N-CSRS 1 d172894dncsrs.htm MFS SERIES TRUST VI N-CSRS MFS SERIES TRUST VI N-CSRS
Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM N-CSR

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF

REGISTERED MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

Investment Company Act file number 811-6102

MFS SERIES TRUST VI

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

111 Huntington Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02199

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

Kristin V. Collins

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: October 31

Date of reporting period: April 30, 2016


Table of Contents
ITEM 1. REPORTS TO STOCKHOLDERS.


Table of Contents

SEMIANNUAL REPORT

April 30, 2016

 

LOGO

 

MFS® GLOBAL EQUITY FUND

 

LOGO

 

LGE-SEM

 


Table of Contents

MFS® GLOBAL EQUITY FUND

 

CONTENTS

 

Letter from the Chairman     1   
Portfolio composition     2   
Expense table     4   
Portfolio of investments     6   
Statement of assets and liabilities     11   
Statement of operations     13   
Statements of changes in net assets     14   
Financial highlights     15   
Notes to financial statements     24   
Proxy voting policies and information     35   
Quarterly portfolio disclosure     35   
Further information     35   
Provision of financial reports and summary prospectuses     35   
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 CHAIRMAN

 

Dear Shareholders:

Markets have largely recovered after a significant bout of volatility earlier this year. Oil prices have rebounded sharply, and the dollar has weakened against most currencies.

Global economic growth remains sluggish, and almost every major central bank — aside from the U.S. Federal Reserve — is continuing to loosen monetary policy. This should help keep interest rates lower for longer on a global basis.

Even with a weaker dollar, soft global growth continues to negatively impact U.S. exports. In Europe, a crucial referendum on Britain’s continued membership in the European Union is set for June 23. China continues to face headwinds in its shift to a consumer-led economy, which is weighing on its manufacturing sector. Emerging markets have been beneficiaries of the weaker U.S. dollar and firmer commodity prices.

At MFS®, we believe it is best to view markets through a long lens, and not react to short-term swings. That makes it possible to filter out market noise and focus on long-term fundamentals.

In our view, the professional guidance of a financial advisor, along with a patient, long-term approach, will help you reach your investment objectives.

Respectfully,

 

LOGO

Robert J. Manning

Chairman

MFS Investment Management

June 16, 2016

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

 

LOGO

 

Top ten holdings  
Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.     2.7%   
Time Warner, Inc.     2.6%   
Nestle S.A.     2.5%   
Honeywell International, Inc.     2.5%   
Accenture PLC, “A”     2.5%   
Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC     2.4%   
Walt Disney Co.     2.3%   
Bayer AG     2.2%   
Visa, Inc., “A”     2.1%   
Medtronic PLC     1.9%   
Equity sectors  
Consumer Staples     18.1%   
Health Care     17.8%   
Financial Services     14.0%   
Leisure     10.7%   
Industrial Goods & Services     8.3%   
Basic Materials     6.5%   
Retailing     5.6%   
Special Products & Services     5.4%   
Technology     5.2%   
Transportation     4.3%   
Energy     1.3%   
Autos & Housing     0.9%   
Issuer country weightings (x)   
United States     57.4%   
United Kingdom     9.7%   
Switzerland     8.1%   
France     7.5%   
Germany     5.9%   
Netherlands     2.3%   
Canada     1.7%   
Sweden     1.7%   
Denmark     0.9%   
Other Countries     4.8%   
Currency exposure weightings (y)   
United States Dollar     59.8%   
Euro     16.6%   
British Pound Sterling     9.7%   
Swiss Franc     8.1%   
Swedish Krona     1.7%   
Danish Krone     0.9%   
Japanese Yen     0.9%   
Brazilian Real     0.9%   
South Korean Won     0.5%   
Other Currencies     0.9%   
 

 

2


Table of Contents

Portfolio Composition – continued

 

 

(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.
(y) Represents the portfolio’s exposure to a particular currency as a percentage of a portfolio’s net assets. For purposes of this presentation, United States Dollar includes Cash & Cash Equivalents.

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 4/30/16.

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, November 1, 2015 through April 30, 2016

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 November 1, 2015 through April 30, 2016.

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
11/01/15
    Ending
Account Value
4/30/16
   

Expenses

Paid During
Period (p)

11/01/15-4/30/16

 
A   Actual     1.22%        $1,000.00        $1,004.19        $6.08   
  Hypothetical (h)     1.22%        $1,000.00        $1,018.80        $6.12   
B   Actual     1.97%        $1,000.00        $1,000.47        $9.80   
  Hypothetical (h)     1.97%        $1,000.00        $1,015.07        $9.87   
C   Actual     1.97%        $1,000.00        $1,000.11        $9.80   
  Hypothetical (h)     1.97%        $1,000.00        $1,015.07        $9.87   
I   Actual     0.97%        $1,000.00        $1,005.57        $4.84   
  Hypothetical (h)     0.97%        $1,000.00        $1,020.04        $4.87   
R1   Actual     1.97%        $1,000.00        $1,000.44        $9.80   
  Hypothetical (h)     1.97%        $1,000.00        $1,015.07        $9.87   
R2   Actual     1.47%        $1,000.00        $1,002.69        $7.32   
  Hypothetical (h)     1.47%        $1,000.00        $1,017.55        $7.37   
R3   Actual     1.22%        $1,000.00        $1,004.33        $6.08   
  Hypothetical (h)     1.22%        $1,000.00        $1,018.80        $6.12   
R4   Actual     0.97%        $1,000.00        $1,005.46        $4.84   
  Hypothetical (h)     0.97%        $1,000.00        $1,020.04        $4.87   
R5   Actual     0.87%        $1,000.00        $1,006.07        $4.34   
  Hypothetical (h)     0.87%        $1,000.00        $1,020.54        $4.37   

 

(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 182/366 (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


Table of Contents

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS

4/30/16 (unaudited)

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

 

Common Stocks - 98.1%                 
Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Aerospace - 4.7%                 
Honeywell International, Inc.      501,811      $ 57,341,940   
MTU Aero Engines AG      158,658        14,973,352   
United Technologies Corp.      333,305        34,787,043   
    

 

 

 
      $ 107,102,335   
Airlines - 0.5%                 
Aena S.A. (a)      71,460      $ 10,191,338   
Alcoholic Beverages - 5.9%                 
AmBev S.A.      2,001,178      $ 11,282,356   
Carlsberg Group      215,041        20,942,652   
Diageo PLC      1,573,679        42,446,573   
Heineken N.V.      273,524        25,635,310   
Pernod Ricard S.A.      306,825        33,123,389   
    

 

 

 
      $ 133,430,280   
Apparel Manufacturers - 3.0%                 
Burberry Group PLC      706,764      $ 12,278,663   
Compagnie Financiere Richemont S.A.      274,914        18,283,658   
LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton S.A.      230,155        38,239,506   
    

 

 

 
      $ 68,801,827   
Automotive - 0.9%                 
Delphi Automotive PLC      199,024      $ 14,654,137   
Harley-Davidson, Inc.      101,859        4,871,916   
    

 

 

 
      $ 19,526,053   
Broadcasting - 7.5%                 
Omnicom Group, Inc.      275,547      $ 22,862,135   
Time Warner, Inc.      784,549        58,951,012   
Walt Disney Co.      512,420        52,912,489   
WPP Group PLC      1,477,243        34,449,238   
    

 

 

 
      $ 169,174,874   
Brokerage & Asset Managers - 1.4%                 
Deutsche Boerse AG      139,031      $ 11,412,865   
Franklin Resources, Inc.      559,675        20,898,265   
    

