      2,600,000       2,601,020  
Toyota Motor Credit Corp., 1.7%, 2/19/2019      4,820,000       4,817,625  
Toyota Motor Credit Corp., FLR, 1.743%, (U.S. LIBOR-3mo. + 0.39%) 1/17/2019      5,320,000       5,334,007  
    

 

 

 
             $ 58,832,309  
Banks & Diversified Financials (Covered Bonds) - 0.3%                 
Credit Mutuel-CIC Home Loan, 1.5%, 11/16/2017 (n)    $ 3,800,000     $ 3,799,943  
Broadcasting - 0.1%                 
SES Global Americas Holdings GP, 2.5%, 3/25/2019 (n)    $ 1,862,000     $ 1,861,015  
Brokerage & Asset Managers - 0.3%                 
Intercontinental Exchange, Inc., 2.75%, 12/01/2020    $ 4,908,000     $ 5,007,824  
Building - 0.3%                 
Stanley Black & Decker, Inc., 1.622%, 11/17/2018    $ 4,230,000     $ 4,218,255  
Business Services - 0.4%  
Fidelity National Information Services, Inc., 2.85%, 10/15/2018    $ 1,580,000     $ 1,594,629  
Fidelity National Information Services, Inc., 2.25%, 8/15/2021      4,120,000       4,089,265  
    

 

 

 
             $ 5,683,894  
Cable TV - 0.6%                 
Time Warner Cable, Inc., 5%, 2/01/2020    $ 8,592,000     $ 9,042,754  
Chemicals - 2.0%                 
CF Industries, Inc., 6.875%, 5/01/2018    $ 6,972,000     $ 7,137,585  
Chevron Phillips Chemical Co. LLC, 1.7%, 5/01/2018 (n)      4,320,000       4,320,044  
Dow Chemical Co., 8.55%, 5/15/2019      2,900,000       3,184,408  
E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co., 2.2%, 5/01/2020      5,132,000       5,151,662  
LyondellBasell Industries N.V., 5%, 4/15/2019      2,963,000       3,064,991  

 

12


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Bonds - continued                 
Chemicals - continued                 
Sherwin-Williams Co., 2.25%, 5/15/2020    $ 6,370,000     $ 6,385,089  
    

 

 

 
             $ 29,243,779  
Computer Software - 0.3%                 
Diamond 1 Finance Corp./Diamond 2 Finance Corp., 3.48%, 6/01/2019 (n)    $ 3,590,000     $ 3,654,391  
Conglomerates - 0.4%                 
Roper Industries, Inc., 1.85%, 11/15/2017    $ 3,978,000     $ 3,978,385  
Roper Technologies, Inc., 2.8%, 12/15/2021      1,810,000       1,827,507  
    

 

 

 
             $ 5,805,892  
Consumer Products - 1.7%                 
Mattel, Inc., 1.7%, 3/15/2018    $ 1,041,000     $ 1,035,899  
Newell Brands, Inc., 2.6%, 3/29/2019      523,000       527,040  
Newell Rubbermaid, Inc., 2.05%, 12/01/2017      2,748,000       2,748,980  
Newell Rubbermaid, Inc., 2.875%, 12/01/2019      4,240,000       4,307,880  
Reckitt Benckiser PLC, 2.125%, 9/21/2018 (n)      5,585,000       5,602,463  
Reckitt Benckiser Treasury Services PLC, 2.375%, 6/24/2022 (n)      10,735,000       10,600,417  
    

 

 

 
             $ 24,822,679  
Electrical Equipment - 0.4%                 
Arrow Electronics, Inc., 3%, 3/01/2018    $ 1,326,000     $ 1,330,742  
Molex Electronic Technologies LLC, 2.878%, 4/15/2020 (n)      4,611,000       4,637,064  
    

 

 

 
             $ 5,967,806  
Electronics - 0.3%                 
Tyco Electronics Group S.A., 2.375%, 12/17/2018    $ 1,500,000     $ 1,505,939  
Xilinx, Inc., 2.125%, 3/15/2019      2,410,000       2,414,526  
    

 

 

 
             $ 3,920,465  
Emerging Market Quasi-Sovereign - 0.6%                 
Corporacion Financiera de Desarrollo S.A., 3.25%, 7/15/2019 (n)    $ 3,762,000     $ 3,818,430  
State Grid International Development Co. Ltd., 1.75%, 5/22/2018 (n)      4,456,000       4,450,153  
    

 

 

 
             $ 8,268,583  
Emerging Market Sovereign - 0.3%                 
State of Qatar, 2.375%, 6/02/2021 (n)    $ 4,400,000     $ 4,303,200  
Energy - Integrated - 0.6%                 
BP Capital Markets PLC, 2.521%, 1/15/2020    $ 3,049,000     $ 3,088,430  
Shell International Finance B.V., 1.375%, 5/10/2019      5,690,000       5,661,670  
    

 

 

 
             $ 8,750,100  

 

13


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Bonds - continued                 
Financial Institutions - 0.1%                 
LeasePlan Corp. N.V., 2.5%, 5/16/2018 (n)    $ 1,208,000     $ 1,209,562  
Food & Beverages - 1.9%                 
Anheuser-Busch InBev Finance, Inc., 2.65%, 2/01/2021    $ 5,173,000     $ 5,239,005  
Kraft Heinz Foods Co., 6.125%, 8/23/2018      7,435,000       7,692,602  
Mondelez International, Inc., FLR, 1.988%, (LIBOR-3mo. + 0.61%) 10/28/2019 (n)      7,400,000       7,430,925  
Pernod Ricard S.A., 5.75%, 4/07/2021 (n)      1,900,000       2,105,997  
Want Want China Finance Co., 1.875%, 5/14/2018 (n)      5,038,000       5,028,009  
Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co., 2.4%, 10/21/2018 (n)      525,000       528,147  
    

 

 

 
             $ 28,024,685  
Food & Drug Stores - 0.3%                 
CVS Health Corp., 2.8%, 7/20/2020    $ 3,640,000     $ 3,683,263  
Insurance - 1.1%                 
American International Group, Inc., 2.3%, 7/16/2019    $ 2,039,000     $ 2,048,952  
American International Group, Inc., 3.3%, 3/01/2021      5,141,000       5,292,614  
Metropolitan Life Global Funding I, 2%, 4/14/2020 (n)      4,840,000       4,833,880  
Metropolitan Life Global Funding I, FLR, 1.754%, (U.S. LIBOR-3mo. + 0.43%) 12/19/2018 (n)      3,700,000       3,716,433  
Voya Financial, Inc., 2.9%, 2/15/2018      875,000       877,425  
    

 

 

 
             $ 16,769,304  
Insurance - Health - 0.5%                 
Aetna, Inc., 1.5%, 11/15/2017    $ 674,000     $ 673,960  
UnitedHealth Group, Inc., 1.95%, 10/15/2020      6,409,000       6,394,880  
    

 

 

 
             $ 7,068,840  
Insurance - Property & Casualty - 0.2%                 
Marsh & McLennan Cos., Inc., 2.35%, 9/10/2019    $ 3,180,000     $ 3,195,463  
International Market Quasi-Sovereign - 3.2%                 
Caisse d’Amortissement de la Dette Sociale, 1.875%, 1/13/2020 (n)    $ 9,000,000     $ 8,989,846  
CPPIB Capital, Inc., 1.25%, 9/20/2019 (n)      7,460,000       7,362,050  
Dexia Credit Local S.A., 1.875%, 9/15/2021 (n)      7,590,000       7,463,115  
Dexia Credit Local S.A., 2.25%, 1/30/2019 (n)      2,070,000       2,078,114  
Dexia Credit Local, “A”, 2.25%, 2/18/2020 (n)      3,150,000       3,157,198  
Electricite de France, 2.15%, 1/22/2019 (n)      3,953,000       3,965,664  
Kommunalbanken A.S., 1.375%, 10/26/2020 (n)      3,870,000       3,804,973  
Swedish Export Credit Corp., 1.125%, 8/28/2019      10,280,000       10,150,613  
    

 

 

 
             $ 46,971,573  

 

14


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Bonds - continued                 
International Market Sovereign - 0.2%                 
Republic of Finland, 1%, 4/23/2019 (n)    $ 2,510,000     $ 2,484,978  
Internet - 0.2%  
Baidu, Inc., 3.25%, 8/06/2018    $ 892,000     $ 898,825  
Baidu, Inc., 2.75%, 6/09/2019      2,189,000       2,202,381  
    

 

 

 
             $ 3,101,206  
Local Authorities - 0.7%                 
Kommuninvest i Sverige AB, 1.125%, 9/17/2019 (n)    $ 11,000,000     $ 10,859,992  
Major Banks - 16.4%  
ABN AMRO Bank N.V., 2.1%, 1/18/2019 (n)    $ 7,840,000     $ 7,862,211  
Bank of America Corp., 6.875%, 4/25/2018      4,213,000       4,315,399  
Bank of America Corp., 2.151%, 11/09/2020      3,310,000       3,295,979  
Bank of America Corp., 2.369% to 7/21/2020, FLR to 7/21/2021      9,781,000       9,771,224  
Bank of America Corp., 2.881% to 4/24/2022, FLR to 4/24/2023      7,801,000       7,839,495  
Bank of Montreal, FLR, 1.95%, (LIBOR-3mo. + 0.6%) 4/09/2018      1,990,000       1,994,171  
Bank of Montreal, FLR, 2.004%, (LIBOR-3mo. + 0.65%) 7/18/2019      5,650,000       5,690,446  
Barclays PLC, 3.25%, 1/12/2021      10,346,000       10,512,498  
Citibank N.A., 2.125%, 10/20/2020      5,897,000       5,879,990  
Commonwealth Bank of Australia, 1.75%, 11/02/2018      1,390,000       1,389,098  
Commonwealth Bank of Australia, 2.3%, 9/06/2019      6,503,000       6,540,445  
Credit Agricole, “A”, FLR, 2.78%, (LIBOR-3mo. + 1.43%) 1/10/2022 (n)      3,030,000       3,099,864  
Credit Suisse Group AG, “A”, 3.574%, 1/09/2023 (n)      4,820,000       4,935,022  
Credit Suisse New York, 1.75%, 1/29/2018      3,950,000       3,951,993  
DNB Bank A.S.A., 2.125%, 10/02/2020 (n)      6,394,000       6,387,645  
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., 2%, 4/25/2019      1,150,000       1,149,311  
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., 2.55%, 10/23/2019      15,694,000       15,815,894  
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., 2.6%, 12/27/2020      6,253,000       6,287,677  
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., 3%, 4/26/2022      4,780,000       4,826,105  
HSBC Holdings PLC, 3.262% to 3/13/2022, FLR to 3/13/2023      4,311,000       4,405,856  
ING Bank N.V., 1.8%, 3/16/2018 (n)      1,740,000       1,741,417  
ING Bank N.V., 2%, 11/26/2018 (n)      4,970,000       4,974,761  
ING Bank N.V., 2.3%, 3/22/2019 (n)      4,000,000       4,015,456  
JPMorgan Chase & Co., 2.2%, 10/22/2019      5,340,000       5,365,792  
JPMorgan Chase & Co., 2.776% to 4/25/2022, FLR to 4/25/2023      7,272,000       7,297,790  
Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc., 2.95%, 3/01/2021      2,790,000       2,834,754  
Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc., 2.998%, 2/22/2022      3,172,000       3,223,188  
Mizuho Bank Ltd., FLR, 2.553%, (U.S. LIBOR-3mo. + 1.19%) 10/20/2018 (n)      4,060,000       4,100,327  
Morgan Stanley, 2.375%, 7/23/2019      15,440,000       15,505,276  

 

15


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Bonds - continued                 
Major Banks - continued                 
Morgan Stanley, 2.65%, 1/27/2020    $ 3,780,000     $ 3,814,102  
National Australia Bank Ltd., 1.375%, 7/12/2019      4,140,000       4,103,701  
PNC Bank N.A., 2.25%, 7/02/2019      5,130,000       5,156,631  
Royal Bank of Canada, 1.5%, 7/29/2019      8,893,000       8,833,597  
Skandinaviska Enskilda, 1.75%, 3/19/2018 (n)      2,500,000       2,501,290  
Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp., FLR, 2.027%, (U.S. LIBOR-3mo. + 0.67%) 10/19/2018      6,250,000       6,278,235  
Svenska Handelsbanken AB, 2.25%, 6/17/2019      6,504,000       6,542,023  
Toronto-Dominion Bank, 1.75%, 7/23/2018      2,820,000       2,822,439  
Toronto-Dominion Bank, 1.45%, 9/06/2018      7,260,000       7,245,858  
Toronto-Dominion Bank, FLR, 1.959%, (U.S. LIBOR-3mo. + 0.65%) 8/13/2019      3,170,000       3,196,737  
UBS AG, 2.375%, 8/14/2019      4,186,000       4,212,958  
UBS Group Funding (Jersey) Ltd., 3%, 4/15/2021 (n)      6,146,000       6,238,345  
UBS Group Funding (Switzerland) AG, 3.491%, 5/23/2023 (n)      8,600,000       8,814,321  
Wells Fargo Bank N.A., FLR, 2.103%, (U.S. LIBOR-3mo. + 0.74%) 1/22/2018      3,900,000       3,905,734  
    

 

 

 
             $ 238,675,055  
Medical & Health Technology & Services - 1.4%                 
Becton, Dickinson and Co., 2.675%, 12/15/2019    $ 6,464,000     $ 6,530,214  
Becton, Dickinson and Co., 2.404%, 6/05/2020      2,975,000       2,979,614  
Becton, Dickinson and Co., 2.894%, 6/06/2022      3,466,000       3,473,752  
Catholic Health Initiatives, 1.6%, 11/01/2017      2,480,000       2,480,000  
Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings, 2.625%, 2/01/2020      5,170,000       5,212,402  
    

 

 

 
             $ 20,675,982  
Medical Equipment - 1.3%                 
Abbott Laboratories, 2.35%, 11/22/2019    $ 6,330,000     $ 6,369,114  
Abbott Laboratories, 2.9%, 11/30/2021      4,960,000       5,037,436  
Medtronic, Inc., 1.5%, 3/15/2018      3,230,000       3,230,516  
Zimmer Holdings, Inc., 2%, 4/01/2018      4,531,000       4,534,344  
    

 

 

 
             $ 19,171,410  
Metals & Mining - 0.5%                 
Freeport-McMoRan, Inc., 2.375%, 3/15/2018    $ 1,620,000     $ 1,620,000  
Glencore Funding LLC, 2.125%, 4/16/2018 (n)      2,980,000       2,981,699  
Glencore Funding LLC, 3%, 10/27/2022 (z)      2,204,000       2,207,028  
    

 

 

 
             $ 6,808,727  
Midstream - 1.5%                 
EL Paso LLC, 6.5%, 9/15/2020    $ 6,336,000     $ 6,967,324  
Enbridge, Inc., 2.9%, 7/15/2022      2,081,000       2,092,977  
EnLink Midstream Partners LP, 2.7%, 4/01/2019      2,163,000       2,167,562  

 

16


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Bonds - continued                 
Midstream - continued                 
Enterprise Products Operating LP, 6.5%, 1/31/2019    $ 1,280,000     $ 1,349,600  
Kinder Morgan (Delaware), Inc., 2%, 12/01/2017      2,750,000       2,750,358  
ONEOK Partners LP, 3.2%, 9/15/2018      3,550,000       3,582,882  
TransCanada PipeLines Ltd., 1.875%, 1/12/2018      2,847,000       2,848,831  
    

 

 

 
             $ 21,759,534  
Mortgage-Backed - 0.4%                 
Fannie Mae, 5.5%, 11/01/2017 - 2/01/2019    $ 25,913     $ 26,123  
Fannie Mae, 5%, 2/01/2018 - 7/01/2023      558,079       572,879  
Fannie Mae, 4.5%, 10/01/2018 - 3/01/2023      482,088       503,121  
Fannie Mae, 3%, 12/01/2031      2,852,647       2,931,182  
Fannie Mae, 3.46%, 2/01/2033      25,945       26,630  
Fannie Mae, 3.355%, 3/01/2033      81,442       83,108  
Fannie Mae, 3.5%, 5/01/2033      241,580       254,018  
Fannie Mae, FLR, 1.481%, (U.S. LIBOR-1mo. + 0.25%) 5/25/2018      449,565       449,444  
Freddie Mac, 5.5%, 12/01/2017 - 11/01/2019      102,637       104,689  
Freddie Mac, 5%, 5/01/2018 - 8/01/2020      258,164       263,438  
Freddie Mac, 0.883%, 7/25/2049 (i)      328,424       15,439  
Ginnie Mae, 2.125%, 7/20/2032      78,346       81,064  
    

 

 

 
             $ 5,311,135  
Network & Telecom - 1.8%                 
AT&T, Inc., 2.3%, 3/11/2019    $ 4,270,000     $ 4,287,606  
AT&T, Inc., 2.45%, 6/30/2020      6,250,000       6,308,768  
AT&T, Inc., 3.2%, 3/01/2022      5,118,000       5,207,176  
AT&T, Inc., 2.85%, 2/14/2023      3,021,000       3,000,519  
AT&T, Inc., FLR, 2.227%, (U.S. LIBOR-3mo. + 0.91%) 11/27/2018      3,850,000       3,880,160  
British Telecommunications PLC, 2.35%, 2/14/2019      2,970,000       2,987,474  
    

 

 

 
             $ 25,671,703  
Oil Services - 0.2%                 
Schlumberger Holdings Corp., 1.9%, 12/21/2017 (n)    $ 3,010,000     $ 3,010,925  
Oils - 0.4%  
Marathon Petroleum Corp., 2.7%, 12/14/2018    $ 5,697,000     $ 5,726,636  
Other Banks & Diversified Financials - 7.7%  
Banque Federative du Credit Mutuel, 2.2%, 7/20/2020 (n)    $ 6,421,000     $ 6,406,801  
Banque Federative du Credit Mutuel, 2.75%, 1/22/2019 (n)      1,021,000       1,031,349  
Banque Federative du Credit Mutuel, 2%, 4/12/2019 (n)      5,610,000       5,610,947  
BNZ International Funding Ltd. London, 1.9%, 2/26/2018 (n)      4,530,000       4,535,239  
BPCE S.A., 1.625%, 1/26/2018      4,410,000       4,409,374  
BPCE S.A., 2.5%, 7/15/2019      5,559,000       5,603,889  

 

17


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Bonds - continued                 
Other Banks & Diversified Financials - continued                 
Branch Banking & Trust Co., 1.45%, 5/10/2019    $ 5,620,000     $ 5,585,668  
Capital One Financial Corp., 2.5%, 5/12/2020      4,324,000       4,339,711  
Capital One Financial Corp., 2.4%, 10/30/2020      2,132,000       2,131,389  
Citigroup, Inc., 2.4%, 2/18/2020      10,463,000       10,517,043  
Citizens Bank N.A., 2.3%, 12/03/2018      5,000,000       5,018,852  
Citizens Bank N.A., 2.25%, 3/02/2020      3,450,000       3,454,067  
Citizens Bank N.A., 2.55%, 5/13/2021      845,000       848,476  
Compass Bank, 2.875%, 6/29/2022      6,688,000       6,640,864  
Discover Bank, 3.1%, 6/04/2020      3,205,000       3,267,732  
Fifth Third Bancorp, 2.3%, 3/01/2019      1,859,000       1,867,224  
Fifth Third Bancorp, 2.3%, 3/15/2019      3,120,000       3,135,706  
First Republic Bank, 2.375%, 6/17/2019      1,333,000       1,337,968  
Groupe BPCE S.A., 2.5%, 12/10/2018      2,520,000       2,537,786  
Lloyds Bank PLC, 1.75%, 5/14/2018      2,040,000       2,041,840  
Lloyds Bank PLC, 2.3%, 11/27/2018      1,700,000       1,709,499  
Lloyds Bank PLC, FLR, 2.362%, (U.S. LIBOR-3mo. + 1%) 1/22/2019      6,220,000       6,281,768  
National Bank of Canada, FLR, 2.159%, (LIBOR-3mo. + 0.84%) 12/14/2018      5,040,000       5,080,048  
Santander UK Group Holdings PLC, 2.875%, 8/05/2021      4,560,000       4,582,453  
Santander UK PLC, 3.05%, 8/23/2018      2,403,000       2,428,309  
SunTrust Banks, Inc., 2.7%, 1/27/2022      5,086,000       5,116,524  
U.S. Bank NA Cincinnati, 2.05%, 10/23/2020      7,302,000       7,302,720  
    

 

 

 
             $ 112,823,246  
Pharmaceuticals - 4.0%                 
AbbVie, Inc., 1.8%, 5/14/2018    $ 5,760,000     $ 5,763,575  
Actavis Funding SCS, 2.35%, 3/12/2018      4,615,000       4,625,594  
Actavis Funding SCS, 3%, 3/12/2020      2,399,000       2,435,446  
Amgen, Inc., 2.2%, 5/11/2020      8,647,000       8,665,875  
Biogen, Inc., 2.9%, 9/15/2020      3,400,000       3,471,328  
Celgene Corp., 2.125%, 8/15/2018      4,900,000       4,913,992  
Celgene Corp., 2.875%, 8/15/2020      6,424,000       6,523,220  
Celgene Corp., 2.75%, 2/15/2023      1,799,000       1,797,993  
EMD Finance LLC, 1.7%, 3/19/2018 (n)      5,140,000       5,141,862  
Gilead Sciences, Inc., 1.85%, 9/04/2018      4,760,000       4,765,880  
Shire Acquisitions Investments Ireland Designated Activity Co., 1.9%, 9/23/2019      10,330,000       10,288,747  
    

 

 

 
             $ 58,393,512  
Real Estate - Apartment - 0.1%                 
ERP Operating LP, 4.75%, 7/15/2020    $ 1,200,000     $ 1,275,041  

 

18


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Bonds - continued                 
Real Estate - Healthcare - 0.1%  
Welltower, Inc., REIT, 2.25%, 3/15/2018    $ 1,686,000     $ 1,689,883  
Real Estate - Office - 0.3%  
Mack-Cali Realty LP, 2.5%, 12/15/2017    $ 2,000,000     $ 2,000,419  
Vornado Realty LP, REIT, 2.5%, 6/30/2019      2,848,000       2,862,884  
    

 

 

 
             $ 4,863,303  
Real Estate - Retail - 0.1%                 
Simon Property Group, Inc., REIT, 1.5%, 2/01/2018 (n)    $ 1,935,000     $ 1,935,129  
Retailers - 0.2%  
Dollar General Corp., 1.875%, 4/15/2018    $ 660,000     $ 659,848  
Wesfarmers Ltd., 1.874%, 3/20/2018 (n)      2,068,000       2,069,439  
    

 

 

 
             $ 2,729,287  
Specialty Chemicals - 0.2%                 
Airgas, Inc., 3.05%, 8/01/2020    $ 2,430,000     $ 2,488,441  
Supranational - 0.4%  
Corporacion Andina de Fomento, FLR, 1.928%, (U.S. LIBOR-3mo. + 0.55%) 1/29/2018    $ 1,190,000     $ 1,191,048  
Corporacion Andina de Fomento, FLR, 2%, (U.S. LIBOR-3mo. + 0.55%) 5/10/2019      4,870,000       4,859,433  
    

 

 

 
             $ 6,050,481  
Telecommunications - Wireless - 1.4%                 
American Tower Corp., REIT, 2.8%, 6/01/2020    $ 2,158,000     $ 2,188,306  
American Tower Trust I, REIT, 1.551%, 3/15/2043 (n)      2,840,000       2,835,550  
Crown Castle International Corp., 3.4%, 2/15/2021      2,140,000       2,199,691  
Crown Castle Towers LLC, 4.883%, 8/15/2040 (n)      6,579,000       6,946,959  
SBA Tower Trust, 2.898%, 10/11/2044 (n)      4,150,000       4,182,065  
SBA Tower Trust, 2.877%, 7/10/2046 (n)      1,843,000       1,829,178  
    

 

 

 
             $ 20,181,749  
Tobacco - 1.7%                 
BAT Capital Corp., 2.297%, 8/14/2020 (n)    $ 7,295,000     $ 7,297,629  
Imperial Tobacco Finance PLC, 2.05%, 7/20/2018 (n)      4,696,000       4,697,290  
Imperial Tobacco Finance PLC, 2.95%, 7/21/2020 (n)      8,541,000       8,659,203  
Reynolds American, Inc., 2.3%, 6/12/2018      3,640,000       3,650,326  
    

 

 

 
             $ 24,304,448  
Transportation - Services - 0.4%                 
TTX Co., 2.6%, 6/15/2020 (n)    $ 5,870,000     $ 5,877,906  

 

19


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Bonds - continued                 
U.S. Government Agencies and Equivalents - 0.3%  
Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, 1.945%, 6/23/2019    $ 4,500,000     $ 4,516,730  
U.S. Treasury Obligations - 6.2%                 
U.S. Treasury Notes, 1.625%, 8/31/2019    $ 14,000,000     $ 14,008,750  
U.S. Treasury Notes, 1.375%, 2/15/2020      40,000,000       39,753,125  
U.S. Treasury Notes, 1.875%, 2/28/2022      37,496,000       37,387,613  
    

 

 

 
             $ 91,149,488  
Utilities - Electric Power - 3.5%                 
American Electric Power Co., Inc., 1.65%, 12/15/2017    $ 2,570,000     $ 2,570,251  
Dominion Energy, Inc., 2.579%, 7/01/2020      4,253,000       4,276,263  
Dominion Resources, Inc., 1.6%, 8/15/2019      1,640,000       1,629,791  
Dominion Resources, Inc., 2.962%, 7/01/2019      2,840,000       2,878,051  
Dominion Resources, Inc., 2.5%, 12/01/2019      7,000,000       7,047,953  
Emera U.S. Finance LP, 2.15%, 6/15/2019      4,397,000       4,394,255  
Eversource Energy, 1.6%, 1/15/2018      2,370,000       2,369,703  
Eversource Energy, 2.5%, 3/15/2021      3,117,000       3,126,163  
FirstEnergy Corp., 2.85%, 7/15/2022      2,128,000       2,127,708  
NextEra Energy Capital Holdings, Inc., 2.3%, 4/01/2019      3,623,000       3,634,559  
Southern Co., 2.45%, 9/01/2018      2,700,000       2,714,249  
Southern Co., 1.85%, 7/01/2019      5,610,000       5,601,010  
Southern Power Co., 1.85%, 12/01/2017      4,230,000       4,231,168  
Xcel Energy, Inc., 2.4%, 3/15/2021      4,070,000       4,084,281  
    

 

 

 
             $ 50,685,405  
Total Bonds (Identified Cost, $1,413,692,132)            $ 1,411,811,949  
Investment Companies (h) - 2.7%  
Money Market Funds - 2.7%                 
MFS Institutional Money Market Portfolio, 1.13% (v) (Identified Cost, $39,408,727)      39,408,727     $ 39,408,727  
Other Assets, Less Liabilities - 0.5%              7,103,881  
Net Assets - 100.0%            $ 1,458,324,557  

 

(h) 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. At period end, the aggregate values of the fund’s investments in affiliated issuers and in unaffiliated issuers were $39,408,727 and $1,411,811,949, respectively.
(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 $574,632,266 representing 39.4% of net assets.

 

20


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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

(q) Interest received was less than stated coupon rate.
(v) Affiliated issuer 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  
Bayview Commercial Asset Trust, FLR (LIBOR-1mo. + 0.31%) , 1.548%, 8/25/2035    6/09/05      $472,234        $447,485  
Bayview Commercial Asset Trust, FLR (LIBOR-1mo. + 0.27%) , 1.508%, 4/25/2036    2/23/06      417,991        395,061  
Bayview Financial Revolving Mortgage Loan Trust, FLR (LIBOR-1mo. + 1.6%) , 2.842%, 12/28/2040    3/01/06      559,133        484,155  
Commercial Mortgage Asset Trust, 0.994%, 1/17/2032    8/25/03      0        94  
Morgan Stanley Capital I, Inc., 1.409%, 3/15/2031    6/10/03      0        2  
Total Restricted Securities            $1,326,797  
% of Net assets            0.0%  

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

 

CDO   Collateralized Debt Obligation
CLO   Collateralized Loan Obligation
FLR   Floating rate. Interest rate resets periodically based on the parenthetically disclosed reference rate plus a spread (if any). The period-end rate reported may not be the current rate.
PLC   Public Limited Company
REIT   Real Estate Investment Trust

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

21


Table of Contents

Financial Statements

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

At 10/31/17 (unaudited)

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

 

Assets         

Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value (identified cost, $1,413,692,132)

     $1,411,811,949  

Investments in affiliated issuers, at value (identified cost, $39,408,727)

     39,408,727  

Cash

     40,510  

Receivables for

 

Investments sold

     4,950,593  

Fund shares sold

     31,577,794  

Interest and dividends

     6,605,280  

Other assets

     21  

Total assets

     $1,494,394,874  
Liabilities         

Payables for

 

Distributions

     $251,162  

Investments purchased

     6,102,993  

Fund shares reacquired

     29,180,626  

Payable to affiliates

 

Investment adviser

     32,460  

Shareholder servicing costs

     375,404  

Distribution and service fees

     12,454  

Program manager fees

     402  

Payable for independent Trustees’ compensation

     2,670  

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

     112,146  

Total liabilities

     $36,070,317  

Net assets

     $1,458,324,557  
Net assets consist of         
Paid-in capital      $1,512,496,077  
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation)      (1,880,183
Accumulated net realized gain (loss)      (52,068,221

Accumulated distributions in excess of net investment income

     (223,116

Net assets

     $1,458,324,557  

Shares of beneficial interest outstanding

     244,066,730  

 

22


Table of Contents

Statement of Assets and Liabilities (unaudited) – continued

 

 

     Net assets      Shares
outstanding
     Net asset value
per share (a)
 

Class A

     $509,790,792        85,199,633        $5.98  

Class B

     4,419,380        740,344        5.97  

Class C

     79,544,064        13,304,158        5.98  

Class I

     167,670,411        28,143,681        5.96  

Class R1

     313,178        52,498        5.97  

Class R2

     3,515,966        587,915        5.98  

Class R3

     2,638,778        440,791        5.99  

Class R4

     6,745,486        1,127,599        5.98  

Class R6

     536,928,111        89,933,397        5.97  

Class 529A

     95,518,208        15,968,082        5.98  

Class 529B

     4,173,837        699,987        5.96  

Class 529C

     47,066,346        7,868,645        5.98  

 

(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 $6.13 [100 / 97.5 x $5.98] and $6.13 [100 / 97.5 x $5.98], 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, R6, and 529A. Net asset value per share is calculated using actual net assets and shares outstanding rather than amounts that have been rounded for presentation purposes.

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

23


Table of Contents

Financial Statements

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Six months ended 10/31/17 (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 (loss)  

Income

  

Interest

     $16,801,222  

Dividends from affiliated issuers

     163,515  

Total investment income

     $16,964,737  

Expenses

  

Management fee

     $2,996,913  

Distribution and service fees

     1,486,851  

Shareholder servicing costs

     726,489  

Program manager fees

     70,173  

Administrative services fee

     125,160  

Independent Trustees’ compensation

     15,757  

Custodian fee

     98,915  

Shareholder communications

     46,968  

Audit and tax fees

     32,054  

Legal fees

     8,387  

Miscellaneous

     132,644  

Total expenses

     $5,740,311  

Fees paid indirectly

     (3,049

Reduction of expenses by investment adviser and distributor

     (410,974
Net expenses      $5,326,288  
Net investment income (loss)      $11,638,449  
Realized and unrealized gain (loss)  

Realized gain (loss) (identified cost basis)

 

Unaffiliated issuers

     $683,275  

Affiliated issuers

     1,265  

Futures contracts

     158,311  

Net realized gain (loss)

     $842,851  

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

 

Unaffiliated issuers

     $(569,922

Affiliated issuers

     (4,963

Futures contracts

     (299,635

Net unrealized gain (loss)

     $(874,520

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

     $(31,669

Change in net assets from operations

     $11,606,780  

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

24


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
10/31/17

(unaudited)

    

Year ended
4/30/17

 
From operations                  

Net investment income (loss)

     $11,638,449        $16,775,997  

Net realized gain (loss)

     842,851        (781,764

Net unrealized gain (loss)

     (874,520      (105,864

Change in net assets from operations

     $11,606,780        $15,888,369  
Distributions declared to shareholders                  

From net investment income

     $(12,023,687      $(19,164,833

Change in net assets from fund share transactions

     $(82,447,857      $110,731,449  

Total change in net assets

     $(82,864,764      $107,454,985  
Net assets                  

At beginning of period

     1,541,189,321        1,433,734,336  

At end of period (including accumulated distributions in excess of net investment income of $223,116 and undistributed net investment income of $162,122, respectively)

     $1,458,324,557        $1,541,189,321  

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

25


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 that 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

10/31/17

(unaudited)

    Year ended  
Class A     4/30/17     4/30/16     4/30/15     4/30/14     4/30/13  
                                 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $5.99       $6.00       $6.03       $6.06       $6.13       $6.13  
Income (loss) from investment operations                          

Net investment income (loss) (d)

    $0.05       $0.07 (c)      $0.06       $0.05       $0.08       $0.12  

Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss)

    (0.01     (0.00 )(w)      (0.02     (0.01     (0.05     0.02  

Total from investment operations

    $0.04       $0.07       $0.04       $0.04       $0.03       $0.14  
Less distributions declared to shareholders                          

From net investment income

    $(0.05     $(0.08     $(0.07     $(0.07     $(0.10     $(0.14

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $5.98       $5.99       $6.00       $6.03       $6.06       $6.13  

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

    0.64 (n)      1.12 (c)      0.68       0.61       0.44       2.33  
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                         

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

    0.83 (a)      0.82 (c)      0.85       0.86       0.84       0.85  

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

    0.72 (a)      0.72 (c)      0.74       0.75       0.73       0.75  

Net investment income (loss)

    1.53 (a)      1.11 (c)      0.94       0.84       1.29       1.92  

Portfolio turnover

    23 (n)      54       30       37       29       34  

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $509,791       $514,304       $462,778       $459,032       $576,712       $583,224  

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

26


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

   

Six months
ended

10/31/17

(unaudited)

    Year ended  
Class B     4/30/17     4/30/16     4/30/15     4/30/14     4/30/13  
                                 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $5.97       $5.98       $6.01       $6.04       $6.11       $6.11  
Income (loss) from investment operations                          

Net investment income (loss) (d)

    $0.02       $0.02 (c)      $0.01       $0.01       $0.03       $0.07  

Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss)

    0.01       (0.00 )(w)      (0.01     (0.02     (0.05     0.03 (g) 

Total from investment operations

    $0.03       $0.02       $0.00 (w)      $(0.01     $(0.02     $0.10  
Less distributions declared to shareholders                          

From net investment income

    $(0.03     $(0.03     $(0.03     $(0.02     $(0.05     $(0.10

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $5.97       $5.97       $5.98       $6.01       $6.04       $6.11  

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

    0.43 (n)      0.35 (c)      (0.07     (0.14     (0.32     1.57  
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                         

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

    1.59 (a)      1.58 (c)      1.60       1.61       1.59       1.60  

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

    1.48 (a)      1.47 (c)      1.50       1.51       1.49       1.50  

Net investment income (loss)

    0.79 (a)      0.37 (c)      0.20       0.09       0.54       1.18  

Portfolio turnover

    23 (n)      54       30       37       29       34  

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $4,419       $5,286       $6,477       $6,463       $7,814       $7,585  

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

27


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Financial Highlights – continued

 

   

Six months
ended

10/31/17

(unaudited)

    Year ended  
Class C     4/30/17     4/30/16     4/30/15     4/30/14     4/30/13  
                                 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $5.98       $5.99       $6.02       $6.05       $6.12       $6.12  
Income (loss) from investment operations                          

Net investment income (loss) (d)

    $0.02       $0.02 (c)      $0.01       $(0.00 )(w)      $0.03       $0.07  

Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss)

    (0.00 )(w)      (0.00 )(w)      (0.02     (0.01     (0.06     0.02  

Total from investment operations

    $0.02       $0.02       $(0.01     $(0.01     $(0.03     $0.09  
Less distributions declared to shareholders                          

From net investment income

    $(0.02     $(0.03     $(0.02     $(0.02     $(0.04     $(0.09

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $5.98       $5.98       $5.99       $6.02       $6.05       $6.12  

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

    0.38 (n)      0.26 (c)      (0.17     (0.24     (0.41     1.46  
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                         

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

    1.58 (a)      1.58 (c)      1.60       1.61       1.59       1.60  

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

    1.58 (a)      1.57 (c)      1.59       1.60       1.59       1.60  

Net investment income (loss)

    0.69 (a)      0.27 (c)      0.09       (0.00 )(w)      0.46       1.07  

Portfolio turnover

    23 (n)      54       30       37       29       34  

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $79,544       $95,767       $119,063       $137,178       $171,276       $212,060  

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

28


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

   

Six months
ended

10/31/17

(unaudited)

    Year ended  
Class I     4/30/17     4/30/16     4/30/15     4/30/14     4/30/13  
                                 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $5.96       $5.97       $6.00       $6.03       $6.10       $6.11  
Income (loss) from investment operations                          

Net investment income (loss) (d)

    $0.05       $0.08 (c)      $0.07       $0.06       $0.09       $0.13  

Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss)

    (0.00 )(w)      (0.00 )(w)      (0.02     (0.01     (0.05     0.01 (g) 

Total from investment operations

    $0.05       $0.08       $0.05       $0.05       $0.04       $0.14  
Less distributions declared to shareholders                          

From net investment income

    $(0.05     $(0.09     $(0.08     $(0.08     $(0.11     $(0.15

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $5.96       $5.96       $5.97       $6.00       $6.03       $6.10  

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

    0.88 (n)      1.27 (c)      0.83       0.76       0.59       2.31  
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                         

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

    0.58 (a)      0.58 (c)      0.60       0.61       0.59       0.60  

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

    0.58 (a)      0.57 (c)      0.59       0.60       0.59       0.60  

Net investment income (loss)

    1.69 (a)      1.28 (c)      1.10       1.00       1.41       2.14  

Portfolio turnover

    23 (n)      54       30       37       29       34  

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $167,670       $257,580       $222,997       $296,392       $237,785       $130,703  

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

29


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

   

Six months
ended

10/31/17

(unaudited)

    Year ended  
Class R1     4/30/17     4/30/16     4/30/15     4/30/14     4/30/13  
                                 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $5.97       $5.98       $6.01       $6.04       $6.11       $6.11  
Income (loss) from investment operations                          

Net investment income (loss) (d)

    $0.02       $0.02 (c)      $0.01       $(0.00 )(w)      $0.03       $0.07  

Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss)

    (0.00 )(w)      (0.00 )(w)      (0.02     (0.01     (0.06     0.02  

Total from investment operations

    $0.02       $0.02       $(0.01     $(0.01     $(0.03     $0.09  
Less distributions declared to shareholders                          

From net investment income

    $(0.02     $(0.03     $(0.02     $(0.02     $(0.04     $(0.09

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $5.97       $5.97       $5.98       $6.01       $6.04       $6.11  

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

    0.38 (n)      0.26 (c)      (0.17     (0.24     (0.41     1.46  
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                         

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

    1.58 (a)      1.58 (c)      1.60       1.61       1.59       1.60  

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

    1.58 (a)      1.57 (c)      1.60       1.60       1.59       1.60  

Net investment income (loss)

    0.69 (a)      0.26 (c)      0.09       (0.00 )(w)      0.44       1.08  

Portfolio turnover

    23 (n)      54       30       37       29       34  

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $313       $328       $484       $632       $712       $616  

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

30


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

   

Six months
ended

10/31/17

(unaudited)

    Year ended  
Class R2     4/30/17     4/30/16     4/30/15     4/30/14     4/30/13  
                                 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $5.98       $6.00       $6.02       $6.06       $6.13       $6.12  
Income (loss) from investment operations                          

Net investment income (loss) (d)

    $0.04       $0.05 (c)      $0.04       $0.04       $0.06       $0.10  

Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss)

    (0.00 )(w)      (0.01     (0.00 )(w)      (0.03     (0.05     0.04 (g) 

Total from investment operations

    $0.04       $0.04       $0.04       $0.01       $0.01       $0.14  
Less distributions declared to shareholders                          

From net investment income

    $(0.04     $(0.06     $(0.06     $(0.05     $(0.08     $(0.13

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $5.98       $5.98       $6.00       $6.02       $6.06       $6.13  

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

    0.68 (n)      0.70 (c)      0.60       0.20       0.19       2.24  
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                         

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

    1.08 (a)      1.08 (c)      1.10       1.11       1.09       1.10  

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

    0.98 (a)      0.97 (c)      0.99       1.00       0.99       1.00  

Net investment income (loss)