 

 

 
      $ 32,311,130   

 

6


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Common Stocks - continued                 
Business Services - 5.4%                 
Accenture PLC, “A”      490,695      $ 55,409,279   
Adecco S.A.      282,923        18,211,712   
Brenntag AG      149,300        8,754,655   
Compass Group PLC      1,458,626        25,980,197   
NOW, Inc. (a)      124,541        2,249,210   
PayPal Holdings, Inc. (a)      294,577        11,541,527   
    

 

 

 
      $ 122,146,580   
Cable TV - 2.1%                 
Sky PLC      1,395,806      $ 19,140,537   
Time Warner Cable, Inc.      132,665        28,139,573   
    

 

 

 
      $ 47,280,110   
Chemicals - 2.6%                 
3M Co.      224,980      $ 37,657,152   
Monsanto Co.      215,126        20,153,004   
    

 

 

 
             $ 57,810,156   
Computer Software - 2.2%                 
Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. (a)      131,679      $ 10,912,239   
Oracle Corp.      986,245        39,311,726   
    

 

 

 
      $ 50,223,965   
Consumer Products - 6.3%                 
Colgate-Palmolive Co.      435,509      $ 30,886,298   
International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc.      148,799        17,777,017   
Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC      565,735        55,003,539   
Svenska Cellulosa Aktiebolaget      1,200,893        37,819,280   
    

 

 

 
      $ 141,486,134   
Electrical Equipment - 3.4%                 
Amphenol Corp., “A”      264,607      $ 14,773,009   
Legrand S.A.      349,970        19,932,467   
Schneider Electric S.A.      385,262        25,074,639   
W.W. Grainger, Inc. (l)      72,779        17,068,131   
    

 

 

 
      $ 76,848,246   
Electronics - 1.8%                 
Hoya Corp.      329,700      $ 12,552,522   
Microchip Technology, Inc.      329,233        15,997,431   
Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.      10,781        11,723,218   
    

 

 

 
      $ 40,273,171   

 

7


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Common Stocks - continued                 
Energy - Independent - 0.1%                 
INPEX Corp.      258,700      $ 2,010,120   
Food & Beverages - 6.0%                 
Danone S.A. (l)      551,677      $ 38,640,951   
Kellogg Co.      508,003        39,019,710   
Nestle S.A.      771,536        57,505,289   
    

 

 

 
      $ 135,165,950   
Food & Drug Stores - 0.1%                 
Lawson, Inc.      32,600      $ 2,544,796   
Gaming & Lodging - 0.6%                 
Sands China Ltd.      1,129,600      $ 4,025,636   
William Hill PLC      1,184,601        5,412,461   
Wynn Resorts Ltd. (l)      45,585        4,025,156   
    

 

 

 
      $ 13,463,253   
Insurance - 0.4%                 
Swiss Re Ltd.      95,341      $ 8,457,750   
Internet - 0.5%                 
eBay, Inc. (a)      488,883      $ 11,943,412   
Machinery & Tools - 0.1%                 
Kubota Corp.      215,300      $ 3,145,089   
Major Banks - 5.1%                 
Bank of New York Mellon Corp.      963,268      $ 38,761,904   
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.      154,533        25,360,411   
Standard Chartered PLC      1,384,660        11,170,065   
State Street Corp.      656,234        40,883,378   
    

 

 

 
             $ 116,175,758   
Medical Equipment - 13.1%                 
Cooper Cos., Inc.      137,432      $ 21,038,091   
Dentsply Sirona, Inc.      184,870        11,018,252   
Medtronic PLC      536,904        42,495,952   
Sonova Holding AG      96,635        12,914,216   
St. Jude Medical, Inc.      534,706        40,744,597   
Stryker Corp.      378,594        41,270,532   
Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.      430,123        62,045,243   
Waters Corp. (a)      171,744        22,354,199   
Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc.      358,737        41,530,982   
    

 

 

 
             $ 295,412,064   

 

8


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Common Stocks - continued                 
Network & Telecom - 0.7%                 
Cisco Systems, Inc.      539,876      $ 14,841,191   
Oil Services - 1.2%                 
National Oilwell Varco, Inc.      213,255      $ 7,685,710   
Schlumberger Ltd.      255,991        20,566,317   
    

 

 

 
             $ 28,252,027   
Other Banks & Diversified Financials - 7.1%                 
American Express Co.      434,905      $ 28,455,834   
Credicorp Ltd.      33,031        4,803,368   
Erste Group Bank AG      327,502        9,420,155   
Grupo Financiero Banorte S.A. de C.V.      1,470,237        8,346,467   
Itau Unibanco Holding S.A., ADR      852,787        8,127,060   
Julius Baer Group Ltd.      261,223        11,167,263   
Kasikornbank PLC      1,008,980        4,801,271   
Komercni Banka A.S.      18,624        3,831,391   
UBS Group AG      1,895,029        32,792,121   
Visa, Inc., “A”      616,930        47,651,673   
    

 

 

 
             $ 159,396,603   
Pharmaceuticals - 4.7%                 
Bayer AG      435,577      $ 50,249,812   
Johnson & Johnson      127,120        14,247,610   
Merck KGaA      191,928        18,036,290   
Roche Holding AG      93,210        23,562,415   
    

 

 

 
             $ 106,096,127   
Railroad & Shipping - 2.3%                 
Canadian National Railway Co.      635,536      $ 39,123,596   
Union Pacific Corp.      158,036        13,785,480   
    

 

 

 
             $ 52,909,076   
Restaurants - 0.5%                 
Whitbread PLC      217,529      $ 12,306,861   
Specialty Chemicals - 3.9%                 
Akzo Nobel N.V.      380,522      $ 26,966,507   
L’Air Liquide S.A.      86,824        9,842,364   
Linde AG      204,733        31,272,898   
Praxair, Inc.      177,931        20,899,775   
    

 

 

 
             $ 88,981,544   

 

9


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Common Stocks - continued                 
Specialty Stores - 2.4%                 
AutoZone, Inc. (a)      24,186      $ 18,507,853   
Hermes International      11,224        3,996,985   
Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. (a)      542,292        17,027,969   
Urban Outfitters, Inc. (a)      506,317        15,351,531   
    

 

 

 
             $ 54,884,338   
Trucking - 1.6%                 
United Parcel Service, Inc., “B”      334,861      $ 35,183,845   
Total Common Stocks (Identified Cost, $1,673,651,661)      $ 2,217,776,003   
Money Market Funds - 1.4%                 
MFS Institutional Money Market Portfolio, 0.36%,
at Cost and Net Asset Value (v)
     30,561,997      $ 30,561,997   
Collateral for Securities Loaned - 1.2%                 
JPMorgan Prime Money Market Fund, 0.45%,
at Cost and Net Asset Value (j)
     27,678,939      $ 27,678,939   
Total Investments (Identified Cost, $1,731,892,597)      $ 2,276,016,939   
Other Assets, Less Liabilities - (0.7)%        (16,439,029
Net Assets - 100.0%      $ 2,259,577,910   

 

(a) Non-income producing security.
(j) The rate quoted is the annualized seven-day yield of the fund at period end.
(l) A portion of this security is on loan.
(v) Underlying affiliated fund that is available only to investment companies managed by MFS. The rate quoted for the MFS Institutional Money Market Portfolio is the annualized seven-day yield of the fund at period end.

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

 

ADR   American Depositary Receipt
PLC   Public Limited Company

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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Table of Contents

Financial Statements

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

At 4/30/16 (unaudited)

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

 

Assets         

Investments

  

Non-affiliated issuers, at value (identified cost, $1,701,330,600)

     $2,245,454,942   

Underlying affiliated funds, at cost and value

     30,561,997   

Total investments, at value, including $26,383,039 of securities on loan
(identified cost, $1,731,892,597)

     $2,276,016,939   

Receivables for

  

Investments sold

     3,861,734   

Fund shares sold

     6,524,912   

Interest and dividends

     5,535,898   

Other assets

     7,872   

Total assets

     $2,291,947,355   
Liabilities         

Payables for

  

Investments purchased

     $1,742,634   

Fund shares reacquired

     1,940,909   

Collateral for securities loaned, at value

     27,678,939   

Payable to affiliates

  

Investment adviser

     151,260   

Shareholder servicing costs

     661,742   

Distribution and service fees

     33,815   

Payable for independent Trustees’ compensation

     12,610   

Deferred country tax expense payable

     5,935   

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

     141,601   

Total liabilities

     $32,369,445   

Net assets

     $2,259,577,910   
Net assets consist of         

Paid-in capital

     $1,706,654,950   

Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments and translation of assets and liabilities in foreign currencies (net of $5,935 deferred country tax)

     544,138,186   

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

     625,071   

Undistributed net investment income

     8,159,703   

Net assets

     $2,259,577,910   

Shares of beneficial interest outstanding

     63,199,020   

 

11


Table of Contents

Statement of Assets and Liabilities (unaudited) – continued

 

 

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

Class A

     $698,227,980         19,557,832         $35.70   

Class B

     26,883,441         811,924         33.11   

Class C

     152,802,184         4,814,929         31.74   

Class I

     646,243,518         17,662,832         36.59   

Class R1

     3,352,306         103,425         32.41   

Class R2

     53,099,964         1,529,669         34.71   

Class R3

     106,678,400         3,007,822         35.47   

Class R4

     121,105,924         3,381,980         35.81   

Class R5

     451,184,193         12,328,607         36.60   

 

(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 $37.88 [100 / 94.25 x $35.70]. On sales of $50,000 or more, the maximum offering price of Class A shares is reduced. A contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on redemptions of Class A, Class B, and Class C shares. Redemption price per share was equal to the net asset value per share for Classes I, R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5.

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

12


Table of Contents

Financial Statements

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Six months ended 4/30/16 (unaudited)

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

 

Net investment income   

Income

  

Dividends

     $21,578,732   

Interest

     119,713   

Dividends from underlying affiliated funds

     42,335   

Foreign taxes withheld

     (1,161,426

Total investment income

     $20,579,354   

Expenses

  

Management fee

     $8,606,559   

Distribution and service fees

     1,927,143   

Shareholder servicing costs

     982,327   

Administrative services fee

     169,182   

Independent Trustees’ compensation

     22,742   

Custodian fee

     153,941   

Shareholder communications

     43,512   

Audit and tax fees

     31,497   

Legal fees

     9,781   

Miscellaneous

     114,361   

Total expenses

     $12,061,045   

Fees paid indirectly

     (3

Reduction of expenses by investment adviser and distributor

     (91,685

Net expenses

     $11,969,357   

Net investment income

     $8,609,997   
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency   

Realized gain (loss) (identified cost basis)

  

Investments

     $10,307,172   

Foreign currency

     (71,702

Net realized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency

     $10,235,470   

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

  

Investments (net of $20,074 decrease in deferred country tax)

     $(7,555,248

Translation of assets and liabilities in foreign currencies

     120,915   

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

     $(7,434,333

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

     $2,801,137   

Change in net assets from operations

     $11,411,134   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

13


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
4/30/16
(unaudited)
    

Year ended
10/31/15

 
From operations                  

Net investment income

     $8,609,997         $20,058,425   

Net realized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency

     10,235,470         28,864,346   

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

     (7,434,333      31,794,635   

Change in net assets from operations

     $11,411,134         $80,717,406   
Distributions declared to shareholders                  

From net investment income

     $(17,750,133      $(16,366,047

From net realized gain on investments

     (23,040,223      (19,230,066

Total distributions declared to shareholders

     $(40,790,356      $(35,596,113

Change in net assets from fund share transactions

     $104,326,338         $159,795,174   

Total change in net assets

     $74,947,116         $204,916,467   
Net assets                  

At beginning of period

     2,184,630,794         1,979,714,327   

At end of period (including undistributed net investment income of $8,159,703 and $17,299,839, respectively)

     $2,259,577,910         $2,184,630,794   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

14


Table of Contents

Financial Statements

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

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

 

   

Six months
ended
4/30/16

(unaudited)

    Years ended 10/31  
Class A     2015     2014     2013     2012     2011  
                                 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $36.22        $35.45        $33.74        $26.46        $23.79        $23.14   
Income (loss) from investment operations                           

Net investment income (d)

    $0.12        $0.30        $0.26        $0.22        $0.23        $0.20   

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

    0.00 (w)      1.07        1.90        7.40        2.78        0.55   

Total from investment operations

    $0.12        $1.37        $2.16        $7.62        $3.01        $0.75   
Less distributions declared to shareholders                           

From net investment income

    $(0.26     $(0.26     $(0.13     $(0.27     $(0.19     $(0.10

From net realized gain on investments

    (0.38     (0.34     (0.32     (0.07     (0.15       

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

    $(0.64     $(0.60     $(0.45     $(0.34     $(0.34     $(0.10

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $35.70        $36.22        $35.45        $33.74        $26.46        $23.79   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

    0.42 (n)      3.94        6.50        29.12        12.96        3.23   
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                           

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

    1.23 (a)      1.23        1.23        1.29        1.34        1.37   

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

    1.22 (a)      1.22        1.22        1.29        1.34        1.37   

Net investment income

    0.73 (a)(I)      0.84        0.75        0.71        0.93        0.82   

Portfolio turnover

    4 (n)      8        11        11        13        16   

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $698,228        $677,704        $592,610        $512,447        $344,016        $310,964   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

15


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

   

Six months
ended
4/30/16

(unaudited)

    Years ended 10/31  
Class B     2015     2014     2013     2012     2011  
                                 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $33.51        $32.84        $31.40        $24.64        $22.13        $21.61   
Income (loss) from investment operations                           

Net investment income (loss) (d)

    $(0.01     $0.03        $(0.00 )(w)      $(0.01     $0.04        $0.01   

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

    0.01        1.00        1.76        6.92        2.62        0.51   

Total from investment operations

    $—        $1.03        $1.76        $6.91        $2.66        $0.52   
Less distributions declared to shareholders                           

From net investment income

    $(0.02     $(0.02     $—        $(0.08     $—        $—   

From net realized gain on investments

    (0.38     (0.34     (0.32     (0.07     (0.15       

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

    $(0.40     $(0.36     $(0.32     $(0.15     $(0.15     $—   

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $33.11        $33.51        $32.84        $31.40        $24.64        $22.13   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

    0.05 (n)      3.17        5.68        28.19        12.13        2.41   
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                           

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

    1.98 (a)      1.98        1.98        2.04        2.09        2.12   

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

    1.97 (a)      1.97        1.98        2.04        2.09        2.12   

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.03 )(a)(I)      0.09        (0.01     (0.02     0.16        0.06   

Portfolio turnover

    4 (n)      8        11        11        13        16   

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $26,883        $27,384        $26,118        $24,395        $18,799        $20,797   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

16


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

   

Six months
ended
4/30/16

(unaudited)