    1.29 (a)      0.87 (c)      0.69       0.59       1.04       1.67  

Portfolio turnover

    23 (n)      54       30       37       29       34  

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $3,516       $3,504       $3,517       $3,955       $4,520       $4,189  

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

31


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

   

Six months
ended

10/31/17

(unaudited)

    Year ended  
Class R3     4/30/17     4/30/16     4/30/15     4/30/14     4/30/13  
                                 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $5.99       $6.00       $6.03       $6.05       $6.12       $6.12  
Income (loss) from investment operations                          

Net investment income (loss) (d)

    $0.04       $0.06 (c)      $0.05       $0.05       $0.07       $0.11  

Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss)

    0.01       (0.00 )(w)      (0.02     (0.01     (0.05     0.02  

Total from investment operations

    $0.05       $0.06       $0.03       $0.04       $0.02       $0.13  
Less distributions declared to shareholders                          

From net investment income

    $(0.05     $(0.07     $(0.06     $(0.06     $(0.09     $(0.13

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $5.99       $5.99       $6.00       $6.03       $6.05       $6.12  

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

    0.76 (n)      1.02 (c)      0.58       0.68       0.34       2.22  
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                         

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

    0.83 (a)      0.83 (c)      0.85       0.86       0.84       0.85  

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

    0.83 (a)      0.82 (c)      0.84       0.85       0.84       0.85  

Net investment income (loss)

    1.44 (a)      1.01 (c)      0.84       0.76       1.19       1.81  

Portfolio turnover

    23 (n)      54       30       37       29       34  

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $2,639       $2,769       $3,288       $3,653       $8,528       $8,014  

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

32


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

   

Six months
ended

10/31/17

(unaudited)

    Year ended  
Class R4     4/30/17     4/30/16     4/30/15     4/30/14     4/30/13  
                                 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $5.98       $6.00       $6.03       $6.06       $6.13       $6.13  
Income (loss) from investment operations                          

Net investment income (loss) (d)

    $0.05       $0.08 (c)      $0.07       $0.05       $0.09       $0.13  

Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss)

    (0.00 )(w)      (0.01     (0.02     (0.00 )(w)      (0.05     0.02  

Total from investment operations

    $0.05       $0.07       $0.05       $0.05       $0.04       $0.15  
Less distributions declared to shareholders                          

From net investment income

    $(0.05     $(0.09     $(0.08     $(0.08     $(0.11     $(0.15

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $5.98       $5.98       $6.00       $6.03       $6.06       $6.13  

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

    0.88 (n)      1.10 (c)      0.84       0.77       0.59       2.48  
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                         

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

    0.58 (a)      0.58 (c)      0.60       0.61       0.59       0.60  

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

    0.58 (a)      0.57 (c)      0.59       0.61       0.59       0.60  

Net investment income (loss)

    1.69 (a)      1.27 (c)      1.09       0.89       1.44       2.06  

Portfolio turnover

    23 (n)      54       30       37       29       34  

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $6,745       $6,516       $6,946       $7,234       $923       $904  

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

33


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

   

Six months
ended

10/31/17

(unaudited)

    Year ended  
Class R6     4/30/17     4/30/16     4/30/15     4/30/14     4/30/13 (i)  
                                 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $5.97       $5.99       $6.01       $6.04       $6.11       $6.12  
Income (loss) from investment operations                          

Net investment income (loss) (d)

    $0.05       $0.08 (c)      $0.07       $0.07       $0.09       $0.08  

Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss)

    (0.00 )(w)      (0.01     (0.01     (0.02     (0.05     0.00 (w) 

Total from investment operations

    $0.05       $0.07       $0.06       $0.05       $0.04       $0.08  
Less distributions declared to shareholders                          

From net investment income

    $(0.05     $(0.09     $(0.08     $(0.08     $(0.11     $(0.09

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $5.97       $5.97       $5.99       $6.01       $6.04       $6.11  

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

    0.92 (n)      1.17 (c)      1.08       0.85       0.66       1.39 (n) 
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                         

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

    0.51 (a)      0.51 (c)      0.52       0.52       0.52       0.53 (a) 

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

    0.50 (a)      0.50 (c)      0.51       0.51       0.52       0.53 (a) 

Net investment income (loss)

    1.77 (a)      1.34 (c)      1.17       1.08       1.50       1.99 (a) 

Portfolio turnover

    23 (n)      54       30       37       29       34  

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $536,928       $516,582       $520,011       $493,576       $442,446       $337,605  

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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Financial Highlights – continued

 

   

Six months
ended

10/31/17

(unaudited)

    Year ended  
Class 529A     4/30/17     4/30/16     4/30/15     4/30/14     4/30/13  
                                 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $5.98       $6.00       $6.03       $6.06       $6.13       $6.13  
Income (loss) from investment operations                          

Net investment income (loss) (d)

    $0.05       $0.06 (c)      $0.05       $0.05       $0.08       $0.11  

Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss)

    (0.00 )(w)      (0.01     (0.01     (0.02     (0.06     0.03 (g) 

Total from investment operations

    $0.05       $0.05       $0.04       $0.03       $0.02       $0.14  
Less distributions declared to shareholders                          

From net investment income

    $(0.05     $(0.07     $(0.07     $(0.06     $(0.09     $(0.14

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $5.98       $5.98       $6.00       $6.03       $6.06       $6.13  

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

    0.78 (n)      0.90 (c)      0.63       0.56       0.39       2.27  
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                         

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

    0.93 (a)      0.92 (c)      0.95       0.96       0.94       0.95  

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

    0.77 (a)      0.76 (c)      0.79       0.80       0.78       0.80  

Net investment income (loss)

    1.50 (a)      1.08 (c)      0.90       0.79       1.24       1.85  

Portfolio turnover

    23 (n)      54       30       37       29       34  

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $95,518       $89,431       $55,996       $47,228       $41,642       $35,126  

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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Financial Highlights – continued

 

   

Six months
ended

10/31/17

(unaudited)

    Year ended  
Class 529B     4/30/17     4/30/16     4/30/15     4/30/14     4/30/13  
                                 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $5.96       $5.98       $6.00       $6.04       $6.10       $6.10  
Income (loss) from investment operations                          

Net investment income (loss) (d)

    $0.02       $0.02 (c)      $0.01       $0.00 (w)      $0.03       $0.07  

Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss)

    (0.00 )(w)      (0.01     (0.01     (0.02     (0.04     0.02  

Total from investment operations

    $0.02       $0.01       $0.00 (w)      $(0.02     $(0.01     $0.09  
Less distributions declared to shareholders                          

From net investment income

    $(0.02     $(0.03     $(0.02     $(0.02     $(0.05     $(0.09

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $5.96       $5.96       $5.98       $6.00       $6.04       $6.10  

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

    0.40 (n)      0.13 (c)      0.03       (0.37     (0.21     1.50  
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                         

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

    1.69 (a)      1.68 (c)      1.70       1.71       1.69       1.70  

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

    1.53 (a)      1.52 (c)      1.55       1.56       1.54       1.56  

Net investment income (loss)

    0.74 (a)      0.33 (c)      0.14       0.04       0.49       1.12  

Portfolio turnover

    23 (n)      54       30       37       29       34  

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $4,174       $3,807       $2,354       $2,184       $1,912       $1,849  

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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Six months
ended

10/31/17

(unaudited)

    Year ended  
Class 529C     4/30/17     4/30/16     4/30/15     4/30/14     4/30/13  
                                 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $5.98       $6.00       $6.02       $6.06       $6.13       $6.12  
Income (loss) from investment operations                          

Net investment income (loss) (d)

    $0.02       $0.01 (c)      $0.00 (w)      $(0.00 )(w)      $0.02       $0.06  

Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss)

    (0.00 )(w)      (0.01     (0.00 )(w)      (0.03     (0.05     0.04 (g) 

Total from investment operations

    $0.02       $(0.00 )(w)      $(0.00 )(w)      $(0.03     $(0.03     $0.10  
Less distributions declared to shareholders                          

From net investment income

    $(0.02     $(0.02     $(0.02     $(0.01     $(0.04     $(0.09

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $5.98       $5.98       $6.00       $6.02       $6.06       $6.13  

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

    0.36 (n)      0.05 (c)      (0.05     (0.45     (0.46     1.58  
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                         

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

    1.68 (a)      1.67 (c)      1.70       1.71       1.69       1.70  

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

    1.62 (a)      1.61 (c)      1.63       1.65       1.63       1.65  

Net investment income (loss)

    0.65 (a)      0.23 (c)      0.05       (0.05     0.40       1.01  

Portfolio turnover

    23 (n)      54       30       37       29       34  

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $47,066       $45,315       $29,824       $27,100       $24,133       $22,880  

 

(a) Annualized.
(c) Amount reflects a one-time reimbursement of expenses by the custodian (or former custodian) without which net investment income and performance would be lower and expenses would be higher.
(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 the period from the class inception, September 4, 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 and ratio was less than 0.01%, as applicable.
(x) The net asset values 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 Limited Maturity Fund (the fund) is a diversified series of MFS Series Trust IX (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 Standards 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 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 October 2016, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) released its Final Rule on Investment Company Reporting Modernization (the “Rule”). The Rule, which introduced two new regulatory reporting forms for investment companies – Form N-PORT and Form N-CEN – also contained amendments to Regulation S-X which impact financial statement presentation, particularly the presentation of derivative investments, for all reporting periods ending after August 1, 2017. The fund has adopted the Rule’s Regulation S-X amendments and believes that the fund’s financial statements are in compliance with those amendments.

In March 2017, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2017-08, Receivables – Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20) – Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities (“ASU 2017-08”). For entities that hold callable debt securities at a premium, ASU 2017-08 requires that the premium be amortized to the earliest call date. ASU 2017-08 would first be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Management is still evaluating the potential impacts of ASU 2017-08 but believes that adoption of ASU 2017-08 will not have a material effect on the fund’s financial position or its overall results of operations.

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, or similar agreement, does not result in an offset of reported amounts of

 

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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, 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 may be valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value. Futures contracts are generally valued at last posted settlement price on their primary exchange as provided by a third-party pricing service. Futures contracts for which there were no trades that day for a particular position are generally valued at the closing bid quotation on their primary exchange as provided by a third-party pricing service. Open-end investment companies are generally valued at net asset value per share. Securities and other assets generally valued on the basis of information from a third-party pricing service may also be valued at a broker/dealer bid quotation. Values obtained from 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

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

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 October 31, 2017 in valuing the fund’s assets or liabilities:

 

Financial Instruments   Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  
U.S. Treasury Bonds & U.S. Government Agency & Equivalents     $—       $95,666,218       $—       $95,666,218  
Non-U.S. Sovereign Debt           68,078,816             68,078,816  
U.S. Corporate Bonds           559,036,258             559,036,258  
Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities           21,409,638             21,409,638  
Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities           38,607,900             38,607,900  
Asset-Backed Securities (including CDOs)           314,778,635             314,778,635  
Foreign Bonds           314,234,484             314,234,484  
Mutual Funds     39,408,727                   39,408,727  
Total     $39,408,727       $1,411,811,949       $—       $1,451,220,676  

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

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. Depending on the type of derivative, the fund may exit a derivative position by entering into an offsetting

 

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transaction with a counterparty or exchange, negotiating an agreement with the derivative counterparty, or novating the position to a third party. At October 31, 2017, the fund did not have any outstanding derivative instruments.

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 October 31, 2017 as reported in the Statement of Operations:

 

Risk    Futures Contracts  
Interest Rate      $158,311  

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 October 31, 2017 as reported in the Statement of Operations:

 

Risk    Futures Contracts  
Interest Rate      $(299,635

Derivative counterparty credit risk is managed through formal evaluation of the creditworthiness of all potential counterparties. On certain, but not all, uncleared 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. 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 agreement 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.

Collateral and margin requirements differ by type of derivative. For cleared derivatives (e.g., futures contracts, cleared swaps, and exchange-traded options), margin requirements are set by the clearing broker and the clearing house and collateral, in the form of cash or securities, is posted by the fund directly with the clearing broker. Collateral terms are counterparty agreement specific for uncleared derivatives (e.g., forward foreign currency exchange contracts, uncleared swap agreements, and uncleared options) and collateral, in the form of cash and securities, is held in segregated accounts with the fund’s custodian in connection with these agreements. For derivatives traded under an ISDA Master Agreement, which contains a collateral support annex, the collateral requirements are netted across all transactions traded under such counterparty-specific agreement and one amount is posted from one party to the other to collateralize such obligations. Cash that has been segregated or delivered 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 for uncleared derivatives or deposits with brokers for cleared derivatives, respectively. Securities pledged as collateral or margin for the same purpose, if any, are noted in the Portfolio of Investments.

 

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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.

Dollar Roll Transactions – The fund enters into dollar roll transactions, with respect to mortgage-backed securities issued by Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac, in which the fund sells mortgage-backed securities to financial institutions and

simultaneously agrees to purchase similar (same issuer, type and coupon) securities at a later date at an agreed-upon price. During the period between the sale and repurchase in a dollar roll transaction the fund will not be entitled to receive interest and principal payments on the securities sold but is compensated by interest earned on the proceeds of the initial sale and by a lower purchase price on the securities to be repurchased which enhances the fund’s total return. The fund accounts for dollar roll transactions as purchases and sales and realizes gains and losses on these transactions.

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.

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

 

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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.

The fund invests a significant portion of its assets in asset-backed and/or mortgage-backed securities. The value of these securities may depend, in part, on the issuer’s or borrower’s credit quality or ability to pay principal and interest when due and that value may fall if an issuer or borrower defaults on its obligation to pay principal or interest or if the instrument’s credit rating is downgraded by a credit rating agency. U.S. Government securities not supported as to the payment of principal or interest by the U.S. Treasury, such as those issued by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the Federal Home Loan Banks, are subject to greater credit risk than are U.S. Government securities supported by the U.S. Treasury, such as those issued by Ginnie Mae.

The fund purchased or sold debt securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis, or in a “To Be Announced” (TBA) or “forward commitment” transaction with delivery or payment to occur at a later date beyond the normal settlement period. At the time a fund enters into a commitment to purchase or sell a security, the transaction is recorded and the value of the security acquired is reflected in the fund’s net asset value. The price of such security and the date that the security will be delivered and paid for are fixed at the time the transaction is negotiated. The value of the security may vary with market fluctuations. No interest accrues to the fund until payment takes place. At the time that a fund enters into this type of transaction, the fund is required to have sufficient cash and/or liquid securities to cover its commitments. Losses may arise due to changes in the value of the underlying securities or if the counterparty does not perform under the contract’s terms, or if the issuer does not issue the securities due to political, economic or other factors. Additionally, losses may arise due to declines in the value of the securities prior to settlement date.

To mitigate this risk of loss on TBA securities and other types of forward settling mortgage-backed securities, the fund whenever possible enters into a Master Securities Forward Transaction Agreement (“MSFTA”) on a bilateral basis with each of the counterparties with whom it undertakes a significant volume of transactions. The MSFTA 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 MSFTA, 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 MSFTA 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.

For mortgage-backed securities traded under a MSFTA, the collateral and margining requirements are contract specific. Collateral amounts across all transactions traded under such agreement are netted and one amount is posted from one party to the other to collateralize such obligations. Cash that has been pledged to cover the fund’s collateral or margin obligations under a MSFTA, if any, will be reported separately on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as restricted cash. Securities pledged as collateral or margin for the same purpose, if any, are noted in the Portfolio of Investments.

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

Fees Paid Indirectly – The fund’s custody fee may be reduced by a credit earned under an arrangement that measures the value of U.S. dollars deposited with the custodian by the fund. The amount of the credit, for the six months ended October 31, 2017, 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.

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

The tax character of distributions declared to shareholders for the last fiscal year is as follows:

 

     Year ended
4/30/17
 
Ordinary income (including any
short-term capital gains)
     $19,164,833  

 

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

 

As of 10/31/17       
Cost of investments      $1,456,868,128  
Gross appreciation      4,753,592  
Gross depreciation      (10,401,044
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)      $(5,647,452
As of 4/30/17       
Undistributed ordinary income      1,919,255  
Capital loss carryforwards      (48,096,609
Other temporary differences      (1,757,133
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)      (5,820,126

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 April 30, 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 April 30, 2017, the fund had capital loss carryforwards available to offset future realized gains as follows:

 

Pre-enactment losses which
expire as follows:
      
4/30/18      $(9,393,942
4/30/19      (9,431,348
Total      $(18,825,290
Post-enactment losses which
are characterized as follows:
      
Short-Term      $(1,284,181
Long-Term      (27,987,138
Total      $(29,271,319

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

 

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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
10/31/17
     Year
ended
4/30/17
 
Class A      $4,095,966        $6,131,627  
Class B      20,083        32,008  
Class C      331,624        470,823  
Class I      1,773,962        3,403,742  
Class R1      1,219        1,643  
Class R2      23,832        35,821  
Class R3      20,305        34,638  
Class R4      58,500        96,619  
Class R6      4,818,167        7,836,782  
Class 529A      701,589        949,323  
Class 529B      14,979        15,653  
Class 529C      163,461        156,154  
Total      $12,023,687        $19,164,833  

(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 0.40% of the fund’s average daily net assets.

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 October 31, 2017, this management fee reduction amounted to $60,271, which is included in the reduction of total expenses in the Statement of Operations. The management fee incurred for the six months ended October 31, 2017, was equivalent to an annual effective rate of 0.39% of the fund’s average daily net assets.

Distributor – MFS Fund Distributors, Inc. (MFD), a wholly-owned subsidiary of MFS, as distributor, received $27,379 and $30,357 for the six months ended October 31, 2017, 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.

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

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%        0.15%        $642,809  
Class B      0.75%        0.25%        1.00%        0.90%        23,801  
Class C      0.75%        0.25%        1.00%        1.00%        444,687  
Class R1      0.75%        0.25%        1.00%        1.00%        1,637  
Class R2      0.25%        0.25%        0.50%        0.40%        8,869  
Class R3             0.25%        0.25%        0.25%        3,398  
Class 529A             0.25%        0.25%        0.15%        113,362  
Class 529B      0.75%        0.25%        1.00%        0.90%        19,064  
Class 529C      0.75%        0.25%        1.00%        0.99%        229,224  
Total Distribution and Service Fees        $1,486,851  

 

(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 October 31, 2017 based on each class’s average daily net assets. 0.10% of the Class A and Class 529A service fee is currently being waived under a written waiver arrangement. For the six months ended October 31, 2017, this waiver amounted to $302,465 and is included in the reduction of total expenses in the Statement of Operations. This written waiver agreement will continue until modified by the fund’s Board of Trustees, but such agreement will continue until at least August 31, 2018. For one year from the date of purchase of Class B and Class 529B shares, assets attributable to such Class B and Class 529B shares were subject to the 0.25% annual Class B and Class 529B service fee. On assets attributable to all other Class B and Class 529B shares, 0.15% of the Class B and Class 529B service fees were being paid by the fund and 0.10% of the Class B and Class 529B service fees were being waived under a written waiver agreement. This Class B and Class 529B agreement terminated on August 27, 2017. For the period May 1, 2017 through August 27, 2017, this waiver amounted to $2,076 and is included in the reduction of total expenses in the Statement of Operations. Effective August 28, 2017, MFD has agreed in writing to reduce the Class B and Class 529B service fee rate to 0.15% for all Class B and Class 529B shares. This written agreement will continue until modified by the fund’s Board of Trustees, but such agreement will continue at least until August 31, 2018. For the period August 28, 2017 to October 31, 2017, this waiver amounted to $1,985, and is included in the reduction of total expenses on the Statement of Operations. 0.10% of the Class R2 distribution fee is currently being waived under a written waiver agreement. For the six months ended October 31, 2017, this waiver amounted to $1,774 and is included in the reduction of total expenses in the Statement of Operations. This written waiver agreement will continue until modified by the fund’s Board of Trustees, but such agreement will continue at least until August 31, 2018. 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 October 31, 2017, this rebate amounted to $3,502, $32, $169, $1,931, $96, and $1,585 for Class A, Class B, Class C, Class 529A, Class 529B, and Class 529C, 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. Class C and

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

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 October 31, 2017, were as follows:

 

     Amount  
Class A      $11,395  
Class B      5,294  
Class C      7,714  
Class 529B      566  
Class 529C      837  
     $25,806  

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. Effective December 10, 2017, this waiver agreement will be terminated. For the six months ended October 31, 2017, this waiver amounted to $35,088 and is included in the reduction of total expenses in the Statement of Operations. The program manager fee incurred for the six months ended October 31, 2017 was equivalent to an annual effective rate of 0.05% of the average daily net assets attributable to each 529 share class. Effective December 11, 2017, the fund will enter into an agreement with MFD pursuant to which MFD receives an annual fee of up to 0.05% of 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 MFS Lifetime Income Fund for the six months ended October 31, 2017, were as follows:

 

     Fee      Waiver  
Class 529A      $45,345        $22,673  
Class 529B      1,906        953  
Class 529C      22,922        11,462  
Total Program Manager Fees and Waivers      $70,173        $35,088  

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 October 31, 2017, the fee was $176,764, which equated to 0.0236% 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.

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

Class R6 shares do not incur sub-accounting fees. For the six months ended October 31, 2017, these out-of-pocket expenses, sub-accounting and other shareholder servicing costs amounted to $429,660.

Under a Special Servicing Agreement among MFS, certain MFS funds which invest 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-funds’ 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-funds. For the six months ended October 31, 2017, these costs for the fund amounted to $120,065 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 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 October 31, 2017 was equivalent to an annual effective rate of 0.0167% 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. The DB plan resulted in a pension expense of $267 and is included in “Independent Trustees’ compensation” in the Statement of Operations for the six months ended October 31, 2017. The liability for deferred retirement benefits payable to certain independent Trustees under the DB plan amounted to $2,658 at October 31, 2017, 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 a service agreement (the ISO Agreement) which provides for payment of fees solely by the funds to Tarantino LLC in return for the provision of services of an Independent Senior Officer (ISO) for the funds. Frank L. Tarantino serves as the ISO and is an officer of the funds and the sole member of Tarantino LLC. The funds can terminate the ISO Agreement with Tarantino LLC at any time under the terms of the ISO Agreement. For the six months ended October 31, 2017, the fee paid by the fund

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

under this agreement was $1,368 and is included in “Miscellaneous” expense in the Statement of Operations. MFS has agreed to bear all expenses associated with office space, other administrative support, and supplies provided to the ISO.

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. This money market fund does not pay a management fee to MFS.

(4) Portfolio Securities

For the six months ended October 31, 2017, purchases and sales of investments, other than short-term obligations, were as follows:

 

     Purchases      Sales  
U.S. Government securities      $42,212,830        $43,942,930  
Investments (non-U.S. Government securities)      $286,595,176        $348,042,382  

(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
10/31/17
     Year ended
4/30/17
 
     Shares      Amount      Shares      Amount  
Shares sold            

Class A

     33,491,075        $200,664,032        65,450,413        $391,609,380  

Class B

     45,937        274,554        343,827        2,057,377  

Class C

     995,560        5,960,031        5,030,462        30,129,857  

Class I

     10,680,983        63,732,607        33,940,663        202,351,855  

Class R1

     5,095        30,392        5,503        32,862  

Class R2

     101,480        607,496        207,012        1,239,100  

Class R3

     17,789        106,729        101,815        610,054  

Class R4

     108,000        647,049        151,806        909,691  

Class R6

     8,468,201        50,600,336        10,752,335        64,383,541  

Class 529A

     3,542,710        21,222,474        10,258,761        61,530,230  

Class 529B

     254,477        1,519,355        600,494        3,590,354  

Class 529C

     1,951,482        11,689,210        5,190,030        31,138,847  
     59,662,789        $357,054,265        132,033,121        $789,583,148  

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

     Six months ended
10/31/17
     Year ended
4/30/17
 
     Shares      Amount      Shares      Amount  

Shares issued to shareholders in

reinvestment of distributions

 

 

        

Class A

     549,372        $3,292,354        827,589        $4,957,144  

Class B

     2,889        17,281        4,593        27,445  

Class C

     50,785        304,142        68,831        411,852  

Class I

     223,155        1,331,520        369,349        2,203,049  

Class R1

     204        1,219        275        1,643  

Class R2

     3,530        21,150        5,315        31,816  

Class R3

     3,385        20,299        5,768        34,590  

Class R4

     9,764        58,500        16,133        96,619  

Class R6

     775,777        4,640,404        1,268,844        7,584,064  

Class 529A

     116,547        698,306        157,673        943,859  

Class 529B

     2,492        14,880        2,607        15,546  

Class 529C

     27,088        162,301        26,000        155,547  
     1,764,988        $10,562,356        2,752,977        $16,463,174  
Shares reacquired            

Class A

     (34,758,031      $(208,267,841      (57,505,556      $(344,084,864

Class B

     (193,656      (1,157,903      (545,608      (3,257,526

Class C

     (3,752,565      (22,471,330      (8,953,078      (53,562,504

Class I

     (25,975,284      (155,038,932      (28,434,559      (169,473,278

Class R1

     (7,701      (46,014      (31,871      (190,864

Class R2

     (102,726      (615,520      (213,311      (1,276,063

Class R3

     (42,790      (256,427      (192,983      (1,158,922

Class R4

     (78,973      (473,056      (237,267      (1,420,790

Class R6

     (5,800,287      (34,690,219      (12,412,902      (74,290,176

Class 529A

     (2,635,816      (15,799,434      (4,808,023      (28,791,127

Class 529B

     (195,143      (1,165,781      (358,688      (2,141,373

Class 529C

     (1,682,243      (10,082,021      (2,616,215      (15,667,386
     (75,225,215      $(450,064,478      (116,310,061      $(695,314,873
Net change            

Class A

     (717,584      $(4,311,455      8,772,446        $52,481,660  

Class B

     (144,830      (866,068      (197,188      (1,172,704

Class C

     (2,706,220      (16,207,157      (3,853,785      (23,020,795

Class I

     (15,071,146      (89,974,805      5,875,453        35,081,626  

Class R1

     (2,402      (14,403      (26,093      (156,359

Class R2

     2,284        13,126        (984      (5,147

Class R3

     (21,616      (129,399      (85,400      (514,278

Class R4

     38,791        232,493        (69,328      (414,480

Class R6

     3,443,691        20,550,521        (391,723      (2,322,571

Class 529A

     1,023,441        6,121,346        5,608,411        33,682,962  

Class 529B

     61,826        368,454        244,413        1,464,527  

Class 529C

     296,327        1,769,490        2,599,815        15,627,008  
     (13,797,438      $(82,447,857      18,476,037        $110,731,449  

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

Effective May 1, 2006, the sale of Class B shares of the fund have been suspended except in certain circumstances. Please see the fund’s prospectus for details.

The fund is one of several mutual funds in which certain MFS funds may invest. The MFS funds do not invest in the underlying funds for the purpose of exercising management or control. At the end of the period, the MFS Conservative Allocation Fund, the MFS Lifetime Income Fund, and the MFS Lifetime 2020 Fund were the owners of record of approximately 20%, 8%, and 4%, respectively, of the value of outstanding voting shares of the fund. In addition, the MFS Lifetime 2025 Fund was the owner of record of less than 1% of the value of outstanding voting shares of the fund.

Class T shares were not publicly available for sale during the period. Please see the fund’s prospectus for details.

(6) Line of Credit

The fund and certain other funds managed by MFS participate in a $1.25 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 Overnight Federal Reserve funds rate or daily 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 Overnight Federal Reserve funds rate plus an agreed upon spread. For the six months ended October 31, 2017, the fund’s commitment fee and interest expense were $5,510 and $0, respectively, and are included in “Miscellaneous” expense in the Statement of Operations.

(7) Investments in 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:

 

Affiliated Issuers          Beginning
Shares/Par
Amount
    Acquisitions
Shares/Par
Amount
    Dispositions
Shares/Par
Amount
    Ending
Shares/Par
Amount
 
MFS Institutional Money Market Portfolio       55,980,291       339,236,218       (355,807,782     39,408,727  
Affiliated Issuers   Realized
Gain (Loss)
    Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
Depreciation
    Capital Gain
Distributions
    Dividend
Income
    Ending
Value
 
MFS Institutional Money Market Portfolio     $1,265       ($4,963     $—       $163,515       $39,408,727  

 

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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, 2017 (“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 Senior Officer, a 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 Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (“Broadridge”), an independent third party, on the investment performance of the Fund for various time periods ended December 31, 2016 and the investment performance of a group of funds with substantially similar investment classifications/objectives (the “Lipper performance universe”), (ii) information provided by Broadridge on the Fund’s advisory fees and other expenses and the advisory fees and other expenses of comparable funds identified by Broadridge (the “Broadridge expense group”), (iii) information provided by MFS on the advisory fees of 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,

 

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Board Review of Investment Advisory Agreement – continued

 

administrative and other services to the Fund and the other MFS Funds. The comparative performance, fee and expense information prepared and provided by Broadridge 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 Broadridge 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, 2016, 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 4th 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 each of the one- and five-year periods ended December 31, 2016 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.

The Trustees expressed continued concern to MFS about the substandard 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, as to MFS’ efforts to improve the Fund’s performance, including the removal of a portfolio manager and the addition of two portfolio managers effective February 1, 2017. In addition, the Trustees requested that they receive a separate update on the Fund’s performance at each of their regular meetings. After reviewing these and related factors, the Trustees concluded, within the context of their overall conclusions regarding the investment advisory agreement, that MFS’ responses and efforts and plans to improve investment performance were sufficient to support approval of the continuance of the investment advisory agreement for an additional one-year period, but that they would continue to closely monitor the performance of the Fund.

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

 

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Board Review of Investment Advisory Agreement – continued

 

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 Broadridge. The Trustees considered that MFS Fund Distributors, Inc. (“MFD”), an affiliate of MFS, currently observes a Class A 12b-1 fee waiver, which may not be changed without the Trustees’ approval. The Trustees also considered that, according to the data provided by Broadridge (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 approximately at the Broadridge expense group median, and the Fund’s total expense ratio was lower than the Broadridge expense group median.

The Trustees also considered the advisory fees charged by MFS to any institutional separate accounts advised by MFS (“separate accounts”) and unaffiliated investment companies for which MFS serves as subadviser (“subadvised funds”) that have comparable investment strategies to the Fund, if any. 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, as well as the more extensive regulatory burdens imposed on MFS in managing the Fund, in comparison to separate accounts and subadvised funds. The Trustees also considered 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 in comparison to separate 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 not subject to any breakpoints. Taking into account that the Fund’s effective advisory fee rate was approximately at the Broadridge expense group median described above, the Trustees determined not to recommend any advisory fee breakpoints for the Fund at this time. 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 group fee waiver was 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

 

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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 MFD. 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, 2017.

 

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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 mfs.com/proxyvoting, 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 by August 31 of each year without charge by visiting mfs.com/proxyvoting, 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 at https://www.mfs.com/en-us/what-we-do/announcements.html or at mfs.com/openendfunds by choosing the fund’s name.

 

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INFORMATION ABOUT FUND CONTRACTS AND LEGAL CLAIMS

The fund has entered into contractual arrangements with an investment adviser, administrator, distributor, shareholder servicing agent, 529 program manager (if applicable), and custodian who each provide services to the fund. Unless expressly stated otherwise, shareholders are not parties to, or intended beneficiaries of these contractual arrangements, and these contractual arrangements are not intended to create any shareholder right to enforce them against the service providers or to seek any remedy under them against the service providers, either directly or on behalf of the fund.

Under the Trust’s By-Laws and Declaration of Trust, any claims asserted against or on behalf of the MFS Funds, including claims against Trustees and Officers, must be brought in state and federal courts located within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

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

October 31, 2017

 

LOGO

 

MFS® MUNICIPAL LIMITED MATURITY FUND

 

LOGO

 

MTL-SEM

 


Table of Contents

MFS® MUNICIPAL LIMITED MATURITY FUND

 

CONTENTS

 

Letter from the Executive Chairman     1  
Portfolio composition     2  
Expense table     4  
Portfolio of investments     6  
Statement of assets and liabilities     47  
Statement of operations     48  
Statements of changes in net assets     49  
Financial highlights     50  
Notes to financial statements     55  
Board review of investment advisory agreement     66  
Proxy voting policies and information     70  
Quarterly portfolio disclosure     70  
Further information     70  
Information about fund contracts and legal claims     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 MAY LOSE VALUE NO BANK GUARANTEE



Table of Contents

LOGO

 

LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN

 

Dear Shareholders:

Despite policy uncertainty accompanying a new presidential administration in the United States and unease over ongoing Brexit negotiations, most markets have proved

resilient. U.S. share prices have reached new highs in recent months although the U.S. Federal Reserve has continued to gradually hike interest rates and has begun to shrink its balance sheet. However, rates in most developed markets remain very low, with major central banks outside of the U.S. just now beginning to contemplate curbing accommodative monetary policies.

Globally, we’ve experienced a year-long synchronized upturn in economic growth. Despite better growth, there are few immediate signs of worrisome inflation amid muted wage gains around the world. Emerging market economies have been boosted in part by

a weaker U.S. dollar and are recovering despite lingering concerns over the potential for restrictive U.S. trade policies. Commodity markets have recovered somewhat in response to solid global demand and robust global trade, though not enough to rekindle inflation fears.

At MFS®, we believe having a disciplined, long-term investment approach through a full market cycle is essential to capturing the best opportunities while also managing risk. In our view, such a strategy, along with the professional guidance of a financial advisor, will help you reach your investment objectives.

Respectfully,

 

LOGO

Robert J. Manning

Executive Chairman

MFS Investment Management

December 15, 2017

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)  
General Obligations – General Purpose     18.4%  
Healthcare Revenue – Hospitals     10.5%  
Water & Sewer Utility Revenue     7.0%  
General Obligations – Schools     6.5%  
Utilities – Municipal Owned     5.6%  
Universities – Colleges     5.4%  
Special Tax – Transportation     4.1%  
Municipal Student Loans     4.0%  
State & Local Agencies     3.7%  
Healthcare Revenue – Long Term Care     3.4%  
Composition including fixed income credit quality (a)(i)  
AAA     5.9%  
AA     28.1%  
A     39.3%  
BBB     20.0%  
BB     1.1%  
B     0.5%  
CCC     0.2%  
CC     0.6%  
C (o)     0.0%  
D     0.9%  
Not Rated     1.5%  
Cash & Cash Equivalents     1.9%  
Portfolio facts (i)  
Average Duration (d)     3.5  
Average Effective Maturity (m)     4.8 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 or may not have held all of these instruments on this date. 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

 

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Table of Contents

Portfolio Composition – continued

 

  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%.

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

Cash & Cash Equivalents includes any cash, investments in money market funds, short-term securities, and other assets less liabilities. Please see the Statement of Assets and Liabilities for additional information related to the fund’s cash position and other assets and liabilities.

Percentages are based on net assets as of October 31, 2017.

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

 

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Table of Contents

EXPENSE TABLE

Fund expenses borne by the shareholders during the period, May 1, 2017 through October 31, 2017

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 May 1, 2017 through October 31, 2017.

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
5/01/17
  Ending
Account Value
10/31/17
  Expenses
Paid During
Period  (p)
5/01/17-10/31/17
 
A   Actual   0.69%   $1,000.00   $1,015.56     $3.51  
  Hypothetical (h)   0.69%   $1,000.00   $1,021.73     $3.52  
B   Actual   1.44%   $1,000.00   $1,011.75     $7.30  
  Hypothetical (h)   1.44%   $1,000.00   $1,017.95     $7.32  
C   Actual   1.54%   $1,000.00   $1,011.23     $7.81  
  Hypothetical (h)   1.54%   $1,000.00   $1,017.44     $7.83  
I   Actual   0.54%   $1,000.00   $1,016.33     $2.74  
  Hypothetical (h)   0.54%   $1,000.00   $1,022.48     $2.75  
R6   Actual (i)   0.45%   $1,000.00   $996.45     $0.75  
  Hypothetical (h)   0.45%   $1,000.00   $1,022.94     $2.29  

 

(h) 5% class return per year before expenses.
(i) For the period from the class inception, September 1, 2017, through the stated period end.
(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 184/365 (to reflect the one-half year period), except for Actual Expenses of Class R6, which is multiplied by 61/365 (to reflect the period from the commencement of the class’s investment operations, September 1, 2017, through October 31, 2017). For Hypothetical Expenses paid, it is assumed that Class R6 was in existence for the entire six month period ended October 31, 2017. Expenses paid do not include any applicable sales charges (loads). If these transaction costs had been included, your costs would have been higher.