    Years ended 10/31  
Class C     2015     2014     2013     2012     2011  
                                 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $32.19        $31.60        $30.22        $23.75        $21.37        $20.87   
Income (loss) from investment operations                           

Net investment income (loss) (d)

    $(0.00 )(w)      $0.03        $(0.00 )(w)      $(0.02     $0.04        $0.01   

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

    0.00 (w)      0.95        1.70        6.66        2.53        0.49   

Total from investment operations

    $(0.00 )(w)      $0.98        $1.70        $6.64        $2.57        $0.50   
Less distributions declared to shareholders                           

From net investment income

    $(0.07     $(0.05     $—        $(0.10     $(0.04     $—   

From net realized gain on investments

    (0.38     (0.34     (0.32     (0.07     (0.15       

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

    $(0.45     $(0.39     $(0.32     $(0.17     $(0.19     $—   

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $31.74        $32.19        $31.60        $30.22        $23.75        $21.37   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

    0.04 (n)      3.17        5.70        28.15        12.17        2.40   
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                           

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

    1.98 (a)      1.98        1.98        2.04        2.09        2.12   

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

    1.97 (a)      1.97        1.98        2.04        2.09        2.12   

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.01 )(a)(I)      0.08        (0.00     (0.06     0.17        0.07   

Portfolio turnover

    4 (n)      8        11        11        13        16   

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $152,802        $140,018        $111,902        $74,448        $32,071        $28,756   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

17


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

   

Six months
ended
4/30/16

(unaudited)

    Years ended 10/31  
Class I     2015     2014     2013     2012     2011  
                                 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $37.14        $36.34        $34.56        $27.09        $24.35        $23.68   
Income (loss) from investment operations                           

Net investment income (d)

    $0.17        $0.41        $0.35        $0.30        $0.30        $0.27   

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

    0.01        1.07        1.95        7.58        2.85        0.55   

Total from investment operations

    $0.18        $1.48        $2.30        $7.88        $3.15        $0.82   
Less distributions declared to shareholders                           

From net investment income

    $(0.35     $(0.34     $(0.20     $(0.34     $(0.26     $(0.15

From net realized gain on investments

    (0.38     (0.34     (0.32     (0.07     (0.15       

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

    $(0.73     $(0.68     $(0.52     $(0.41     $(0.41     $(0.15

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $36.59        $37.14        $36.34        $34.56        $27.09        $24.35   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(x)

    0.56 (n)      4.17        6.77        29.44        13.26        3.47   
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                           

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

    0.98 (a)      0.98        0.98        1.04        1.09        1.12   

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

    0.97 (a)      0.97        0.98        1.04        1.09        1.12   

Net investment income

    0.95 (a)(I)      1.11        0.99        0.98        1.18        1.08   

Portfolio turnover

    4 (n)      8        11        11        13        16   

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $646,244        $671,087        $681,259        $638,111        $356,027        $281,561   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

18


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

   

Six months
ended
4/30/16

(unaudited)

    Years ended 10/31  
Class R1     2015     2014     2013     2012     2011  
                                 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $32.80        $32.17        $30.76        $24.13        $21.67        $21.16   
Income (loss) from investment operations                           

Net investment income (d)

    $(0.00 )(w)      $0.03        $(0.00 )(w)      $(0.00 )(w)      $0.03        $0.01   

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

    0.00 (w)      0.97        1.73        6.76        2.59        0.50   

Total from investment operations

    $(0.00 )(w)      $1.00        $1.73        $6.76        $2.62        $0.51   
Less distributions declared to shareholders                           

From net investment income

    $(0.01     $(0.03     $—        $(0.06     $(0.01     $—   

From net realized gain on investments

    (0.38     (0.34     (0.32     (0.07     (0.15       

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

    $(0.39     $(0.37     $(0.32     $(0.13     $(0.16     $—   

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $32.41        $32.80        $32.17        $30.76        $24.13        $21.67   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(x)

    0.04 (n)      3.14        5.70        28.17        12.23        2.41   
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                           

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

    1.98 (a)      1.98        1.98        2.04        2.09        2.12   

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

    1.97 (a)      1.97        1.98        2.04        2.09        2.12   

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.03 )(a)(I)      0.10        (0.01     (0.01     0.15        0.03   

Portfolio turnover

    4 (n)      8        11        11        13        16   

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $3,352        $3,546        $3,776        $3,718        $2,968        $3,581   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

19


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

   

Six months
ended
4/30/16

(unaudited)

    Years ended 10/31  
Class R2     2015     2014     2013     2012     2011  
                                 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $35.19        $34.45        $32.81        $25.76        $23.16        $22.55   
Income (loss) from investment operations                           

Net investment income (d)

    $0.07        $0.21        $0.17        $0.14        $0.16        $0.14   

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

    0.00 (w)      1.03        1.85        7.21        2.73        0.51   

Total from investment operations

    $0.07        $1.24        $2.02        $7.35        $2.89        $0.65   
Less distributions declared to shareholders                           

From net investment income

    $(0.17     $(0.16     $(0.06     $(0.23     $(0.14     $(0.04

From net realized gain on investments

    (0.38     (0.34     (0.32     (0.07     (0.15       

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

    $(0.55     $(0.50     $(0.38     $(0.30     $(0.29     $(0.04

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $34.71        $35.19        $34.45        $32.81        $25.76        $23.16   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(x)

    0.27 (n)      3.67        6.24        28.82        12.71        2.90   
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                           

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

    1.48 (a)      1.48        1.48        1.54        1.59        1.62   

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

    1.47 (a)      1.47        1.48        1.54        1.59        1.62   

Net investment income

    0.45 (a)(I)      0.59        0.49        0.48        0.65        0.58   

Portfolio turnover

    4 (n)      8        11        11        13        16   

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $53,100        $56,978        $57,258        $54,726        $30,799        $21,832   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

20


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

   

Six months
ended
4/30/16

(unaudited)

    Years ended 10/31  
Class R3     2015     2014     2013     2012     2011  
                                 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $35.98        $35.23        $33.55        $26.32        $23.66        $23.02   
Income (loss) from investment operations                           

Net investment income (d)

    $0.12        $0.30        $0.26        $0.21        $0.22        $0.20   

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

    0.01        1.05        1.88        7.37        2.79        0.54   

Total from investment operations

    $0.13        $1.35        $2.14        $7.58        $3.01        $0.74   
Less distributions declared to shareholders                           

From net investment income

    $(0.26     $(0.26     $(0.14     $(0.28     $(0.20     $(0.10

From net realized gain on investments

    (0.38     (0.34     (0.32     (0.07     (0.15       

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

    $(0.64     $(0.60     $(0.46     $(0.35     $(0.35     $(0.10

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $35.47        $35.98        $35.23        $33.55        $26.32        $23.66   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(x)

    0.43 (n)      3.93        6.49        29.11        12.99        3.21   
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                           

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

    1.23 (a)      1.23        1.23        1.29        1.34        1.37   

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

    1.22 (a)      1.22        1.23        1.29        1.34        1.37   

Net investment income

    0.73 (a)(I)      0.84        0.74        0.67        0.91        0.83   

Portfolio turnover

    4 (n)      8        11        11        13        16   

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $106,678        $105,192        $90,864        $62,218        $21,664        $13,294   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

21


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

   

Six months
ended
4/30/16

(unaudited)

    Years ended 10/31  
Class R4     2015     2014     2013     2012     2011  
                                 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $36.37        $35.59        $33.87        $26.55        $23.88        $23.22   
Income (loss) from investment operations                           

Net investment income (d)

    $0.17        $0.40        $0.35        $0.31        $0.31        $0.25   

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

    0.00 (w)      1.06        1.89        7.42        2.77        0.56   

Total from investment operations

    $0.17        $1.46        $2.24        $7.73        $3.08        $0.81   
Less distributions declared to shareholders                           

From net investment income

    $(0.35     $(0.34     $(0.20     $(0.34     $(0.26     $(0.15

From net realized gain on investments

    (0.38     (0.34     (0.32     (0.07     (0.15       

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

    $(0.73     $(0.68     $(0.52     $(0.41     $(0.41     $(0.15

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $35.81        $36.37        $35.59        $33.87        $26.55        $23.88   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(x)

    0.55 (n)      4.20        6.74        29.47        13.23        3.50   
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                           

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

    0.98 (a)      0.98        0.98        1.04        1.09        1.12   

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

    0.97 (a)      0.97        0.98        1.04        1.09        1.12   

Net investment income

    0.98 (a)(I)      1.11        0.99        1.02        1.23        1.04   

Portfolio turnover

    4 (n)      8        11        11        13        16   

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $121,106        $118,810        $109,067        $90,239        $37,929        $15,009   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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Financial Highlights – continued

 

   

Six months
ended
4/30/16

(unaudited)

    Years ended 10/31  
Class R5     2015     2014     2013     2012 (i)  
                           

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $37.17        $36.36        $34.58        $27.10        $24.19   
Income (loss) from investment operations                   

Net investment income (d)

    $0.20        $0.44        $0.42        $0.08        $0.05   

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

    (0.01 )(g)      1.08        1.90        7.81        2.86   

Total from investment operations

    $0.19        $1.52        $2.32        $7.89        $2.91   
Less distributions declared to shareholders                   

From net investment income

    $(0.38     $(0.37     $(0.22     $(0.34     $—   

From net realized gain on investments

    (0.38     (0.34     (0.32     (0.07       

Total distributions declared to shareholders

    $(0.76     $(0.71     $(0.54     $(0.41     $—   

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $36.60        $37.17        $36.36        $34.58        $27.10   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(x)

    0.61 (n)      4.29        6.84        29.50        12.03 (n) 
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                   

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

    0.88 (a)      0.88        0.90        0.95        1.04 (a) 

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

    0.87 (a)      0.88        0.90        0.95        1.04 (a) 

Net investment income

    1.13 (a)(I)      1.19        1.16        0.24        0.50 (a) 

Portfolio turnover

    4 (n)      8        11        11        13   

Net assets at end of period (000 omitted)

    $451,184        $383,913        $306,861        $187,343        $112   

 

(a) Annualized.
(d) Per share data is based on average shares outstanding.
(f) Ratios do not reflect reductions from fees paid indirectly, if applicable.
(g) The per share amount varies from the net realized and unrealized gain/loss for the period because of the timing of sales of fund shares and the per share amount of realized and unrealized gains and losses at such time.
(i) For the period from the class inception, June 1, 2012, through the stated period end.
(l) Recognition of net investment income by the fund may be affected by the timing of the declaration of dividends by companies in which the fund invests and the actual annual net investment income ratio may differ.
(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.

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

(1) Business and Organization

MFS Global Equity Fund (the fund) is a diversified series of MFS Series Trust VI (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.

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.

(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 January 2016, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-01, Financial Instruments – Overall (Subtopic 825-10) – Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (“ASU 2016-01”) which would first be effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods therein. ASU 2016-01, which changes the accounting for equity investments and for certain financial liabilities, also modifies the presentation and disclosure requirements for financial instruments. Investment companies are specifically exempted from ASU 2016-01’s equity investment accounting provisions and will continue to follow the industry specific guidance for investment accounting under ASC 946. Although still

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

evaluating the potential impacts of ASU 2016-01 to the fund, management expects that the impact of the fund’s adoption will be limited to additional financial statement disclosures.

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

Investment Valuations – 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. 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. Events that occur on a frequent basis after foreign markets close (such as developments in foreign markets and significant movements in the

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

U.S. markets) and prior to the determination of the fund’s net asset value may be deemed to have a material effect on the value of securities traded in foreign markets. Accordingly, the fund’s foreign equity securities may often be valued at fair value. The adviser generally relies on third-party pricing services or other information (such as the correlation with price movements of similar securities in the same or other markets; the type, cost and investment characteristics of the security; the business and financial condition of the issuer; and trading and other market data) to assist in determining whether to fair value and at what value to fair value an investment. The value of an investment for purposes of calculating the fund’s net asset value can differ depending on the source and method used to determine value. When fair valuation is used, the value of an investment used to determine the fund’s net asset value may differ from quoted or published prices for the same investment. There can be no assurance that the fund could obtain the fair value assigned to an investment if it were to sell the investment at the same time at which the fund determines its net asset value per share.

Various inputs are used in determining the value of the fund’s assets or liabilities. These inputs are categorized into three broad levels. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, an investment’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The fund’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and considers factors specific to the investment. Level 1 includes unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 includes other significant observable market-based inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speed, and credit risk). Level 3 includes unobservable inputs, which may include the adviser’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments. The following is a summary of the levels used as of April 30, 2016 in valuing the fund’s assets or liabilities:

 

Investments at Value    Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  
Equity Securities:            

United States

     $1,254,938,905         $—         $—         $1,254,938,905   

United Kingdom

     218,188,134                         218,188,134   

Switzerland

     182,894,423                         182,894,423   

France

     168,850,300                         168,850,300   

Germany

     134,699,871                         134,699,871   

Netherlands

     52,601,817                         52,601,817   

Canada

     39,123,596                         39,123,596   

Sweden

     37,819,280                         37,819,280   

Denmark

     20,942,652                         20,942,652   

Other Countries

     66,914,374         40,802,651                 107,717,025   
Mutual Funds      58,240,936                         58,240,936   
Total Investments      $2,235,214,288         $40,802,651         $—         $2,276,016,939   

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

Of the level 2 investments presented above, equity investments amounting to $4,801,271 would have been considered level 1 investments at the beginning of the

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

period. The primary reason for changes in the classifications between levels 1 and 2 occurs when foreign equity securities are fair valued using other observable market-based inputs in place of the closing exchange price due to events occurring after the close of the exchange or market on which the investment is principally traded. The fund’s foreign equity securities may often be valued at fair value. The fund’s policy is to recognize transfers between the levels as of the end of the period.

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

Security Loans – Under its Securities Lending Agency Agreement with the fund, JPMorgan Chase and Co. (“Chase”), as lending agent, loans the securities of the fund to certain qualified institutions (the “Borrowers”) approved by the fund. Security loans can be terminated at the discretion of either the lending agent or the fund and the related securities must be returned within the earlier of the standard trade settlement period for such securities or within three business days. The loans are collateralized by cash and/or U.S. Treasury and federal agency obligations in an amount typically at least equal to the market value of the securities loaned. On loans collateralized by cash, the cash collateral is invested in a money market fund. The market value of the loaned securities is determined at the close of business of the fund and any additional required collateral is delivered to the fund on the next business day. Chase provides the fund with indemnification against Borrower default. In the event of Borrower default, Chase will, for the benefit of the fund, either purchase securities identical to those loaned or, when such purchase is commercially impracticable, pay the fund the market value of the loaned securities. In return, Chase assumes the fund’s rights to the related collateral. If the collateral value is less than the cost to purchase identical securities, Chase is responsible for the shortfall, but only to the extent that such shortfall is not due to a decline in collateral value resulting from collateral reinvestment for which the fund bears the risk of loss. At period end, the fund had investment securities on loan, all of which were classified as equity securities in the fund’s Portfolio of Investments, with a fair value of $26,383,039. The fair value of the fund’s investment securities on loan and a related liability of $27,678,939 for cash collateral received on securities loaned are both presented gross in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. The collateral received on securities loaned exceeded the value of securities on loan at period end. The liability for cash collateral for securities loaned is carried at fair value, which is categorized as level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. A portion of the income generated upon investment of the collateral is remitted to the Borrowers, and the remainder is allocated between the fund and the lending agent. On loans collateralized by U.S. Treasury and/or federal agency obligations, a fee is received from the Borrower,

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

and is allocated between the fund and the lending agent. Income from securities lending is included in “Interest” income in the Statement of Operations. The dividend and interest income earned on the securities loaned is accounted for in the same manner as other dividend and interest income.