 

5


Table of Contents

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS

10/31/17 (unaudited)

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

 

Municipal Bonds - 96.7%                 
Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Alabama - 0.7%                 
Alabama 21st Century Authority, Tobacco Settlement Rev., “A”, 5%, 6/01/2018    $ 2,335,000     $ 2,384,222  
Alabama Building Renovation Finance Authority Rev., 4%, 9/01/2018      1,000,000       1,023,900  
Alabama Building Renovation Finance Authority Rev., 4%, 9/01/2019      1,615,000       1,696,606  
Alabama State Industrial Development Authority, Solid Water Disposal Rev. (Pine City Fiber Company Project), 6.45%, 12/01/2023      250,000       250,683  
Auburn University, General Fee Rev., “A”, 5%, 6/01/2021      2,170,000       2,447,543  
Houston County, AL, Health Care Authority (Southeast Alabama Medical Center), “A”, 5%, 10/01/2025      1,165,000       1,336,837  
Phenix City, AL, Water & Sewer Rev., “A”, BAM, 5%, 8/15/2025      2,225,000       2,626,523  
    

 

 

 
             $ 11,766,314  
Alaska - 0.4%                 
Alaska Industrial Development & Export Authority Power Rev. (Snettisham Hydroelectric Project), 5%, 1/01/2021    $ 1,400,000     $ 1,523,158  
Alaska Industrial Development & Export Authority Power Rev. (Snettisham Hydroelectric Project), 5%, 1/01/2022      1,200,000       1,327,416  
Valdez, AK, Marine Terminal Rev. (BP Pipelines Project), “B”, 5%, 1/01/2021      4,000,000       4,421,800  
    

 

 

 
             $ 7,272,374  
Arizona - 1.4%                 
Arizona Health Facilities Authority Rev. (Phoenix Children’s Hospital), “A-1”, FLR, 2.77% (MUNIPSA + 1.85%), 2/01/2048 (Put Date 2/05/2020)    $ 3,000,000     $ 3,052,500  
Chandler, AZ, 5%, 7/01/2022 (Prerefunded 7/01/2018)      1,000,000       1,025,310  
Maricopa County, AZ, Industrial Development Authority Rev. (Banner Health), “A”, 5%, 1/01/2026      3,000,000       3,640,410  
Phoenix, AZ, Civic Improvement Corp., Water System Rev., FGIC, 5.5%, 7/01/2021      1,260,000       1,447,753  
Phoenix, AZ, Industrial Development Authority Education Rev. (Basis Schools, Inc. Projects), “A”, 3%, 7/01/2020      775,000       777,154  
Phoenix, AZ, Industrial Development Authority Education Rev. (Basis Schools, Inc. Projects), “A”, 4%, 7/01/2025      1,240,000       1,274,584  
Phoenix, AZ, Industrial Development Authority Education Rev. (Great Hearts Academies), “A”, 2.95%, 7/01/2026      3,480,000       3,411,931  

 

6


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
Arizona - continued                 
Phoenix, AZ, Industrial Development Authority Education Rev. (Legacy Traditional Schools Project), 3%, 7/01/2020    $ 410,000     $ 409,155  
Salt River, AZ, Agricultural Improvement & Power District, “A” , 5%, 1/01/2025      3,800,000       4,608,108  
Yavapai County, AZ, Industrial Development Authority Rev. (Regional Medical Center), “A”, 5%, 8/01/2018      525,000       538,829  
Yavapai County, AZ, Industrial Development Authority Rev. (Waste Management, Inc.), 2.125%, 6/01/2027 (Put Date 6/01/2018)      3,000,000       3,008,880  
Yavapai County, AZ, Industrial Development Authority Rev.     
(Waste Management, Inc.), “A-2”, 1.6%, 3/01/2028 (Put Date 3/01/2018)      1,280,000       1,280,486  
    

 

 

 
             $ 24,475,100  
Arkansas - 0.7%                 
Arkansas Development Finance Authority Hospital Rev.     
(Washington Regional Medical Center), “B”, 5%, 2/01/2020    $ 355,000     $ 381,799  
Arkansas Development Finance Authority Hospital Rev.     
(Washington Regional Medical Center), “B”, 5%, 2/01/2021      465,000       513,495  
Arkansas Development Finance Authority Hospital Rev.     
(Washington Regional Medical Center), “B”, 5%, 2/01/2022      380,000       428,473  
Arkansas Four-Lane Highway Construction & Improvement     
Rev., 5%, 6/15/2021      5,000,000       5,646,250  
Independence County, AR, Pollution Control Rev. (Entergy     
Arkansas, Inc. Project), 2.375%, 1/01/2021      3,250,000       3,336,515  
Pulaski County, AR, Public Facilities Board, Healthcare Rev.     
(Baptist Health), 5%, 12/01/2022      300,000       347,334  
Pulaski County, AR, Public Facilities Board, Healthcare Rev.     
(Baptist Health), 5%, 12/01/2023      1,665,000       1,958,406  
    

 

 

 
             $ 12,612,272  
California - 5.7%                 
California Department of Water Resources, Power Supply Rev., “L”, 5%, 5/01/2018    $ 3,510,000     $ 3,580,691  
California Department of Water Resources, Power Supply Rev., “M”, 4%, 5/01/2019      3,000,000       3,132,960  
California Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Chapman University), 5%, 4/01/2019      1,000,000       1,054,410  
California Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Chapman University), 5%, 4/01/2020      1,250,000       1,360,788  
California Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (University of Redlands), “A”, 4%, 10/01/2018      400,000       410,444  
California Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (University of San Francisco), 5%, 10/01/2021      500,000       569,135  

 

7


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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
California - continued                 
California Health Facilities Financing Authority Rev. (St. Joseph Health System), “C”, 5%, 7/01/2043 (Put Date 10/15/2019)    $ 2,750,000     $ 2,951,850  
California Health Facilities Financing Authority Rev. (St. Joseph Health System), “D”, 5%, 7/01/2043 (Put Date 10/15/2020)      2,400,000       2,647,464  
California Municipal Finance Authority Rev. (Biola University), 5%, 10/01/2018      235,000       242,156  
California Municipal Finance Authority Rev. (NorthBay Healthcare Group), “A”, 5%, 11/01/2025      1,130,000       1,314,936  
California Municipal Finance Authority Rev. (NorthBay Healthcare Group), “A”, 5%, 11/01/2026      1,000,000       1,171,300  
California Pollution Control Financing Authority, Solid Waste Disposal Rev. (Republic Services, Inc. Project), “B”, 5.25%, 6/01/2023 (Put Date 12/01/2017)      135,000       135,429  
California Pollution Control Financing Authority, Solid Waste Disposal Rev. (Republic Services, Inc.), “C”, 5.25%, 6/01/2023 (Put Date 12/01/2017)      3,045,000       3,054,683  
California Public Finance Authority, University Housing Rev. (NCCD Claremont Properties LLC, Claremont Colleges Project), “A”, 5%, 7/01/2027      750,000       853,403  
California Public Finance Authority, University Housing Rev. (NCCD Claremont Properties LLC, Claremont Colleges Project), “A”, 5%, 7/01/2032      700,000       770,441  
California Public Works Board Lease Rev. (Various Capital Projects), “I”, 5%, 11/01/2017      415,000       415,000  
California School Finance Authority, Charter School Rev. (Aspire Public Schools), 5%, 8/01/2024      350,000       400,495  
California School Finance Authority, Charter School Rev. (Aspire Public Schools), 5%, 8/01/2025      365,000       420,279  
California School Finance Authority, Charter School Rev. (Aspire Public Schools), 5%, 8/01/2026      300,000       339,927  
California School Finance Authority, School Facility Rev., (Alliance For College-Ready Public School Projects), “A”, 4%, 7/01/2021      750,000       796,710  
California School Finance Authority, School Facility Rev., (Alliance For College-Ready Public School Projects), “A”, 4%, 7/01/2022      1,120,000       1,197,571  
California School Finance Authority, School Facility Rev., (Alliance For College-Ready Public School Projects), “A”, 4%, 7/01/2023      1,245,000       1,338,923  
California Statewide Communities Development Authority Refunding Rev. (California Baptist University), “A”, 3%, 11/01/2022      310,000       310,636  
California Statewide Communities Development Authority Refunding Rev. (California Baptist University), “A”, 3.5%, 11/01/2027      1,335,000       1,339,646  

 

8


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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
California - continued                 
California Statewide Communities Development Authority Rev. (Los Angeles Jewish Home for The Aging - Fountainview at Gonda), “B”, CALHF, 3%, 8/01/2021    $ 570,000     $ 570,804  
Chula Vista, CA, Industrial Development Rev. (San Diego Gas & Electric Co.), “A”, 1.65%, 7/01/2018      3,500,000       3,501,645  
Corona-Norco, CA, Unified School District, Public Financing Authority Special Tax Rev. (Riverside County), “A”, 4%, 9/01/2018      400,000       409,292  
Elk Grove, CA, Finance Authority Special Tax Rev., 5%, 9/01/2022      450,000       521,069  
Jurupa, CA, Public Financing Authority Tax Rev., “A”, 5%, 9/01/2019      475,000       507,129  
Jurupa, CA, Public Financing Authority Tax Rev., “A”, 5%, 9/01/2020      550,000       606,848  
La Verne, CA, Brethren Hillcrest Homes, COP, 4%, 5/15/2018      235,000       238,022  
La Verne, CA, Brethren Hillcrest Homes, COP, 4%, 5/15/2019      565,000       584,707  
La Verne, CA, Brethren Hillcrest Homes, COP, 5%, 5/15/2021      310,000       341,037  
Long Beach, CA, Bond Finance Authority, Natural Gas Purchase Rev., “A”, 5.25%, 11/15/2020      930,000       1,024,674  
Los Angeles County, CA, Public Works Financing Authority Lease Rev. (Multiple Capital Projects II), 5%, 8/01/2018      500,000       515,185  
Los Angeles County, CA, Redevelopment Refunding Authority Tax Allocation Rev. “D”, AGM, 5%, 9/01/2022      1,865,000       2,159,539  
Los Angeles County, CA, Redevelopment Refunding Authority Tax Allocation Rev. “D”, AGM, 5%, 9/01/2023      1,865,000       2,202,938  
Los Angeles County, CA, Sanitation Districts Financing Authority Rev. (Capital Projects), “A”, 5%, 10/01/2020      5,000,000       5,553,050  
Los Angeles, CA, Department of Airports Rev. (Los Angeles International), “B” , 5%, 5/15/2026      1,350,000       1,641,532  
Los Angeles, CA, Department of Water & Power Rev., “A”, 5%, 7/01/2019      1,000,000       1,065,660  
Los Angeles, CA, Regional Airports Improvement Corp., Facilities Lease Rev. (LAXFUEL Corp.), 5%, 1/01/2018      310,000       311,990  
Los Angeles, CA, Regional Airports Improvement Corp., Facilities Lease Rev. (LAXFUEL Corp.), ASSD GTY, 5%, 1/01/2018      2,450,000       2,465,974  
Los Angeles, CA, Regional Airports Improvement Corp.,     
Facilities Lease Rev. (LAXFUEL Corp.), ASSD GTY, 5%, 1/01/2019      2,575,000       2,592,252  
Los Angeles, CA, Regional Airports Improvement Corp., Facilities Lease Rev. (LAXFUEL Corp.), ASSD GTY, 5%, 1/01/2020      2,705,000       2,723,123  
Oxnard, CA, Financing Authority, Wastewater Rev., AGM, 5%, 6/01/2021      750,000       847,613  
Pittsburg, CA, Redevelopment Successor Agency, Tax Allocation (Los Medanos Community Development Project), “A”, AGM, 5%, 9/01/2024      4,000,000       4,782,240  

 

9


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
California - continued                 
Sacramento, CA, City Financing Authority, Special Tax Rev. (Westlake and Regency Park), “A”, AGM, 4%, 9/01/2018    $ 1,210,000     $ 1,236,777  
Sacramento, CA, City Financing Authority, Special Tax Rev. (Westlake and Regency Park), “A”, AGM, 4%, 9/01/2019      1,300,000       1,353,885  
Sacramento, CA, Municipal Utility District, “X”, 5%, 8/15/2020      1,750,000       1,938,265  
San Bernardino, CA, City Unified School District, “A”, AGM, 5%, 8/01/2020      750,000       826,350  
San Bernardino, CA, City Unified School District, “A”, AGM, 5%, 8/01/2021      1,200,000       1,361,376  
San Bernardino, CA, City Unified School District, “A”, AGM, 5%, 8/01/2023      1,100,000       1,303,225  
San Diego County, CA, Regional Airport Authority Rev., “B”, 5%, 7/01/2020      500,000       548,550  
San Francisco, CA, Bay Area Toll Authority, Bridge Rev., “C”, 1.875%, 4/01/2047 (Put Date 4/01/2019)      3,090,000       3,107,211  
San Francisco, CA, City & County Airports Commission, International Airport Rev., “D”, 5%, 5/01/2025 (Prerefunded 5/03/2021)      285,000       322,250  
San Francisco, CA, City & County Airports Commission, International Airport Rev., “D”, 5%, 5/01/2025      715,000       805,162  
San Pablo, CA, Redevelopment Agency Rev., “A”, AGM, 5%, 6/15/2020      1,000,000       1,095,510  
San Ramon CA, Public Financing Authority, “A”, AMBAC, 0%, 2/01/2026      1,690,000       1,327,394  
Santa Cruz County, CA, Redevelopment Successor Agency Tax Allocation, BAM, 5%, 9/01/2018      600,000       619,440  
Santa Cruz County, CA, Redevelopment Successor Agency Tax Allocation, BAM, 5%, 9/01/2019      625,000       668,456  
Santa Cruz County, CA, Redevelopment Successor Agency Tax Allocation, BAM, 5%, 9/01/2020      985,000       1,087,105  
Santa Cruz County, CA, Redevelopment Successor Agency Tax Allocation, BAM, 5%, 9/01/2021      1,350,000       1,531,696  
State of California, 5%, 8/01/2026      3,490,000       4,313,640  
State of California, “B”, FLR, 1.625% (LIBOR-1mo. + 0.76%), 12/01/2031 (Put Date 12/01/2021)      5,000,000       5,074,700  
University of California, “AK”, 5%, 5/15/2048 (Put Date 5/15/2023)      5,000,000       5,920,500  
    

 

 

 
             $ 99,417,092  
Colorado - 2.0%                 
Colorado Educational & Cultural Facilities Authority Rev. (Colorado Springs Charter Academy Project), 5.25%, 7/01/2028    $ 2,165,000     $ 2,297,303  
Colorado Educational & Cultural Facilities Authority Rev. (Liberty Common Charter School), 3%, 1/15/2018      100,000       100,479  
Colorado Educational & Cultural Facilities Authority Rev. (Liberty Common Charter School), 4%, 1/15/2019      155,000       160,316  

 

10


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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
Colorado - continued                 
Colorado Educational & Cultural Facilities Authority Rev. (Montessori Charter School Project), 3.25%, 7/15/2022    $ 1,460,000     $ 1,508,925  
Colorado Educational & Cultural Facilities Authority Rev. (Pinnacle Charter School, Inc. K-8 Facility Project), 4%, 6/01/2018      300,000       303,861  
Colorado Educational & Cultural Facilities Authority Rev. (Pinnacle Charter School, Inc. K-8 Facility Project), 4%, 6/01/2020      310,000       324,716  
Colorado Educational & Cultural Facilities Authority Rev. (Pinnacle Charter School, Inc. K-8 Facility Project), 4%, 6/01/2022      545,000       584,807  
Colorado Health Facilities Authority Rev. (Covenant Retirement Communities, Inc. Project), “A”, 5%, 12/01/2021      55,000       61,137  
Colorado Health Facilities Authority Rev. (Covenant Retirement Communities, Inc.), “A”, 5%, 12/01/2021      1,160,000       1,289,433  
Colorado Health Facilities Authority Rev. (Covenant Retirement Communities, Inc.), “A”, 5%, 12/01/2022      1,750,000       1,974,420  
Colorado Housing & Finance Authority, Solid Waste Rev. (Waste Management, Inc.), 5.7%, 7/01/2018      2,120,000       2,185,296  
Colorado Springs, CO, Utility Rev., “A”, VRDN, 0.92%, 11/01/2037      3,250,000       3,250,000  
Denver, CO, City & County Airport Systems Rev., “A”, 4%, 11/15/2017      1,250,000       1,251,362  
Denver, CO, City & County Airport Systems Rev., “A”, NATL, 5%, 11/15/2030      6,280,000       6,301,415  
Denver, CO, City & County Airport Systems Rev., “B”, 5%, 11/15/2018      300,000       311,796  
Denver, CO, City & County Airport Systems Rev., “B”, 5%, 11/15/2019      445,000       477,974  
Denver, CO, City & County Excise Tax Rev., “A”, ASSD GTY, 6%, 9/01/2021 (Prerefunded 9/01/2019)      1,500,000       1,632,525  
Denver, CO, Convention Center Hotel Authority Rev., 5%, 12/01/2024      1,500,000       1,764,255  
Denver, CO, Convention Center Hotel Authority Rev., 5%, 12/01/2025      2,000,000       2,366,960  
Park Creek Metropolitan District, CO, Senior Limited Property Tax Supported Rev., “A”, 5%, 12/01/2021      1,640,000       1,827,075  
Park Creek Metropolitan District, CO, Senior Limited Property Tax Supported Rev., “A”, 5%, 12/01/2023      1,000,000       1,148,100  
Park Creek Metropolitan District, CO, Senior Limited Property Tax Supported Rev., “A”, NATL, 5%, 12/01/2025      500,000       584,955  
Park Creek Metropolitan District, CO, Senior Limited Property Tax Supported Rev., “A”, NATL, 5%, 12/01/2026      1,300,000       1,532,453  
Park Creek Metropolitan District, CO, Senior Limited Property Tax Supported Rev., “A”, NATL, 5%, 12/01/2027      1,270,000       1,495,971  
    

 

 

 
             $ 34,735,534  

 

11


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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
Connecticut - 1.5%                 
Connecticut Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Connecticut State University), “N”, 5%, 11/01/2024    $ 1,930,000     $ 2,202,941  
Connecticut Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Masonicare), “F”, 5%, 7/01/2023      2,800,000       3,143,868  
Connecticut Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Masonicare), “F”, 5%, 7/01/2024      1,840,000       2,082,070  
Connecticut Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Quinnipiac University), “M”, AGM, 5%, 7/01/2019      2,350,000       2,494,220  
Hartford County, CT, Metroplitan District, “C”, AGM, 5%, 11/01/2020      1,830,000       2,010,822  
Hartford County, CT, Metroplitan District, “C”, AGM, 5%, 11/01/2021      3,775,000       4,243,553  
Hartford County, CT, Metroplitan District, “C”, AGM, 5%, 11/01/2023      3,000,000       3,498,870  
Hartford County, CT, Metroplitan District, “C”, AGM, 5%, 11/01/2024      5,600,000       6,568,128  
    

 

 

 
             $ 26,244,472  
Delaware - 0.0%                 
Delaware Economic Development Authority Rev. (Delaware Military Academy, Inc. Project), 4%, 9/01/2024    $ 215,000     $ 225,739  
Delaware Economic Development Authority Rev. (Newark Charter School, Inc.), “A”, 2.8%, 9/01/2026      480,000       480,447  
    

 

 

 
             $ 706,186  
District of Columbia - 0.1%                 
District of Columbia Rev. (Methodist Home of the District of Columbia Issue), 4.5%, 1/01/2025    $ 45,000     $ 44,752  
District of Columbia University Rev. (Georgetown University), 5%, 4/01/2026      1,045,000       1,274,890  
    

 

 

 
             $ 1,319,642  
Florida - 2.7%                 
Bellalago, FL, Educational Facilities Benefit District (Osceola County) Capital Improvement Refunding Rev., 3.375%, 5/01/2021    $ 1,005,000     $ 1,051,803  
Bellalago, FL, Educational Facilities Benefit District (Osceola County) Capital Improvement Refunding Rev., 3.6%, 5/01/2022      1,040,000       1,105,697  
Bellalago, FL, Educational Facilities Benefit District (Osceola County) Capital Improvement Refunding Rev., 3.75%, 5/01/2023      1,080,000       1,163,905  
Collier County, FL, Industrial Development Authority Continuing Care Community Rev. (The Arlington of Naples Project), “B”, 5.25%, 5/15/2022      80,000       80,204  
Daytona Beach, FL, Halifax Hospital Medical Center Rev., 5%, 6/01/2020      370,000       401,183  

 

12


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
Florida - continued                 
Daytona Beach, FL, Halifax Hospital Medical Center Rev., 5%, 6/01/2024    $ 535,000     $ 625,581  
Daytona Beach, FL, Halifax Hospital Medical Center Rev., 5%, 6/01/2025      615,000       727,084  
Florida Citizens Property Insurance Corp., “A-1”, 5%, 6/01/2019      4,000,000       4,230,760  
Florida Citizens Property Insurance Corp., “A-1”, 5%, 6/01/2020      1,435,000       1,571,210  
Florida Higher Educational Facilities, Financial Authority Rev. (University of Tampa Project), “A”, 5%, 4/01/2021      1,300,000       1,444,885  
Florida Higher Educational Facilities, Financial Authority Rev. (University of Tampa Project), “A”, 5%, 4/01/2022      600,000       681,654  
Florida Municipal Power Agency Rev. (St. Lucie Project), “A”, 5%, 10/01/2019      2,365,000       2,529,864  
Florida Municipal Power Agency Rev. (St. Lucie Project), “A”, 5%, 10/01/2020      1,330,000       1,467,030  
Miami Beach, FL, Health Facilities Authority Hospital Rev. (Mount Sinai Medical Center of Florida), 5%, 11/15/2020      300,000       327,681  
Miami Beach, FL, Health Facilities Authority Hospital Rev. (Mount Sinai Medical Center of Florida), 5%, 11/15/2021      200,000       223,318  
Miami Beach, FL, Health Facilities Authority Hospital Rev. (Mount Sinai Medical Center of Florida), 5%, 11/15/2024      400,000       462,752  
Miami-Dade County, FL, Aviation Rev., “A”, 5%, 10/01/2018      2,000,000       2,068,840  
Miami-Dade County, FL, Aviation Rev., “A”, 5%, 10/01/2019      1,875,000       1,999,069  
Miami-Dade County, FL, Industrial Development Authority Rev. (Pinecrest Academy Project), 5%, 9/15/2024      380,000       429,362  
Orange County, FL, Health Facilities Authority Rev. (Presbyterian Retirement Communities Project), 4%, 8/01/2018      1,600,000       1,634,416  
Orange County, FL, Health Facilities Authority Rev. (Presbyterian Retirement Communities Project), 5%, 8/01/2020      1,730,000       1,889,385  
Orange County, FL, Health Facilities Authority Rev. (Presbyterian Retirement Communities Project), 5%, 8/01/2021      1,825,000       2,037,065  
Orange County, FL, Health Facilities Authority Rev. (Presbyterian Retirement Communities Project), 5%, 8/01/2022      1,810,000       2,053,807  
Orlando, FL, Senior Tourist Development Tax Refunding Rev. (6th Cent Contract Payments), “A”, AGM, 5%, 11/01/2025      800,000       962,792  
Orlando, FL, Senior Tourist Development Tax Refunding Rev. (6th Cent Contract Payments), “A”, AGM, 5%, 11/01/2026      1,100,000       1,336,148  
Palm Beach County, FL, Health Facilities Authority Hospital Rev. (BRRH Corp. Obligated Group), 5%, 12/01/2020      600,000       655,392  
Palm Beach County, FL, Health Facilities Authority Hospital Rev. (BRRH Corp. Obligated Group), 5%, 12/01/2021      1,200,000       1,339,872  
South Florida, Water Management District, COP, 5%, 10/01/2024      2,000,000       2,375,660  
South Miami, FL, Health Facilities Baptist Authority Hospital Rev. (Baptist Health South Florida Group), 5%, 8/15/2021      290,000       290,966  

 

13


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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
Florida - continued                 
Sumter County, FL, Industrial Development Authority Hospital Rev. (Central Florida Health Alliance Projects), “A”, 5%, 7/01/2018    $ 200,000     $ 204,940  
Sumter County, FL, Industrial Development Authority Hospital Rev. (Central Florida Health Alliance Projects), “A”, 5%, 7/01/2019      500,000       529,320  
Tampa, FL, Solid Waste System Rev., 5%, 10/01/2020      3,000,000       3,282,030  
Tampa, FL, Solid Waste System Rev., 5%, 10/01/2021      1,000,000       1,119,990  
West Palm Beach, FL, Utility System Rev., “C”, VRDN, 0.95%, 10/01/2038      4,775,000       4,775,000  
    

 

 

 
             $ 47,078,665  
Georgia - 2.8%                 
Atlanta, GA, Airport Passenger Facility Charge Rev., “B”, 5%, 1/01/2018    $ 2,000,000     $ 2,012,800  
Atlanta, GA, Airport Rev., “B”, 5%, 1/01/2018      700,000       704,480  
Atlanta, GA, Airport Rev., “B”, 5%, 1/01/2020      400,000       432,188  
Atlanta, GA, Tax Allocation Rev. (Eastside Project), 5%, 1/01/2026      575,000       681,007  
Burke County, GA, Development Authority Pollution Control Rev. (Georgia Power Company Plant Vogtle Project), 1.85%, 12/01/2049 (Put Date 8/22/2019)      7,500,000       7,481,475  
DeKalb County, GA, Water & Sewer Rev., “A”, 5%, 10/01/2021      1,000,000       1,135,400  
Fulton County, GA, Development Authority Rev. (Georgia Tech Athletic Association), “A”, 5%, 10/01/2019      5,000,000       5,348,550  
Fulton County, GA, Water & Sewer Rev., 5%, 1/01/2021      5,030,000       5,604,979  
Gainesville, GA, Hall County Hospital Authority (Northeast Georgia Health System, Inc.), “B”, FLR, 1.87% (MUNIPSA + 0.95%), 8/15/2035 (Put Date 2/18/2020)      2,500,000       2,493,525  
Georgia Housing & Finance Authority Rev., Single Family Mortgage, “B-2”, 3.5%, 6/01/2039      4,005,000       4,214,582  
Georgia Main Street Natural Gas, Inc., Gas Project Rev., “A”, 5%, 3/15/2022      8,670,000       9,752,883  
Georgia Municipal Gas Authority Rev. (Gas Portfolio III Project), “Q”, 5%, 10/01/2021      1,750,000       1,976,975  
Glynn-Brunswick Memorial Hospital Authority Rev., Anticipation Certificates (Southeast Georgia Health System Project), 5%, 8/01/2023      1,750,000       2,035,513  
Main Street National Gas, Inc. (Gas Project Rev.), “A”, 5%, 3/15/2019      2,500,000       2,621,625  
Monroe County, GA, Development Authority Pollution Control Rev. (Georgia Power Co. Plant Scherer Project), 2.05%, 7/01/2049 (Put Date 11/19/2021)      2,750,000       2,745,737  
    

 

 

 
             $ 49,241,719  

 

14


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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
Guam - 0.4%                 
Guam Government Business Privilege Tax Rev., “A”, 5%, 1/01/2027    $ 3,185,000     $ 3,412,887  
Guam Government Business Privilege Tax Rev., “C”, 5%, 11/15/2017      1,080,000       1,081,318  
Guam Government Ltd. Obligation Rev., “A”, 5%, 12/01/2017      350,000       351,018  
Guam Government Ltd. Obligation Rev., “A”, 5%, 12/01/2018      750,000       778,102  
Guam Power Authority Rev., “A”, AGM, 5%, 10/01/2021      1,500,000       1,679,385  
    

 

 

 
             $ 7,302,710  
Hawaii - 0.3%                 
State of Hawaii, “FH”, 5%, 10/01/2025    $ 5,000,000     $ 6,121,450  
Illinois - 13.9%                 
Chicago, IL, “A”, 5%, 1/01/2022    $ 1,000,000     $ 1,084,220  
Chicago, IL, “A”, AGM, 5%, 1/01/2022      25,000       25,101  
Chicago, IL, “A”, AGM, 5%, 1/01/2022      400,000       401,112  
Chicago, IL, “A”, AGM, 5%, 1/01/2023      10,000       10,029  
Chicago, IL, “A”, AGM, 5%, 1/01/2023      250,000       250,695  
Chicago, IL, “A”, AGM, 5%, 1/01/2024      15,000       15,060  
Chicago, IL, “A”, AGM, 5%, 1/01/2026      20,000       20,037  
Chicago, IL, “A”, AGM, 5%, 1/01/2027      150,000       150,360  
Chicago, IL, “A”, AGM, 5%, 1/01/2028      3,430,000       3,625,784  
Chicago, IL, “A”, AMBAC, 5%, 1/01/2024      4,500,000       4,516,335  
Chicago, IL, “A”, ASSD GTY, 5.25%, 1/01/2025      2,000,000       2,012,820  
Chicago, IL, “C”, NATL, 5%, 1/01/2023      270,000       271,463  
Chicago, IL, (Modern Schools Across Chicago Program), “A”, AMBAC, 5%, 1/01/2022      3,900,000       3,914,157  
Chicago, IL, (Modern Schools Across Chicago Program), “A”, AMBAC, 5%, 12/01/2024      1,685,000       1,691,117  
Chicago, IL, (Modern Schools Across Chicago Program), “D”, AMBAC, 5%, 12/01/2022      2,730,000       2,739,910  
Chicago, IL, (Modern Schools Across Chicago Program), “G”, AMBAC, 5%, 12/01/2023      415,000       416,506  
Chicago, IL, (Modern Schools Across Chicago Program), “H”, AMBAC, 5%, 12/01/2020      1,165,000       1,169,229  
Chicago, IL, (Modern Schools Across Chicago Program), “H”, AMBAC, 5%, 12/01/2021      2,000,000       2,007,220  
Chicago, IL, Board of Education (School Reform), “A”, NATL, 5.25%, 12/01/2023      3,875,000       4,353,136  
Chicago, IL, Board of Education (School Reform), “A”, NATL, 5.25%, 12/01/2023      5,425,000       6,094,391  
Chicago, IL, Board of Education (School Reform), Capital Appreciation, “A”, NATL, 0%, 12/01/2022      785,000       674,111  

 

15


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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
Illinois - continued                 
Chicago, IL, Board of Education (School Reform), Capital Appreciation, “A”, NATL, 0%, 12/01/2023    $ 675,000     $ 556,504  
Chicago, IL, Board of Education (School Reform), Capital Appreciation, “A”, NATL, 0%, 12/01/2028      4,435,000       2,810,326  
Chicago, IL, Board of Education (School Reform), Capital Appreciation, “B-1”, NATL, 0%, 12/01/2019      550,000       521,862  
Chicago, IL, Board of Education (School Reform), Capital Appreciation, “B-1”, NATL, 0%, 12/01/2022      360,000       309,146  
Chicago, IL, Board of Education (School Reform), Capital Appreciation, “B-1”, NATL, 0%, 12/01/2023      8,170,000       6,735,757  
Chicago, IL, Board of Education (School Reform), Capital Appreciation, “B-1”, NATL, 0%, 12/01/2026      1,925,000       1,355,527  
Chicago, IL, Board of Education, “A”, NATL, 5%, 12/01/2017      3,645,000       3,682,070  
Chicago, IL, Board of Education, “B”, AGM, 5%, 12/01/2027      1,755,000       1,759,616  
Chicago, IL, Board of Education, “B”, AMBAC, 5%, 12/01/2020      2,275,000       2,285,169  
Chicago, IL, Board of Education, “B”, AMBAC, 5%, 12/01/2021      1,060,000       1,064,547  
Chicago, IL, Board of Education, “C”, ASSD GTY, 5.25%, 12/01/2025      4,140,000       4,296,740  
Chicago, IL, Board of Education, Unlimited Tax General Obligation Refunding Dedicated Rev., “B”, AMBAC, 5%, 12/01/2019      1,600,000       1,607,152  
Chicago, IL, Board of Education, Unlimited Tax General Obligation Refunding Dedicated Rev., “B”, AMBAC, 5%, 12/01/2021      2,855,000       2,867,762  
Chicago, IL, Board of Education, Unlimited Tax General Obligation Refunding Dedicated Rev., “B”, AMBAC, 5%, 12/01/2023      675,000       678,017  
Chicago, IL, City Colleges of Chicago Capital Improvement Project, Capital Appreciation, NATL, 0%, 1/01/2026      6,640,000       4,974,024  
Chicago, IL, General Obligation, “A”, AMBAC, 5.5%, 12/01/2019      200,000       210,154  
Chicago, IL, Metropolitan Pier & Exposition Authority, State Tax Rev., Capital Appreciation, “A”, NATL, 0%, 6/15/2024      7,075,000       5,775,323  
Chicago, IL, O’Hare International Airport Rev., Senior Lien, “A”, 5%, 1/01/2023      820,000       940,097  
Chicago, IL, O’Hare International Airport Rev., Senior Lien, “A”, 5%, 1/01/2025      5,000,000       5,890,400  
Chicago, IL, Tax Increment Rev. (Pilsen Development Project), “A”, 5%, 6/01/2021      3,375,000       3,691,305  
Chicago, IL, Tax Increment Rev. (Pilsen Development Project), “A”, 5%, 6/01/2022      4,250,000       4,734,330  
Chicago, IL, Transit Authority Refunding Rev., 5%, 6/01/2026      2,500,000       2,939,825  
Chicago, IL, Wastewater Transmission Rev., Second Lien, “A”, AGM, 5%, 1/01/2027      1,500,000       1,778,370  
Chicago, IL, Wastewater Transmission Rev., Second Lien, “B”, AGM, 5%, 1/01/2027      2,000,000       2,371,160  
Chicago, IL, Water Rev., AGM, 5%, 11/01/2027      4,160,000       4,865,411  

 

16


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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
Illinois - continued                 
City of Country Club Hills, Cook County, IL, Refunding, BAM, 4%, 12/01/2024    $ 1,180,000     $ 1,274,294  
City of Country Club Hills, Cook County, IL, Refunding, BAM, 4%, 12/01/2025      1,230,000       1,320,393  
Cook County, IL, “C”, AGM, 5%, 11/15/2025      10,000,000       11,145,200  
Illinois Finance Authority Rev. (DePaul University), 5%, 10/01/2020      3,330,000       3,657,039  
Illinois Finance Authority Rev. (DePaul University), ETM, 5%, 10/01/2020      5,000       5,527  
Illinois Finance Authority Rev. (Edward-Elmhurst Healthcare), “A”, 5%, 1/01/2023      400,000       448,480  
Illinois Finance Authority Rev. (Edward-Elmhurst Healthcare), “A”, 5%, 1/01/2024      350,000       396,788  
Illinois Finance Authority Rev. (Edward-Elmhurst Healthcare), “A”, 5%, 1/01/2025      825,000       943,396  
Illinois Finance Authority Rev. (Franciscan Communities, Inc.), “A”, 3.2%, 5/15/2018      1,405,000       1,414,695  
Illinois Finance Authority Rev. (Franciscan Communities, Inc.), “A”, 4%, 5/15/2023      1,000,000       1,058,500  
Illinois Finance Authority Rev. (Mercy Health Corp.), 5%, 12/01/2025      5,000,000       5,839,500  
Illinois Finance Authority Rev. (Mercy Health Corp.), 5%, 12/01/2026      2,700,000       3,150,333  
Illinois Finance Authority Rev. (Presbyterian Homes Obligated Group), “B”, FLR, 2.215% (70% of LIBOR 1-Mo. + 1.35%), 5/01/2036 (Put Date 5/01/2021)      700,000       704,312  
Illinois Finance Authority Rev. (Presence Health Network), “C”, 5%, 2/15/2022      4,380,000       4,848,572  
Illinois Finance Authority Rev. (Presence Health Network), “C”, 5%, 2/15/2023      3,900,000       4,383,951  
Illinois Finance Authority Rev. (Resurrection Health Care Corp.), AGM, 5%, 5/15/2024 (Prerefunded 5/15/2018)      325,000       331,861  
Illinois Finance Authority Rev. (Resurrection Health Care Corp.), AGM, 5%, 5/15/2024 (Prerefunded 5/15/2018)      4,675,000       4,773,689  
Illinois Finance Authority Rev. (Roosevelt University Project), 5.25%, 4/01/2019      570,000       586,410  
Illinois Finance Authority Rev. (Silver Cross Hospital & Medical Centers), 6.75%, 8/15/2021 (Prerefunded 8/15/2019)      830,000       894,674  
Illinois Finance Authority Rev. (Silver Cross Hospital & Medical Centers), “C”, 5%, 8/15/2021      1,000,000       1,099,240  
Illinois Finance Authority Rev. (Southern Illinois Healthcare Enterprises, Inc.), “C”, 5%, 3/01/2025      750,000       875,468  
Illinois Finance Authority Rev. (Southern Illinois Healthcare Enterprises, Inc.), “C”, 5%, 3/01/2026      750,000       883,305  

 

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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
Illinois - continued                 
Illinois Finance Authority Rev. (Southern Illinois Healthcare Enterprises, Inc.), “C”, 5%, 3/01/2027    $ 1,000,000     $ 1,186,420  
Illinois Finance Authority Rev., Clean Water Initiative Revolving Fund, 5%, 1/01/2018      1,200,000       1,207,896  
Illinois Finance Authority Rev., Clean Water Initiative Revolving Fund, 5%, 1/01/2019      1,000,000       1,044,610  
Illinois Railsplitter Tobacco Settlement Authority, 5.5%, 6/01/2023      1,605,000       1,815,367  
Illinois Railsplitter Tobacco Settlement Authority, 6.25%, 6/01/2024      7,190,000       7,604,791  
Illinois Railsplitter Tobacco Settlement Authority, 6%, 6/01/2028      1,135,000       1,278,941  
Illinois Sports Facilities Authority, AMBAC, 5.5%, 6/15/2030      705,000       706,551  
Illinois Toll Highway Authority Rev., “B”, 5%, 12/01/2018      6,000,000       6,245,340  
Kane, Cook & DuPage Counties, IL, School District Rev., Capital Appreciation, “B”, ETM, 0%, 1/01/2021      3,230,000       3,083,746  
Kane, Cook & DuPage Counties, IL, School District Rev., Capital Appreciation, “B”, Unrefunded, 0%, 1/01/2021      4,215,000       3,967,706  
Madison County, IL, Edwardsville Community Unit School District #007, BAM, 4%, 12/01/2018      465,000       476,904  
Madison County, IL, Edwardsville Community Unit School District #007, BAM, 4%, 12/01/2020      785,000       834,251  
Madison County, IL, Edwardsville Community Unit School District #007, BAM, 5%, 12/01/2028      450,000       510,116  
Madison County, IL, Edwardsville Community Unit School District #007, BAM, 5%, 12/01/2029      465,000       522,539  
Metropolitan Pier & Exposition Authority, Dedicated State Tax Rev. (McCormick Place), NATL, 5.5%, 6/15/2029      2,935,000       3,485,782  
Metropolitan Pier & Exposition Authority, Dedicated State Tax Rev. (McCormick Place) Capital Appreciation, NATL, 0%, 6/15/2018      7,395,000       7,291,396  
Quad Cities, IL, Regional Economic Development Authority Rev. (Augustana College), 3%, 10/01/2018      620,000       626,597  
Quad Cities, IL, Regional Economic Development Authority Rev. (Augustana College), 4%, 10/01/2020      500,000       523,670  
Romeoville, IL, Rev. (Lewis University Project), 5%, 10/01/2019      475,000       502,355  
Romeoville, IL, Rev. (Lewis University Project), 5%, 10/01/2020      520,000       563,321  
Romeoville, IL, Rev. (Lewis University Project), 5%, 10/01/2022      500,000       561,880  
Southwestern, IL, Development Authority Health Facility Rev. (Hospital Sisters Services, Inc.), “A”, 5%, 2/15/2025      1,000,000       1,172,400  
Southwestern, IL, Development Authority Health Facility Rev. (Hospital Sisters Services, Inc.), “A”, 5%, 2/15/2026      3,000,000       3,548,400  
State of Illinois, 5%, 1/01/2022      500,000       521,635  
State of Illinois, 5%, 1/01/2024      3,000,000       3,112,530  
State of Illinois, AGM, 5%, 2/01/2027      910,000       1,035,398  
State of Illinois, BAM, 5%, 8/01/2021      8,870,000       9,669,808  
State of Illinois, NATL, 5%, 4/01/2021      2,145,000       2,150,899  

 

18


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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
Illinois - continued                 
State of Illinois, NATL, 6%, 11/01/2026    $ 2,565,000     $ 2,968,654  
State of Illinois, “A”, 5%, 11/01/2018      8,815,000       9,101,928  
State of Illinois, “A”, 4%, 1/01/2025      1,775,000       1,810,429  
State of Illinois, “C”, 5%, 11/01/2029      7,515,000       8,186,465  
Will County, IL, Forest Preservation District, 5%, 12/15/2019      1,250,000       1,348,000  
    

 

 

 
             $ 242,845,739  
Indiana - 1.3%                 
Ball State University Board of Trustees (Student Fee), “R”, 5%, 7/01/2024    $ 1,000,000     $ 1,191,770  
Indiana Bond Bank Special Program, Gas Rev., “A”, 5.25%, 10/15/2021      1,000,000       1,128,200  
Indiana Finance Authority Rev. (Butler University), “A”, 5%, 2/01/2022      1,000,000       1,121,980  
Indiana Finance Authority, Wastewater Utility Rev. (CWA Authority Project), “A”, 5%, 10/01/2019      335,000       358,879  
Indiana Finance Authority, Water Utility Rev. (Citizens Energy Group Project), “B”, 2.95%, 10/01/2022      5,000,000       5,258,350  
Indiana Health Facility Financing Authority Rev. (Ascension Health Subordinate Credit Group), “A-8”, 1.25%, 11/01/2027 (Put Date 5/01/2020)      1,890,000       1,878,584  
Knox County, IN, Economic Development Rev. (Good Samaritan Hospital), “A”, 4%, 4/01/2018      515,000       518,507  
Knox County, IN, Economic Development Rev. (Good Samaritan Hospital), “A”, 3%, 4/01/2019      525,000       528,980  
Knox County, IN, Economic Development Rev. (Good Samaritan Hospital), “A”, 5%, 4/01/2020      1,690,000       1,786,702  
State of Indiana Finance Authority, Environmental Rev. (Duke Energy Indiana, Inc.), “A-2”, 3.375%, 3/01/2019      3,000,000       3,076,980  
Valparaiso, IN, Exempt Facilities Rev. (Pratt Paper LLC Project), 5.875%, 1/01/2024      1,500,000       1,677,375  
Whiting, IN, Environmental Facilities Rev. (BP Products North America, Inc. Project), “A”, 5%, 3/01/2046 (Put Date 3/01/2023)      3,000,000       3,451,200  
    

 

 

 
             $ 21,977,507  
Iowa - 0.3%                 
Iowa Higher Education Loan Authority Rev., Private College Facilities (Grinnell College Project), 5%, 12/01/2025    $ 400,000     $ 494,500  
Iowa Higher Education Loan Authority Rev., Private College Facilities (Grinnell College Project), 5%, 12/01/2026      425,000       532,389  

 

19


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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
Iowa - continued                 
Iowa Student Loan Liquidity Corp. Rev., “A-1”, 4.625%, 12/01/2019    $ 1,010,000     $ 1,044,512  
Iowa Student Loan Liquidity Corp. Rev., “A-1”, 4.875%, 12/01/2020      2,725,000       2,832,610  
    

 

 

 
             $ 4,904,011  
Kansas - 0.3%                 
Coffeyville, KS, Electric Utility System Rev. “B”, NATL, 5%, 6/01/2021    $ 1,200,000     $ 1,324,212  
Coffeyville, KS, Electric Utility System Rev. “B”, NATL, 5%, 6/01/2022      1,200,000       1,348,404  
Coffeyville, KS, Electric Utility System Rev. “B”, NATL, 5%, 6/01/2024      1,300,000       1,501,162  
Wyandotte County/Kansas City, KS, Unified Government Utility System Improvement Rev., “A”, 5%, 9/01/2019      1,000,000       1,069,150  
    

 

 

 
             $ 5,242,928  
Kentucky - 1.3%                 
City of Owensboro, KY, Electric Light and Power System Rev., 4%, 1/01/2026    $ 2,100,000     $ 2,352,672  
City of Owensboro, KY, Electric Light and Power System Rev., 4%, 1/01/2027      1,250,000       1,399,425  
Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority Hospital Rev. (Owensboro Health, Inc.), “A”, 5%, 6/01/2025      1,750,000       1,995,840  
Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority Hospital Rev. (Owensboro Health, Inc.), “A”, 5%, 6/01/2026      2,000,000       2,282,700  
Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority Hospital Rev. (Owensboro Health, Inc.), “A”, 5%, 6/01/2027      2,625,000       3,007,489  
Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority Rev. (Baptist Healthcare System), “A”, 5%, 8/15/2018      1,000,000       1,026,750  
Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority Rev. (Masonic Home Independent Living II, Inc. - The Meadow Project and Grove Pointe Project), “A”, 2.5%, 5/15/2022      2,520,000       2,520,781  
Kentucky Higher Education Student Loan Corp. Rev., “A”, 3%, 6/01/2029      3,070,000       3,122,129  
Kentucky Property & Buildings Commission Rev. (Project     
Number 100), “A”, 5%, 8/01/2020      5,000,000       5,460,650  
    