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

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

Fees Paid Indirectly – The fund’s custody fee may be reduced 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 April 30, 2016, 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

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

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 wash sale loss deferrals and treating a portin of the proceeds from redemptions as a distribution for tax purposes.

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

 

     10/31/15  
Ordinary income (including any
short-term capital gains)
     $19,176,569   
Long-term capital gains      16,419,544   
Total distributions      $35,596,113   

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

 

As of 4/30/16       
Cost of investments      $1,741,442,534   
Gross appreciation      579,589,328   
Gross depreciation      (45,014,923
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)      $534,574,405   
As of 10/31/15       
Undistributed ordinary income      17,308,747   
Undistributed long-term capital gains      22,979,761   
Other temporary differences      (136,053
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)      542,149,727   

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 and service fees. The fund’s income, realized and unrealized gain (loss), and common expenses are allocated to shareholders based on the daily net assets of each class. Dividends are declared separately for each class. Differences in per share dividend rates are generally due to differences in separate class expenses. Class B shares will convert to Class A shares

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

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
     From net realized gain on
investments
 
     Six months
ended
4/30/16
     Year
ended
10/31/15
     Six months
ended
4/30/16
     Year
ended
10/31/15
 
Class A      $5,042,647         $4,419,567         $7,226,867         $5,807,888   
Class B      16,608         12,870         311,442         271,683   
Class C      299,486         194,048         1,711,911         1,216,615   
Class I      6,250,486         6,434,392         6,860,251         6,405,144   
Class R1      1,015         3,128         40,904         40,113   
Class R2      277,569         264,732         611,633         553,092   
Class R3      737,499         689,540         1,080,658         883,803   
Class R4      1,126,057         1,036,630         1,230,561         1,029,021   
Class R5      3,998,766         3,311,140         3,965,996         3,022,707   
Total      $17,750,133         $16,366,047         $23,040,223         $19,230,066   

(3) Transactions with Affiliates

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

 

First $1 billion of average daily net assets      0.90
Next $1 billion of average daily net assets      0.75
Average daily net assets in excess of $2 billion      0.65

The investment adviser has agreed in writing to reduce its management fee to 0.60% of average daily net assets in excess of $5 billion. This written agreement will continue until modified by the fund’s Board of Trustees, but such agreement will continue at least until February 28, 2017. For the six months ended April 30, 2016, the fund’s average daily net assets did not exceed $5 billion and therefore, the management fee was not reduced in accordance with this agreement. MFS has also agreed in writing to reduce its management fee by a specified amount if certain MFS mutual fund assets exceed thresholds agreed to by MFS and the fund’s Board of Trustees. For the six months ended April 30, 2016, this management fee reduction amounted to $79,212, which is included in the reduction of total expenses in the Statement of Operations. The management fee incurred for the six months ended April 30, 2016 was equivalent to an annual effective rate of 0.81% of the fund’s average daily net assets.

Distributor – MFS Fund Distributors, Inc. (MFD), a wholly-owned subsidiary of MFS, as distributor, received $171,366 for the six months ended April 30, 2016, 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.

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

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

Distribution Plan Fee Table:

 

     Distribution
Fee Rate (d)
     Service
Fee Rate (d)
     Total
Distribution
Plan (d)
     Annual
Effective
Rate (e)
     Distribution
and Service
Fee
 
Class A              0.25%         0.25%         0.25%         $822,797   
Class B      0.75%         0.25%         1.00%         1.00%         129,414   
Class C      0.75%         0.25%         1.00%         1.00%         699,286   
Class R1      0.75%         0.25%         1.00%         1.00%         16,484   
Class R2      0.25%         0.25%         0.50%         0.50%         134,362   
Class R3              0.25%         0.25%         0.25%         124,800   
Total Distribution and Service Fees         $1,927,143   

 

(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 April 30, 2016 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 April 30, 2016, this rebate amounted to $12,112, $166, and $195 for Class A, Class B, and Class C, respectively, and is included in the reduction of total expenses in the Statement of Operations.

Certain Class A shares are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) in the event of a shareholder redemption within 18 months of purchase. 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 April 30, 2016, were as follows:

 

     Amount  
Class A      $1,913   
Class B      14,712   
Class C      16,374   

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 April 30, 2016, the fee was $100,606, 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 R5 shares do

 

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not incur sub-accounting fees. For the six months ended April 30, 2016, these out-of-pocket expenses, sub-accounting and other shareholder servicing costs amounted to $881,721.

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 April 30, 2016 was equivalent to an annual effective rate of 0.0160% 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 $629 and is included in “Independent Trustees’ compensation” in the Statement of Operations for the six months ended April 30, 2016. The liability for deferred retirement benefits payable to certain independent Trustees under the DB plan amounted to $8,119 at April 30, 2016, 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 April 30, 2016, the fee paid by the fund under this agreement was $2,317 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. Income earned on this investment is included in “Dividends from underlying affiliated funds” in the Statement of Operations. This money market fund does not pay a management fee to MFS.

(4) Portfolio Securities

For the six months ended April 30, 2016, purchases and sales of investments, other than short-term obligations, aggregated $163,044,203 and $90,922,695, respectively.

 

32


Table of Contents

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

(5) Shares of Beneficial Interest

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

 

     Six months ended
4/30/16
     Year ended
10/31/15
 
     Shares      Amount      Shares      Amount  
Shares sold            

Class A

     2,885,748         $99,092,730         5,059,843         $183,341,369   

Class B

     68,699         2,184,935         176,260         5,940,310   

Class C

     884,908         27,182,765         1,396,694         45,041,674   

Class I

     3,252,123         114,174,009         4,387,013         162,167,233   

Class R1

     7,985         246,946         25,495         828,427   

Class R2

     199,526         6,660,004         447,313         15,830,932   

Class R3

     562,967         19,030,446         1,276,547         45,540,398   

Class R4

     369,155         12,720,074         1,105,519         40,307,486   

Class R5

     2,053,170         72,814,435         2,173,827         79,508,499   
     10,284,281         $354,106,344         16,048,511         $578,506,328   
Shares issued to shareholders in reinvestment of distributions            

Class A

     329,831         $11,273,619         268,489         $9,270,927   

Class B

     9,928         315,610         8,395         269,968   

Class C

     52,843         1,610,123         34,793         1,074,416   

Class I

     331,597         11,605,879         313,226         11,066,278   

Class R1

     1,309         40,738         1,374         43,241   

Class R2

     24,537         816,336         22,548         758,050   

Class R3

     53,439         1,814,793         45,870         1,573,343   

Class R4

     67,474         2,310,986         58,602         2,027,616   

Class R5

     217,130         7,597,374         179,277         6,333,847   
     1,088,088         $37,385,458         932,574         $32,417,686   
Shares reacquired            

Class A

     (2,367,755      $(80,147,188      (3,334,108      $(119,978,256

Class B

     (83,834      (2,624,626      (162,704      (5,462,671

Class C

     (473,152      (14,359,518      (622,612      (19,989,473

Class I

     (3,987,972      (140,573,688      (5,382,286      (199,648,172

Class R1

     (13,968      (439,380      (36,157      (1,189,480

Class R2

     (313,726      (10,460,009      (512,799      (18,082,643

Class R3

     (532,268      (18,169,326      (978,111      (34,488,970

Class R4

     (321,243      (11,013,400      (961,652      (35,050,080

Class R5

     (269,056      (9,378,329      (464,819      (17,239,095
     (8,362,974      $(287,165,464      (12,455,248      $(451,128,840

 

33


Table of Contents

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

     Six months ended
4/30/16
     Year ended
10/31/15
 
     Shares      Amount      Shares      Amount  
Net change            

Class A

     847,824         $30,219,161         1,994,224         $72,634,040   

Class B

     (5,207      (124,081      21,951         747,607   

Class C

     464,599         14,433,370         808,875         26,126,617   

Class I

     (404,252      (14,793,800      (682,047      (26,414,661

Class R1

     (4,674      (151,696      (9,288      (317,812

Class R2

     (89,663      (2,983,669      (42,938      (1,493,661

Class R3

     84,138         2,675,913         344,306         12,624,771   

Class R4

     115,386         4,017,660         202,469         7,285,022   

Class R5

     2,001,244         71,033,480         1,888,285         68,603,251   
     3,009,395         $104,326,338         4,525,837         $159,795,174   

(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 April 30, 2016, the fund’s commitment fee and interest expense were $4,183 and $0, respectively, and are included in “Miscellaneous” expense in the Statement of Operations.

(7) Transactions in Underlying Affiliated Funds-Affiliated Issuers

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

 

Underlying Affiliated Fund    Beginning
Shares/Par
Amount
     Acquisitions
Shares/Par
Amount
     Dispositions
Shares/Par
Amount
    Ending
Shares/Par
Amount
 
MFS Institutional Money Market Portfolio      35,213,582         135,249,804         (139,901,389     30,561,997   
Underlying Affiliated Fund    Realized
Gain (Loss)
     Capital Gain
Distributions
     Dividend
Income
    Ending
Value
 
MFS Institutional Money Market Portfolio      $—         $—         $42,335        $30,561,997   

 

34


Table of Contents

PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND INFORMATION

MFS votes proxies on behalf of the fund pursuant to proxy voting policies and procedures that are available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-225-2606, by visiting the Proxy Voting section of mfs.com or by visiting the SEC’s Web site at http://www.sec.gov.

Information regarding how the fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the twelve-month period ended June 30, 2015 is available without charge by visiting the Proxy Voting section of mfs.com or by visiting the SEC’s Web site at http://www.sec.gov.

QUARTERLY PORTFOLIO DISCLOSURE

The fund will file a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the Commission) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. A shareholder can obtain the quarterly portfolio holdings report at mfs.com. The fund’s Form N-Q is also available on the EDGAR database on the Commission’s Internet Web site at http://www.sec.gov, and may be reviewed and copied at the:

Public Reference Room

Securities and Exchange Commission

100 F Street, NE, Room 1580

Washington, D.C. 20549

Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the Commission at 1-800-SEC-0330. Copies of the fund’s Form N-Q also may be obtained, upon payment of a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following e-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov or by writing the Public Reference Section at the above address.

FURTHER INFORMATION

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

PROVISION OF FINANCIAL REPORTS AND SUMMARY PROSPECTUSES

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

 

35


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

April 30, 2016

 

LOGO

 

MFS® GLOBAL TOTAL RETURN FUND

 

LOGO

 

MWT-SEM

 


Table of Contents

MFS® GLOBAL TOTAL RETURN FUND

 

CONTENTS

 

Letter from the Chairman     1   
Portfolio composition     2   
Expense table     4   
Portfolio of investments     6   
Statement of assets and liabilities     31   
Statement of operations     33   
Statements of changes in net assets     34   
Financial highlights     35   
Notes to financial statements     44   
Proxy voting policies and information     60   
Quarterly portfolio disclosure     60   
Further information     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 CHAIRMAN

 

Dear Shareholders:

Markets have largely recovered after a significant bout of volatility earlier this year. Oil prices have rebounded sharply, and the dollar has weakened against most currencies.

Global economic growth remains sluggish, and almost every major central bank — aside from the U.S. Federal Reserve — is continuing to loosen monetary policy. This should help keep interest rates lower for longer on a global basis.

Even with a weaker dollar, soft global growth continues to negatively impact U.S. exports. In Europe, a crucial referendum on Britain’s continued membership in the European Union is set for June 23. China continues to face headwinds in its shift to a consumer-led economy, which is weighing on its manufacturing sector. Emerging markets have been beneficiaries of the weaker U.S. dollar and firmer commodity prices.

At MFS®, we believe it is best to view markets through a long lens, and not react to short-term swings. That makes it possible to filter out market noise and focus on long-term fundamentals.

In our view, the professional guidance of a financial advisor, along with a patient, long-term approach, will help you reach your investment objectives.

Respectfully,

 

LOGO

Robert J. Manning

Chairman

MFS Investment Management

June 16, 2016

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 holdings (i)  
Republic of Italy, 5.5%, 9/01/2022     1.6%   
Government of Japan, 2.2%, 9/20/2027     1.5%   
Philip Morris International, Inc.     1.2%   
Johnson & Johnson     1.1%   
KDDI Corp.     1.0%   
Nestle S.A.     1.0%   
Government of Japan, 1.5%, 3/20/2034     0.9%   
3M Co.     0.9%   
Verizon Communications, Inc.     0.8%   
Novartis AG     0.8%   
Composition including fixed income credit quality (a)(i)    
AAA     5.0%   
AA     4.7%   
A     8.1%   
BBB     12.0%   
U.S. Government     1.3%   
Federal Agencies     1.9%   
Not Rated     (0.2)%   
Non-Fixed Income     58.8%   
Cash & Cash Equivalents     8.1%   
Other     0.3%   
Equity sectors  
Financial Services     10.9%   
Consumer Staples     10.4%   
Health Care     7.2%   
Utilities & Communications     4.8%   
Technology     4.4%   
Industrial Goods & Services     4.4%   
Energy     4.2%   
Basic Materials     3.7%   
Special Products & Services     2.7%   
Retailing     1.9%   
Leisure     1.8%   
Autos & Housing     1.3%   
Transportation     1.1%   
Fixed income sectors (i)   
Non-U.S. Government Bonds     14.4%   
Investment Grade Corporates     12.2%   
Mortgage-Backed Securities     1.8%   
Emerging Markets Bonds     1.5%   
U.S. Treasury Securities     1.1%   
Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities     0.9%   
Asset-Backed Securities     0.4%   
Collateralized Debt Obligations     0.3%   
U.S. Government Agencies     0.1%   
High Yield Corporates     0.1%   
 

 

2


Table of Contents

Portfolio Composition – continued

 

Issuer country weightings (i)(x)   
United States     52.5%   
Japan     8.3%   
United Kingdom     7.8%   
France     4.3%   
Switzerland     4.3%   
Germany     3.3%   
Canada     2.8%   
Italy     2.6%   
Australia     1.7%   
Other Countries     12.4%   
Currency exposure weightings (i)(y)   
United States Dollar     50.1%   
Euro     16.2%   
Japanese Yen     11.4%   
British Pound Sterling     7.7%   
Swiss Franc     4.3%   
Canadian Dollar     1.9%   
Swedish Krona     1.8%   
Australian Dollar     1.4%   
Hong Kong Dollar     1.1%   
Other Currencies     4.1%   
 

 

 

(a) For all securities other than those specifically described below, ratings are assigned to underlying securities utilizing ratings from Moody’s, Fitch, and Standard & Poor’s rating agencies and applying the following hierarchy: If all three agencies provide a rating, the middle rating (after dropping the highest and lowest ratings) is assigned; if two of the three agencies rate a security, the lower of the two is assigned. Ratings are shown in the S&P and Fitch scale (e.g., AAA). Securities rated BBB or higher are considered investment grade. All ratings are subject to change. 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. Non-Fixed Income includes equity securities (including convertible bonds and equity derivatives) and/or commodity-linked derivatives. The fund may not hold all of these instruments. The fund is not rated by these agencies.
(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.
(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 and Other.
(y) Represents the portfolio’s exposure to a particular currency as a percentage of a portfolio’s net assets. For purposes of this presentation, United States Dollar includes Cash & Cash Equivalents and Other.