 

 

 
             $ 23,168,436  
Louisiana - 0.8%                 
Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corp. Rev., AGM, 5%, 6/01/2021    $ 1,460,000     $ 1,639,098  
Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corp. Rev., AGM, 5%, 6/01/2022      1,165,000       1,339,261  

 

20


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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
Louisiana - continued                 
Louisiana Gas & Fuels Tax Rev., “A-1”, 5%, 5/01/2018    $ 2,525,000     $ 2,574,844  
Louisiana Tobacco Settlement Authority Rev., “2013-A”, 5%, 5/15/2023      2,160,000       2,442,312  
New Orleans, LA, Water Rev., 5%, 12/01/2019      700,000       750,295  
St. Charles Parish, LA, Gulf Zone Opportunity Zone Rev. (Valero Energy Corp.), 4%, 12/01/2040 (Put Date 6/01/2022)      4,335,000       4,598,481  
    

 

 

 
             $ 13,344,291  
Maine - 0.4%                 
Portland, ME, General Airport Rev., 4%, 7/01/2018    $ 440,000     $ 447,528  
Portland, ME, General Airport Rev., 4%, 7/01/2020      200,000       211,982  
State of Maine, “B”, 5%, 6/01/2020      5,000,000       5,485,350  
    

 

 

 
             $ 6,144,860  
Maryland - 1.5%                 
Baltimore, MD, Convention Center Hotel Refunding Rev.,
5%, 9/01/2024
   $ 850,000     $ 998,384  
Baltimore, MD, Convention Center Hotel Refunding Rev.,
5%, 9/01/2026
     2,000,000       2,390,420  
Howard County, MD, Special Obligation Bonds (Downtown Columbia Project), “A”, 4%, 2/15/2028      500,000       515,645  
Maryland Department of Housing & Community Development, “D”, 4%, 9/01/2036      3,190,000       3,354,285  
Maryland Economic Development Corp. Adjustable Mode Rev. Refunding (Constellation Energy Group, Inc. Project), “B”, 2.55%, 12/01/2025 (Put Date 6/01/2020)      2,710,000       2,734,336  
Maryland Economic Development Corp., Student Housing Rev. (University of Maryland College Park), AGM, 4%, 6/01/2024      1,350,000       1,518,345  
Maryland Economic Development Corp., Student Housing Rev. (University of Maryland College Park), AGM, 4%, 6/01/2025      1,600,000       1,804,816  
Maryland Economic Development Corp., Student Housing Rev. (University of Maryland College Park), AGM, 4%, 6/01/2026      650,000       734,513  
Rockville, MD, Mayor & Council Economic Development Rev. (Ingleside at King Farm Project), “C-3”, 2.5%, 11/01/2024      630,000       630,907  
University System of Maryland, Auxiliary Facility & Tuition Rev., “D”, 5%, 10/01/2022      1,000,000       1,164,680  
Washington Suburban Sanitary District, MD, Consolidated Public Improvement, 5%, 6/01/2021      5,500,000       6,217,860  
Washington Suburban Sanitary District, MD, General Obligation Multi-Modal Bond Anticipation Notes, “A”, VRDN, 0.9%, 6/01/2023      3,900,000       3,900,000  
    

 

 

 
             $ 25,964,191  

 

21


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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
Massachusetts - 3.9%                 
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Consolidated Loan, “D”, FLR, 1.35% (MUNIPSA + 0.43%), 1/01/2018    $ 1,500,000     $ 1,499,985  
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, General Obligation, “B”, 5%, 8/01/2021      6,185,000       7,009,522  
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, General Obligation, “B”, 5%, 7/01/2028      2,950,000       3,718,446  
Massachusetts Department of Transportation, Metropolitan Highway System Rev., “A-2”, VRDN, 0.91%, 1/01/2037      10,000,000       10,000,000  
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency Rev. (Emerson College), 5%, 1/01/2021      585,000       648,981  
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency Rev. (Emerson College), 5%, 1/01/2022      585,000       664,800  
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency Rev. (Emerson College), 5%, 1/01/2023      440,000       508,653  
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency Rev. (Emerson College), 5%, 1/01/2024      1,065,000       1,249,383  
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency Rev. (Sabis International Charter School Issue), 4%, 4/15/2020      60,000       62,961  
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency Rev. (Sabis International Charter School Issue), 5%, 4/15/2025      145,000       165,380  
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency Rev. (Simmons College), “H”, SYNCORA, 5.25%, 10/01/2018      1,485,000       1,536,723  
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency Rev. (Simmons College), “H”, SYNCORA, 5.25%, 10/01/2019      1,605,000       1,720,640  
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency Rev. (Suffolk University), 5%, 7/01/2025      1,500,000       1,771,485  
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency Rev. (Suffolk University), 5%, 7/01/2026      1,750,000       2,081,345  
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency Rev. (Suffolk University), 5%, 7/01/2027      2,000,000       2,383,280  
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency Rev. (UMass Memorial Health Care Obligated Group), “I”, 5%, 7/01/2024      1,000,000       1,163,890  
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency, Solid Waste Disposal Rev. (Dominion Energy Brayton), 5.75%, 12/01/2042 (Prerefunded 5/01/2019)      220,000       234,876  
Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority Education Loan Rev., “A”, 5%, 1/01/2021      5,500,000       6,001,490  
Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority Rev., “J”, 4.75%, 7/01/2019      1,235,000       1,301,529  
Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority Rev., “J”, 5%, 7/01/2020      4,400,000       4,772,900  
Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority, Education Loan Rev., “J”, 5%, 7/01/2018      1,085,000       1,111,583  

 

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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
Massachusetts - continued                 
Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority, Education Loan Rev., “J”, 3.5%, 7/01/2033    $ 5,510,000     $ 5,398,974  
Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority, Education Loan Rev., “K”, 3.625%, 7/01/2032      3,585,000       3,588,836  
Massachusetts School Building Authority, Senior Dedicated Sales Tax Rev., “A”, 5%, 8/15/2022      8,405,000       9,779,638  
    

 

 

 
             $ 68,375,300  
Michigan - 2.5%                 
Detroit, MI, Sewage Disposal System Rev., Senior Lien, “B”, NATL, 5.25%, 7/01/2022    $ 3,000,000     $ 3,010,230  
Michigan Finance Authority (City of Detroit Financial Recovery Income Tax Rev.), “F”, 3.875%, 10/01/2023      540,000       563,630  
Michigan Finance Authority (City of Detroit Financial Recovery Income Tax Rev.), “F”, 4%, 10/01/2024      675,000       707,812  
Michigan Finance Authority Rev. (Unemployment Obligation Assessment), “B”, 5%, 7/01/2020      9,000,000       9,572,400  
Michigan Finance Authority, Detroit Water & Sewerage Department, Sewage Disposal System Rev., “C”, 5%, 7/01/2026      1,000,000       1,150,020  
Michigan Finance Authority, Detroit Water & Sewerage Department, Sewage Disposal System Rev., “C-7”, NATL, 5%, 7/01/2019      1,000,000       1,055,420  
Michigan Finance Authority, Detroit Water & Sewerage Department, Sewage Disposal System Rev., “C-7”, NATL, 5%, 7/01/2020      1,500,000       1,641,000  
Michigan Finance Authority, Detroit Water & Sewerage Department, Sewage Disposal System Rev., “C-7”, NATL, 5%, 7/01/2021      1,000,000       1,124,380  
Michigan Finance Authority, Detroit Water & Sewerage Department, Sewage Disposal System Rev., “D-1”, 5%, 7/01/2021      400,000       444,728  
Michigan Finance Authority, Detroit Water & Sewerage Department, Water System Rev., “D-1”, AGM, 5%, 7/01/2020      1,500,000       1,642,755  
Michigan Finance Authority, Detroit Water & Sewerage Department, Water System Rev., “D-1”, AGM, 5%, 7/01/2021      3,500,000       3,929,730  
Michigan Strategic Fund Ltd. Obligation Rev. (Detroit Edison Co.), 5.625%, 7/01/2020      1,000,000       1,103,430  
Regents of the University of Michigan General Rev., “A”, 5%, 4/01/2023      3,000,000       3,533,730  
Regents of the University of Michigan General Rev., “A”, 5%, 4/01/2024      3,250,000       3,903,445  
Regents of the University of Michigan General Rev., “A”, 5%, 4/01/2025      5,000,000       6,105,750  
Royal Oak, MI, Hospital Finance Authority Rev. (William Beaumont Hospital), “D”, 5%, 9/01/2021      2,460,000       2,774,413  

 

23


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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
Michigan - continued                 
State of Michigan, 5%, 11/15/2018    $ 1,000,000     $ 1,039,960  
Wayne County, MI, Airport Authority Rev. (Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport), “D”, 5%, 12/01/2024      250,000       299,465  
Wayne County, MI, Airport Authority Rev. (Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport), “D”, 5%, 12/01/2025      350,000       423,045  
Wayne County, MI, Airport Authority Rev. (Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport), “G”, 5%, 12/01/2023      400,000       473,404  
    

 

 

 
             $ 44,498,747  
Minnesota - 1.3%                 
Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN, Metropolitan Airports Commission, Senior Airport Rev., “C”, 5%, 1/01/2025    $ 250,000     $ 302,790  
Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN, Metropolitan Airports Commission, Senior Airport Rev., “C”, 5%, 1/01/2026      200,000       245,150  
Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN, Metropolitan Airports Commission, Subordinate Airport Rev., “B”, 5%, 1/01/2020      1,750,000       1,884,173  
Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN, Metropolitan Airports Commission, Subordinate Airport Rev., “B”, 5%, 1/01/2021      2,000,000       2,211,540  
Minnesota Public Facilities Authority, Revolving Fund Rev., “C”, 5%, 3/01/2019      9,215,000       9,690,770  
State of Minnesota, “B”, 5%, 8/01/2021      5,000,000       5,668,500  
State of Minnesota, “H”, 5%, 11/01/2017      2,600,000       2,600,000  
    

 

 

 
             $ 22,602,923  
Mississippi - 1.6%                 
City of Jackson, MS, Water & Sewer System Rev., BAM, 4%, 9/01/2018    $ 400,000     $ 408,184  
City of Jackson, MS, Water & Sewer System Rev., BAM, 4%, 9/01/2020      625,000       660,988  
City of Jackson, MS, Water & Sewer System Rev., BAM, 4%, 9/01/2019      700,000       727,727  
Gulfport, MS, Hospital Facilities Rev. (Memorial Hospital at Gulfport Project), 5%, 7/01/2024      2,065,000       2,356,867  
Gulfport, MS, Hospital Facilities Rev. (Memorial Hospital at Gulfport Project), 5%, 7/01/2025      3,590,000       4,128,572  
Gulfport, MS, Hospital Facilities Rev. (Memorial Hospital at Gulfport Project), 5%, 7/01/2026      2,485,000       2,875,990  
Gulfport, MS, Hospital Facilities Rev. (Memorial Hospital at Gulfport Project), 5%, 7/01/2027      1,395,000       1,592,699  
Mississippi Development Bank Special Obligation (Marshall County Industrial Development Authority Mississippi Highway Construction Project), 5%, 1/01/2021      1,685,000       1,867,081  
Mississippi Development Bank Special Obligation (Municipal Energy Agency Power Supply Project), “A”, AGM, 5%, 3/01/2023      1,000,000       1,148,220  

 

24


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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
Mississippi - continued                 
Mississippi Hospital Equipment & Facilities Authority Rev. (Baptist Memorial Healthcare), “A”, 5%, 9/01/2022    $ 7,000,000     $ 7,886,690  
Mississippi Hospital Equipment & Facilities Authority Rev. (Baptist Memorial Healthcare), “B-2”, 1.55%, 9/01/2022 (Put Date 1/09/18)      3,100,000       3,098,636  
State of Mississippi, “B”, 5%, 12/01/2025      415,000       508,852  
    

 

 

 
             $ 27,260,506  
Missouri - 0.7%                 
Grundy County, MO, Industrial Development Authority Health Facilities Rev. (Wright Memorial Hospital), 6.125%, 9/01/2025    $ 435,000     $ 452,931  
Missouri Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (A.T. Still University of Health Services), 4%, 10/01/2018      675,000       691,686  
Missouri Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Lutheran Senior Service Projects), “A”, 5%, 2/01/2025      215,000       248,415  
Missouri Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Lutheran Senior Services Projects), “A”, 4%, 2/01/2020      535,000       562,371  
Missouri Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Lutheran Senior Services Projects), “A”, 5%, 2/01/2021      565,000       621,573  
Missouri Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Lutheran Senior Services Projects), “A”, 5%, 2/01/2022      550,000       618,282  
Missouri Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (St. Louis College of Pharmacy), 5%, 5/01/2018      400,000       407,572  
Missouri Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (St. Louis College of Pharmacy), 5%, 5/01/2019      450,000       474,818  
Missouri Housing Development Commission, Single Family Mortgage Rev. (Special Home Ownership Loan Program), “B”, GNMA, 4%, 11/01/2040      1,005,000       1,063,873  
St. Louis County, MO, Industrial Development Authority Rev., (Friendship Village Sunset Hills), “B”, 2.85%, 9/01/2018      1,500,000       1,509,075  
University of Missouri Curators Facilities Rev, “A”, 5%, 11/01/2019      5,000,000       5,376,950  
    

 

 

 
             $ 12,027,546  
Nebraska - 0.4%                 
Central Plains Energy Project, NE, Gas Project Rev. (Project No.1), “A”, 5.25%, 12/01/2018    $ 2,345,000     $ 2,446,632  
Nebraska Central Plains Energy Project, Gas Project Rev., 5%, 9/01/2020      1,710,000       1,882,231  
Nebraska Central Plains Energy Project, Gas Project Rev., 5%, 9/01/2021      2,000,000       2,261,980  
Nebraska Investment Finance Authority, Single Family Housing Rev., “A”, 3%, 3/01/2044      700,000       712,005  
    

 

 

 
             $ 7,302,848  

 

25


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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
Nevada - 0.3%                 
Director of the State of Nevada Department of Business & Industry Rev. (Republic Services, Inc.), 5.625%, 12/01/2026
(Put Date 6/01/2018)
   $ 1,950,000     $ 1,994,811  
Nevada Unemployment Compensation Rev., 5%, 12/01/2017      2,500,000       2,508,125  
    

 

 

 
             $ 4,502,936  
New Hampshire - 0.3%                 
New Hampshire Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Memorial Hospital), 5.25%, 6/01/2026    $ 4,405,000     $ 4,878,626  
New Jersey - 6.7%                 
Atlantic City, NJ, Tax Appeal Refunding Rev., “A”, BAM, 5%, 3/01/2024    $ 345,000     $ 398,037  
Atlantic City, NJ, Tax Appeal Refunding Rev., “A”, BAM, 5%, 3/01/2027      200,000       237,166  
New Jersey Building Authority, State Building Rev. Unrefunded Balance, “A”, BAM, 5%, 6/15/2025      1,205,000       1,398,282  
New Jersey Building Authority, State Building Rev. Unrefunded Balance, “A”, BAM, 5%, 6/15/2026      900,000       1,050,669  
New Jersey Building Authority, State Building Rev., “A”, ETM, BAM, 5%, 6/15/2025      795,000       971,562  
New Jersey Building Authority, State Building Rev., “A”, ETM, BAM, 5%, 6/15/2026      600,000       743,460  
New Jersey Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, Luxury Tax Rev., 5%, 11/01/2018      1,000,000       1,026,870  
New Jersey Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, Luxury Tax Rev., 5%, 11/01/2020      1,000,000       1,066,980  
New Jersey Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, Luxury Tax Rev., 5%, 11/01/2021      2,465,000       2,671,641  
New Jersey Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, Luxury Tax Rev., AGM, 5%, 11/01/2024      1,000,000       1,145,750  
New Jersey Economic Development Authority Rev., 5%, 6/15/2018      4,000,000       4,081,400  
New Jersey Economic Development Authority Rev. (Provident Group - Rowan Properties LLC - Rowan University Student Housing Project), “A”, 5%, 1/01/2021      95,000       102,149  
New Jersey Economic Development Authority Rev. (Provident Group - Rowan Properties LLC - Rowan University Student Housing Project), “A”, 5%, 1/01/2022      560,000       610,154  
New Jersey Economic Development Authority Rev. (Provident Group - Rowan Properties LLC - Rowan University Student Housing Project), “A”, 5%, 1/01/2023      640,000       707,885  
New Jersey Economic Development Authority Rev. (The Goethals Bridge Replacement Project), 5%, 7/01/2020      500,000       539,520  

 

26


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
New Jersey - continued                 
New Jersey Economic Development Authority Rev. (The Goethals Bridge Replacement Project), 5%, 1/01/2021    $ 300,000     $ 327,258  
New Jersey Economic Development Authority Rev. (The Goethals Bridge Replacement Project), 5%, 7/01/2021      425,000       468,550  
New Jersey Economic Development Authority Rev., School Facilities Construction, “DDD”, 5%, 6/15/2025      1,610,000       1,820,797  
New Jersey Economic Development Authority Rev., School Facilities Construction, “DDD”, 5%, 6/15/2026      2,000,000       2,278,940  
New Jersey Economic Development Authority Rev., School Facilities Construction, “DDD”, 5%, 6/15/2027      1,500,000       1,715,310  
New Jersey Economic Development Authority Rev., School Facilities Construction, “DDD”, 5%, 6/15/2028      3,000,000       3,396,180  
New Jersey Economic Development Authority, Special Facilities Rev. (Continental Airlines, Inc.), 4.875%, 9/15/2019      495,000       514,003  
New Jersey Economic Development Motor Vehicle Surcharges Subordinate Refunding Rev., “A”, 3.125%, 7/01/2029      1,115,000       1,097,272  
New Jersey Economic Development Motor Vehicle Surcharges Subordinate Refunding Rev., “A”, BAM, 5%, 7/01/2027      5,500,000       6,548,850  
New Jersey Economic Development Motor Vehicle Surcharges Subordinate Refunding Rev., “A”, BAM, 5%, 7/01/2028      4,000,000       4,714,440  
New Jersey Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (University of Medicine & Dentistry), “B”, ETM, 6%, 12/01/2017      975,000       978,929  
New Jersey Health Care Facilities, Financing Authority Rev. (University Hospital), “A”, AGM, 5%, 7/01/2023      1,615,000       1,886,368  
New Jersey Health Care Facilities, Financing Authority Rev. (University Hospital), “A”, AGM, 5%, 7/01/2024      2,150,000       2,546,051  
New Jersey Health Care Facilities, Financing Authority Rev. (University Hospital), “A”, AGM, 5%, 7/01/2026      1,420,000       1,686,846  
New Jersey Higher Education Assistance Authority Senior Student Loan Rev., “1A”, 3.5%, 12/01/2029      2,540,000       2,532,024  
New Jersey Higher Education Assistance Authority Senior Student Loan Rev., “1B”, 2.95%, 12/01/2028      8,270,000       8,368,826  
New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority, Student Loan Rev., “1A”, 2.75%, 12/01/2027      4,600,000       4,383,800  
New Jersey Tobacco Settlement Financing Corp., “1-A”, 5%, 6/01/2019      2,000,000       2,003,040  
New Jersey Tobacco Settlement Financing Corp., “1-A”, 4.5%, 6/01/2023      10,770,000       10,958,260  
New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund Authority, “B”, AMBAC, 5.5%, 9/01/2026      1,985,000       2,357,227  
New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund Authority, “D”, 5%, 12/15/2018      2,500,000       2,585,100  

 

27


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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
New Jersey - continued                 
New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund Authority, Federal Highway Reimbursement Rev., “A-1”, 5%, 6/15/2030    $ 6,415,000     $ 6,551,575  
New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund Authority, Federal Highway Reimbursement Rev., “A-1”, 5%, 6/15/2031      5,135,000       5,242,116  
New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund Authority, Federal Highway Reimbursement Rev., “A-2”, 5%, 6/15/2020      5,000,000       5,372,850  
New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund Authority, Transportation Systems, “B”, NATL, 5.5%, 12/15/2020      1,910,000       2,106,272  
New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund Authority, Transportation Systems, “B”, NATL, 5.5%, 12/15/2021      5,000,000       5,646,300  
Newark, NJ, Housing Authority Rev. (South Ward Police Facility), AGM, 5%, 12/01/2024      1,440,000       1,683,461  
Newark, NJ, Housing Authority Rev. (South Ward Police Facility), AGM, 5%, 12/01/2025      1,850,000       2,184,980  
Newark, NJ, Housing Authority Rev. (South Ward Police Facility), AGM, 5%, 12/01/2026      1,725,000       2,056,355  
North Hudson, NJ, Sewerage Authority, Gross Rev. Lease Certificates, “A”, 4%, 6/01/2018      2,250,000       2,286,315  
North Hudson, NJ, Sewerage Authority, Gross Rev. Lease Certificates, “A”, ETM, 5%, 6/01/2019      3,580,000       3,785,349  
    

 

 

 
             $ 116,835,169  
New Mexico - 0.7%                 
New Mexico Finance Authority State Transportation Rev., 5%, 6/15/2018    $ 2,000,000     $ 2,048,500  
New Mexico Municipal Energy Acquisition Authority, Gas Supply Rev., “A”, 5%, 11/01/2039 (Put Date 8/01/2019)      9,315,000       9,860,021  
    

 

 

 
             $ 11,908,521  
New York - 6.4%                 
Build NYC Resource Corp., Solid Waste Disposal Rev. (Pratt Paper New York, Inc. Project), 3.75%, 1/01/2020    $ 975,000     $ 993,866  
Hempstead, NY, Local Development Corp. Rev. (Adelphi University Project), 5%, 6/01/2022      1,140,000       1,268,866  
Nassau County, NY, Local Economic Assistance Corp. Rev. (Catholic Health Services of Long Island Obligated Group Project), 4%, 7/01/2018      800,000       813,688  
Nassau County, NY, Local Economic Assistance Corp. Rev. (Catholic Health Services of Long Island Obligated Group Project), 5%, 7/01/2020      1,000,000       1,087,750  
New Rochelle, NY, Corp. for Local Development Rev. (Iona College Project), “A”, 5%, 7/01/2021      200,000       220,196  
New Rochelle, NY, Corp. for Local Development Rev. (Iona College Project), “A”, 5%, 7/01/2022      250,000       280,387  

 

28


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
New York - continued                 
New York Counties Tobacco Trust VI, “C”, 2.45%, 6/01/2042    $ 1,240,000     $ 1,196,488  
New York Dormitory Authority Rev. (Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center), LOC, 6.25%, 8/15/2022      1,000,000       1,004,910  
New York Dormitory Authority Rev. (Orange Regional Medical Center Obligated Group Rev.), 5%, 12/01/2023      1,300,000       1,468,935  
New York Dormitory Authority Rev. (Orange Regional Medical Center Obligated Group Rev.), 5%, 12/01/2025      2,400,000       2,758,824  
New York Dormitory Authority Rev. (Pace University), “A”, ETM, 4%, 5/01/2018      55,000       55,800  
New York Dormitory Authority Rev., Non-State Supported Debt (Mount Sinai Hospital), “A”, 5%, 7/01/2018      1,000,000       1,025,510  
New York Dormitory Authority Rev., Unrefunded Balance, (Pace University), “A”, 4%, 5/01/2018      1,945,000       1,967,154  
New York Energy Research & Development Authority, Pollution Control Rev. (New York Electric & Gas Corp.), “A”, 2.375%, 12/01/2027 (Put Date 5/01/2020)      10,000,000       10,226,100  
New York Environmental Facilities Corp. Rev., “C”, 5%, 5/15/2020      3,395,000       3,719,868  
New York Environmental Facilities Corp. Rev., “C”, ETM, 5%, 11/15/2020      5,000       5,554  
New York Environmental Facilities Corp. Rev., Unrefunded Balance, “C”, 5%, 11/15/2020      2,820,000       3,137,645  
New York Thruway Authority General Rev., Junior Indebtedness Obligations, “A”, 5%, 5/01/2019      2,675,000       2,825,388  
New York Thruway Authority, Second General Highway & Bridge Trust Fund, “A-1”, 5%, 4/01/2019      1,350,000       1,424,628  
New York, NY, “A-4”, VRDN, 0.93%, 8/01/2038      8,000,000       8,000,000  
New York, NY, “G-3”, VRDN, 0.93%, 4/01/2042      15,000,000       15,000,000  
New York, NY, “G-4”, VRDN, 0.93%, 4/01/2042      6,000,000       6,000,000  
New York, NY, “I”, VRDN, 5%, 8/01/2022      7,500,000       8,668,500  
New York, NY, “J-4”, FLR, 1.47% (MUNIPSA + 0.55%), 8/01/2025      1,035,000       1,034,689  
New York, NY, City Housing Development Corp., “B1”, 5%, 7/01/2018      3,250,000       3,334,662  
New York, NY, City Housing Development Corp., “B1”, 5%, 7/01/2019      1,250,000       1,328,425  
New York, NY, Housing Development Corp., Multi-Family Housing Rev., “E-1-B”, 1.2%, 11/01/2017      1,040,000       1,040,000  
New York, NY, Municipal Water Finance Authority, Water & Sewer Systems Rev., “BB-1”, VRDN, 0.87%, 6/15/2036      15,000,000       15,000,000  
Niagara, NY, Area Development Corp. Rev. (Niagara University), “A”, 5%, 5/01/2018      250,000       254,218  
Onondaga, NY, Civic Development Corp. Rev. (St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center), “A”, ETM, 5%, 7/01/2019      250,000       260,545  
Port Authority of NY & NJ, (170th Series), 5%, 12/01/2017      1,440,000       1,444,507  

 

29


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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
New York - continued                 
Port Authority of NY & NJ, (170th Series), 5%, 12/01/2019    $ 1,410,000     $ 1,518,246  
Suffolk County, NY, “B”, AGM, 5%, 10/15/2025      7,000,000       8,513,890  
Tobacco Settlement Asset Securitization Corp., NY, “1”, 5%, 6/01/2025      1,000,000       1,165,640  
Tobacco Settlement Asset Securitization Corp., NY, “1”, 5%, 6/01/2026      2,000,000       2,345,160  
Tobacco Settlement Asset Securitization Corp., NY, “1”, 5%, 6/01/2027      1,500,000       1,772,820  
    

 

 

 
             $ 112,162,859  
North Carolina - 1.0%                 
Charlotte, NC, COP (Convention Facility Project), “A”, 5%, 12/01/2020    $ 4,100,000     $ 4,555,264  
Durham County, NC, 5%, 4/01/2019      1,000,000       1,054,850  
North Carolina Capital Facilities Finance Agency Student Housing Rev. (The NCA&T University Foundation, LLC Project), “A”, ASSD GTY, 5%, 6/01/2022      665,000       747,241  
North Carolina Capital Facilities Finance Agency Student Housing Rev. (The NCA&T University Foundation, LLC Project), “A”, ASSD GTY, 5%, 6/01/2023      325,000       369,791  
North Carolina Capital Facilities Finance Agency Student Housing Rev. (The NCA&T University Foundation, LLC Project), “A”, ASSD GTY, 5%, 6/01/2024      700,000       807,863  
North Carolina Turnpike Authority, Triangle Expressway System Turnpike Rev. , AGM, 5%, 1/01/2026      1,500,000       1,801,080  
North Carolina Turnpike Authority, Triangle Expressway System Turnpike Rev. , AGM, 5%, 1/01/2027      4,000,000       4,828,880  
Orange County, NC, Public Facilities Co., Limited Obligation, 5%, 10/01/2020      500,000       554,090  
Raleigh Durham, NC, Airport Authority Rev., “A”, 5%, 5/01/2025      645,000       771,162  
Raleigh Durham, NC, Airport Authority Rev., “A”, 5%, 5/01/2026      1,000,000       1,209,040  
    

 

 

 
             $ 16,699,261  
North Dakota - 0.1%                 
Burleigh County, ND, Health Care Rev. (Alexius Medical Center Project), “A”, ETM, 3%, 7/01/2018    $ 1,180,000     $ 1,194,703  
Ohio - 2.2%                 
Buckeye, OH, Tobacco Settlement Financing Authority Rev., “A-2”, 5.125%, 6/01/2024    $ 3,775,000     $ 3,533,287  
Cleveland, OH, Airport System Rev., “A”, AGM, 5%, 1/01/2025      1,250,000       1,492,650  
Cleveland-Cuyahoga County, OH, Port Authority Development Rev. (Port of Cleveland Bond Fund), “C”, 5%, 5/15/2021 (Prerefunded 11/15/2020)      375,000       414,401  

 

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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
Ohio - continued                 
Cleveland-Cuyahoga County, OH, Port Authority Development Rev. (Port of Cleveland Bond Fund), “C”, 5%, 11/15/2021 (Prerefunded 11/15/2020)    $ 385,000     $ 425,452  
Cleveland-Cuyahoga County, OH, Port Authority Development Rev. (Port of Cleveland Bond Fund), “C”, 5%, 11/15/2022 (Prerefunded 11/15/2020)      405,000       447,553  
Cleveland-Cuyahoga County, OH, Port Authority Development Rev. (Port of Cleveland Bond Fund), “C”, ETM, 3%, 5/15/2018      335,000       338,139  
Cleveland-Cuyahoga County, OH, Port Authority Development Rev. (Port of Cleveland Bond Fund), “C”, ETM, 3%, 5/15/2019      345,000       353,732  
Cleveland-Cuyahoga County, OH, Port Authority Development Rev. (Port of Cleveland Bond Fund), “C”, ETM, 3%, 11/15/2019      300,000       309,786  
Cleveland-Cuyahoga County, OH, Port Authority Development Rev. (Port of Cleveland Bond Fund), “C”, ETM, 4%, 5/15/2020      360,000       383,148  
Cleveland-Cuyahoga County, OH, Port Authority Development Rev. (Port of Cleveland Bond Fund), “C”, ETM, 4%, 11/15/2020      365,000       392,547  
Columbus, OH, 5%, 7/01/2022      2,350,000       2,726,023  
Cuyahoga County, OH, Hospital Rev. (The Metrohealth System), 5%, 2/15/2026      2,000,000       2,271,020  
Cuyahoga County, OH, Hospital Rev. (The Metrohealth System), 5%, 2/15/2027      2,150,000       2,451,236  
Ohio Higher Education, “C”, 5%, 8/01/2021      8,000,000       9,063,280  
Ohio Higher Educational Facility Commission Rev. (Xavier University Project), “C”, 5%, 5/01/2023      625,000       713,063  
Ohio Hospital Refunding Rev. (Cleveland Clinic Health System Obligated Group), “A”, 5%, 1/01/2027      4,250,000       5,222,060  
Ohio Hospital Refunding Rev. (Cleveland Clinic Health System Obligated Group), “A”, 5%, 1/01/2028      3,000,000       3,721,980  
Ohio Tax Exempt Private Activity (Portsmouth Bypass Project), 5%, 12/31/2021      1,000,000       1,124,370  
Ohio Tax Exempt Private Activity (Portsmouth Bypass Project), 5%, 12/31/2022      775,000       886,058  
Ohio Water Development Authority, Water Pollution Control Rev., 5.25%, 6/01/2020      2,000,000       2,206,280  
    

 

 

 
             $ 38,476,065  
Oklahoma - 0.3%                 
Tulsa, OK, Airport Improvement Trust Rev., “A”, BAM, 5%, 6/01/2020    $ 1,500,000     $ 1,629,195  
Tulsa, OK, Airport Improvement Trust Rev., “A”, BAM, 5%, 6/01/2021      700,000       778,099  
Tulsa, OK, Airport Improvement Trust Rev., “A”, BAM, 5%, 6/01/2022      600,000       678,120  

 

31


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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
Oklahoma - continued                 
Tulsa, OK, Industrial Authority Rev. (University of Tulsa), 5.5%, 10/01/2022    $ 1,000,000     $ 1,075,770  
Tulsa, OK, Industrial Authority, Senior Living Community Rev.     
(Montereau, Inc.), 5%, 11/15/2025      800,000       921,512  
Tulsa, OK, Industrial Authority, Senior Living Community Rev.     
(Montereau, Inc.), 5%, 11/15/2026      500,000       577,775  
    

 

 

 
             $ 5,660,471  
Oregon - 1.2%                 
Forest Grove, OR, Campus Improvement Rev. (Pacific University Project), “A”, 4%, 5/01/2021    $ 350,000     $ 373,163  
Forest Grove, OR, Campus Improvement Rev. (Pacific University Project), “A”, 5%, 5/01/2023      500,000       570,450  
Lake Oswego, OR, 4%, 6/01/2019      1,195,000       1,249,528  
Lake Oswego, OR, 4%, 6/01/2020      1,830,000       1,959,802  
Lake Oswego, OR, 4%, 6/01/2021      2,330,000       2,548,507  
Oregon Health & Science University Rev., “A”, 5%, 7/01/2018      785,000       805,394  
Port of Portland, OR, International Airport Rev., “24B”, 5%, 7/01/2024      1,500,000       1,772,220  
Port of Portland, OR, International Airport Rev., “24B”, 5%, 7/01/2025      1,000,000       1,191,790  
Portland, OR, Sewer System Rev. , “A”, 5%, 3/01/2018      5,000,000       5,065,250  
State of Oregon, “A”, 5%, 5/01/2025      2,000,000       2,442,280  
State of Oregon, “A”, 5%, 5/01/2026      2,000,000       2,473,780  
Washington County, OR, School District, AGM, 5.25%, 6/15/2018      1,000,000       1,025,220  
    

 

 

 
             $ 21,477,384  
Pennsylvania - 6.7%                 
Allegheny County, PA, Higher Education Building Authority Rev. (Duquesne University), 5%, 3/01/2026    $ 525,000     $ 626,619  
Allegheny County, PA, Hospital Development Authority Rev. (University of Pittsburgh Medical Center), “A1”, FLR, 1.598% (LIBOR-3mo. + 0.72%), 2/01/2021      1,290,000       1,294,773  
Allentown, PA, Neighborhood Improvement Zone Development Authority Tax Rev. (City Center Refunding Project), 5%, 5/01/2022      1,000,000       1,088,830  
Beaver County, PA, Industrial Development Authority, Pollution Control Rev. (Duquesne Light Co.), “C”, 4.75%, 8/01/2033 (Put Date 5/01/2018)      2,000,000       2,031,380  
Berks County, PA, Industrial Development Authority Health System Rev. (Tower Health Project), 5%, 11/01/2025      1,250,000       1,485,212  
Berks County, PA, Industrial Development Authority Health System Rev. (Tower Health Project), 5%, 11/01/2027      1,500,000       1,809,270  
Bethlehem Area School District, PA, (Northampton and Lehigh Counties), “A”, AGM, 5%, 2/01/2025      4,575,000       5,448,916  

 

32


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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
Pennsylvania - continued                 
Bethlehem, PA, Water Authority Rev., BAM, 5%, 11/15/2017    $ 1,000,000     $ 1,001,390  
Bethlehem, PA, Water Authority Rev., BAM, 5%, 11/15/2018      1,000,000       1,039,110  
Bethlehem, PA, Water Authority Rev., BAM, 5%, 11/15/2019      500,000       536,320  
Cambria County, PA, ETM, BAM, 4%, 8/01/2019      900,000       944,226  
Cambria County, PA, Unrefunded Balance, BAM, 4%, 8/01/2019      1,445,000       1,498,653  
Capital Region, PA, Water Rev., “A”, BAM, 5%, 7/15/2024      750,000       891,495  
Capital Region, PA, Water Rev., “A”, BAM, 5%, 7/15/2029      450,000       533,228  
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, AGM, 5%, 9/15/2025      9,000,000       10,840,410  
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, AGM, 5%, 9/15/2026      6,035,000       7,313,877  
Cumberland County, PA, Municipal Authority Rev. (Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries Project), 5%, 1/01/2021      585,000       642,880  
Cumberland County, PA, Municipal Authority Rev. (Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries Project), 5%, 1/01/2022      1,025,000       1,146,801  
Cumberland County, PA, Municipal Authority Rev. (Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries Project), 5%, 1/01/2023      730,000       829,623  
Cumberland County, PA, Municipal Authority Rev. (Presbyterian Homes, Inc.), “C”, 4%, 12/01/2026      1,400,000       1,457,162  
Dallas, PA, Municipal Authority, University Rev. (Misericordia University Project), 5%, 5/01/2019      445,000       465,337  
Dallas, PA, Municipal Authority, University Rev. (Misericordia University Project), 5%, 5/01/2020      500,000       535,730  
Delaware County, PA, Authority Rev. (Elwyn Inc.), 4%, 6/01/2018      1,795,000       1,797,531  
East Hempfield, PA, Industrial Development Authority Rev. (Willow Valley Communities Project), 5%, 12/01/2025      500,000       594,965  
East Hempfield, PA, Industrial Development Authority Rev. (Willow Valley Communities Project), 5%, 12/01/2023      300,000       350,907  
East Hempfield, PA, Industrial Development Authority Rev. (Willow Valley Communities Project), 5%, 12/01/2024      600,000       710,016  
Lancaster County School District, PA, “B”, AGM, 5%, 6/01/2025      2,000,000       2,392,080  
Lancaster County, PA, Hospital Authority Health Center Rev. (Masonic Villages Project), 5%, 11/01/2021      300,000       338,349  
Lancaster County, PA, Hospital Authority Health Center Rev. (Masonic Villages Project), 5%, 11/01/2022      320,000       368,563  
Lancaster County, PA, Hospital Authority Health Center Rev. (Masonic Villages Project), 5%, 11/01/2024      700,000       826,966  
Lancaster County, PA, Hospital Authority Health Center Rev. (Masonic Villages Project), 5%, 11/01/2025      265,000       312,019  
Lehigh County, PA, Water and Sewer Authority Rev. (Allentown Concession), Capital Appreciation, “B”, 0%, 12/01/2021      1,295,000       1,181,532  
Lehigh County, PA, Water and Sewer Authority Rev. (Allentown Concession), Capital Appreciation, “B”, 0%, 12/01/2022      1,345,000       1,189,074  
Lehigh County, PA, Water and Sewer Authority Rev. (Allentown Concession), Capital Appreciation, “B”, 0%, 12/01/2023      1,060,000       904,827  

 

33


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
Pennsylvania - continued                 
Luzerne County, PA, “A”, AGM, 5%, 12/15/2019    $ 305,000     $ 325,478  
Luzerne County, PA, “A”, AGM, 5%, 11/15/2020      1,355,000       1,477,926  
Luzerne County, PA, “A”, AGM, 5%, 11/15/2021      3,000,000       3,336,180  
Luzerne County, PA, “A”, AGM, 5%, 12/15/2021      445,000       495,663  
Luzerne County, PA, “A”, AGM, 5%, 12/15/2023      400,000       457,384  
Luzerne County, PA, “A”, AGM, 5%, 12/15/2024      410,000       473,279  
Luzerne County, PA, “A”, AGM, 5%, 12/15/2026      370,000       432,830  
Luzerne County, PA, “A”, AGM, 5%, 12/15/2029      655,000       762,983  
Luzerne County, PA, “B”, AGM, 5%, 5/15/2020      2,200,000       2,370,346  
Luzerne County, PA, “B”, AGM, 5%, 5/15/2021      2,055,000       2,262,966  
Monroe County, PA, Hospital Authority Rev. (Pocono Medical Center), “A”, 5%, 1/01/2023 (Prerefunded 1/01/2022)      1,225,000       1,403,825  
Montgomery County, PA, Industrial Development Authority Health System Rev. (Albert Einstein Healthcare Network Issue), “A”, 5%, 1/15/2021      2,000,000       2,164,460  
Montgomery County, PA, Industrial Development Authority Health System Rev. (Albert Einstein Healthcare Network Issue), “A”, 5%, 1/15/2022      3,485,000       3,828,935  
Montgomery County, PA, Industrial Development Authority Pollution Control Rev. (Peco Energy Company Project), “A”, 2.55%, 6/01/2029 (Put Date 6/01/2020)      880,000       887,902  
Pennsylvania Economic Development Finance Authority Rev, Solid Waste Disposal Rev. (Waste Management, Inc. Project), 1.2%, 8/01/2045 (Put Date 2/01/2018)      4,490,000       4,490,000  
Pennsylvania Economic Development Finance Authority Rev, Solid Waste Disposal Rev. (Waste Management, Inc. Project), “A”, 1.7%, 8/01/2037 (Put Date 8/03/2020)      2,000,000       1,998,380  
Pennsylvania Economic Development Financing Authority Rev., Solid Waste Refunding (Republic Services, Inc. Project), “A”, 1.2%, 4/01/2019 (Put Date 1/02/2018)      2,225,000       2,224,733  
Pennsylvania Economic Development Financing Authority, Exempt Facilities Rev. (Amtrak Project), “A”, 3%, 11/01/2018      265,000       269,635  
Pennsylvania Economic Development Financing Authority, Exempt Facilities Rev. (Amtrak Project), “A”, 5%, 11/01/2019      1,325,000       1,414,013  
Pennsylvania Higher Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Edinboro University Foundation), ETM, 5%, 7/01/2018      1,005,000       1,031,110  
Philadelphia, PA, Authority for Industrial Development City Agreement Rev. (Cultural and Commercial Corridors Program), “A”, 5%, 12/01/2024      5,675,000       6,748,313  
Philadelphia, PA, Gas Works Rev. (1998 General Ordinance), “15”, 5%, 8/01/2025      800,000       961,888  
Philadelphia, PA, Gas Works Rev. (1998 General Ordinance), “15”, 5%, 8/01/2026      1,155,000       1,398,740  

 

34


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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
Pennsylvania - continued                 
Philadelphia, PA, Gas Works Rev. (1998 General Ordinance), “15”, 5%, 8/01/2027    $ 1,750,000     $ 2,131,395  
Philadelphia, PA, School District, “F”, 5%, 9/01/2026      5,000,000       5,829,600  
Philadelphia, PA, Water & Wastewater Rev., “A”, 5%, 7/01/2022      1,510,000       1,739,807  
Southcentral, PA, General Authority Hospital Rev. (Hanover Hospital, Inc.), 5%, 12/01/2018      1,330,000       1,374,888  
West Mifflin, PA, Area School District, AGM, 5%, 4/01/2024      1,250,000       1,430,912  
West Mifflin, PA, Area School District, AGM, 5%, 4/01/2025      1,000,000       1,154,300  
West Mifflin, PA, Area School District, AGM, 5%, 4/01/2027      1,000,000       1,160,480  
West Shore, PA, Area Authority Rev. (Messiah Village Project) “A”, 5%, 7/01/2020      855,000       917,962  
West Shore, PA, Area Authority Rev. (Messiah Village Project) “A”, 5%, 7/01/2022      930,000       1,031,723  
West Shore, PA, Area Authority Rev. (Messiah Village Project) “A”, 5%, 7/01/2025      1,605,000       1,816,218  
York County, PA, School of Technology Authority Lease Rev., “A”, BAM, 5%, 2/15/2025      850,000       1,011,279  
York County, PA, School of Technology Authority Lease Rev., “A”, BAM, 5%, 2/15/2026      1,000,000       1,179,030  
    

 

 

 
             $ 116,422,634  
Puerto Rico - 5.6%                 
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Aqueduct & Sewer Authority Rev., “A”, ASSD GTY, 5%, 7/01/2028    $ 1,135,000     $ 1,141,742  
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Highway & Transportation Authority Rev., “AA-1”, AGM, 4.95%, 7/01/2026      1,830,000       1,899,211  
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Highway & Transportation Authority Rev., “BB”, AGM, 5.25%, 7/01/2022      4,070,000       4,401,095  
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Highway & Transportation Authority Rev., “BB”, AMBAC, 5.25%, 7/01/2018      550,000       556,056  
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Highway & Transportation Authority Rev., “CC”, AGM, 5.5%, 7/01/2030      2,535,000       2,847,996  
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Highway & Transportation Authority Rev., “E”, AGM, 5.5%, 7/01/2020      3,880,000       4,116,176  
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Highway & Transportation Authority Rev., “E”, AGM, 5.5%, 7/01/2023      500,000       550,130  
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Highway & Transportation Authority Rev., “L”, NATL, 5.25%, 7/01/2024      740,000       756,620  
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Highway & Transportation Authority Rev., “N”, AGM, 5.5%, 7/01/2025      1,740,000       1,937,420  
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Highway & Transportation Authority Rev., Capital Appreciation, “A”, AMBAC, 0%, 7/01/2018      70,000       68,174  

 

35


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
Puerto Rico - continued                 
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Highway & Transportation Authority Rev., Capital Appreciation, “N”, AMBAC, 0%, 7/01/2019    $ 350,000     $ 324,916  
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Highway & Transportation Authority Rev., Capital Appreciation, “N”, AMBAC, 0%, 7/01/2020      610,000       537,288  
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Infrastructure Financing Authority Rev., “C”, AMBAC, 5.5%, 7/01/2025      580,000       595,991  
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, “A”, NATL, 5.5%, 7/01/2020      8,220,000       8,528,168  
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, “A”, NATL, 5.5%, 7/01/2021      8,765,000       9,132,604  
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Public Improvement, “A”, AMBAC, 5.5%, 7/01/2019      1,265,000       1,294,765  
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Public Improvement, “A”, ASSD GTY, 5.5%, 7/01/2029      1,355,000       1,515,378  
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Public Improvement, “C”, AGM, 5.25%, 7/01/2027      200,000       201,860  
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Public Improvement, “C-7”, NATL, 6%, 7/01/2027      2,000,000       2,034,320  
Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority Rev., “DDD”, AGM, 3.625%, 7/01/2023      335,000       335,074  
Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority Rev., “DDD”, AGM, 5%, 7/01/2023      1,365,000       1,441,522  
Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority Rev., “DDD”, AGM, 3.65%, 7/01/2024      3,930,000       3,930,865  
Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority Rev., “MM”, NATL, 5%, 7/01/2018      1,005,000       1,015,291  
Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority Rev., “MM”, NATL, 5%, 7/01/2019      5,115,000       5,216,942  
Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority Rev., “MM”, NATL, 5%, 7/01/2020      40,000       40,999  
Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority Rev., “NN”, NATL, 5.25%, 7/01/2022      1,095,000       1,129,142  
Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority Rev., “NN”, NATL, 5.25%, 7/01/2023      435,000       443,491  
Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority Rev., “PP”, NATL, 5%, 7/01/2024      110,000       109,102  
Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority Rev., “PP”, NATL, 5%, 7/01/2025      115,000       112,271  
Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority Rev., “RR”, NATL, 5%, 7/01/2022      280,000       280,482  
Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority Rev., “RR”, NATL, 5%, 7/01/2023      370,000       370,015  
Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority Rev., “RR”, NATL, 5%, 7/01/2024      705,000       699,247  
Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority Rev., “SS”, NATL, 5%, 7/01/2019      1,625,000       1,628,526  

 

36


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
Puerto Rico - continued                 
Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority Rev., “SS”, NATL, 5%, 7/01/2020    $ 345,000     $ 345,707  
Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority Rev., “SS”, NATL, 5%, 7/01/2023      860,000       860,034  
Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority Rev., “TT”, NATL, 5%, 7/01/2024      530,000       525,675  
Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority Rev., “TT”, NATL, 5%, 7/01/2026      25,000       24,000  
Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority Rev., “UU”, AGM, 5%, 7/01/2022      260,000       263,234  
Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority Rev., “UU”, AGM, 5%, 7/01/2023      1,075,000       1,086,567  
Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority Rev., “UU”, AGM, 5%, 7/01/2024      1,310,000       1,321,908  
Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority Rev., “UU”, NATL, 4%, 7/01/2018      1,300,000       1,304,862  
Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority Rev., “UU”, NATL, 4.5%, 7/01/2018      100,000       100,699  
Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority Rev., “UU”, NATL, 5%, 7/01/2019      6,490,000       6,619,346  
Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority Rev., “VV”, NATL, 5.25%, 7/01/2025      195,000       193,284  
Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority Rev., “VV”, NATL, 5.25%, 7/01/2026      420,000       410,344  
Puerto Rico Industrial, Tourist, Educational, Medical & Environmental Control Facilities Financing Authority, Higher Education Rev. (Ana G. Mendez University Project), 5%, 3/01/2021      35,000       35,092  
Puerto Rico Industrial, Tourist, Educational, Medical & Environmental Control Facilities Financing Authority, Higher Education Rev. (Ana G. Mendez University Project), 5.375%, 12/01/2021      245,000       245,632  
Puerto Rico Industrial, Tourist, Educational, Medical & Environmental Control Facilities Financing Authority, Higher Education Rev. (Ana G. Mendez University System Project), 5%, 4/01/2018      220,000       220,684  
Puerto Rico Industrial, Tourist, Educational, Medical & Environmental Control Facilities Financing Authority, Higher Education Rev. (Ana G. Mendez University System Project), 4%, 4/01/2020      110,000       108,316  
Puerto Rico Industrial, Tourist, Educational, Medical & Environmental Control Facilities Financing Authority, Higher Education Rev. (Ana G. Mendez University System Project), 5%, 4/01/2021      380,000       382,911  

 

37


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%, 4/01/2022    $ 295,000     $ 296,502  
Puerto Rico Industrial, Tourist, Educational, Medical & Environmental Control Facilities Financing Authority, Higher Education Rev. (Ana G. Mendez University System Project), 5%, 3/01/2026      90,000       87,899  
Puerto Rico Industrial, Tourist, Educational, Medical & Environmental Control Facilities Financing Authority, Higher Education Rev. (Ana G. Mendez University System Project), 5%, 4/01/2027      390,000       377,274  
Puerto Rico Infrastructure Financing Authority Special Tax Rev., “C”, AMBAC, 5.5%, 7/01/2018      310,000       313,915  
Puerto Rico Infrastructure Financing Authority Special Tax Rev., “C”, AMBAC, 5.5%, 7/01/2023      3,950,000       4,099,389  
Puerto Rico Infrastructure Financing Authority Special Tax Rev., “C”, AMBAC, 5.5%, 7/01/2024      4,870,000       5,034,022  
Puerto Rico Infrastructure Financing Authority Special Tax Rev., “C”, AMBAC, 5.5%, 7/01/2026      2,270,000       2,315,218  
Puerto Rico Infrastructure Financing Authority Special Tax Rev., “C”, AMBAC, 5.5%, 7/01/2027      1,510,000       1,530,189  
Puerto Rico Municipal Finance Agency, “A”, AGM, 5%, 8/01/2027 Puerto Rico Public Buildings Authority Government Facilities      135,000       135,722  
Rev., “M-3”, NATL, 6%, 7/01/2027      390,000       396,692  
Puerto Rico Public Buildings Authority Rev., “H”, AMBAC, 5.5%, 7/01/2018      6,390,000       6,466,488  
Puerto Rico Public Buildings Authority Rev., “M-2”, AMBAC, 10%, 7/01/2035      3,210,000       3,406,580  
University of Puerto Rico Rev., “P”, NATL, 5%, 6/01/2025      245,000       244,836  
    

 

 

 
             $ 97,945,900  
Rhode Island - 1.5%                 
Providence, RI, “A”, 4%, 7/15/2019    $ 400,000     $ 415,024  
Providence, RI, “A”, 5%, 1/15/2020      1,625,000       1,735,305  
Providence, RI, “A”, 5%, 1/15/2021      1,000,000       1,093,570  
Rhode Island Health & Educational Building Corp. Rev., “A”, (Providence Public Building Authority), 5%, 5/15/2019      2,000,000       2,097,760  
Rhode Island Health & Educational Building Corp. Rev., “A”, (Providence Public Building Authority), 5%, 5/15/2021      2,240,000       2,493,456  
Rhode Island Health & Educational Building Corp. Rev., (Lifespan Obligated Group), 5%, 5/15/2026      5,000,000       5,825,850  
Rhode Island Student Loan Authority, Student Loan Rev., “A”, 5%, 12/01/2021      880,000       976,008  

 

38


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
Rhode Island - continued                 
Rhode Island Student Loan Authority, Student Loan Rev., “A”, 5%, 12/01/2022    $ 550,000     $ 619,685  
Rhode Island Student Loan Authority, Student Loan Rev., “A”, 3.8%, 12/01/2031      1,510,000       1,563,379  
Rhode Island Student Loan Program Authority Rev., “A”, 2.125%, 12/01/2018      3,200,000       3,213,792  
Rhode Island Student Loan Program Authority Rev., “A”, 2.5%, 12/01/2019      4,590,000       4,645,906  
Rhode Island Student Loan Program Authority Rev., “A”, 5%, 12/01/2020      2,000,000       2,176,480  
    

 

 

 
             $ 26,856,215  
South Carolina - 0.9%                 
Berkeley County, SC, School District Rev., 5%, 12/01/2017    $ 500,000     $ 501,645  
Berkeley County, SC, School District Rev., 5%, 12/01/2018      630,000       656,662  
Charleston County, SC, Transportation Sales Tax, 5%, 11/01/2022      3,095,000       3,621,150  
Piedmont, SC, Municipal Power Agency Electric Rev., “A-2”, 5%, 1/01/2018      750,000       754,785  
Richland County, SC, Environmental Improvement Rev. (International Paper), “A”, 3.875%, 4/01/2023      4,545,000       4,897,737  
Richland County, SC, School District No. 1, 4%, 3/01/2019      1,270,000       1,317,473  
Scago, SC, Educational Facilities Installment Purchase Rev. (School District of Pickens County Project), 5%, 12/01/2023      1,300,000       1,523,041  
Sumter, SC, Two School Facilities, Inc. (Sumter School District), BAM, 5%, 12/01/2024      1,000,000       1,177,620  
Sumter, SC, Two School Facilities, Inc. (Sumter School District), BAM, 5%, 12/01/2025      1,500,000       1,772,805  
    

 

 

 
             $ 16,222,918  
Tennessee - 1.7%                 
Chattanooga, TN, Industrial Development Board, Lease Rental Rev. (Southside Redevelopment Corp.), 5%, 10/01/2018    $ 5,120,000     $ 5,303,399  
Clarksville, TN, Sub Lien Water, Sewer & Gas Rev., 5%, 2/01/2018      1,000,000       1,009,730  
Clarksville, TN, Sub Lien Water, Sewer & Gas Rev., 5%, 2/01/2019      920,000       964,077  
Clarksville, TN, Water, Sewer & Gas Rev., 5%, 2/01/2021      720,000       805,154  
Knox County, TN, Health, Educational & Housing Facility Board Rev. (University Health Systems, Inc.), 5%, 4/01/2023      850,000       964,325  
Knox County, TN, Health, Educational & Housing Facility Board Rev. (University Health Systems, Inc.), 5%, 4/01/2024      750,000       861,420  
Knox County, TN, Health, Educational & Housing Facility Board Rev. (University Health Systems, Inc.), 5%, 4/01/2025      1,350,000       1,565,190  
Metropolitan Government of Nashville & Davidson County, TN, Electric System Rev., “B”, 5%, 5/15/2021      7,500,000       8,464,350  

 

39


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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
Tennessee - continued                 
Shelby County, TN, Public Improvement & School, “B”, 5%, 4/01/2018    $ 1,100,000     $ 1,118,073  
Tennessee Energy Acquisition Corp., Gas Project Rev., “A”, 4%, 5/01/2048 (Put Date 5/01/2023)      7,500,000       8,197,800  
Tennessee Energy Acquisition Corp., Gas Rev., “A”, 5.25%, 9/01/2019      1,000,000       1,067,440  
    

 

 

 
             $ 30,320,958  
Texas - 5.4%                 
Alamo, TX, Regional Mobility Authority Vehicle Registration Fee     
Rev., 5%, 6/15/2025    $ 1,000,000     $ 1,214,960  
Arlington, TX, Independent School District Rev., “A”, Texas PSF, 5%, 2/15/2019      1,275,000       1,337,641  
Austin, TX, Convention Enterprises, Inc. Convention Center Refunding Rev., “A”, 5%, 1/01/2025      1,740,000       2,046,101  
Austin, TX, Convention Enterprises, Inc. Convention Center Refunding Rev., “B”, 5%, 1/01/2024      1,200,000       1,375,512  
Brownsville, TX, Independent School District, “A”, Texas PSF, 5%, 2/15/2021      6,595,000       7,381,915  
Clifton, TX, Higher Education Finance Corp., Education Rev. (Uplift Education), “A”, 3.375%, 12/01/2024      2,390,000       2,452,881  
Dallas Fort Worth, TX, International Airport Rev., “F”, 4%, 11/01/2018      5,415,000       5,563,209  
Dallas, TX, Independent School District, Texas PSF, 5.25%, 2/15/2018      795,000       804,588  
Decatur, TX, Hospital Authority Rev. (Wise Regional Health System), “A”, 4%, 9/01/2020      650,000       681,557  
Decatur, TX, Hospital Authority Rev. (Wise Regional Health System), “A”, 5%, 9/01/2023      525,000       583,732  
Fort Bend, TX, Independent School District, Unlimited Tax Refunding Bonds, “E”, Texas PSF, 5%, 2/15/2025      2,230,000       2,699,928  
Fort Bend, TX, Independent School District, Unlimited Tax Refunding Bonds, “E”, Texas PSF, 5%, 2/15/2026      7,685,000       9,417,430  
Fort Worth, TX, Water & Sewer Rev., Refunding & Improvement, 5%, 2/15/2020      2,940,000       3,193,222  
Harris County, TX, Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corp. Rev. (YMCA Greater Houston Area), “A”, 5%, 6/01/2018      430,000       437,654  
Harris County, TX, Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corp., Medical Facilities Rev. (Baylor College Medicine), “D”, 5%, 11/15/2019 (Prerefunded 11/15/2018)      600,000       624,168  
Harris County, TX, Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corp., Medical Facilities Rev. (Baylor College Medicine), “D”, ETM, 5%, 11/15/2018      470,000       488,932  

 

40


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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
Texas - continued                 
Harris County, TX, Houston Sports Authority Rev., “C”, 5%, 11/15/2020    $ 575,000     $ 630,378  
Harris County, TX, Houston Sports Authority Rev., “C”, 5%, 11/15/2021      1,000,000       1,118,240  
Houston, TX, Airport System Rev., “B”, 5%, 7/01/2020      1,000,000       1,091,590  
Houston, TX, Airport System Rev., Special Facilities Rev. (United Airlines, Inc. Terminal E Project), 4.5%, 7/01/2020      475,000       503,106  
Houston, TX, Airport System Rev., Special Facilities Rev. (United Airlines, Inc. Terminal E Project), 4.75%, 7/01/2024      1,010,000       1,105,081  
Houston, TX, Airport System Rev., Special Facilities Rev. (United Airlines, Inc. Terminal Improvement Projects), “B-2”, 5%, 7/15/2020      705,000       755,732  
Houston, TX, Higher Education Finance Corp. Refunding Rev. (Kipp, Inc.), “A”, Texas PSF, 4%, 2/15/2020      880,000       932,518  
Houston, TX, Higher Education Finance Corp. Rev. (Kipp, Inc.), “A”, Texas PSF, 4%, 2/15/2019      840,000       869,476  
Klein, TX, Independent School District, Texas PSF, 5%, 8/01/2021 (Prerefunded 8/01/2018)      895,000       921,438  
Klein, TX, Independent School District, Texas PSF, 5%, 8/01/2021      105,000       108,173  
Lone Star College System, TX, “A”, 5%, 8/15/2018      4,250,000       4,382,387  
Matagorda County, TX, Navigation District 1, Pollution Control Rev. (Central Power & Light Co. Project), 1.75%, 5/01/2030 (Put Date 9/01/2020)      6,750,000       6,714,765  
Mesquite, TX, Health Facilities Development Corp., Retirement Facility Rev. (Christian Care Centers, Inc.), 5%, 2/15/2026      3,125,000       3,450,031  
Mission, TX, Economic Development Corp., Solid Waste Disposal Rev. (Republic Services, Inc. Project), “A”, 1.1%, 1/01/2020 (Put Date 1/02/2018)      5,185,000       5,184,378  
New Hope, TX, Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corp., Retirement Facility Rev. (MRC Senior Living- The Langford Project), “B-1”, 3.25%, 11/15/2022      55,000       54,120  
New Hope, TX, Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corp., Retirement Facility Rev. (MRC Senior Living- The Langford Project), “B-2”, 3%, 11/15/2021      30,000       29,618  
New Hope, TX, Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corp., Retirement Facility Rev. (Westminster Project), 1.25%, 11/01/2018      200,000       199,790  
New Hope, TX, Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corp., Student Housing Rev. (Texas A&M University Project), “A”, AGM, 4%, 4/01/2018      100,000       101,064  
New Hope, TX, Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corp., Student Housing Rev. (Texas A&M University Project), “A”, AGM, 4%, 4/01/2019      300,000       310,236  

 

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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
Texas - continued                 
New Hope, TX, Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corp., Student Housing Rev. (Texas A&M University Project), “A”, AGM, 4%, 4/01/2021    $ 400,000     $ 426,132  
North Texas Municipal Water District, Upper East Fork Wastewater Interceptor System Rev., 5%, 6/01/2024      1,915,000       2,285,782  
Regents of the University of North Texas Rev. Financing System, “A”, 5%, 4/15/2026      1,000,000       1,220,060  
Tarrant County, TX, 5%, 7/15/2018      2,770,000       2,846,951  
Tarrant County, TX, Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corp. Hospital Rev. (Scott & White Healthcare Project), “A”, 5%, 8/15/2022      1,160,000       1,335,090  
Tarrant County, TX, Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corp. Hospital Rev. (Scott & White Healthcare Project), “A”, ETM, 5%, 8/15/2018      500,000       515,335  
Tarrant County, TX, Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corp. Retirement Facility Rev. (Air Force Village Foundation, Inc.), ETM, 5.75%, 11/15/2019      430,000       448,232  
Tarrant County, TX, Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corp. Retirement Facility Rev. (Barton Creek Senior Living Center, Inc., Querencia Project), 5%, 11/15/2019      1,260,000       1,331,933  
Tarrant County, TX, Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corp. Retirement Facility Rev. (Barton Creek Senior Living Center, Inc., Querencia Project), 5%, 11/15/2020      785,000       847,282  
Tarrant County, TX, Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corp. Retirement Facility Rev. (Barton Creek Senior Living Center, Inc., Querencia Project), 5%, 11/15/2021      1,390,000       1,525,970  
Tarrant County, TX, Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corp. Retirement Facility Rev. (Barton Creek Senior Living Center, Inc., Querencia Project), 5%, 11/15/2022      1,460,000       1,625,111  
Tarrant County, TX, Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corp. Retirement Facility Rev. (Buckingham Senior Living Community, Inc. Project), 3.875%, 11/15/2020      275,000       275,030  
Tarrant County, TX, Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corp. Retirement Facility Rev. (Buckner Senior Living - Ventana Project), “B-3”, 3.875%, 11/15/2022      80,000       80,076  
Tarrant County, TX, Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corp. Rev. (Texas Health Resources), “A”, 5%, 2/15/2026      1,750,000       2,126,845  
Tarrant County, TX, Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corp., Retirement Facilities Rev. (Barton Creek Senior Living Center, Inc. Querencia Project), 5%, 11/15/2025      1,675,000       1,892,197  
Tarrant County, TX, Cultural Education Facilities, Finance Corp. Rev. (Trinity Terrace Project), “A-2”, 2.5%, 12/01/2018      3,325,000       3,328,192  

 

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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
Texas - continued                 
Texas Technical College System Rev., AGM, 5%, 10/15/2024    $ 1,425,000     $ 1,691,019  
Texas Technical College System Rev., AGM, 5%, 10/15/2025      1,550,000       1,860,031  
    

 

 

 
             $ 94,426,819  
U.S. Virgin Islands - 0.9%                 
Virgin Islands Public Finance Authority Rev. (Federal Highway Grant Anticipation Loan Note), 5%, 9/01/2023    $ 1,500,000     $ 1,669,155  
Virgin Islands Public Finance Authority Rev. (Federal Highway Grant Anticipation Loan Note), 5%, 9/01/2024      1,500,000       1,680,225  
Virgin Islands Public Finance Authority Rev., Senior Lien, “B”, AGM, 5%, 10/01/2025      3,625,000       3,809,259  
Virgin Islands Public Finance Authority Rev., Senior Lien, “A”, AGM, 5%, 10/01/2025      3,595,000       3,819,939  
Virgin Islands Public Finance Authority Rev., Senior Lien, “B”, AGM, 5%, 10/01/2019      5,000,000       5,237,800  
    

 

 

 
             $ 16,216,378  
Utah - 0.7%                 
Intermountain Power Agency, UT, Power Supply Rev., “A”, 5%, 7/01/2022    $ 750,000     $ 769,230  
Salt Lake City, UT, Airport Rev. (Salt Lake City International Airport), “A”, 5%, 7/01/2025      1,990,000       2,385,592  
Salt Lake City, UT, Airport Rev. (Salt Lake City International Airport), “A”, 5%, 7/01/2026      1,200,000       1,456,308  
Salt Lake City, UT, Airport Rev. (Salt Lake City International Airport), “A”, 5%, 7/01/2027      2,000,000       2,451,860  
Utah Board of Regents Student Loan Rev., “EE-2”, 5%, 11/01/2017      5,000,000       5,000,000  
    

 

 

 
             $ 12,062,990  
Vermont - 0.4%                 
Burlington, VT, Airport Rev., “A”, 5%, 7/01/2022    $ 2,050,000     $ 2,253,401  
Burlington, VT, Airport Rev., “A”, AGM, 5%, 7/01/2019      100,000       105,881  
State of Vermont, Student Assistance Corp. Education Loan     
Rev., “A”, 5%, 6/15/2023      1,000,000       1,129,160  
State of Vermont, Student Assistance Corp. Education Loan     
Rev., “A”, 5%, 6/15/2024      850,000       971,074  
State of Vermont, Student Assistance Corp. Education Loan     
Rev., “A”, 5%, 6/15/2025      875,000       1,004,937  
State of Vermont, Student Assistance Corp. Education Loan     
Rev., “A”, 5%, 6/15/2026      2,100,000       2,427,201  
    

 

 

 
             $ 7,891,654  

 

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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
Virginia - 1.6%                 
Commonwealth of Virginia, Transportation Board Grant Anticipation Rev., 5%, 9/15/2018    $ 500,000     $ 517,085  
Commonwealth of Virginia, Transportation Board Grant Anticipation Rev., A“, 5%, 3/15/2018      6,825,000       6,925,055  
Commonwealth of Virginia, Transportation Board Rev., Capital Projects, 5%, 5/15/2020      2,175,000       2,379,689  
Portsmouth, VA, Refunding and Public Improvement, ”A“, 5%, 2/01/2021      1,375,000       1,539,491  
Virginia Public Building Authority, Public Facilities Rev., ”B“, 5%, 8/01/2024      10,000,000       12,031,400  
Virginia Public School Authority, ”C“, 5%, 8/01/2018      1,000,000       1,029,310  
Virginia Small Business Financing Authority Rev. (Hampton University), 5%, 10/01/2020      1,150,000       1,259,837  
Virginia Small Business Financing Authority Rev. (Hampton University), 5%, 10/01/2021      1,000,000       1,121,200  
Virginia Small Business Financing Authority Rev. (Hampton University), 5%, 10/01/2022      750,000       856,680  
Washington County, VA, Hospital Facilities Industrial Development Authority Rev. (Mountain States Health Alliance), ”C“, 7.25%, 7/01/2019      420,000       447,602  
    

 

 

 
             $ 28,107,349  
Washington - 1.7%                 
Energy Northwest, WA, Wind Project Rev., 5%, 7/01/2018    $ 1,400,000     $ 1,434,580  
Energy Northwest, WA, Wind Project Rev., 5%, 7/01/2019      2,025,000       2,146,520  
Energy Northwest, WA, Wind Project Rev., 5%, 7/01/2020      2,230,000       2,428,738  
Energy Northwest, WA, Wind Project Rev., 5%, 7/01/2021      2,455,000       2,741,548  
Energy Northwest, WA, Wind Project Rev., 5%, 7/01/2022      2,000,000       2,282,140  
Energy Northwest, WA, Wind Project Rev., 5%, 7/01/2023      1,500,000       1,739,790  
Pierce County, WA, ”A“, 5%, 7/01/2022      3,290,000       3,781,131  
Port of Seattle, WA, Special Facilities Rev. (Seatac Fuel Facilities LLC), 5%, 6/01/2019      700,000       738,570  
Port of Seattle, WA, Special Facilities Rev. (Seatac Fuel Facilities LLC), 5%, 6/01/2020      1,175,000       1,277,765  
Port of Seattle, WA, Special Facilities Rev. (Seatac Fuel Facilities LLC), 5%, 6/01/2022      1,740,000       1,968,184  
Seattle, WA, Municipal Light & Power Rev., ”B“, 5%, 2/01/2018      4,000,000       4,039,240  
Washington Health Care Facilities Authority Rev. (Providence Health & Services), ”B“, 5%, 10/01/2042 (Put Date 10/01/2021)      1,000,000       1,129,740  
Washington Housing Finance Commission Nonprofit Housing Rev. (Emerald Heights Project), 5%, 7/01/2020      1,175,000       1,274,264  

 

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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
Washington - continued                 
Washington Housing Finance Community Nonprofit Housing Rev. (Heron’s Key Senior Living), ”B-3“, 4.375%, 1/01/2021    $ 680,000     $ 680,272  
Yakima County, WA, ”A“, AGM, 4%, 12/01/2017      2,300,000       2,305,543  
    

 

 

 
             $ 29,968,025  
Wisconsin - 1.5%                 
Wisconsin Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev.     
(Ascension Health Alliance Senior Credit Group), ”B“, 5%, 11/15/2043 (Put Date 6/01/2021)    $ 5,000,000     $ 5,621,000  
Wisconsin Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Aurora Healthcare, Inc.), ”A“, 5%, 7/15/2022      6,000,000       6,687,240  
Wisconsin Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Unity Point Health Facilities), ”A“, 5%, 12/01/2020      800,000       885,840  
Wisconsin Public Finance Authority Limited Obligation Grant Rev. (American Dreams at Meadowlands Project), ”A“, 6.25%, 8/01/2027      2,780,000       2,944,020  
Wisconsin Public Finance Authority Limited Obligation Grant Rev. (American Dreams at Meadowlands Project), ”A“, 5%, 12/01/2027      5,000,000       5,441,600  
Wisconsin Public Finance Authority Senior Living Refunding Bonds Rev. (Mary’s Woods at Marylhurst Project), ”B-2“, 3.5%, 11/15/2023      295,000       300,042  
Wisconsin Public Finance Authority Senior Living Refunding Bonds Rev. (Mary’s Woods at Marylhurst Project), ”B-3“, 3%, 11/15/2022      405,000       409,394  
Wisconsin Public Finance Authority, Airport Facilities Rev.     
(Transportation Infrastructure Properties LLC), ”B“, 5%, 7/01/2022      3,045,000       3,285,159  
    

 

 

 
             $ 25,574,295  
Total Municipal Bonds (Identified Cost, $1,659,207,606)     $ 1,689,765,493  
Other Municipal Bonds - 0.2%                 
Multi-Family Housing Revenue - 0.2%                 
Freddie Mac, 1.6% to 6/15/2022, FLR to 8/15/2051
(Identified Cost, $4,000,000)
     4,000,000     $ 3,926,680  
Investment Companies (h) - 3.2%                 
Money Market Funds - 3.2%                 
MFS Institutional Money Market Portfolio, 1.13% (v)
(Identified Cost, $56,886,122)
     56,886,538     $ 56,886,538  
Other Assets, Less Liabilities - (0.1)%              (2,576,358
Net Assets - 100.0%            $ 1,748,002,353  

 

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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

 

(h) 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. At period end, the aggregate values of the fund’s investments in affiliated issuers and in unaffiliated issuers were $56,886,538 and $1,693,692,173, respectively.
(v) Affiliated issuer 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.

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

 

AGM   Assured Guaranty Municipal
AMBAC   AMBAC Indemnity Corp.
ASSD GTY   Assured Guaranty Insurance Co.
BAM   Build America Mutual
CALHF   California Health Facility Construction Loan Insurance Program
COP   Certificate of Participation
ETM   Escrowed to Maturity
FGIC   Financial Guaranty Insurance Co.
FLR   Floating Rate. Interest rate resets periodically based on the parenthetically disclosed reference rate plus a spread (if any). The period-end rate reported may not be the current rate.
GNMA   Government National Mortgage Assn.
LOC   Letter of Credit
NATL   National Public Finance Guarantee Corp.
PSF   Permanent School Fund
SYNCORA   Syncora Guarantee Inc.
VRDN   Variable rate demand note that may be puttable to the issuer at the option of the holder. The stated interest rate, which generally resets either daily or weekly, represents the rate in effect at period end and may not be the current rate.

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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Financial Statements

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

At 10/31/17 (unaudited)

This statement represents your fund’s balance sheet, which details the assets and liabilities

comprising the total value of the fund.

 

Assets         

Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value (identified cost, $1,663,207,606)

     $1,693,692,173  

Investments in affiliated issuers, at value (identified cost, $56,886,122)

     56,886,538  

Receivables for

  

Investments sold

     11,862,788  

Fund shares sold

     5,080,262  

Interest

     20,793,488  

Other assets

     14  

Total assets

     $1,788,315,263  
Liabilities         

Payables for

  

Distributions

     $449,961  

Investments purchased

     36,015,488  

Fund shares reacquired

     3,197,925  

Payable to affiliates

  

Investment adviser

     38,912  

Shareholder servicing costs

     512,649  

Distribution and service fees

     12,171  

Payable for independent Trustees’ compensation

     1,592  

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

     84,212  

Total liabilities

     $40,312,910  

Net assets

     $1,748,002,353  
Net assets consist of         

Paid-in capital

     $1,725,297,860  

Unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     30,484,983  

Accumulated net realized gain (loss)

     (6,924,880

Accumulated distributions in excess of net investment income

     (855,610

Net assets

     $1,748,002,353  

Shares of beneficial interest outstanding

     214,709,391  

 

     Net assets      Shares
outstanding
     Net asset value
per share (a)
 

Class A

     $677,207,863        83,143,186        $8.15  

Class B

     1,237,873        152,149        8.14  

Class C

     119,438,511        14,655,306        8.15  

Class I

     950,068,268        116,752,622        8.14  

Class R6

     49,838        6,128        8.13  

 

(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 $8.65 [100 / 94.25 x $8.15]. 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 and R6. Net asset value per share is calculated using actual net assets and shares outstanding rather than amounts that have been rounded for presentation purposes.

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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Financial Statements

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Six months ended 10/31/17 (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 (loss)         

Income

  

Interest

     $23,230,546  

Dividends from affiliated issuers

     199,981  

Total investment income

     $23,430,527  

Expenses

  

Management fee

     $3,409,024  

Distribution and service fees

     1,456,942  

Shareholder servicing costs

     769,099  

Administrative services fee

     141,592  

Independent Trustees’ compensation

     20,491  

Custodian fee

     109,710  

Shareholder communications

     30,060  

Audit and tax fees

     27,058  

Legal fees

     10,058  

Miscellaneous

     119,231  

Total expenses

     $6,093,265  

Fees paid indirectly

     (612

Reduction of expenses by investment adviser and distributor

     (402,780

Net expenses

     $5,689,873  

Net investment income (loss)

     $17,740,654  
Realized and unrealized gain (loss)         

Realized gain (loss) (identified cost basis)

  

Unaffiliated issuers

     $2,162,755  

Affiliated issuers

     3,739  

Net realized gain (loss)

     $2,166,494  

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

  

Unaffiliated issuers

     $5,341,487  

Affiliated issuers

     (353

Net unrealized gain (loss)

     $5,341,134  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

     $7,507,628  

Change in net assets from operations

     $25,248,282  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

  

 

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Financial Statements

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

These statements describe the increases and/or decreases in net assets resulting from operations,

any distributions, and any shareholder transactions.

 

Change in net assets   

Six months ended
10/31/17

(unaudited)

    

Year ended
4/30/17

 
From operations                  

Net investment income (loss)

     $17,740,654        $31,288,084  

Net realized gain (loss)

     2,166,494        (4,299,515

Net unrealized gain (loss)

     5,341,134        (20,423,494

Change in net assets from operations

     $25,248,282        $6,565,075  
Distributions declared to shareholders                  

From net investment income

     $(17,932,930      $(30,938,335

Change in net assets from fund share transactions

     $87,172,561        $180,922,419  

Total change in net assets

     $94,487,913        $156,549,159  
Net assets                  

At beginning of period

     1,653,514,440        1,496,965,281  

At end of period (including accumulated distributions in excess of net investment income of $855,610 and $663,334, respectively)

     $1,748,002,353        $1,653,514,440  

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 that 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

10/31/17

(unaudited)

    Year ended  
Class A     4/30/17     4/30/16     4/30/15     4/30/14     4/30/13  
                                 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $8.11       $8.23       $8.16       $8.13       $8.28       $8.23  
Income (loss) from investment operations                          

Net investment income (loss) (d)

    $0.08       $0.16 (c)      $0.15       $0.13       $0.14       $0.17  

Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss)

    0.05       (0.12     0.06       0.03       (0.15     0.03  

Total from investment operations

    $0.13       $0.04       $0.21       $0.16       $(0.01     $0.20  
Less distributions declared to shareholders                          

From net investment income

    $(0.09     $(0.16     $(0.14     $(0.13     $(0.14     $(0.15

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $8.15       $8.11       $8.23       $8.16       $8.13       $8.28  

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

    1.56 (n)      0.47 (c)      2.63       1.94       (0.13     2.51  
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                         

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

    0.79 (a)      0.80 (c)      0.80       0.80       0.79       0.81  

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

    0.69 (a)      0.69 (c)      0.69       0.69       0.69       0.70  

Net investment income (loss)

    2.06 (a)      1.95 (c)      1.82       1.63       1.75       2.00  

Portfolio turnover

    14 (n)      27       24       15       34       11  

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $677,208       $647,875       $703,594       $677,065       $685,309       $737,158  

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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Financial Highlights – continued

 

   

Six months
ended
10/31/17

(unaudited)

    Year ended  
Class B     4/30/17     4/30/16     4/30/15     4/30/14     4/30/13  
                                 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $8.10       $8.22       $8.15       $8.12       $8.27       $8.22  
Income (loss) from investment operations                          

Net investment income (loss) (d)

    $0.05       $0.10 (c)      $0.09       $0.07       $0.08       $0.11  

Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss)

    0.05       (0.12     0.06       0.03       (0.15     0.03  

Total from investment operations

    $0.10       $(0.02     $0.15       $0.10       $(0.07     $0.14  
Less distributions declared to shareholders                          

From net investment income

    $(0.06     $(0.10     $(0.08     $(0.07     $(0.08     $(0.09

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $8.14       $8.10       $8.22       $8.15       $8.12       $8.27  

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

    1.17 (n)      (0.28 )(c)      1.87       1.18       (0.86     1.75  
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                         

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

    1.55 (a)      1.55 (c)      1.55       1.55       1.55       1.55  

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

    1.44 (a)      1.44 (c)      1.45       1.45       1.44       1.45  

Net investment income (loss)

    1.32 (a)      1.21 (c)      1.08       0.88       1.01       1.29  

Portfolio turnover

    14 (n)      27       24       15       34       11  

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $1,238       $1,367       $1,945       $1,708       $1,972       $1,394  

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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Financial Highlights – continued

 

   

Six months
ended
10/31/17

(unaudited)

    Year ended  
Class C     4/30/17     4/30/16     4/30/15     4/30/14     4/30/13  
                                 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $8.11       $8.24       $8.16       $8.13       $8.28       $8.24  
Income (loss) from investment operations                          

Net investment income (loss) (d)

    $0.05       $0.09 (c)      $0.08       $0.06       $0.07       $0.10  

Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss)

    0.04       (0.13     0.07       0.03       (0.15     0.02 (g) 

Total from investment operations

    $0.09       $(0.04     $0.15       $0.09       $(0.08     $0.12  
Less distributions declared to shareholders                          

From net investment income

    $(0.05     $(0.09     $(0.07     $(0.06     $(0.07     $(0.08

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $8.15       $8.11       $8.24       $8.16       $8.13       $8.28  

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

    1.12 (n)      (0.50 )(c)      1.88       1.08       (0.97     1.52  
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                         

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

    1.54 (a)      1.55 (c)      1.55       1.55       1.54       1.55  

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

    1.54 (a)      1.54 (c)      1.54       1.54       1.54       1.55  

Net investment income (loss)

    1.22 (a)      1.11 (c)      0.97       0.78       0.91       1.16  

Portfolio turnover

    14 (n)      27       24       15       34       11  

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $119,439       $128,146       $139,554       $140,213       $148,207       $183,295  

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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Financial Highlights – continued

 

   

Six months
ended
10/31/17

(unaudited)

    Year ended  
Class I     4/30/17     4/30/16     4/30/15     4/30/14     4/30/13  
                                 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $8.10       $8.22       $8.15       $8.12       $8.27       $8.23  
Income (loss) from investment operations                                  

Net investment income (loss) (d)

    $0.09       $0.17 (c)      $0.16       $0.14       $0.15       $0.18  

Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss)

    0.04       (0.12     0.06       0.03       (0.15     0.03  

Total from investment operations

    $0.13       $0.05       $0.22       $0.17       $0.00       $0.21  
Less distributions declared to shareholders                                  

From net investment income

    $(0.09     $(0.17     $(0.15     $(0.14     $(0.15     $(0.17

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $8.14       $8.10       $8.22       $8.15       $8.12       $8.27  

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

    1.63 (n)      0.61 (c)      2.79       2.10       0.02       2.54  
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                 

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

    0.54 (a)      0.55 (c)      0.55       0.55       0.54       0.56  

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

    0.54 (a)      0.54 (c)      0.54       0.54       0.54       0.55  

Net investment income (loss)

    2.21 (a)      2.11 (c)      1.96       1.77       1.88       2.14  

Portfolio turnover

    14 (n)      27       24       15       34       11  

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $950,068       $876,126       $651,872       $807,983       $678,857       $371,184  

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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Financial Highlights – continued

 

Class R6    Year ended
10/31/17 (i)
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

     $8.19  
Income (loss) from investment operations         

Net investment income (loss) (d)

     $0.03  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

     (0.06

Total from investment operations

     $(0.03
Less distributions declared to shareholders         

From net investment income

     $(0.03

Net asset value, end of period (x)

     $8.13  

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

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

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

     0.46 (a) 

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

     0.45 (a) 

Net investment income (loss)

     2.20 (a) 

Portfolio turnover

     14 (n) 

Net assets at end of period (000 omitted)

     $50  

 

(a) Annualized.
(c) Amount reflects a one-time reimbursement of expenses by the custodian (or former custodian) without which net investment income and performance would be lower and expenses would be higher.
(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 the period from the class inception, September 1, 2017, 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.
(x) The net asset values 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 Limited Maturity Fund (the fund) is a diversified series of MFS Series Trust IX (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 Standards 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, and political or economic developments in the region where the instrument is issued. 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.

In October 2016, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) released its Final Rule on Investment Company Reporting Modernization (the “Rule”). The Rule, which introduced two new regulatory reporting forms for investment companies – Form N-PORT and Form N-CEN – also contained amendments to Regulation S-X which impact financial statement presentation, particularly the presentation of derivative investments, for all reporting periods ending after August 1, 2017. The fund has adopted the Rule’s Regulation S-X amendments and believes that the fund’s financial statements are in compliance with those amendments.

In March 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2017-08, Receivables – Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20) – Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities (“ASU 2017-08”). For entities that hold callable

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

debt securities at a premium, ASU 2017-08 requires that the premium be amortized to the earliest call date. ASU 2017-08 will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Management is still evaluating the potential impacts of ASU 2017-08 but believes that adoption of ASU 2017-08 will not have a material effect on the fund’s overall financial position or its overall results of operations.

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, or similar 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, 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 may be 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

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

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. The following is a summary of the levels used as of October 31, 2017 in valuing the fund’s assets or liabilities:

 

Financial Instruments    Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  
Municipal Bonds      $—        $1,693,692,173        $—        $1,693,692,173  
Mutual Funds      56,886,538                      56,886,538  
Total      $56,886,538        $1,693,692,173        $—        $1,750,578,711  

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

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.

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

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

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 by a credit earned under an arrangement that measures the value of U.S. dollars deposited with the custodian by the fund. The amount of the credit, for the six months ended October 31, 2017, 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 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:

 

     Year ended
4/30/17
 
Ordinary income (including any
short-term capital gains)
     $10,677  
Tax-exempt income      30,927,658  
Total distributions      $30,938,335  

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

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

 

As of 10/31/17       
Cost of investments      $1,716,683,102  
Gross appreciation      36,891,306  
Gross depreciation      (2,995,697
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)      $33,895,609  
As of 4/30/17       
Undistributed ordinary income      67,058  
Undistributed tax-exempt income      2,093,582  
Capital loss carryforwards      (12,890,127
Other temporary differences      (2,823,974
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)      28,942,602  

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 April 30, 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 April 30, 2017, the fund had capital loss carryforwards available to offset future realized gains as follows:

 

Pre-enactment losses which
expire as follows:
 
4/30/18      $(126,716
Post-enactment losses which are
characterized as follows:
 
Short-Term      $(12,763,411

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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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

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
10/31/17 (i)
     Year
ended
4/30/17
 
Class A      $6,930,716        $13,676,488  
Class B      8,922        20,262  
Class C      768,628        1,490,183  
Class I      10,224,475        15,751,402  
Class R6      189         
Total      $17,932,930        $30,938,335  

 

(i) For Class R6, the period is from the class inception, September 1, 2017, through the stated period end.

(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 0.40% of the fund’s average daily net assets.

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 October 31, 2017, this management fee reduction amounted to $68,614, which is included in the reduction of total expenses in the Statement of Operations. The management fee incurred for the six months ended October 31, 2017 was equivalent to an annual effective rate of 0.39% of the fund’s average daily net assets.

For the period May 1, 2017 through August 27, 2017, the investment adviser had agreed in writing to pay a portion of the fund’s operating expenses, excluding management fee, distribution and service fee, program manager fees, interest, taxes, extraordinary expenses, brokerage and transaction costs and investment-related expenses, such that fund operating expenses did not exceed 0.15% annually of the fund’s average daily net assets. This written agreement was terminated on August 27, 2017. For the period May 1, 2017 through August 27, 2017, the fund’s actual operating expenses did not exceed the limit and therefore, the investment adviser did not pay any portion of the fund’s expenses related to this agreement.

Effective August 28, 2017, the investment adviser has agreed in writing to pay a portion of the fund’s total annual operating expenses, excluding interest, taxes, extraordinary expenses, brokerage and transaction costs, and investment-related expenses, 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     R6  
0.69%     1.44%       1.54%       0.54%       0.46%  

 

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This written agreement will continue until modified by the fund’s Board of Trustees, but such agreement will continue at least until August 31, 2018. For the period August 28, 2017 through October 31, 2017, the fund’s actual operating expenses did not exceed the limit and therefore, the investment advisor did not pay any portion of the fund’s expenses related to this agreement.

Distributor – MFS Fund Distributors, Inc. (MFD), a wholly-owned subsidiary of MFS, as distributor, received $34,749 for the six months ended October 31, 2017, 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%        0.15%        $830,610  
Class B      0.75%        0.25%        1.00%        0.90%        6,648  
Class C      0.75%        0.25%        1.00%        1.00%        619,684  
Total Distribution and Service Fees                 $1,456,942  

 

(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 October 31, 2017 based on each class’s average daily net assets. 0.10% of the Class A service fee is currently being waived under a written waiver arrangement. For the six months ended October 31, 2017, this waiver amounted to $332,241 and is included in the reduction of total expenses in the Statement of Operations. This written waiver agreement will continue until modified by the fund’s Board of Trustees, but such agreement will continue at least until August 31, 2018. For one year from the date of purchase of Class B shares, assets attributable to such Class B shares were subject to the 0.25% annual Class B service fee. On assets attributable to all other Class B shares, 0.15% of the Class B service fee was paid by the fund and 0.10% of the Class B service fee was being waived under a written waiver agreement. This agreement terminated on August 27, 2017. For the period May 1, 2017 through August 27, 2017, this waiver amounted to $374 and is included in the reduction of total expenses in the Statement of Operations. Effective August 28, 2017, MFD has agreed in writing to reduce the Class B service fee rate to 0.15% for all Class B shares. This written agreement will continue until modified by the fund’s Board of Trustees, but such agreement will continue at least until August 31, 2018. For the period August 28, 2017 to October 31, 2017, this waiver amounted to $276, and is included in the reduction of total expenses on 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%

 

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  service fee except for accounts attributable to MFS or its affiliates’ seed money. For the six months ended October 31, 2017, this rebate amounted to $1,269 and $6 for Class A 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. 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 October 31, 2017, were as follows:

 

     Amount  
Class A      $27,504  
Class B      213  
Class C      5,746  

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 October 31, 2017, the fee was $33,905, which equated to 0.0040% 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 R6 shares do not incur sub-accounting fees. For the six months ended October 31, 2017, these out-of-pocket expenses, sub-accounting and other shareholder servicing costs amounted to $735,194.

Administrator – MFS provides certain financial, legal, shareholder communications, compliance, and other administrative services to the fund. Under an administrative services agreement, the fund 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 October 31, 2017 was equivalent to an annual effective rate of 0.0166% 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. The DB plan resulted in a pension expense of $74 and is included in “Independent Trustees’ compensation” in

 

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the Statement of Operations for the six months ended October 31, 2017. The liability for deferred retirement benefits payable to certain independent Trustees under the DB plan amounted to $1,580 at October 31, 2017, 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 a service agreement (the ISO Agreement) which provides for payment of fees solely by the funds to Tarantino LLC in return for the provision of services of an Independent Senior Officer (ISO) for the funds. Frank L. Tarantino serves as the ISO and is an officer of the funds and the sole member of Tarantino LLC. The funds can terminate the ISO Agreement with Tarantino LLC at any time under the terms of the ISO Agreement. For the six months ended October 31, 2017, the fee paid by the fund under this agreement was $1,491 and is included in “Miscellaneous” expense in the Statement of Operations. MFS has agreed to bear all expenses associated with office space, other administrative support, and supplies provided to the ISO.

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. This money market fund does not pay a management fee to MFS.

On October 31, 2017, MFS purchased 6,105 shares of Class R6 for an aggregate amount of $50,000 as an initial investment in the class.

At October 31, 2017, MFS held approximately 100% of the outstanding shares of Class R6.

The fund is permitted to engage in purchase and sale transactions with funds and accounts for which MFS serves as investment adviser or sub-adviser (“cross-trades”) pursuant to a policy adopted by the Board of Trustees. This policy has been designed to ensure that cross-trades conducted by the fund comply with Rule 17a-7 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Under this policy, cross-trades are effected at current market prices with no remuneration paid in connection with the transaction. During the six months ended October 31, 2017, the fund engaged in purchase transactions pursuant to this policy, which amounted to $10,004.

(4) Portfolio Securities

For the six months ended October 31, 2017, purchases and sales of investments, other than short-term obligations, aggregated $308,895,024 and $227,902,766 respectively.

 

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(5) Shares of Beneficial Interest

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

 

     Six months ended
10/31/17 (i)
     Year ended
4/30/17
 
     Shares      Amount      Shares      Amount  
Shares sold            

Class A

     13,053,758        $106,566,895        37,290,782        $303,326,566  

Class B

     1,608        13,107        22,597        181,428  

Class C

     917,278        7,491,296        2,779,373        22,719,404  

Class I

     24,305,437        198,277,896        65,802,877        533,188,265  

Class R6

     6,105        50,000                
     38,284,186        $312,399,194        105,895,629        $859,415,663  
Shares issued to shareholders in reinvestment of distributions            

Class A

     781,109        $6,376,499        1,523,843        $12,417,927  

Class B

     894        7,291        1,977        16,098  

Class C

     82,101        670,775        156,105        1,272,227  

Class I

     999,073        8,147,273        1,487,630        12,094,973  

Class R6

     23        189                
     1,863,200        $15,202,027        3,169,555        $25,801,225  
Shares reacquired            

Class A

     (10,594,318      $(86,517,763      (44,378,845      $(359,627,209

Class B

     (19,186      (156,402      (92,267      (747,652

Class C

     (2,139,203      (17,469,570      (4,083,119      (33,187,772

Class I

     (16,707,735      (136,284,925      (38,400,449      (310,731,836
     (29,460,442      $(240,428,660      (86,954,680      $(704,294,469
Net change            

Class A

     3,240,549        $26,425,631        (5,564,220      $(43,882,716

Class B

     (16,684      (136,004      (67,693      (550,126

Class C

     (1,139,824      (9,307,499      (1,147,641      (9,196,141

Class I

     8,596,775        70,140,244        28,890,058        234,551,402  

Class R6

     6,128        50,189                
     10,686,944        $87,172,561        22,110,504        $180,922,419  

 

(i) For Class R6, the period is from the class inception, September 1, 2017, through the stated period end.

Effective May 1, 2006, the sale of Class B shares of the fund have been suspended except in certain circumstances. Please see the fund’s prospectus for details.

Class T shares were not publicly available for sale during the period. Please see the fund’s prospectus for details.

 

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(6) Line of Credit

The fund and certain other funds managed by MFS participate in a $1.25 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 Overnight Federal Reserve funds rate or daily 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 Overnight Federal Reserve funds rate plus an agreed upon spread. For the six months ended October 31, 2017, the fund’s commitment fee and interest expense were $5,957 and $0, respectively, and are included in “Miscellaneous” expense in the Statement of Operations.

(7) Investments in 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:

 

Affiliated Issuers          Beginning
Shares/Par
Amount
    Acquisitions
Shares/Par
Amount
    Dispositions
Shares/Par
Amount
    Ending
Shares/Par
Amount
 
MFS Institutional Money Market Portfolio       7,703,418       264,318,221       (215,135,101     56,886,538  
Affiliated Issuers   Realized
Gain (Loss)
    Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
    Capital Gain
Distributions
    Dividend
Income
    Ending
Value
 
MFS Institutional Money Market Portfolio     $3,739       $(353     $—       $199,981       $56,886,538  

 

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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, 2017 (“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 Senior Officer, a 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 Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (“Broadridge”), an independent third party, on the investment performance of the Fund for various time periods ended December 31, 2016 and the investment performance of a group of funds with substantially similar investment classifications/objectives (the “Lipper performance universe”), (ii) information provided by Broadridge on the Fund’s advisory fees and other expenses and the advisory fees and other expenses of comparable funds identified by Broadridge (the “Broadridge expense group”), (iii) information provided by MFS on the advisory fees of 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,

 

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administrative and other services to the Fund and the other MFS Funds. The comparative performance, fee and expense information prepared and provided by Broadridge 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 Broadridge 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, 2016, 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 2nd quintile for the one-year period and the 3rd quintile for the five-year period ended December 31, 2016 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 Broadridge. The Trustees considered that MFS currently observes an expense limitation for the Fund, and that MFS Fund Distributors, Inc. (“MFD”), an affiliate of MFS, currently observes a Class A 12b-1 fee waiver, each of which may not be changed without the Trustees’ approval. The Trustees also considered that, according to the data provided by Broadridge (which takes into account any fee reductions or expense

 

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limitations that were in effect during the Fund’s last fiscal year), the Fund’s effective advisory fee rate was approximately at the Broadridge expense group median and the Fund’s total expense ratio was lower than the Broadridge expense group median.

The Trustees also considered the advisory fees charged by MFS to any institutional separate accounts advised by MFS (“separate accounts”) and unaffiliated investment companies for which MFS serves as subadviser (“subadvised funds”) that have comparable investment strategies to the Fund, if any. 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, as well as the more extensive regulatory burdens imposed on MFS in managing the Fund, in comparison to separate accounts and subadvised funds. The Trustees also considered 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 in comparison to separate 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 not subject to any breakpoints. Taking into account the expense limitation noted above, the Trustees determined not to recommend any advisory fee breakpoints for the Fund at this time. 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 group fee waiver was 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.

 

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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 MFD. 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, 2017.

 

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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 mfs.com/proxyvoting, 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 by August 31 of each year without charge by visiting mfs.com/proxyvoting, 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 at https://www.mfs.com/en-us/what-we-do/announcements.html or at mfs.com/openendfunds by choosing the fund’s name.

 

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INFORMATION ABOUT FUND CONTRACTS AND LEGAL CLAIMS

The fund has entered into contractual arrangements with an investment adviser, administrator, distributor, shareholder servicing agent, 529 program manager (if applicable), and custodian who each provide services to the fund. Unless expressly stated otherwise, shareholders are not parties to, or intended beneficiaries of these contractual arrangements, and these contractual arrangements are not intended to create any shareholder right to enforce them against the service providers or to seek any remedy under them against the service providers, either directly or on behalf of the fund.

Under the Trust’s By-Laws and Declaration of Trust, any claims asserted against or on behalf of the MFS Funds, including claims against Trustees and Officers, must be brought in state and federal courts located within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

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

October 31, 2017

 

LOGO

 

MFS® TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND

 

LOGO

 

RBF-SEM

 


Table of Contents

MFS® TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND

 

CONTENTS

 

Letter from the Executive Chairman     1  
Portfolio composition     2  
Expense table     4  
Portfolio of investments     6  
Statement of assets and liabilities     23  
Statement of operations     25  
Statements of changes in net assets     26  
Financial highlights     27  
Notes to financial statements     40  
Board review of investment advisory agreement     55  
Proxy voting policies and information     59  
Quarterly portfolio disclosure     59  
Further information     59  
Information about fund contracts and legal claims     60  
Provision of financial reports and summary prospectuses     60  
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 MAY LOSE VALUE NO BANK GUARANTEE



Table of Contents

LOGO

 

LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN

 

Dear Shareholders:

Despite policy uncertainty accompanying a new presidential administration in the United States and unease over ongoing Brexit negotiations, most markets have proved

resilient. U.S. share prices have reached new highs in recent months although the U.S. Federal Reserve has continued to gradually hike interest rates and has begun to shrink its balance sheet. However, rates in most developed markets remain very low, with major central banks outside of the U.S. just now beginning to contemplate curbing accommodative monetary policies.

Globally, we’ve experienced a year-long synchronized upturn in economic growth. Despite better growth, there are few immediate signs of worrisome inflation amid muted wage gains around the world. Emerging market economies have been boosted in part by

a weaker U.S. dollar and are recovering despite lingering concerns over the potential for restrictive U.S. trade policies. Commodity markets have recovered somewhat in response to solid global demand and robust global trade, though not enough to rekindle inflation fears.

At MFS®, we believe having a disciplined, long-term investment approach through a full market cycle is essential to capturing the best opportunities while also managing risk. In our view, such a strategy, along with the professional guidance of a financial advisor, will help you reach your investment objectives.

Respectfully,

 

LOGO

Robert J. Manning

Executive Chairman

MFS Investment Management

December 15, 2017

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

 

Fixed income sectors (i)  
Investment Grade Corporates     34.2%  
U.S. Treasury Securities     23.4%  
Mortgage-Backed Securities     16.7%  
Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities     8.5%  
Collateralized Debt Obligations     5.5%  
High Yield Corporates     4.4%  
Asset-Backed Securities     2.4%  
U.S. Government Agencies     1.2%  
Emerging Markets Bonds     0.7%  
Municipal Bonds     0.6%  
Composition including fixed income credit quality (a)(i)  
AAA     12.5%  
AA     3.4%  
A     15.4%  
BBB     20.1%  
BB     3.3%  
B     1.3%  
CCC (o)     0.0%  
CC (o)     0.0%  
C (o)     0.0%  
D     0.1%  
U.S. Government     24.6%  
Federal Agencies     17.9%  
Not Rated     (1.0)%  
Cash & Cash Equivalents     1.2%  
Other     1.2%  
Portfolio facts (i)  
Average Duration (d)     5.7  
Average Effective Maturity (m)     8.8 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. U.S. Government includes securities issued by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Federal Agencies includes rated and unrated U.S. Agency fixed-income securities, U.S. Agency mortgage-backed securities, and collateralized mortgage obligations of U.S. Agency mortgage-backed securities. Not Rated includes fixed income securities, including fixed income futures contracts, which have not been rated by any rating agency. The fund may or may not have held all of these instruments on this date. 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.

 

2


Table of Contents

Portfolio Composition – continued

 

(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%.

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

Cash & Cash Equivalents includes any cash, investments in money market funds, short-term securities, and other assets less liabilities. Please see the Statement of Assets and Liabilities for additional information related to the fund’s cash position and other assets and liabilities.

Other includes equivalent exposure from currency derivatives and/or any offsets to derivative positions.

Percentages are based on net assets as of October 31, 2017.

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, May 1, 2017 through October 31, 2017

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 May 1, 2017 through October 31, 2017.

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

5/01/17

   

Ending

Account Value

10/31/17

   

Expenses

Paid During
Period (p)

5/01/17-10/31/17

 
A   Actual     0.74%       $1,000.00       $1,018.80       $3.77  
  Hypothetical (h)     0.74%       $1,000.00       $1,021.48       $3.77  
B   Actual     1.49%       $1,000.00       $1,014.99       $7.57  
  Hypothetical (h)     1.49%       $1,000.00       $1,017.69       $7.58  
C   Actual     1.59%       $1,000.00       $1,014.48       $8.07  
  Hypothetical (h)     1.59%       $1,000.00       $1,017.19       $8.08  
I   Actual     0.59%       $1,000.00       $1,019.56       $3.00  
  Hypothetical (h)     0.59%       $1,000.00       $1,022.23       $3.01  
R1   Actual     1.59%       $1,000.00       $1,015.42       $8.08  
  Hypothetical (h)     1.59%       $1,000.00       $1,017.19       $8.08  
R2   Actual     1.09%       $1,000.00       $1,017.03       $5.54  
  Hypothetical (h)     1.09%       $1,000.00       $1,019.71       $5.55  
R3   Actual     0.84%       $1,000.00       $1,018.29       $4.27  
  Hypothetical (h)     0.84%       $1,000.00       $1,020.97       $4.28  
R4   Actual     0.59%       $1,000.00       $1,019.56       $3.00  
  Hypothetical (h)     0.59%       $1,000.00       $1,022.23       $3.01  
R6   Actual     0.48%       $1,000.00       $1,020.12       $2.44  
  Hypothetical (h)     0.48%       $1,000.00       $1,022.79       $2.45  
529A   Actual     0.76%       $1,000.00       $1,019.64       $3.87  
  Hypothetical (h)     0.76%       $1,000.00       $1,021.37       $3.87  
529B   Actual     1.64%       $1,000.00       $1,014.23       $8.33  
  Hypothetical (h)     1.64%       $1,000.00       $1,016.94       $8.34  
529C   Actual     1.64%       $1,000.00       $1,014.23       $8.33  
  Hypothetical (h)     1.64%       $1,000.00       $1,016.94       $8.34  

 

(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 184/365 (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 and are outside of the expense limitation arrangement. For Class 529A shares, this rebate reduced the expense ratio above by 0.03%. See Note 3 in the Notes to Financial Statements for additional information.

 

5


Table of Contents

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS

10/31/17 (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 - 98.1%                 
Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Aerospace - 0.4%                 
Lockheed Martin Corp., 4.7%, 5/15/2046    $ 7,505,000     $ 8,463,981  
TransDigm, Inc., 6.5%, 7/15/2024      10,772,000       11,122,090  
    

 

 

 
             $ 19,586,071  
Asset-Backed & Securitized - 16.3%                 
Allegro CLO Ltd., 2014-1A, “A2R”, FLR, 3.013%, (U.S. LIBOR-3mo. + 1.65%) 1/21/2027 (n)    $ 14,040,367     $ 14,163,824  
Allegro CLO Ltd., 2014-1A, “BR”, FLR, 3.763%, (U.S. LIBOR-3mo. + 2.4%) 1/21/2027 (n)      12,968,776       13,097,154  
ALM V Ltd., 2012-5A, “A2R3”, FLR, 2.603% (U.S. LIBOR-3mo. + 1.25%), 10/18/2027 (z)      8,340,000       8,328,144  
ALM V Ltd., 2012-5A, “BR3”, FLR, 3.004%, (U.S. LIBOR-3mo. + 1.7%) 10/18/2027 (z)      3,070,000       3,063,653  
ARI Fleet Lease Trust, 2016-A, “A2”, 1.82%, 7/15/2024 (n)      3,969,801       3,970,688  
Babson CLO Ltd., 2013-IIA, “BR”, FLR, 3.604%, (U.S. LIBOR-3mo. + 2.25%) 1/18/2025 (n)      6,218,713       6,223,937  
Babson CLO Ltd., 2014-IIA, “CR”, FLR, 3.553%, (U.S. LIBOR-3mo. + 2.2%) 10/17/2026 (n)      7,130,000       7,188,359  
Babson Ltd., CLO, FLR, 2.463%, (U.S. LIBOR-3mo. + 1.1%) 4/20/2025 (n)      10,881,881       10,929,620  
Ballyrock Ltd., CLO, FLR, 2.496%, (U.S. LIBOR-3mo. + 1.18%) 5/20/2025 (z)      5,773,380       5,795,204  
Bayview Commercial Asset Trust, 0%, 4/25/2036 (i)(z)      6,124,526       1  
Bayview Commercial Asset Trust, 0%, 12/25/2036 (i)(z)      4,804,421       480  
Bayview Commercial Asset Trust, FLR, 1.548%, (LIBOR-1mo. + 0.31%) 8/25/2035 (z)      241,588       228,927  
Bayview Commercial Asset Trust, FLR, 1.508%, (LIBOR-1mo. + 0.27%) 4/25/2036 (z)      197,757       186,909  
Bayview Financial Acquisition Trust, 5.638%, 11/28/2036      473,649       468,877  
Bayview Financial Revolving Mortgage Loan Trust, FLR, 2.842%, (LIBOR-1mo. + 1.6%) 12/28/2040 (z)      1,986,545       1,720,156  
Carlyle Global Market Strategies, 2013-3A, “A1A”, FLR, 2.479%, (U.S. LIBOR-3mo. + 1.12%) 7/15/2025 (z)      7,576,241       7,602,258  
Cavalry CLO IV Ltd., 2014-4A, “B1R”, FLR, 2.709% (U.S. LIBOR-3mo. + 1.35%), 10/15/2026 (z)      6,670,000       6,663,575  
Cavalry CLO IV Ltd./Cavalry CLO IV LLC, FLR, 3.259%, (U.S. LIBOR-3mo. + 1.9%) 10/15/2026 (z)      5,560,000       5,549,561  
Cavalry CLO IV Ltd./Cavalry CLO IV LLC, FLR, 3.259%, (U.S. LIBOR-3mo. + 1.9%) 10/15/2026 (z)      7,790,000       7,777,373  

 

6


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Bonds - continued                 
Asset-Backed & Securitized - continued                 
Cent CLO LP, 2014-16AR, “A1AR”, FLR, 2.626%, (U.S. LIBOR-3mo. + 1.25%) 8/01/2024 (n)    $ 4,767,026     $ 4,781,690  
Cent CLO LP, 2014-21A, “A2AR”, FLR, 3.074%, (U.S. LIBOR-3mo. + 1.7%) 7/27/2026 (n)      11,508,562       11,583,134  
Chesapeake Funding II LLC, 2016-1A, “A1”, 2.11%, 3/15/2028 (n)      8,800,202       8,820,223  
Chesapeake Funding II LLC, 2017-4A, “A1”, 2.12%, 11/15/2029 (z)      14,025,000       14,023,499  
Citigroup Commercial Mortgage Trust 2017-C4, 3.471%, 10/12/2050      19,556,963       20,161,195  
Citigroup Commercial Mortgage Trust, 2014-GC25, “A4”, 3.635%, 10/10/2047      4,461,971       4,672,192  
Citigroup Commercial Mortgage Trust, 2015-GC27, “A5”, 3.137%, 2/10/2048      11,154,926       11,297,409  
Commercial Mortgage Asset Trust, 0.994%, 1/17/2032 (i)(z)      269,628       82  
Commercial Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, “A4”, 3.183%, 2/10/2048      9,743,000       9,920,425  
Commercial Mortgage Trust, 2014-CR19, “A5”, 3.796%, 8/10/2047      14,087,504       14,849,862  
Commercial Mortgage Trust, 2014-UBS4, “A5”, 3.694%, 8/10/2047      11,544,000       12,086,852  
Commercial Mortgage Trust, 2015-CR22, “A5”, 3.309%, 3/10/2048      10,360,000       10,618,962  
Commercial Mortgage Trust, 2015-DC1, “A5”, 3.35%, 2/10/2048      9,577,577       9,817,535  
Commercial Mortgage Trust, 2015-LC21, “A4”, 3.708%, 7/10/2048      9,963,398       10,471,993  
Commercial Mortgage Trust, 2015-PC1, “A5”, 3.902%, 7/10/2050      4,781,393       5,067,155  
Commercial Mortgage Trust, 2016-COR1, “A4”, 3.091%, 10/10/2049      19,844,365       19,884,125  
Commercial Mortgage Trust, 2017-CD4, “A4”, 3.514%, 5/10/2050      17,818,591       18,272,145  
Commercial Mortgage Trust, 2017-COR2, “A3”, 3.51%, 9/10/2050      26,790,000       27,697,227  
Countrywide Asset-Backed Certificates, 4.708%, 4/25/2036      223,502       204,675  
Credit-Based Asset Servicing & Securitization LLC, 3.858%, 12/25/2035      241,001       240,060  
Credit-Based Asset Servicing & Securitization LLC, 3.755%, 1/25/2037 (q)      1,472,094       715,631  
Credit-Based Asset Servicing & Securitization LLC, 3.85%, 3/25/2037 (q)      1,640,758       909,847  
CSAIL Commercial Mortgage Trust, 2015-C2, “A4”, 3.504%, 6/15/2057      3,687,246       3,812,760  

 

7


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Bonds - continued                 
Asset-Backed & Securitized - continued                 
Cutwater Ltd., 2014-1A, “BR”, FLR, 3.759%, (U.S. LIBOR-3mo. + 2.4%) 7/15/2026 (n)    $ 5,280,000     $ 5,289,668  
Drive Auto Receivables Trust, 2017-1, “C”, 2.84%, 4/15/2022      7,678,000       7,738,166  
Eaton Vance CLO Ltd., 2014-1A, “CR”, FLR, 3.609%, (U.S. LIBOR-3mo. + 2.25%) 7/15/2026 (n)      7,930,434       7,940,204  
Falcon Franchise Loan LLC, 7.72%, 1/05/2023 (i)(z)      10,183       410  
First Union-Lehman Brothers Bank of America, 0.598%, 11/18/2035 (i)      794,078       7,572  
Flatiron CLO Ltd., 2013-1A, “A1R”, FLR, 2.513%, (U.S. LIBOR-3mo. + 1.16%) 1/17/2026 (n)      12,055,253       12,109,791  
Flatiron CLO Ltd., 2015-1A, “BR”, FLR, 2.759%, (U.S. LIBOR-3mo. + 1.4%) 4/15/2027 (n)      18,297,137       18,296,207  
Flatiron CLO Ltd., 2015-1A, “CR”, FLR, 3.259%, (U.S. LIBOR-3mo. + 1.9%) 4/15/2027 (n)      4,000,000       3,999,785  
Ford Credit Auto Owner Trust, 2014-1, “A”, 2.26%, 11/15/2025 (n)      5,379,000       5,411,554  
Ford Credit Auto Owner Trust, 2014-2,“A”, 2.31%, 4/15/2026 (n)      13,841,000       13,929,394  
Galaxy CLO Ltd., 2013-16A, “CR”, FLR, 3.564%, (LIBOR-3mo. + 2.25%) 11/16/2025 (n)      9,940,000       9,966,570  
GMAC Mortgage Corp. Loan Trust, 5.805%, 10/25/2036      545,947       553,585  
GMF Floorplan Owner Revolving Trust, 2017-1, “A2”, FLR, 1.809%, (LIBOR-1mo. + 0.57%) 1/18/2022 (n)      28,421,000       28,576,901  
GMF Floorplan Owner Revolving Trust, 2017-2, “C”, 2.63%, 7/15/2022 (z)      8,001,000       7,961,778  
Goldentree Loan Opportunities Ltd., 2014-8A, “B1R”, FLR, 2.907%, (U.S. LIBOR-3mo. + 1.55%) 4/19/2026 (n)      5,035,669       5,037,502  
GS Mortgage Securities Trust, 2015-GC30, “A4”, 3.382%, 5/10/2050      11,461,699       11,795,652  
GS Mortgage Securities Trust, 2017-GS6, “A3”, 3.433%, 5/10/2050      29,467,329       30,258,462  
GS Mortgage Securities Trust, 2017-GS7, “A4”, 3.43%, 8/10/2050      31,130,000       31,978,243  
HarbourView CLO VII Ltd., 7A, “CR”, FLR, 3.697%, (U.S. LIBOR-3mo. + 2.38%) 11/18/2026 (n)      8,220,000       8,221,537  
IMPAC CMB Trust, FLR, 1.978%, (U.S. LIBOR-1mo. + 0.74%) 11/25/2034      73,305       72,917  
IMPAC CMB Trust, FLR, 2.158%, (U.S. LIBOR-1mo. + 0.92%) 11/25/2034      36,652       35,618  
IMPAC Secured Assets Corp., FLR, 1.588%, (U.S. LIBOR-1mo. + 0.35%) 5/25/2036      309,748       294,414  
JPMBB Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust, 2014-C26, 3.494%, 1/15/2048      13,025,174       13,480,972  
JPMBB Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust, 2015-C28, “A4”, 3.227%, 10/15/2048      23,872,958       24,284,105  

 

8


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Bonds - continued                 
Asset-Backed & Securitized - continued                 
JPMBB Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust, 2017-C7, 3.409%, 10/15/2050    $ 11,500,000     $ 11,797,100  
JPMorgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Corp., 5.574%, 7/15/2042 (n)(q)      1,382,653       579,226  
JPMorgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Corp., 3.454%, 9/15/2050      12,800,212       13,200,023  
JPMorgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Trust, 2007-LD11, “AM”, 5.99%, 6/15/2049      6,979,351       7,147,484  
Lehman Brothers Commercial Conduit Mortgage Trust, 1.497%, 10/15/2035 (i)      784,287       6,053  
Loomis, Sayles & Co., CLO, “A1”, FLR, 2.889%, (U.S. LIBOR-3mo. + 1.53%) 10/15/2027 (n)      19,665,011       19,788,332  
Merrill Lynch Mortgage Investors, Inc., 4.26%, 2/25/2037 (q)      2,030,009       416,751  
Morgan Stanley Bank of America Merrill Lynch Trust, 2015-C21, “A4”, 3.338%, 3/15/2048      8,114,737       8,323,790  
Morgan Stanley Bank of America Merrill Lynch Trust, 2017-C34, “A4”, 3.536%, 10/15/2026      34,856,806       36,257,328  
Morgan Stanley Capital I Trust, 2017-H1, “A5”, 3.53%, 6/15/2050      26,134,745       27,061,875  
Morgan Stanley Capital I, Inc., 1.663%, 3/15/2031 (i)(z)      112,587       1  
Motor PLC, 2015-1A, “A1”, FLR, 1.838%, (U.S. LIBOR-1mo. + 0.6%) 6/25/2022 (n)      466,963       467,014  
NextGear Floorplan Master Owner Trust, 2015-2A, “A”, 2.38%, 10/15/2020 (n)      12,068,000       12,100,232  
Nissan Master Owner Trust Receivables 2015, “A-2”, 1.44%, 1/15/2020      11,785,000       11,783,665  
Oaktree CLO Ltd., 2014-2A, “BR”, FLR, 3.913%, (U.S. LIBOR-3mo. + 2.55%) 10/20/2026 (n)      2,795,000       2,820,429  
OCP CLO Ltd., 2015-9A, “A2R”, 0%, 7/15/2027 (z)      13,240,000       13,240,000  
Option One Mortgage Loan Trust, 5.611%, 1/25/2037 (q)      305,867       303,572  
Ownit Mortgage Loan Asset-Backed Certificates, 3.38%, 10/25/2035 (q)      678,901       433,361  
Preferred Term Securities XIX Ltd., CDO, FLR, 1.673%, (U.S. LIBOR-3mo. + 0.35%) 12/22/2035 (z)      5,258,329       4,601,038  
Race Point CLO Ltd., 2013-8A, “AR”, FLR, 2.656%, (U.S. LIBOR-3mo. + 1.34%) 2/20/2030 (n)      11,190,527       11,299,697  
Residential Funding Mortgage Securities, Inc., 5.32%, 12/25/2035      2,378,172       2,245,517  
Shackleton CLO Ltd., 2014-6A, “CR”, FLR, 3.603%, (U.S. LIBOR-3mo. + 2.25%) 7/17/2026 (n)      9,257,351       9,307,331  
Silver Spring CLO Ltd., 2014-1A, “C2R”, 4.561%, 10/15/2026 (n)      6,065,000       6,031,078  
Thornburg Mortgage Securities Trust, FLR, 1.918%, (U.S. LIBOR-1mo. + 0.68%) 4/25/2043      7,905       7,861  

 

9


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Bonds - continued                 
Asset-Backed & Securitized - continued                 
Voya CLO Ltd., 2013-3A, “BR”, FLR, 3.504%, (U.S. LIBOR-3mo. + 2.15%) 1/18/2026 (n)    $ 11,625,000     $ 11,640,113  
Wells Fargo Commercial Mortgage Trust, 2015-C28, “A4”, 3.54%, 5/15/2048      15,451,790       16,088,433  
Wells Fargo Commercial Mortgage Trust, 2016-LC25, “A4”, 3.64%, 12/15/2059      25,027,917       26,159,602  
West CLO Ltd., 2014-1A, “A2R”, FLR, 2.704%, (U.S. LIBOR-3mo. + 1.35%) 7/18/2026 (n)      16,679,192       16,679,092  
West CLO Ltd., 2014-1A, “CR”, FLR, 4.354%, (U.S. LIBOR-3mo. + 3%) 7/18/2026 (n)      3,420,000       3,456,070  
    

 

 

 
             $ 843,350,453  
Automotive - 0.5%                 
General Motors Co., 4.875%, 10/02/2023    $ 5,739,000     $ 6,257,461  
General Motors Co., 5.2%, 4/01/2045      4,792,000       4,902,716  
General Motors Financial Co., Inc., 3.45%, 4/10/2022      8,435,000       8,623,406  
General Motors Financial Co., Inc., 4%, 10/06/2026      6,951,000       7,009,281  
    

 

 

 
             $ 26,792,864  
Biotechnology - 0.4%                 
Life Technologies Corp., 5%, 1/15/2021    $ 18,787,000     $ 20,078,921  
Broadcasting - 0.1%                 
Time Warner, Inc., 3.8%, 2/15/2027    $ 5,558,000     $ 5,555,577  
Brokerage & Asset Managers - 1.4%                 
Charles Schwab Corp., 3.2%, 3/02/2027    $ 17,641,000     $ 17,798,318  
Intercontinental Exchange, Inc., 3.1%, 9/15/2027      15,960,000       15,897,692  
Raymond James Financial, 3.625%, 9/15/2026      4,094,000       4,133,662  
Raymond James Financial, 4.95%, 7/15/2046      16,355,000       17,970,813  
TD Ameritrade Holding Corp., 5.6%, 12/01/2019      5,050,000       5,412,380  
TD Ameritrade Holding Corp., 2.95%, 4/01/2022      4,376,000       4,461,494  
TD Ameritrade Holding Corp., 3.3%, 4/01/2027      5,845,000       5,917,351  
    

 

 

 
             $ 71,591,710  
Building - 0.7%                 
Martin Marietta Materials, Inc., 4.25%, 7/02/2024    $ 12,268,000     $ 12,981,468  
Martin Marietta Materials, Inc., 3.45%, 6/01/2027      2,718,000       2,697,332  
Masco Corp., 4.375%, 4/01/2026      11,111,000       11,814,437  
Standard Industries, Inc., 5.375%, 11/15/2024 (n)      5,145,000       5,427,461  
Standard Industries, Inc., 6%, 10/15/2025 (n)      5,145,000       5,563,031  
    

 

 

 
             $ 38,483,729  

 

10


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Bonds - continued                 
Business Services - 0.3%                 
Equinix, Inc., 5.375%, 5/15/2027    $ 3,584,000     $ 3,839,360  
Fidelity National Information Services, Inc., 3%, 8/15/2026      14,166,000       13,746,081  
    

 

 

 
             $ 17,585,441  
Cable TV - 2.3%                 
CCO Holdings LLC/CCO Holdings Capital Corp., 5.75%, 1/15/2024    $ 5,556,000     $ 5,771,295  
Charter Communications Operating LLC/Charter Communications Operating Capital Corp., 4.908%, 7/23/2025      10,635,000       11,313,716  
Comcast Corp., 3.15%, 2/15/2028      47,865,000       47,455,199  
Cox Communications, Inc., 3.15%, 8/15/2024 (n)      14,525,000       14,410,017  
Sirius XM Radio, Inc., 5.375%, 7/15/2026 (n)      11,390,000       12,002,213  
Time Warner Cable, Inc., 4.5%, 9/15/2042      10,161,000       9,357,009  
Time Warner Entertainment Co. LP, 8.375%, 7/15/2033      4,688,000       6,380,196  
Videotron Ltd., 5%, 7/15/2022      9,853,000       10,641,240  
    

 

 

 
             $ 117,330,885  
Computer Software - 1.0%                 
Microsoft Corp., 2%, 8/08/2023    $ 14,694,000     $ 14,340,211  
Microsoft Corp., 3.125%, 11/03/2025      14,939,000       15,357,481  
Microsoft Corp., 4.1%, 2/06/2037      13,341,000       14,586,697  
VeriSign, Inc., 4.625%, 5/01/2023      9,001,000       9,282,281  
    

 

 

 
             $ 53,566,670  
Computer Software - Systems - 0.7%                 
Apple, Inc., 3.35%, 2/09/2027    $ 10,772,000     $ 11,053,317  
Apple, Inc., 2.9%, 9/12/2027      14,444,000       14,339,767  
Apple, Inc., 4.375%, 5/13/2045      6,657,000       7,316,603  
Apple, Inc., 4.25%, 2/09/2047      2,472,000       2,650,655  
    

 

 

 
             $ 35,360,342  
Conglomerates - 0.2%                 
Johnson Controls International PLC, 5.7%, 3/01/2041    $ 3,439,000     $ 4,018,334  
Johnson Controls International PLC, 4.625%, 7/02/2044      3,760,000       4,042,518  
Johnson Controls International PLC, 4.5%, 2/15/2047      2,023,000       2,126,662  
    

 

 

 
             $ 10,187,514  
Consumer Products - 1.0%                 
Reckitt Benckiser Treasury Services PLC, 3.625%, 9/21/2023 (n)    $ 12,239,000     $ 12,754,106  
Reckitt Benckiser Treasury Services PLC, 2.75%, 6/26/2024 (n)      38,107,000       37,496,853  
    

 

 

 
             $ 50,250,959  

 

11


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Bonds - continued                 
Consumer Services - 0.7%                 
ADT Corp., 6.25%, 10/15/2021    $ 9,344,000     $ 10,338,015  
Priceline Group, Inc., 2.75%, 3/15/2023      3,459,000       3,455,670  
Priceline Group, Inc., 3.65%, 3/15/2025      22,057,000       22,683,190  
    

 

 

 
             $ 36,476,875  
Containers - 0.4%                 
Berry Global Group, Inc., 5.125%, 7/15/2023    $ 10,515,000     $ 11,040,750  
Sealed Air Corp., 5.125%, 12/01/2024 (n)      9,876,000       10,592,010  
    

 

 

 
             $ 21,632,760  
Emerging Market Quasi-Sovereign - 0.6%                 
State Grid Overseas Investment (2016) Ltd., 2.75%, 5/04/2022 (n)    $ 29,692,000     $ 29,752,733  
Energy - Integrated - 0.2%                 
Shell International Finance B.V., 4%, 5/10/2046    $ 7,702,000     $ 7,870,695  
Shell International Finance B.V., 3.75%, 9/12/2046      5,018,000       4,943,148  
    

 

 

 
             $ 12,813,843  
Entertainment - 0.3%                 
Six Flags Entertainment Corp., 4.875%, 7/31/2024 (n)    $ 12,910,000     $ 13,281,163  
Financial Institutions - 0.2%                 
Nationstar Mortgage LLC/Capital Corp., 6.5%, 7/01/2021    $ 10,246,000     $ 10,399,690  
Food & Beverages - 1.5%                 
Anheuser-Busch InBev Finance, Inc., 2.65%, 2/01/2021    $ 14,961,000     $ 15,151,894  
Anheuser-Busch InBev Finance, Inc., 4.9%, 2/01/2046      24,462,000       27,510,206  
Anheuser-Busch InBev Worldwide, Inc., 3.7%, 2/01/2024      5,084,000       5,322,854  
Anheuser-Busch InBev Worldwide, Inc., 3.75%, 1/15/2022      7,736,000       8,160,973  
Kraft Heinz Foods Co., 5.2%, 7/15/2045      2,298,000       2,505,799  
Kraft Heinz Foods Co., 4.375%, 6/01/2046      9,786,000       9,555,906  
Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co., 3.375%, 10/21/2020 (n)      11,439,000       11,798,415  
    

 

 

 
             $ 80,006,047  
Food & Drug Stores - 0.2%                 
CVS Health Corp., 5.125%, 7/20/2045    $ 9,221,000     $ 10,303,820  
Forest & Paper Products - 0.1%                 
Packaging Corp. of America, 3.65%, 9/15/2024    $ 4,483,000     $ 4,595,324  
Gaming & Lodging - 0.1%                 
GLP Capital LP/GLP Financing II, Inc., 5.375%, 11/01/2023    $ 6,977,000     $ 7,587,488  

 

12


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Bonds - continued                 
Insurance - 1.1%                 
American International Group, Inc., 3.75%, 7/10/2025    $ 17,703,000     $ 18,302,916  
American International Group, Inc., 3.9%, 4/01/2026      7,925,000       8,213,363  
American International Group, Inc., 4.7%, 7/10/2035      5,448,000       5,910,529  
American International Group, Inc., 4.5%, 7/16/2044      4,835,000       5,065,958  
Metropolitan Life Global Funding I, 3.45%, 12/18/2026 (n)      9,985,000       10,251,947  
Principal Financial Group, Inc., 3.4%, 5/15/2025      10,529,000       10,770,872  
    

 

 

 
             $ 58,515,585  
Insurance - Health - 0.4%                 
UnitedHealth Group, Inc., 2.375%, 10/15/2022    $ 18,854,000     $ 18,795,342  
Insurance - Property & Casualty - 0.6%                 
Allied World Assurance, 5.5%, 11/15/2020    $ 3,362,000     $ 3,613,573  
Allied World Assurance Co. Holdings Ltd., 4.35%, 10/29/2025      10,517,000       10,671,727  
Liberty Mutual Group, Inc., 4.85%, 8/01/2044 (n)      11,271,000       12,266,924  
Swiss Re Ltd., 4.25%, 12/06/2042 (n)      2,719,000       2,794,212  
    

 

 

 
             $ 29,346,436  
Local Authorities - 0.6%                 
Philadelphia, PA, School District, “B”, 6.615%, 6/01/2030    $ 6,320,000     $ 7,654,152  
Philadelphia, PA, School District, “B”, 6.765%, 6/01/2040      4,260,000       5,659,964  
State of California (Build America Bonds), 7.625%, 3/01/2040      1,250,000       1,922,800  
State of California (Build America Bonds), 7.6%, 11/01/2040      9,570,000       15,018,297  
University of California Limited Project Rev., “J”,
4.131%, 5/15/2045
     2,920,000       3,020,039  
    

 

 

 
             $ 33,275,252  
Major Banks - 8.1%                 
ABN AMRO Bank N.V., 4.8%, 4/18/2026 (n)    $ 13,800,000     $ 14,715,230  
Bank of America Corp., 5.625%, 7/01/2020      2,300,000       2,495,862  
Bank of America Corp., 5.875%, 1/05/2021      4,520,000       4,992,925  
Bank of America Corp., 3.3%, 1/11/2023      13,781,000       14,117,081  
Bank of America Corp., 4.125%, 1/22/2024      8,133,000       8,663,213  
Bank of America Corp., 3.95%, 4/21/2025      4,458,000       4,594,435  
Bank of America Corp., 3.875%, 8/01/2025      11,352,000       11,903,935  
Bank of America Corp., 4.45%, 3/03/2026      11,782,000       12,526,976  
Bank of America Corp., 4.443% to 1/20/2047, FLR to 1/20/2048      26,034,000       28,215,109  
Bank of America Corp., 6.5% to 10/23/2024, FLR to 10/23/2049      4,793,000       5,481,994  
Bank of America Corp., 6.1% to 3/17/2025, FLR to 12/29/2049      8,873,000       9,904,486  
Bank of New York Mellon Corp., 3.442% to 2/07/2027,
FLR to 2/07/2028
     25,625,000       26,266,035  
Barclays PLC, 4.375%, 1/12/2026      5,620,000       5,888,681  
Credit Suisse Group AG, 6.5%, 8/08/2023 (n)      2,753,000       3,117,773  
Credit Suisse Group Fund Guernsey Ltd., 3.75%, 3/26/2025      11,024,000       11,322,094  

 

13


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Bonds - continued                 
Major Banks - continued                 
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., 3.625%, 1/22/2023    $ 15,548,000     $ 16,082,057  
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., 3.85%, 1/26/2027      8,201,000       8,391,097  
JPMorgan Chase & Co., 4.25%, 10/15/2020      2,264,000       2,392,776  
JPMorgan Chase & Co., 4.5%, 1/24/2022      3,300,000       3,562,486  
JPMorgan Chase & Co., 3.125%, 1/23/2025      5,071,000       5,100,504  
JPMorgan Chase & Co., 2.95%, 10/01/2026      22,838,000       22,435,017  
Lloyds Bank PLC, 3.75%, 1/11/2027      15,056,000       15,338,451  
Morgan Stanley, 5.5%, 7/28/2021      18,554,000       20,499,492  
Morgan Stanley, 4%, 7/23/2025      4,648,000       4,894,739  
Morgan Stanley, 3.875%, 1/27/2026      13,472,000       14,055,190  
Morgan Stanley, 3.125%, 7/27/2026      13,910,000       13,707,951  
Morgan Stanley, 4.3%, 1/27/2045      2,634,000       2,777,519  
Morgan Stanley, 4.375%, 1/22/2047      18,187,000       19,315,007  
PNC Bank N.A., 3.1%, 10/25/2027      21,548,000       21,427,690  
Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC, 6%, 12/19/2023      8,134,000       9,062,774  
Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC, 7.5% to 8/10/2020,
FLR to 12/29/2049
     7,305,000       7,827,308  
Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC, 8% to 8/10/2025,
FLR to 12/29/2049
     2,205,000       2,520,756  
Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc., 2.442%, 10/19/2021      13,825,000       13,779,189  
UBS Group Funding (Jersey) Ltd., 3%, 4/15/2021 (n)      13,057,000       13,253,185  
UBS Group Funding (Jersey) Ltd., 4.125%, 9/24/2025 (n)      7,081,000       7,468,264  
UBS Group Funding (Switzerland) AG, 4.253%, 3/23/2028 (n)      10,148,000       10,692,353  
Wachovia Corp., 6.605%, 10/01/2025      2,193,000       2,634,382  
Wells Fargo & Co., 3.069%, 1/24/2023      16,413,000       16,632,571  
    

 

 

 
             $ 418,056,587  
Medical & Health Technology & Services - 1.2%                 
Catholic Health Initiatives, 2.95%, 11/01/2022    $ 9,078,000     $ 9,097,974  
Hackensack Meridian Health, Inc., 4.5%, 7/01/2057      10,194,000       11,173,676  
HCA, Inc., 5.25%, 6/15/2026      8,763,000       9,321,641  
Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings, 3.6%, 2/01/2025      3,653,000       3,734,720  
Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings, 4.7%, 2/01/2045      7,367,000       7,659,528  
Northwell Healthcare, Inc., 3.979%, 11/01/2046      3,110,000       2,970,672  
Northwell Healthcare, Inc., 4.26%, 11/01/2047      9,132,000       9,129,916  
Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc., 3%, 4/15/2023      6,240,000       6,315,935  
Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc., 2.95%, 9/19/2026      4,605,000       4,507,454  
    

 

 

 
             $ 63,911,516  
Medical Equipment - 0.9%                 
Abbott Laboratories, 3.4%, 11/30/2023    $ 20,815,000     $ 21,350,239  
Medtronic, Inc., 4.625%, 3/15/2045      9,183,000       10,403,914  
Zimmer Holdings, Inc., 2.7%, 4/01/2020      15,902,000       16,038,214  
    

 

 

 
             $ 47,792,367  

 

14


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Bonds - continued                 
Metals & Mining - 1.2%                 
Freeport-McMoRan, Inc., 6.875%, 2/15/2023    $ 10,661,000     $ 11,661,748  
Freeport-McMoRan, Inc., 3.875%, 3/15/2023      3,076,000       3,026,015  
Freeport-McMoRan, Inc., 5.4%, 11/14/2034      3,849,000       3,752,775  
Glencore Funding LLC, 4.125%, 5/30/2023 (n)      7,920,000       8,297,150  
Glencore Funding LLC, 4%, 4/16/2025 (n)      4,966,000       5,071,776  
Glencore Funding LLC, 4%, 3/27/2027 (n)      13,000,000       13,087,290  
Kinross Gold Corp., 5.95%, 3/15/2024      7,620,000       8,458,200  
Steel Dynamics, Inc., 5.125%, 10/01/2021      7,688,000       7,889,810  
    

 

 

 
             $ 61,244,764  
Midstream - 1.4%                 
Enbridge, Inc., 4.25%, 12/01/2026    $ 8,135,000     $ 8,578,275  
Enbridge, Inc., 6% to 1/15/2027, FLR to 1/15/2077      4,681,000       5,009,325  
Kinder Morgan (Delaware), Inc., 7.75%, 1/15/2032      8,098,000       10,402,144  
Kinder Morgan Energy Partners LP, 6.375%, 3/01/2041      6,862,000       7,938,758  
Kinder Morgan Energy Partners LP, 5.4%, 9/01/2044      8,327,000       8,719,322  
Phillips 66 Partners LP, 4.68%, 2/15/2045      2,692,000       2,715,164  
Phillips 66 Partners LP, 4.9%, 10/01/2046      3,137,000       3,253,168  
Sabine Pass Liquefaction LLC, 5.625%, 2/01/2021      9,992,000       10,838,874  
Sabine Pass Liquefaction LLC, 5%, 3/15/2027      10,181,000       10,953,633  
Sabine Pass Liquefaction LLC, 4.2%, 3/15/2028      5,452,000       5,561,389  
    

 

 

 
             $ 73,970,052  
Mortgage-Backed - 16.7%                 
Fannie Mae, 5.5%, 11/01/2017 - 12/01/2038    $ 15,350,897     $ 17,082,938  
Fannie Mae, 5%, 2/01/2018 - 3/01/2042      17,772,561       19,368,838  
Fannie Mae, 3.99%, 4/01/2018      2,244,172       2,241,895  
Fannie Mae, 3.746%, 7/01/2018      1,773,489       1,791,456  
Fannie Mae, 2.578%, 9/25/2018      5,227,074       5,226,544  
Fannie Mae, 5.18%, 3/01/2019      445,154       456,570  
Fannie Mae, 4.88%, 3/01/2020      296,033       305,348  
Fannie Mae, 5.19%, 9/01/2020      2,113,991       2,216,543  
Fannie Mae, 4.448%, 1/01/2021      4,011,426       4,211,116  
Fannie Mae, 2.41%, 5/01/2023      2,525,163       2,535,413  
Fannie Mae, 2.55%, 5/01/2023      1,303,580       1,317,787  
Fannie Mae, 3.93%, 10/01/2023      1,222,059       1,308,568  
Fannie Mae, 5.25%, 8/01/2024      892,098       996,443  
Fannie Mae, 4.5%, 5/01/2025      357,341       374,870  
Fannie Mae, 2.597%, 12/25/2026      11,638,000       11,435,593  
Fannie Mae, 3.95%, 1/01/2027      663,766       699,005  
Fannie Mae, 3%, 3/01/2027 - 11/01/2046      46,357,478       46,562,661  
Fannie Mae, 4.01%, 1/01/2029      3,919,251       4,240,461  
Fannie Mae, 6.5%, 11/01/2031 - 1/01/2033      135,090       153,113  

 

15


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Bonds - continued                 
Mortgage-Backed - continued                 
Fannie Mae, 4.5%, 3/01/2034 - 6/01/2044    $ 74,512,508     $ 80,214,985  
Fannie Mae, 6%, 5/01/2034 - 10/01/2038      5,460,994       6,197,068  
Fannie Mae, 4%, 9/01/2040 - 2/01/2045      140,157,416       147,812,607  
Fannie Mae, 3.5%, 11/01/2041 - 1/01/2047      88,542,213       91,205,760  
Freddie Mac, 5.5%, 12/01/2017 - 1/01/2038      3,491,661       3,882,549  
Freddie Mac, 3.154%, 2/25/2018      2,697,289       2,698,279  
Freddie Mac, 5%, 5/01/2018 - 7/01/2041      9,396,792       10,305,748  
Freddie Mac, 2.303%, 9/25/2018      1,978,272       1,985,887  
Freddie Mac, 2.323%, 10/25/2018      4,877,086       4,894,082  
Freddie Mac, 2.13%, 1/25/2019      12,862,731       12,905,909  
Freddie Mac, 2.456%, 8/25/2019      8,243,898       8,302,830  
Freddie Mac, 1.869%, 11/25/2019      7,579,055       7,570,224  
Freddie Mac, 4.251%, 1/25/2020      4,342,703       4,533,650  
Freddie Mac, 2.313%, 3/25/2020      8,336,413       8,399,821  
Freddie Mac, 3.034%, 10/25/2020      8,349,237       8,558,639  
Freddie Mac, 2.856%, 1/25/2021      3,765,630       3,846,950  
Freddie Mac, 2.791%, 1/25/2022      7,153,871       7,308,049  
Freddie Mac, 2.716%, 6/25/2022      3,677,393       3,749,514  
Freddie Mac, 2.355%, 7/25/2022      10,625,468       10,652,569  
Freddie Mac, 2.682%, 10/25/2022      3,471,597       3,527,010  
Freddie Mac, 3.32%, 2/25/2023      5,070,913       5,306,537  
Freddie Mac, 3.25%, 4/25/2023      7,830,787       8,170,544  
Freddie Mac, 3.06%, 7/25/2023      5,298,995       5,476,256  
Freddie Mac, 3.531%, 7/25/2023      2,816,666       2,980,251  
Freddie Mac, 3.458%, 8/25/2023      16,280,782       17,167,499  
Freddie Mac, 2.67%, 12/25/2024      4,982,063       5,012,924  
Freddie Mac, 2.811%, 1/25/2025      7,744,684       7,860,892  
Freddie Mac, 3.329%, 5/25/2025      9,013,328       9,439,937  
Freddie Mac, 4%, 7/01/2025 - 9/01/2044      19,120,769       20,115,064  
Freddie Mac, 4.5%, 7/01/2025 - 5/01/2042      13,587,556       14,555,862  
Freddie Mac, 2.745%, 1/25/2026      5,732,258       5,749,043  
Freddie Mac, 2.673%, 3/25/2026      15,673,350       15,615,802  
Freddie Mac, 3.5%, 8/01/2026 - 12/01/2046      70,624,521       72,729,892  
Freddie Mac, 3.3%, 10/25/2026      4,957,000       5,151,067  
Freddie Mac, 3.224%, 3/25/2027      9,573,000       9,874,917  
Freddie Mac, 3.117%, 6/25/2027      17,177,017       17,551,053  
Freddie Mac, 6%, 11/01/2033 - 7/01/2038      1,500,281       1,695,392  
Freddie Mac, 3%, 10/01/2042 - 10/01/2046      41,755,981       41,947,782  
Ginnie Mae, 5.5%, 11/15/2032 - 1/20/2042      2,436,395       2,688,618  
Ginnie Mae, 6%, 2/15/2034 - 1/15/2038      2,328,425       2,656,478  
Ginnie Mae, 4.5%, 4/15/2039 - 2/20/2042      21,850,107       23,546,069  
Ginnie Mae, 4%, 10/20/2040 - 2/20/2041      6,472,346       6,848,241  
Ginnie Mae, 3.5%, 11/15/2040 - 5/20/2046      10,966,188       11,432,964  
    

 

 

 
             $ 864,650,376  

 

16


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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Bonds - continued                 
Natural Gas - Distribution - 0.6%                 
Boston Gas Co., 3.15%, 8/01/2027 (n)    $ 18,948,000     $ 18,934,387  
KeySpan Gas East Corp., 2.742%, 8/15/2026 (z)      14,712,000       14,346,644  
    

 

 

 
             $ 33,281,031  
Network & Telecom - 1.1%                 
AT&T, Inc., 4.5%, 5/15/2035    $ 18,013,000     $ 17,557,810  
AT&T, Inc., 5.25%, 3/01/2037      20,055,000       20,978,042  
AT&T, Inc., 4.75%, 5/15/2046      11,628,000       10,968,406  
AT&T, Inc., 5.15%, 2/14/2050      10,115,000       9,971,153  
    

 

 

 
             $ 59,475,411  
Oils - 0.5%                 
Marathon Petroleum Corp., 4.75%, 9/15/2044    $ 18,425,000     $ 18,729,638  
Marathon Petroleum Corp., 5.85%, 12/15/2045      5,043,000       5,661,831  
    

 

 

 
             $ 24,391,469  
Other Banks & Diversified Financials - 1.5%                 
BBVA Bancomer S.A. de C.V., 6.75%, 9/30/2022 (n)    $ 3,408,000     $ 3,869,784  
BPCE S.A., 4.5%, 3/15/2025 (n)      7,513,000       7,844,721  
Citigroup, Inc., 4.4%, 6/10/2025      6,407,000       6,770,125  
Compass Bank, 2.875%, 6/29/2022      17,025,000       16,905,011  
Groupe BPCE S.A.,12.5% to 9/30/2019, FLR to 8/29/2049 (n)      11,259,000       13,278,639  
ING Groep N.V., 3.95%, 3/29/2027      4,571,000       4,785,340  
Macquarie Bank Ltd., 6.125% to 3/08/2027, FLR to 12/31/2049 (n)      1,879,000       1,975,769  
SunTrust Banks, Inc., 2.7%, 1/27/2022      11,499,000       11,568,013  
SunTrust Banks, Inc., 3.3%, 5/15/2026      12,250,000       12,126,355  
    

 

 

 
             $ 79,123,757  
Pharmaceuticals - 0.8%                 
Gilead Sciences, Inc., 2.35%, 2/01/2020    $ 1,062,000     $ 1,071,469  
Gilead Sciences, Inc., 4.8%, 4/01/2044      7,609,000       8,516,169  
Gilead Sciences, Inc., 4.75%, 3/01/2046      4,995,000       5,661,502  
Shire Acquisitions Investments Ireland Designated Activity Co., 2.875%, 9/23/2023      24,573,000       24,325,606  
    

 

 

 
             $ 39,574,746  
Real Estate - Apartment - 0.1%                 
Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc., REIT, 4.3%, 10/15/2023    $ 2,876,000     $ 3,047,409  
Real Estate - Retail - 0.2%                 
Brixmor Operating Partnership LP, REIT, 3.875%, 8/15/2022    $ 8,618,000     $ 8,885,979  

 

17


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Bonds - continued                 
Retailers - 0.3%                 
Best Buy Co., Inc., 5.5%, 3/15/2021    $ 14,246,000     $ 15,496,561  
Telecommunications - Wireless - 1.3%                 
American Tower Corp., REIT, 3.55%, 7/15/2027    $ 23,507,000     $ 23,399,317  
Crown Castle International Corp., 2.25%, 9/01/2021      7,361,000       7,292,571  
Crown Castle International Corp., 3.2%, 9/01/2024      4,931,000       4,899,964  
Crown Castle International Corp., 3.7%, 6/15/2026      3,950,000       3,961,566  
Crown Castle International Corp., 4%, 3/01/2027      1,862,000       1,906,669  
Crown Castle Towers LLC, 4.883%, 8/15/2020 (n)      13,376,000       14,124,110  
SBA Tower Trust, 2.898%, 10/11/2044 (n)      7,030,000       7,084,317  
SFR Group S.A., 6%, 5/15/2022 (n)      4,864,000       5,070,720  
    

 

 

 
             $ 67,739,234  
Tobacco - 1.1%                 
BAT Capital Corp., 3.222%, 8/15/2024 (z)    $ 37,270,000     $ 37,516,496  
Imperial Tobacco Finance PLC, 3.75%, 7/21/2022 (n)      15,574,000       16,181,866  
Reynolds American, Inc., 8.125%, 6/23/2019      4,620,000       5,064,922  
    

 

 

 
             $ 58,763,284  
Transportation - Services - 0.4%                 
ERAC USA Finance LLC, 3.85%, 11/15/2024 (n)    $ 1,863,000     $ 1,934,465  
ERAC USA Finance LLC, 7%, 10/15/2037 (n)      11,169,000       14,814,489  
ERAC USA Finance LLC, 4.5%, 2/15/2045 (n)      1,327,000       1,330,370  
    

 

 

 
             $ 18,079,324  
U.S. Government Agencies and Equivalents - 1.2%                 
Small Business Administration, 6.35%, 4/01/2021    $ 1,174     $ 1,232  
Small Business Administration, 6.34%, 5/01/2021      2,116       2,211  
Small Business Administration, 6.44%, 6/01/2021      2,984       3,123  
Small Business Administration, 5.34%, 11/01/2021      17,570       18,185  
Small Business Administration, 6.07%, 3/01/2022      12,092       12,710  
Small Business Administration, 4.35%, 7/01/2023      123,609       127,869  
Small Business Administration, 4.98%, 11/01/2023      171,760       181,437  
Small Business Administration, 4.89%, 12/01/2023      172,562       180,932  
Small Business Administration, 4.93%, 1/01/2024      213,923       224,366  
Small Business Administration, 4.34%, 3/01/2024      265,089       273,614  
Small Business Administration, 5.18%, 5/01/2024      201,840       212,075  
Small Business Administration, 5.52%, 6/01/2024      210,413       222,202  
Small Business Administration, 5.19%, 7/01/2024      268,950       283,226  
Small Business Administration, 4.86%, 10/01/2024      139,794       146,370  
Small Business Administration, 4.57%, 6/01/2025      435,566       452,247  
Small Business Administration, 4.76%, 9/01/2025      1,233,662       1,289,591  
Small Business Administration, 5.39%, 12/01/2025      111,463       118,461  
Small Business Administration, 5.35%, 2/01/2026      615,723       653,072  

 

18


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Bonds - continued                 
U.S. Government Agencies and Equivalents - continued  
Small Business Administration, 3.25%, 11/01/2030    $ 2,114,530     $ 2,176,788  
Small Business Administration, 2.85%, 9/01/2031      3,388,854       3,429,144  
Small Business Administration, 2.37%, 8/01/2032      2,601,732       2,577,294  
Small Business Administration, 2.13%, 1/01/2033      3,849,223       3,780,070  
Small Business Administration, 2.21%, 2/01/2033      1,020,629       1,002,527  
Small Business Administration, 2.22%, 3/01/2033      3,681,520       3,636,643  
Small Business Administration, 2.08%, 4/01/2033      5,968,209       5,851,690  
Small Business Administration, 2.45%, 6/01/2033      7,773,257       7,724,620  
Small Business Administration, 3.15%, 7/01/2033      10,032,416       10,328,767  
Small Business Administration, 3.16%, 8/01/2033      9,544,789       9,835,386  
Small Business Administration, 3.62%, 9/01/2033      5,077,491       5,305,753  
    

 

 

 
             $ 60,051,605  
U.S. Treasury Obligations - 24.4%                 
U.S. Treasury Bonds, 4.5%, 2/15/2036    $ 26,523,000     $ 33,956,692  
U.S. Treasury Bonds, 5%, 5/15/2037      2,338,000       3,182,237  
U.S. Treasury Bonds, 4.375%, 2/15/2038      3,136,000       3,970,225  
U.S. Treasury Bonds, 3.5%, 2/15/2039      15,614,000       17,580,998  
U.S. Treasury Bonds, 4.5%, 8/15/2039      82,205,100       105,964,301  
U.S. Treasury Bonds, 2.875%, 5/15/2043      87,127,000       87,593,265  
U.S. Treasury Bonds, 2.5%, 2/15/2045      29,323,000       27,277,263  
U.S. Treasury Notes, 1.75%, 11/30/2021      165,691,000       164,661,903  
U.S. Treasury Notes, 1%, 12/15/2017      4,581,000       4,580,041  
U.S. Treasury Notes, 1%, 11/30/2018      301,219,000       299,607,009  
U.S. Treasury Notes, 2.75%, 2/15/2019      62,952,900       63,934,080  
U.S. Treasury Notes, 1%, 6/30/2019      62,935,000       62,359,735  
U.S. Treasury Notes, 1.625%, 6/30/2019 (f)      294,589,000       294,819,148  
U.S. Treasury Notes, 1.625%, 11/30/2020      88,567,000       88,214,115  
U.S. Treasury Notes, 2%, 11/15/2026      9,150,000       8,886,223  
    

 

 

 
             $ 1,266,587,235  
Utilities - Electric Power - 2.8%                 
AEP Transmission Co. LLC, 3.1%, 12/01/2026    $ 6,464,000     $ 6,462,011  
AEP Transmission Co. LLC, 3.1%, 12/01/2026 (n)      2,544,000       2,543,217  
AEP Transmission Co. LLC, 4%, 12/01/2046      7,883,000       8,134,217  
Berkshire Hathaway Energy Co., 5.15%, 11/15/2043      7,489,000       8,903,367  
Dominion Resources, Inc., 3.625%, 12/01/2024      15,261,000       15,792,229  
Dominion Resources, Inc., 3.9%, 10/01/2025      2,892,000       3,027,324  
EDP Finance B.V., 4.9%, 10/01/2019 (n)      3,919,000       4,113,331  
Enel Finance International N.V., 3.625%, 5/25/2027 (n)      27,962,000       27,943,112  
Enel Finance International N.V., 3.5%, 4/06/2028 (z)      30,206,000       29,681,887  
Exelon Corp., 3.497%, 6/01/2022      2,252,000       2,317,756  
FirstEnergy Corp., 4.85%, 7/15/2047      17,208,000       18,551,146  
PPL Capital Funding, Inc., 5%, 3/15/2044      3,924,000       4,509,162  

 

19


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Bonds - continued                 
Utilities - Electric Power - continued                 
PPL Corp., 3.5%, 12/01/2022    $ 3,299,000     $ 3,424,248  
PPL WEM Holdings PLC, 5.375%, 5/01/2021 (n)      10,545,000       11,405,347  
    

 

 

 
             $ 146,808,354  
Total Bonds (Identified Cost, $5,020,521,989)            $ 5,087,434,555  
Investment Companies (h) - 1.2%                 
Money Market Funds - 1.2%                 
MFS Institutional Money Market Portfolio, 1.13% (v)
(Identified Cost, $61,254,550)
     61,257,294     $ 61,257,294  
Other Assets, Less Liabilities - 0.7%              36,784,162  
Net Assets - 100.0%            $ 5,185,476,011  

 

(f) All or a portion of the security has been segregated as collateral for open futures contracts.
(h) 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. At period end, the aggregate values of the fund’s investments in affiliated issuers and in unaffiliated issuers were $61,257,294 and $5,087,434,555, respectively.
(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 $700,249,106, representing 13.5% of net assets.
(q) Interest received was less than stated coupon rate.
(v) Affiliated issuer 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  
ALM V Ltd., 2012-5A, “A2R3”, FLR, 2.603%,
(U.S. LIBOR-3mo. + 1.25%) 10/18/2027
  10/04/17     $8,340,000       $8,328,144  
ALM V Ltd., 2012-5A, “BR3”, FLR, 3.004%,
(U.S. LIBOR-3mo. + 1.7%) 10/18/2027
  10/04/17     3,070,000       3,063,653  
BAT Capital Corp., 3.222%, 8/15/2024   8/08/17-8/09/17     37,315,241       37,516,496  
Ballyrock Ltd., CLO, FLR, 2.496%, (U.S. LIBOR-3mo.
+ 1.18%) 5/20/2025
  5/10/16     5,734,184       5,795,204  
Bayview Commercial Asset Trust, 0%, 4/25/2036   2/28/06     28,735       1  
Bayview Commercial Asset Trust, 0%, 12/25/2036   10/25/06     506       480  

 

20


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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Restricted Securities – continued   Acquisition
Date
 
Cost
    Value  
Bayview Commercial Asset Trust, FLR, 1.548%, (LIBOR-1mo. + 0.31%) 8/25/2035   6/09/05   $ 241,588     $ 228,927  
Bayview Commercial Asset Trust, FLR, 1.508%, (LIBOR-1mo. + 0.27%) 4/25/2036   2/23/06     197,757       186,909  
Bayview Financial Revolving Mortgage Loan Trust, FLR, 2.842%, (LIBOR-1mo. + 1.6%) 12/28/2040   3/01/06     1,986,546       1,720,156  
Carlyle Global Market Strategies, 2013-3A, “A1A”, FLR, 2.479%, (U.S. LIBOR-3mo. + 1.12%) 7/15/2025   11/02/16     7,569,458       7,602,258  
Cavalry CLO IV Ltd., 2014-4A, “B1R”, FLR, 2.709%, (U.S. LIBOR-3mo. + 1.35%) 10/15/2026   10/04/17     6,670,000       6,663,575  
Cavalry CLO IV Ltd./Cavalry CLO IV LLC, FLR, 3.259%, (U.S. LIBOR-3mo. + 1.9%) 10/15/2026   10/04/17     7,790,000       7,777,373  
Cavalry CLO IV Ltd./Cavalry CLO IV LLC, FLR, 3.259%, (U.S. LIBOR-3mo. + 1.9%) 10/15/2026   10/04/17     5,560,000       5,549,561  
Chesapeake Funding II LLC, 2017-4A, “A1”,
2.12%, 11/15/2029
  10/24/17     14,024,014       14,023,499  
Commercial Mortgage Asset Trust, 0.994%, 1/17/2032   8/25/03-4/09/12     0       82  
Enel Finance International N.V., 3.5%, 4/06/2028   10/03/17     29,834,145       29,681,887  
Falcon Franchise Loan LLC, 7.72%, 1/05/2023   1/18/02-3/23/11     246       410  
GMF Floorplan Owner Revolving Trust, 2017-2, “C”, 2.63%, 7/15/2022   8/15/17     7,999,189       7,961,778  
KeySpan Gas East Corp., 2.742%, 8/15/2026   8/02/16     14,712,000       14,346,644  
Morgan Stanley Capital I, Inc., 1.663%, 3/15/2031   10/10/03     0       1  
OCP CLO Ltd., 2015-9A, “A2R”, 0%, 7/15/2027   10/27/17     13,240,000       13,240,000  
Preferred Term Securities XIX Ltd., CDO, FLR, 1.673%, (U.S. LIBOR-3mo. + 0.35%) 12/22/2035   9/08/05-3/28/11     5,213,401       4,601,038  
Total Restricted Securities         $168,288,076  
% of Net assets         3.2%  

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

 

CDO   Collateralized Debt Obligation
CLO   Collateralized Loan Obligation
FLR   Floating rate. Interest rate resets periodically based on the parenthetically disclosed reference rate plus a spread (if any). The period-end rate reported may not be the current rate.
PLC   Public Limited Company
REIT   Real Estate Investment Trust

 

21


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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Derivative Contracts at 10/31/17

Futures Contracts

 

Description   Long/
Short
    Currency     Contracts   Notional
Amount
    Expiration
Date
    Value/
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Asset Derivatives    
Interest Rate Futures      
U.S. Treasury Ultra 10 yr     Short       USD     1,600     $214,275,000       December - 2017       $1,313,770  
           

 

 

 
Liability Derivatives    
Interest Rate Futures      
U.S. Treasury Note 2 yr     Long       USD     704     $151,613,000       December - 2017       $(629,485
           

 

 

 

At October 31, 2017, the fund had liquid securities with an aggregate value of $2,086,626 to cover any collateral or margin obligations for certain derivative contracts.

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

22


Table of Contents

Financial Statements

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

At 10/31/17 (unaudited)

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

 

Assets         

Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value (identified cost, $5,020,521,989)

     $5,087,434,555  

Investments in affiliated issuers, at value (identified cost, $61,254,550)

     61,257,294  

Receivables for

  

Daily variation margin on open futures contracts

     20,004  

Investments sold

     2,017,848  

Fund shares sold

     50,529,252  

Interest

     33,373,450  

Receivable from investment adviser

     11,089  

Other assets

     36  

Total assets

     $5,234,643,528  
Liabilities         

Payable to custodian

     $129,491  

Payables for

  

Distributions

     1,409,049  

Investments purchased

     13,240,000  

Fund shares reacquired

     32,967,871  

Payable to affiliates

  

Shareholder servicing costs

     1,115,633  

Distribution and service fees

     24,615  

Program manager fees

     34  

Payable for independent Trustees’ compensation

     12  

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

     280,812  

Total liabilities

     $49,167,517  

Net assets

     $5,185,476,011  
Net assets consist of         

Paid-in capital

     $5,179,058,832  

Unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     67,599,595  

Accumulated net realized gain (loss)

     (60,239,378

Accumulated distributions in excess of net investment income

     (943,038

Net assets

     $5,185,476,011  

Shares of beneficial interest outstanding

     482,812,897  

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

23


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Statement of Assets and Liabilities (unaudited) – continued

 

     Net assets      Shares
outstanding
     Net asset value
per share (a)
 
Class A      $1,730,725,166        161,175,250        $10.74  
Class B      21,880,079        2,034,817        10.75  
Class C      122,905,281        11,431,880        10.75  
Class I      1,048,695,621        97,633,508        10.74  
Class R1      1,651,345        153,540        10.76  
Class R2      47,964,800        4,468,546        10.73  
Class R3      88,587,288        8,250,477        10.74  
Class R4      119,240,512        11,101,373        10.74  
Class R6      1,991,280,047        185,394,636        10.74  
Class 529A      8,609,380        802,733        10.73  
Class 529B      329,598        30,649        10.75  
Class 529C      3,606,894        335,488        10.75  

 

(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 $11.22 [100 / 95.75 x $10.74] and $11.21 [100 / 95.75 x $10.73], respectively. On sales of $100,000 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, R6, and 529A. Net asset value per share is calculated using actual net assets and shares outstanding rather than amounts that have been rounded for presentation purposes.

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

24


Table of Contents

Financial Statements

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Six months ended 10/31/17 (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 (loss)         

Income

  

Interest

     $74,642,854  

Dividends from affiliated issuers

     865,743  

Total investment income

     $75,508,597  

Expenses

  

Management fee

     $11,928,434  

Distribution and service fees

     3,189,913  

Shareholder servicing costs

     1,925,290  

Program manager fees

     6,239  

Administrative services fee

     328,609  

Independent Trustees’ compensation

     28,995  

Custodian fee

     127,107  

Shareholder communications

     312,727  

Audit and tax fees

     38,897  

Legal fees

     26,309  

Miscellaneous

     253,686  

Total expenses

     $18,166,206  

Fees paid indirectly

     (8,847

Reduction of expenses by investment adviser and distributor

     (2,005,719

Net expenses

     $16,151,640  

Net investment income (loss)

     $59,356,957  
Realized and unrealized gain (loss)         

Realized gain (loss) (identified cost basis)

  

Unaffiliated issuers

     $3,733,643  

Affiliated issuers

     (8,134

Futures contracts

     1,890,810  

Net realized gain (loss)

     $5,616,319  

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

  

Unaffiliated issuers

     $31,219,050  

Affiliated issuers

     (14,814

Futures contracts

     (1,188,226

Net unrealized gain (loss)

     $30,016,010  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

     $35,632,329  

Change in net assets from operations

     $94,989,286  

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

25


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
10/31/17
(unaudited)
     Year ended
4/30/17
 
         
From operations                  

Net investment income (loss)

     $59,356,957        $120,695,266  

Net realized gain (loss)

     5,616,319        (369,855

Net unrealized gain (loss)

     30,016,010        (40,658,882

Change in net assets from operations

     $94,989,286        $79,666,529  
Distributions declared to shareholders                  

From net investment income

     $(62,748,674      $(132,051,214

Change in net assets from fund share transactions

     $336,066,510        $254,861,942  

Total change in net assets

     $368,307,122        $202,477,257  
Net assets                  

At beginning of period

     4,817,168,889        4,614,691,632  

At end of period (including accumulated distributions in excess of net investment income of $943,038 and undistributed net investment income of $2,448,679, respectively)

     $5,185,476,011        $4,817,168,889  

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

26


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 that 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

10/31/17

    Year ended  
Class A     4/30/17     4/30/16     4/30/15     4/30/14     4/30/13  
    (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning of
period

    $10.67       $10.79       $10.96       $10.89       $11.13       $10.84  
Income (loss) from investment operations                                  

Net investment income
(loss) (d)

    $0.12       $0.27       $0.28       $0.27       $0.30       $0.29  

Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss)

    0.08       (0.10     (0.10     0.15       (0.21     0.35  

Total from investment operations

    $0.20       $0.17       $0.18       $0.42       $0.09       $0.64  
Less distributions declared to shareholders                                  

From net investment income

    $(0.13     $(0.29     $(0.31     $(0.31     $(0.33     $(0.35

From net realized gain

                (0.04     (0.04     (0.00 )(w)       

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

    $(0.13     $(0.29     $(0.35     $(0.35     $(0.33     $(0.35

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $10.74       $10.67       $10.79       $10.96       $10.89       $11.13  

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

    1.88 (n)      1.63       1.76       3.89       0.92       5.97  
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                 

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

    0.89 (a)      0.90       0.89       0.89       0.90       0.91  

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

    0.74 (a)      0.74       0.74       0.77       0.79       0.81  

Net investment income (loss)

    2.27 (a)      2.49       2.63       2.46       2.74       2.63  

Portfolio turnover

    21 (n)      40       53       72       52       95  

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $1,730,725       $1,706,798       $1,829,002       $1,495,612       $1,153,059       $1,133,559  

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

27


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

   

Six months
ended

10/31/17

    Year ended  
Class B     4/30/17     4/30/16     4/30/15     4/30/14     4/30/13  
    (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning of
period

    $10.68       $10.80       $10.97       $10.90       $11.15       $10.86  
Income (loss) from investment operations                                  

Net investment income
(loss) (d)

    $0.08       $0.19       $0.20       $0.19       $0.22       $0.21  

Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss)

    0.08       (0.10     (0.10     0.14       (0.22     0.35  

Total from investment operations

    $0.16       $0.09       $0.10       $0.33       $—       $0.56  
Less distributions declared to shareholders                                  

From net investment income

    $(0.09     $(0.21     $(0.23     $(0.22     $(0.25     $(0.27

From net realized gain

                (0.04     (0.04     (0.00 )(w)       

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

    $(0.09     $(0.21     $(0.27     $(0.26     $(0.25     $(0.27

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $10.75       $10.68       $10.80       $10.97       $10.90       $11.15  

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

    1.50 (n)      0.87       1.01       3.12       0.08       5.18  
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                 

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

    1.64 (a)      1.64       1.65       1.64       1.65       1.66  

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

    1.49 (a)      1.49       1.49       1.52       1.54       1.56  

Net investment income (loss)

    1.52 (a)      1.75       1.89       1.72       2.00       1.88  

Portfolio turnover

    21 (n)      40       53       72       52       95  

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $21,880       $24,514       $29,351       $30,730       $33,000       $43,999  

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

28


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Financial Highlights – continued

 

   

Six months
ended

10/31/17

    Year ended  
Class C     4/30/17     4/30/16     4/30/15     4/30/14     4/30/13  
    (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning of
period

    $10.68       $10.80       $10.97       $10.90       $11.15       $10.86  
Income (loss) from investment operations                                  

Net investment income
(loss) (d)

    $0.08       $0.18       $0.19       $0.18       $0.20       $0.20  

Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss)

    0.07       (0.10     (0.10     0.14       (0.21     0.35  

Total from investment operations

    $0.15       $0.08       $0.09       $0.32       $(0.01     $0.55  
Less distributions declared to shareholders                                  

From net investment income

    $(0.08     $(0.20     $(0.22     $(0.21     $(0.24     $(0.26

From net realized gain

                (0.04     (0.04     (0.00 )(w)       

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

    $(0.08     $(0.20     $(0.26     $(0.25     $(0.24     $(0.26

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $10.75       $10.68       $10.80       $10.97       $10.90       $11.15  

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

    1.45 (n)      0.77       0.91       3.02       (0.03     5.08  
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                 

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

    1.64 (a)      1.64       1.64       1.64       1.65       1.66  

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

    1.59 (a)      1.59       1.59       1.62       1.65       1.66  

Net investment income (loss)

    1.42 (a)      1.65       1.78       1.61       1.90       1.78  

Portfolio turnover

    21 (n)      40       53       72       52       95  

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $122,905       $134,650       $150,596       $135,948       $115,495       $161,290  

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

29


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Financial Highlights – continued

 

   

Six months
ended

10/31/17

    Year ended  
Class I     4/30/17     4/30/16     4/30/15     4/30/14     4/30/13  
    (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning of
period

    $10.67       $10.79       $10.96       $10.89       $11.14       $10.85  
Income (loss) from investment operations                                  

Net investment income
(loss) (d)

    $0.13       $0.28       $0.30       $0.29       $0.31       $0.31  

Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss)

    0.08       (0.09     (0.10     0.14       (0.21     0.35  

Total from investment operations

    $0.21       $0.19       $0.20       $0.43       $0.10       $0.66  
Less distributions declared to shareholders                                  

From net investment income

    $(0.14     $(0.31     $(0.33     $(0.32     $(0.35     $(0.37

From net realized gain

                (0.04     (0.04     (0.00 )(w)       

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

    $(0.14     $(0.31     $(0.37     $(0.36     $(0.35     $(0.37

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $10.74       $10.67       $10.79       $10.96       $10.89       $11.14  

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

    1.96 (n)      1.78       1.92       4.05       0.98       6.13  
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                 

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

    0.63 (a)      0.65       0.64       0.64       0.65       0.66  

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

    0.59 (a)      0.59       0.59       0.62       0.64       0.66  

Net investment income (loss)

    2.42 (a)      2.62       2.78       2.60       2.89       2.80  

Portfolio turnover

    21 (n)      40       53       72       52       95  

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $1,048,696       $1,256,542       $914,984       $1,274,021       $976,838       $1,028,060  

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

30


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

   

Six months
ended

10/31/17

    Year ended  
Class R1     4/30/17     4/30/16     4/30/15     4/30/14     4/30/13  
    (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning of
period

    $10.68       $10.81       $10.97       $10.90       $11.15       $10.86  
Income (loss) from investment operations                                  

Net investment income
(loss) (d)

    $0.08       $0.18       $0.19       $0.18       $0.20       $0.20  

Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss)

    0.08       (0.11     (0.09     0.14       (0.21     0.35  

Total from investment operations

    $0.16       $0.07       $0.10       $0.32       $(0.01     $0.55  
Less distributions declared to shareholders                                  

From net investment income

    $(0.08     $(0.20     $(0.22     $(0.21     $(0.24     $(0.26

From net realized gain

                (0.04     (0.04     (0.00 )(w)       

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

    $(0.08     $(0.20     $(0.26     $(0.25     $(0.24     $(0.26

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $10.76       $10.68       $10.81       $10.97       $10.90       $11.15  

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

    1.54( n)      0.67       1.00       3.02       (0.03     5.07  
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                 

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

    1.64 (a)      1.64       1.64       1.64       1.65       1.66  

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

    1.59 (a)      1.59       1.59       1.62       1.64       1.66  

Net investment income (loss)

    1.44 (a)      1.66       1.78       1.60       1.89       1.78  

Portfolio turnover

    21 (n)      40       53       72       52       95  

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $1,651       $2,466       $3,584       $4,153       $3,093       $3,310  

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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Financial Highlights – continued

 

   

Six months
ended

10/31/17

    Year ended  
Class R2     4/30/17     4/30/16     4/30/15     4/30/14     4/30/13  
    (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning of
period

    $10.66       $10.78       $10.95       $10.88       $11.13       $10.84  
Income (loss) from investment operations                                  

Net investment income
(loss) (d)

    $0.10       $0.23       $0.24       $0.23       $0.26       $0.25  

Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss)

    0.08       (0.09     (0.09     0.15       (0.22     0.35  

Total from investment operations

    $0.18       $0.14       $0.15       $0.38       $0.04       $0.60  
Less distributions declared to shareholders                                  

From net investment income

    $(0.11     $(0.26     $(0.28     $(0.27     $(0.29     $(0.31

From net realized gain

                (0.04     (0.04     (0.00 )(w)       

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

    $(0.11     $(0.26     $(0.32     $(0.31     $(0.29     $(0.31

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $10.73       $10.66       $10.78       $10.95       $10.88       $11.13  

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

    1.70 (n)      1.27       1.41       3.53       0.47       5.60  
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                 

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

    1.14 (a)      1.15       1.14       1.14       1.15       1.16  

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

    1.09 (a)      1.09       1.09       1.12       1.15       1.16  

Net investment income (loss)

    1.92 (a)      2.15       2.29       2.12       2.40       2.29  

Portfolio turnover

    21 (n)      40       53       72       52       95  

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $47,965       $48,893       $49,042       $49,623       $42,233       $43,889  

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

32


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Financial Highlights – continued

 

   

Six months
ended

10/31/17

    Year ended  
Class R3     4/30/17     4/30/16     4/30/15     4/30/14     4/30/13  
    (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning of
period

    $10.67       $10.79       $10.95       $10.88       $11.13       $10.84  
Income (loss) from investment operations                                  

Net investment income
(loss) (d)

    $0.12       $0.26       $0.27       $0.26       $0.29       $0.28  

Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss)

    0.07       (0.10     (0.09     0.15       (0.22     0.35  

Total from investment operations

    $0.19       $0.16       $0.18       $0.41       $0.07       $0.63  
Less distributions declared to shareholders                                  

From net investment income

    $(0.12     $(0.28     $(0.30     $(0.30     $(0.32     $(0.34

From net realized gain

                (0.04     (0.04     (0.00 )(w)       

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

    $(0.12     $(0.28     $(0.34     $(0.34     $(0.32     $(0.34

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $10.74       $10.67       $10.79       $10.95       $10.88       $11.13  

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

    1.83 (n)      1.52       1.76       3.79       0.72       5.87  
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                 

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

    0.89 (a)      0.90       0.89       0.89       0.90       0.91  

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

    0.84 (a)      0.84       0.84       0.87       0.89       0.91  

Net investment income (loss)

    2.17 (a)      2.40       2.53       2.36       2.65       2.52  

Portfolio turnover

    21 (n)      40       53       72       52       95  

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $88,587       $90,449       $88,496       $71,742       $48,842       $53,863  

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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Financial Highlights – continued

 

   

Six months
ended

10/31/17

    Year ended  
Class R4     4/30/17     4/30/16     4/30/15     4/30/14     4/30/13  
    (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning of
period

    $10.67       $10.79       $10.96       $10.88       $11.13       $10.84  
Income (loss) from investment operations                                  

Net investment income
(loss) (d)

    $0.13       $0.28       $0.30       $0.28       $0.31       $0.30  

Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss)

    0.08       (0.09     (0.10     0.16       (0.22     0.36  

Total from investment operations

    $0.21       $0.19       $0.20       $0.44       $0.09       $0.66  
Less distributions declared to shareholders                                  

From net investment income

    $(0.14     $(0.31     $(0.33     $(0.32     $(0.34     $(0.37

From net realized gain

                (0.04     (0.04     (0.00 )(w)       

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

    $(0.14     $(0.31     $(0.37     $(0.36     $(0.34     $(0.37

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $10.74       $10.67       $10.79       $10.96       $10.88       $11.13  

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

    1.96 (n)      1.78       1.92       4.15       0.97       6.13  
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                 

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

    0.64 (a)      0.65       0.64       0.64       0.65       0.67  

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

    0.59 (a)      0.59       0.59       0.61       0.65       0.67  

Net investment income (loss)

    2.42 (a)      2.64       2.79       2.59       2.90       2.75  

Portfolio turnover

    21 (n)      40       53       72       52       95  

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $119,241       $118,494       $116,248       $150,418       $68,289       $84,048  

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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Financial Highlights – continued

 

   

Six months
ended

10/31/17

    Year ended  
Class R6 (y)     4/30/17     4/30/16     4/30/15     4/30/14     4/30/13  
    (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning of
period

    $10.67       $10.79       $10.96       $10.89       $11.14       $10.85  
Income (loss) from investment operations                                  

Net investment income
(loss) (d)

    $0.14       $0.30       $0.31       $0.30       $0.32       $0.31  

Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss)

    0.07       (0.10     (0.10     0.14       (0.22     0.32  

Total from investment operations

    $0.21       $0.20       $0.21       $0.44       $0.10       $0.63  
Less distributions declared to shareholders                                  

From net investment income

    $(0.14     $(0.32     $(0.34     $(0.33     $(0.35     $(0.34

From net realized gain

                (0.04     (0.04     (0.00 )(w)       

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

    $(0.14     $(0.32     $(0.38     $(0.37     $(0.35     $(0.34

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $10.74       $10.67       $10.79       $10.96       $10.89       $11.14  

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

    2.01 (n)      1.89       2.03       4.15       1.07       6.21  
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                 

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

    0.53 (a)      0.53       0.53       0.54       0.55       0.57  

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

    0.48 (a)      0.48       0.48       0.53       0.55       0.57  

Net investment income (loss)

    2.52 (a)      2.76       2.90       2.72       2.99       2.82  

Portfolio turnover

    21 (n)      40       53       72       52       95  

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $1,991,280       $1,422,342       $1,423,635       $1,371,926       $1,542,574       $1,222,616  

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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Financial Highlights – continued

 

   

Six months
ended

10/31/17

    Year ended  
Class 529A     4/30/17     4/30/16     4/30/15     4/30/14     4/30/13  
    (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning of
period

    $10.65       $10.77       $10.94       $10.87       $11.11       $10.82  
Income (loss) from investment operations                                  

Net investment income
(loss) (d)

    $0.12       $0.27       $0.28       $0.27       $0.29       $0.29  

Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss)

    0.09       (0.10     (0.10     0.14       (0.21     0.34  

Total from investment operations

    $0.21       $0.17       $0.18       $0.41       $0.08       $0.63  
Less distributions declared to shareholders                                  

From net investment income

    $(0.13     $(0.29     $(0.31     $(0.30     $(0.32     $(0.34

From net realized gain

                (0.04     (0.04     (0.00 )(w)       

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

    $(0.13     $(0.29     $(0.35     $(0.34     $(0.32     $(0.34

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $10.73       $10.65       $10.77       $10.94       $10.87       $11.11  

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

    1.96 (n)      1.60       1.72       3.84       0.86       5.92  
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                 

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

    0.99 (a)      1.00       0.99       0.99       1.00       1.02  

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

    0.76 (a)      0.76       0.78       0.81       0.84       0.87  

Net investment income (loss)

    2.25 (a)      2.47       2.60       2.43       2.72       2.59  

Portfolio turnover

    21 (n)      40       53       72       52       95  

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $8,609       $7,879       $6,132       $4,713       $4,032       $4,909  

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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Financial Highlights – continued

 

   

Six months
ended

10/31/17

    Year ended  
Class 529B     4/30/17     4/30/16     4/30/15     4/30/14     4/30/13  
    (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning of
period

    $10.68       $10.81       $10.97       $10.90       $11.15       $10.86  
Income (loss) from investment operations                                  

Net investment income
(loss) (d)

    $0.07       $0.17       $0.19       $0.17       $0.20       $0.19  

Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss)

    0.08       (0.10     (0.09     0.15       (0.22     0.35  

Total from investment operations

    $0.15       $0.07       $0.10       $0.32       $(0.02     $0.54  
Less distributions declared to shareholders                                  

From net investment income

    $(0.08     $(0.20     $(0.22     $(0.21     $(0.23     $(0.25

From net realized gain

                (0.04     (0.04     (0.00 )(w)       

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

    $(0.08     $(0.20     $(0.26     $(0.25     $(0.23     $(0.25

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $10.75       $10.68       $10.81       $10.97       $10.90       $11.15  

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

    1.42 (n)      0.62       0.95       2.96       (0.08     5.02  
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                 

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

    1.74 (a)      1.74       1.74       1.74       1.75       1.76  

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

    1.64 (a)      1.64       1.64       1.67       1.69       1.71  

Net investment income (loss)

    1.36 (a)      1.60       1.74       1.56       1.84       1.73  

Portfolio turnover

    21 (n)      40       53       72       52       95  

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $330       $297       $339       $396       $395       $458  

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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Six months
ended

10/31/17

    Year ended  
Class 529C     4/30/17     4/30/16     4/30/15     4/30/14     4/30/13  
    (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning of
period

    $10.68       $10.80       $10.97       $10.90       $11.15       $10.85  
Income (loss) from investment operations                                  

Net investment income
(loss) (d)

    $0.07       $0.17       $0.19       $0.17       $0.20       $0.19  

Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss)

    0.08       (0.09     (0.10     0.15       (0.22     0.36  

Total from investment operations

    $0.15       $0.08       $0.09       $0.32       $(0.02     $0.55  
Less distributions declared to shareholders                                  

From net investment income

    $(0.08     $(0.20     $(0.22     $(0.21     $(0.23     $(0.25

From net realized gain

                (0.04     (0.04     (0.00 )(w)       

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

    $(0.08     $(0.20     $(0.26     $(0.25     $(0.23     $(0.25

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $10.75       $10.68       $10.80       $10.97       $10.90       $11.15  

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

    1.42 (n)      0.72       0.86       2.97       (0.08     5.12  
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                 

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

    1.74 (a)      1.75       1.74       1.74       1.75       1.76  

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

    1.64 (a)      1.64       1.64       1.67       1.70       1.71  

Net investment income (loss)

    1.37 (a)      1.59       1.73       1.56       1.84       1.73  

Portfolio turnover

    21 (n)      40       53       72       52       95  

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $3,607       $3,843       $3,283       $2,933       $2,905       $4,097  

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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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.
(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 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 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. Effective August 26, 2016, Class R5 shares were renamed Class R6 shares. Class R6 shares do not pay a 12b-1 distribution fee or sub-accounting costs.

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

39


Table of Contents

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

(1) Business and Organization

MFS Total Return Bond Fund (the fund) is a diversified series of MFS Series Trust IX (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 Standards 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.

In October 2016, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) released its Final Rule on Investment Company Reporting Modernization (the “Rule”). The Rule, which introduced two new regulatory reporting forms for investment companies – Form N-PORT and Form N-CEN – also contained amendments to Regulation S-X which impact financial statement presentation, particularly the presentation of derivative investments, for all reporting periods ending after August 1, 2017. The fund has adopted the Rule’s Regulation S-X amendments and believes that the fund’s financial statements are in compliance with those amendments.

In March 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2017-08, Receivables – Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20) – Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities (“ASU 2017-08”). For entities that hold callable debt securities at a premium, ASU 2017-08 requires that the premium be amortized to the earliest call date. ASU 2017-08 will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Management is still evaluating the potential impacts of ASU 2017-08 but believes that adoption of ASU 2017-08 will not have a material effect on the fund’s overall financial position or its overall results of operations.

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, or similar 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

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

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 – Equity securities, including restricted equity securities, are generally valued at the last sale or official closing price on their primary market or exchange as provided by a third-party pricing service. Equity securities, for which there were no sales reported that day, are generally valued at the last quoted daily bid quotation on their primary market or exchange as provided by a third-party pricing service. Debt instruments and floating rate loans, 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 may be valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value. Futures contracts are generally valued at last posted settlement price on their primary exchange as provided by a third-party pricing service. Futures contracts for which there were no trades that day for a particular position are generally valued at the closing bid quotation on their primary exchange as provided by a third-party pricing service. Open-end investment companies are generally valued at net asset value per share. Securities and other assets generally valued on the basis of information from a third-party pricing service may also be valued at a broker/dealer bid quotation. Values obtained from 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

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

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, such as futures contracts. The following is a summary of the levels used as of October 31, 2017 in valuing the fund’s assets or liabilities:

 

Financial Instruments    Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  
U.S. Treasury Bonds & U.S. Government Agency & Equivalents      $—        $1,326,638,840        $—        $1,326,638,840  
Non-U.S. Sovereign Debt             29,752,733               29,752,733  
Municipal Bonds             33,275,252               33,275,252  
U.S. Corporate Bonds             1,586,025,818               1,586,025,818  
Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities             871,258,657               871,258,657  
Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities             437,766,980               437,766,980  
Asset-Backed Securities (including CDOs)             398,975,197               398,975,197  
Foreign Bonds             403,741,078               403,741,078  
Mutual Funds      61,257,294                      61,257,294  
Total      $61,257,294        $5,087,434,555        $—        $5,148,691,849  
Other Financial Instruments                            
Futures Contracts – Assets      $1,313,770        $—        $—        $1,313,770  
Futures Contracts – Liabilities      (629,485                    (629,485

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

 

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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 futures contracts. Depending on the type of derivative, the fund may exit a derivative position by entering into an offsetting transaction with a counterparty or exchange, negotiating an agreement with the derivative counterparty, or novating the position to a third party. The fund may be unable to promptly close out a futures position in instances where the daily fluctuation in the price for that type of future exceeds the daily limit set by the exchange. 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 October 31, 2017 as reported in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities:

 

        Fair Value (a)  
Risk   Derivative Contracts   Asset Derivatives     Liability Derivatives  
Interest Rate   Interest Rate Futures     $1,313,770       $(629,485)  

 

(a) The value of futures contracts includes cumulative appreciation (depreciation) as reported in the fund’s Portfolio of Investments. Only the current day net 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 October 31, 2017 as reported in the Statement of Operations:

 

Risk    Futures Contracts  
Interest Rate      $1,890,810  

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 October 31, 2017 as reported in the Statement of Operations:

 

Risk    Futures Contracts  
Interest Rate      $(1,188,226

 

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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, uncleared 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. 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 agreement 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.

Collateral and margin requirements differ by type of derivative. For cleared derivatives (e.g., futures contracts, cleared swaps, and exchange-traded options), margin requirements are set by the clearing broker and the clearing house and collateral, in the form of cash or securities, is posted by the fund directly with the clearing broker. Collateral terms are counterparty agreement specific for uncleared derivatives (e.g., forward foreign currency exchange contracts, uncleared swap agreements, and uncleared options) and collateral, in the form of cash and securities, is held in segregated accounts with the fund’s custodian in connection with these agreements. For derivatives traded under an ISDA Master Agreement, which contains a collateral support annex, the collateral requirements are netted across all transactions traded under such counterparty-specific agreement and one amount is posted from one party to the other to collateralize such obligations. Cash that has been segregated or delivered 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 for uncleared derivatives or deposits with brokers for cleared derivatives, respectively. Securities pledged as collateral or margin for the same purpose, if any, are noted in the Portfolio of Investments. The fund may be required to make payments of interest on uncovered collateral or margin obligations with the broker. Any such payments are included in “Miscellaneous” expense in the Statement of Operations.

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

 

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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.

Dollar Roll Transactions – The fund enters into dollar roll transactions, with respect to mortgage-backed securities issued by Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac, in which the fund sells mortgage-backed securities to financial institutions and simultaneously agrees to purchase similar (same issuer, type and coupon) securities at a later date at an agreed-upon price. During the period between the sale and repurchase in a dollar roll transaction the fund will not be entitled to receive interest and principal payments on the securities sold but is compensated by interest earned on the proceeds of the initial sale and by a lower purchase price on the securities to be repurchased which enhances the fund’s total return. The fund accounts for dollar roll transactions as purchases and sales and realizes gains and losses on these transactions.

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.

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.

The fund invests a significant portion of its assets in asset-backed and/or mortgage-backed securities. The value of these securities may depend, in part, on the issuer’s or borrower’s credit quality or ability to pay principal and interest when due and that value may fall if an issuer or borrower defaults on its obligation to pay principal or interest or if the instrument’s credit rating is downgraded by a credit rating agency. U.S. Government securities not supported as to the payment of principal or interest by the U.S. Treasury, such as those issued by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the Federal Home Loan Banks, are subject to greater credit risk than are U.S. Government securities supported by the U.S. Treasury, such as those issued by Ginnie Mae.

 

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The fund purchased or sold debt securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis, or in a “To Be Announced” (TBA) or “forward commitment” transaction with delivery or payment to occur at a later date beyond the normal settlement period. At the time a fund enters into a commitment to purchase or sell a security, the transaction is recorded and the value of the security acquired is reflected in the fund’s net asset value. The price of such security and the date that the security will be delivered and paid for are fixed at the time the transaction is negotiated. The value of the security may vary with market fluctuations. No interest accrues to the fund until payment takes place. At the time that a fund enters into this type of transaction, the fund is required to have sufficient cash and/or liquid securities to cover its commitments. Losses may arise due to changes in the value of the underlying securities or if the counterparty does not perform under the contract’s terms, or if the issuer does not issue the securities due to political, economic or other factors. Additionally, losses may arise due to declines in the value of the securities prior to settlement date.

To mitigate this risk of loss on TBA securities and other types of forward settling mortgage-backed securities, the fund whenever possible enters into a Master Securities Forward Transaction Agreement (“MSFTA”) on a bilateral basis with each of the counterparties with whom it undertakes a significant volume of transactions. The MSFTA 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 MSFTA, 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 MSFTA 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.

For mortgage-backed securities traded under a MSFTA, the collateral and margining requirements are contract specific. Collateral amounts across all transactions traded under such agreement are netted and one amount is posted from one party to the other to collateralize such obligations. Cash that has been pledged to cover the fund’s collateral or margin obligations under a MSFTA, if any, will be reported separately on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as restricted cash. Securities pledged as collateral or margin for the same purpose, if any, are noted in the Portfolio of Investments.

Fees Paid Indirectly – The fund’s custody fee may be reduced by a credit earned under an arrangement that measures the value of U.S. dollars deposited with the custodian by the fund. The amount of the credit, for the six months ended October 31, 2017, 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

 

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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:

 

     Year ended
4/30/17
 
Ordinary income (including any
short-term capital gains)
     $132,051,214  

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

 

As of 10/31/17       
Cost of investments      $5,096,060,953  
Gross appreciation      88,886,375  
Gross depreciation      (36,255,479
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)      $52,630,896  
As of 4/30/17       
Undistributed ordinary income      13,064,242  
Capital loss carryforwards      (46,155,311
Other temporary differences      (11,236,400
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)      18,504,036  

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

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.

 

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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
10/31/17
     Year
ended
4/30/17
 
Class A      $20,694,971        $50,023,033  
Class B      194,232        557,918  
Class C      998,999        2,848,121  
Class I      13,788,426        28,391,683  
Class R1      16,964        60,069  
Class R2      499,264        1,171,393  
Class R3      1,043,699        2,412,185  
Class R4      1,523,497        3,539,486  
Class R6      23,858,628        42,786,755  
Class 529A      98,266        187,332  
Class 529B      2,545        5,849  
Class 529C      29,183        67,390  
Total      $62,748,674        $132,051,214  

(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 based on the fund’s average daily net assets:

 

Up to $2.5 billion      0.50
In excess of $2.5 billion and up to $5 billion      0.45
In excess of $5 billion      0.40

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 October 31, 2017, this management fee reduction amounted to $202,309, which is included in the reduction of total expenses in the Statement of Operations. The management fee incurred for the six months ended October 31, 2017 was equivalent to an annual effective rate of 0.47% 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, excluding interest, taxes, extraordinary expenses, brokerage and

 

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transaction costs, and investment-related expenses, 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     R6     529A     529B     529C  
0.74%     1.49%       1.59%       0.59%       1.59%       1.09%       0.84%       0.59%       0.50%       0.79%       1.64%       1.64%  

This written agreement will continue until modified by the fund’s Board of Trustees, but such agreement will continue at least until August 31, 2018. For the six months ended October 31, 2017, this reduction amounted to $921,017, which 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 $94,701 and $756 for the six months ended October 31, 2017, 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%        0.15%        $2,155,018  
Class B      0.75%        0.25%        1.00%        0.90%        117,084  
Class C      0.75%        0.25%        1.00%        1.00%        640,639  
Class R1      0.75%        0.25%        1.00%        1.00%        10,888  
Class R2      0.25%        0.25%        0.50%        0.50%        121,554  
Class R3             0.25%        0.25%        0.25%        113,343  
Class 529A             0.25%        0.25%        0.12%        10,335  
Class 529B      0.75%        0.25%        1.00%        1.00%        1,689  
Class 529C      0.75%        0.25%        1.00%        1.00%        19,363  
Total Distribution and Service Fees        $3,189,913  

 

(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 October 31, 2017 based on each class’s average daily net assets. 0.10% of the Class A and Class 529A service fee is currently being waived under a written waiver agreement. For the six months ended October 31, 2017, this waiver amounted to $866,135 and is included in the reduction of total expenses in the Statement of Operations. 0.10% of the Class B service fee is currently being waived under a written waiver agreement. For the six

 

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  months ended October 31, 2017, this waiver amounted to $11,708 and is included in the reduction of total expenses in the Statement of Operations. These written waiver agreements will continue until modified by the fund’s Board of Trustees, but such agreements will continue at least until August 31, 2018. MFD had 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 October 31, 2017, this rebate amounted to $32, $114, $1,269, $2, and $13 for Class B, Class C, Class 529A, Class 529B, and Class 529C, 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. 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 October 31, 2017, were as follows:

 

     Amount  
Class A      $95,386  
Class B      43,863  
Class C      39,547  
Class 529B       
Class 529C      309  

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. Effective December 10, 2017, this waiver agreement will be terminated. For the six months ended October 31, 2017, this waiver amounted to $3,120 and is included in the reduction of total expenses in the Statement of Operations. The program manager fee incurred for the six months ended October 31, 2017 was equivalent to an annual effective rate of 0.05% of the average daily net assets attributable to each 529 share class. Effective December 11, 2017, the fund will enter into an agreement with MFD pursuant to which MFD receives an annual fee of up to 0.05% of 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 October 31, 2017, were as follows:

 

     Fee      Waiver  
Class 529A      $4,134        $2,067  
Class 529B      169        85  
Class 529C      1,936        968  
Total Program Manager Fees and Waivers      $6,239        $3,120  

 

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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 October 31, 2017, the fee was $112,042, which equated to 0.0045% 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 R6 shares do not incur sub-accounting fees. For the six months ended October 31, 2017, these out-of-pocket expenses, sub-accounting and other shareholder servicing costs amounted to $1,813,248.

Administrator – MFS provides certain financial, legal, shareholder communications, compliance, and other administrative services to the fund. Under an administrative services agreement, the fund 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 October 31, 2017 was equivalent to an annual effective rate of 0.0131% 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.

Other – This fund and certain other funds managed by MFS (the funds) have entered into a service agreement (the ISO Agreement) which provides for payment of fees solely by the funds to Tarantino LLC in return for the provision of services of an Independent Senior Officer (ISO) for the funds. Frank L. Tarantino serves as the ISO and is an officer of the funds and the sole member of Tarantino LLC. The funds can terminate the ISO Agreement with Tarantino LLC at any time under the terms of the ISO Agreement. For the six months ended October 31, 2017, the fee paid by the fund under this agreement was $4,341 and is included in “Miscellaneous” expense in the Statement of Operations. MFS has agreed to bear all expenses associated with office space, other administrative support, and supplies provided to the ISO.

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. This money market fund does not pay a management fee to MFS.

On March 16, 2016, MFS purchased 59,694 shares of Class I for an aggregate amount of $635,146.

The fund is permitted to engage in purchase and sale transactions with funds and accounts for which MFS serves as investment adviser or sub-adviser (“cross-trades”) pursuant to a policy adopted by the Board of Trustees. This policy has been designed to ensure that cross-trades conducted by the fund comply with Rule 17a-7 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Under this policy, cross-trades are effected at

 

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current market prices with no remuneration paid in connection with the transaction. During the six months ended October 31, 2017, the fund engaged in purchase transactions pursuant to this policy, which amounted to $2,430,524.

(4) Portfolio Securities

For the six months ended October 31, 2017, purchases and sales of investments, other than short-term obligations, were as follows:

 

     Purchases      Sales  
U.S. Government securities      $575,900,812        $404,638,001  
Investments (non-U.S. Government securities)      $843,814,033        $587,619,929  

(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
10/31/17
     Year ended
4/30/17
 
     Shares      Amount      Shares      Amount  
Shares sold            

Class A

     30,633,055        $328,801,433        71,617,565        $768,759,457  

Class B

     90,257        969,501        371,154        4,016,756  

Class C

     963,771        10,365,831        3,034,499        32,810,244  

Class I

     30,526,954        328,018,140        92,648,421        994,616,434  

Class R1

     15,248        163,965        82,393        886,322  

Class R2

     408,611        4,380,206        1,253,524        13,492,039  

Class R3

     949,297        10,185,192        2,713,833        29,104,733  

Class R4

     1,539,537        16,554,013        5,750,985        61,666,750  

Class R6

     56,848,538        611,830,701        14,225,879        152,539,673  

Class 529A

     111,154        1,190,533        261,046        2,792,026  

Class 529B

     9,893        106,309        2,664        28,580  

Class 529C

     24,986        268,465        160,548        1,730,281  
     122,121,301        $1,312,834,289        192,122,511        $2,062,443,295  
Shares issued to shareholders in reinvestment of distributions            

Class A

     1,662,828        $17,866,611        4,033,052        $43,390,964  

Class B

     15,489        166,682        43,415        467,960  

Class C

     77,087        829,431        207,748        2,238,120  

Class I

     856,346        9,201,429        1,599,256        17,143,809  

Class R1

     1,576        16,959        5,561        59,990  

Class R2

     43,486        467,105        102,257        1,099,359  

Class R3

     96,842        1,040,389        223,098        2,399,101  

Class R4

     123,561        1,328,034        286,489        3,080,891  

Class R6

     2,201,821        23,672,178        3,908,994        42,053,326  

Class 529A

     9,139        98,098        17,393        186,678  

Class 529B

     236        2,540        540        5,820  

Class 529C

     2,683        28,869        6,216        66,908  
     5,091,094        $54,718,325        10,434,019        $112,192,926  

 

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     Six months ended
10/31/17
    Year ended
4/30/17
 
     Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount  
Shares reacquired         

Class A

     (31,136,944     $(334,343,231     (85,148,816     $(911,887,291

Class B

     (366,018     (3,936,434     (836,091     (8,980,932

Class C

     (2,217,158     (23,818,993     (4,574,600     (49,031,260

Class I

     (51,526,623     (554,526,955     (61,261,269     (662,143,758

Class R1

     (94,157     (1,013,968     (188,788     (2,017,608

Class R2

     (569,164     (6,107,337     (1,317,663     (14,184,392

Class R3

     (1,276,448     (13,699,419     (2,659,535     (28,453,748

Class R4

     (1,668,361     (17,914,884     (5,702,760     (61,149,542

Class R6

     (6,965,501     (74,874,328     (16,737,968     (179,513,655

Class 529A

     (57,165     (612,714     (107,947     (1,149,687

Class 529B

     (7,306     (78,810     (6,763     (72,669

Class 529C

     (52,009     (559,031     (110,840     (1,189,737
     (95,936,854     $(1,031,486,104     (178,653,040     $(1,919,774,279
Net change         

Class A

     1,158,939       $12,324,813       (9,498,199     $(99,736,870

Class B

     (260,272     (2,800,251     (421,522     (4,496,216

Class C

     (1,176,300     (12,623,731     (1,332,353     (13,982,896

Class I

     (20,143,323     (217,307,386     32,986,408       349,616,485  

Class R1

     (77,333     (833,044     (100,834     (1,071,296

Class R2

     (117,067     (1,260,026     38,118       407,006  

Class R3

     (230,309     (2,473,838     277,396       3,050,086  

Class R4

     (5,263     (32,837     334,714       3,598,099  

Class R6

     52,084,858       560,628,551       1,396,905       15,079,344  

Class 529A

     63,128       675,917       170,492       1,829,017  

Class 529B

     2,823       30,039       (3,559     (38,269

Class 529C

     (24,340     (261,697     55,924       607,452  
     31,275,541       $336,066,510       23,903,490       $254,861,942  

Class T shares were not publicly available for sale during the period. Please see the fund’s prospectus for details.

The fund is one of several mutual funds in which certain MFS funds may invest. The MFS funds do not invest in the underlying funds for the purpose of exercising management or control. At the end of the period, the MFS Moderate Allocation Fund, the MFS Conservative Allocation Fund, the MFS Growth Allocation Fund, the MFS Lifetime Income Fund, the MFS Lifetime 2020 Fund, the MFS Lifetime 2030 Fund, and the MFS Lifetime 2025 Fund were the owners of record of approximately 9%, 9%, 3%, 2%, 1%, and 1%, respectively, of the value of outstanding voting shares of the fund. In addition, the MFS Lifetime 2035 Fund, the MFS Lifetime 2040 Fund, the MFS Lifetime 2045 Fund, the MFS Lifetime 2050 Fund, the MFS Lifetime 2055 Fund, and the MFS Lifetime 2060 Fund were each the owners of record of less than 1% of the value of outstanding voting shares of the fund.

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

(6) Line of Credit

The fund and certain other funds managed by MFS participate in a $1.25 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 Overnight Federal Reserve funds rate or daily 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 Overnight Federal Reserve funds rate plus an agreed upon spread. For the six months ended October 31, 2017, the fund’s commitment fee and interest expense were $16,393 and $0, respectively, and are included in “Miscellaneous” expense in the Statement of Operations.

(7) Investments in 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:

 

Affiliated Issuers          Beginning
Shares/Par
Amount
    Acquisitions
Shares/Par
Amount
    Dispositions
Shares/Par
Amount
    Ending
Shares/Par
Amount
 
MFS Institutional Money
Market Portfolio
      175,685,739       955,116,762       (1,069,545,207     61,257,294  
Affiliated Issuers   Realized
Gain (Loss)
    Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
    Capital Gain
Distributions
    Dividend
Income
    Ending
Value
 
MFS Institutional Money
Market Portfolio
    $(8,134     $(14,814     $—       $865,743       $61,257,294  

 

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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, 2017 (“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 Senior Officer, a 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 Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (“Broadridge”), an independent third party, on the investment performance of the Fund for various time periods ended December 31, 2016 and the investment performance of a group of funds with substantially similar investment classifications/objectives (the “Lipper performance universe”), (ii) information provided by Broadridge on the Fund’s advisory fees and other expenses and the advisory fees and other expenses of comparable funds identified by Broadridge (the “Broadridge expense group”), (iii) information provided by MFS on the advisory fees of 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

 

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Board Review of Investment Advisory Agreement – continued

 

other services to the Fund and the other MFS Funds. The comparative performance, fee and expense information prepared and provided by Broadridge 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 Broadridge 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, 2016, 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 2nd quintile for each of the one- and five-year periods ended December 31, 2016 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 Broadridge. The Trustees considered that MFS currently observes an expense limitation for the Fund, and that MFS Fund Distributors, Inc. (“MFD”), an affiliate of MFS, currently observes a Class A 12b-1 fee waiver, each of which may not be changed without the Trustees’ approval. The Trustees also considered that, according to the data provided by Broadridge (which takes into account any fee reductions or expense

 

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Board Review of Investment Advisory Agreement – continued

 

limitations that were in effect during the Fund’s last fiscal year), the Fund’s effective advisory fee rate was higher than the Broadridge expense group median and the Fund’s total expense ratio was approximately at the Broadridge expense group median.

The Trustees also considered the advisory fees charged by MFS to any institutional separate accounts advised by MFS (“separate accounts”) and unaffiliated investment companies for which MFS serves as subadviser (“subadvised funds”) that have comparable investment strategies to the Fund, if any. 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, as well as the more extensive regulatory burdens imposed on MFS in managing the Fund, in comparison to separate accounts and subadvised funds. The Trustees also considered 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 in comparison to separate 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 contractual breakpoints that reduce the Fund’s advisory fee rate on average daily net assets over $2.5 billion and $5 billion. 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.

 

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Board Review of Investment Advisory Agreement – continued

 

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 MFD. 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, 2017.

 

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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 mfs.com/proxyvoting, 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 by August 31 of each year without charge by visiting mfs.com/proxyvoting, 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 at https://www.mfs.com/en-us/what-we-do/announcements.html or at mfs.com/openendfunds by choosing the fund’s name.

 

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INFORMATION ABOUT FUND CONTRACTS AND LEGAL CLAIMS

The fund has entered into contractual arrangements with an investment adviser, administrator, distributor, shareholder servicing agent, 529 program manager (if applicable), and custodian who each provide services to the fund. Unless expressly stated otherwise, shareholders are not parties to, or intended beneficiaries of these contractual arrangements, and these contractual arrangements are not intended to create any shareholder right to enforce them against the service providers or to seek any remedy under them against the service providers, either directly or on behalf of the fund.

Under the Trust’s By-Laws and Declaration of Trust, any claims asserted against or on behalf of the MFS Funds, including claims against Trustees and Officers, must be brought in state and federal courts located within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

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 any element of the Code’s definition 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 of each series of the Registrant is included as part of the report to shareholders of such series under Item 1 of this Form N-CSR.

 

ITEM 7. DISCLOSURE OF PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.

Not applicable to the Registrant.

 

ITEM 8. PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.

Not applicable to the Registrant.

 

ITEM 9. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS.

Not applicable to the Registrant.

 

ITEM 10. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.

There were no material changes to the procedures by which shareholders may send recommendations to the Board for nominees to the Registrant’s Board since the Registrant last provided disclosure as to such procedures in response to the requirements of Item 407 (c)(2)(iv) of Regulation S-K or this Item.


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ITEM 11. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

 

(a) Based upon their evaluation of the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Act”)) as conducted within 90 days of the filing date of this report on Form N-CSR, the registrant’s principal financial officer and principal executive officer have concluded that those disclosure controls and procedures provide reasonable assurance that the material information required to be disclosed by the registrant on this report is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.

 

(b) There were no changes in the registrant’s internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Act) that occurred during the second fiscal quarter of the period covered by the report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

ITEM 12. DISCLOSURE OF SECURITIES LENDING ACTIVITIES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.

Not applicable to the Registrant.

 

ITEM 13. 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 IX

 

By (Signature and Title)*    DAVID L. DILORENZO
  David L. DiLorenzo, President

Date: December 15, 2017

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

By (Signature and Title)*    DAVID L. DILORENZO
  David L. DiLorenzo, President (Principal Executive Officer)

Date: December 15, 2017

 

By (Signature and Title)*    JAMES O. YOST
  James O. Yost, Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer and Accounting Officer)

Date: December 15, 2017

 

* Print name and title of each signing officer under his or her signature.