Where the fund holds convertible bonds, these 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 currency derivatives and/or any offsets to derivative positions.

Percentages are based on net assets as of 4/30/16.

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, November 1, 2015 through April 30, 2016

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 November 1, 2015 through April 30, 2016.

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

11/01/15

   

Ending

Account Value

4/30/16

   

Expenses

Paid During

Period (p)

11/01/15-4/30/16

 
A   Actual     1.13%        $1,000.00        $1,032.52        $5.71   
  Hypothetical (h)     1.13%        $1,000.00        $1,019.24        $5.67   
B   Actual     1.88%        $1,000.00        $1,028.13        $9.48   
  Hypothetical (h)     1.88%        $1,000.00        $1,015.51        $9.42   
C   Actual     1.88%        $1,000.00        $1,028.57        $9.48   
  Hypothetical (h)     1.88%        $1,000.00        $1,015.51        $9.42   
I   Actual     0.88%        $1,000.00        $1,034.11        $4.45   
  Hypothetical (h)     0.88%        $1,000.00        $1,020.49        $4.42   
R1   Actual     1.88%        $1,000.00        $1,028.71        $9.48   
  Hypothetical (h)     1.88%        $1,000.00        $1,015.51        $9.42   
R2   Actual     1.38%        $1,000.00        $1,031.29        $6.97   
  Hypothetical (h)     1.38%        $1,000.00        $1,018.00        $6.92   
R3   Actual     1.13%        $1,000.00        $1,032.61        $5.71   
  Hypothetical (h)     1.13%        $1,000.00        $1,019.24        $5.67   
R4   Actual     0.88%        $1,000.00        $1,033.68        $4.45   
  Hypothetical (h)     0.88%        $1,000.00        $1,020.49        $4.42   
R5   Actual     0.78%        $1,000.00        $1,034.61        $3.95   
  Hypothetical (h)     0.78%        $1,000.00        $1,020.98        $3.92   

 

(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 182/366 (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


Table of Contents

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS

4/30/16 (unaudited)

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

 

Common Stocks - 57.9%                 
Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Aerospace - 1.9%                 
Cobham PLC      599,086      $ 1,348,046   
Honeywell International, Inc.      99,397        11,358,095   
Lockheed Martin Corp.      43,012        9,995,129   
Northrop Grumman Corp.      7,066        1,457,433   
United Technologies Corp.      71,004        7,410,687   
    

 

 

 
             $ 31,569,390   
Airlines - 0.1%                 
Air Canada (a)      281,560      $ 2,093,692   
Alcoholic Beverages - 1.2%                 
AmBev S.A., ADR      380,730      $ 2,128,281   
Heineken N.V.      113,652        10,651,732   
Pernod Ricard S.A.      74,137        8,003,483   
    

 

 

 
             $ 20,783,496   
Apparel Manufacturers - 0.1%                 
Li & Fung Ltd.      3,124,000      $ 1,932,464   
Automotive - 0.8%                 
General Motors Co.      114,546      $ 3,642,563   
Johnson Controls, Inc.      82,198        3,402,997   
Magna International, Inc.      111,587        4,686,885   
USS Co. Ltd.      143,500        2,269,523   
    

 

 

 
             $ 14,001,968   
Biotechnology - 0.2%                 
Gilead Sciences, Inc.      32,119      $ 2,833,217   
Broadcasting - 1.1%                 
Nippon Television Holdings, Inc.      52,100      $ 839,317   
Omnicom Group, Inc.      90,475        7,506,711   
ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE      80,893        4,123,733   
Time Warner, Inc.      49,545        3,722,811   
Viacom, Inc., “B”      36,959        1,511,623   
    

 

 

 
             $ 17,704,195   
Brokerage & Asset Managers - 0.6%                 
BlackRock, Inc.      15,066      $ 5,368,468   
Computershare Ltd.      154,786        1,189,861   

 

6


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Common Stocks - continued                 
Brokerage & Asset Managers - continued                 
Daiwa Securities Group, Inc.      288,000      $ 1,655,560   
Franklin Resources, Inc.      45,974        1,716,669   
    

 

 

 
             $ 9,930,558   
Business Services - 2.7%                 
Accenture PLC, “A”      119,428      $ 13,485,810   
Amadeus IT Holding S.A.      140,139        6,376,925   
Bunzl PLC      172,137        5,128,451   
Compass Group PLC      422,775        7,530,222   
Fidelity National Information Services, Inc.      26,199        1,723,894   
Nomura Research Institute Ltd.      179,390        6,299,582   
Secom Co. Ltd.      16,800        1,283,030   
SGS S.A.      1,827        4,020,428   
    

 

 

 
             $ 45,848,342   
Cable TV - 0.5%                 
Comcast Corp., “A”      146,131      $ 8,878,920   
Chemicals - 2.5%                 
3M Co.      90,231      $ 15,102,865   
Givaudan S.A.      2,366        4,661,461   
LyondellBasell Industries N.V., “A”      81,833        6,765,134   
Monsanto Co.      19,923        1,866,387   
Orica Ltd.      176,788        2,052,983   
PPG Industries, Inc.      91,458        10,096,049   
Yara International ASA      50,588        2,025,568   
    

 

 

 
             $ 42,570,447   
Computer Software - 0.6%                 
Aspen Technology, Inc. (a)      38,913      $ 1,479,861   
Cadence Design Systems, Inc. (a)      167,313        3,879,988   
Oracle Corp.      122,115        4,867,504   
    

 

 

 
             $ 10,227,353   
Computer Software - Systems - 0.6%                 
Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. Ltd.      1,679,000      $ 3,975,154   
International Business Machines Corp.      40,528        5,914,656   
    

 

 

 
             $ 9,889,810   
Construction - 0.5%                 
Geberit AG      7,452      $ 2,861,015   
Owens Corning      69,155        3,185,971   
Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.      14,570        1,630,674   
    

 

 

 
             $ 7,677,660   

 

7


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Common Stocks - continued                 
Consumer Products - 2.4%                 
Kao Corp.      211,200      $ 11,593,243   
Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.      40,800        3,260,343   
Kose Corp.      23,400        2,127,801   
Procter & Gamble Co.      100,289        8,035,155   
Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC      84,804        8,245,062   
Svenska Cellulosa Aktiebolaget      239,094        7,529,699   
    

 

 

 
             $ 40,791,303   
Containers - 0.6%                 
Brambles Ltd.      815,839      $ 7,741,633   
Crown Holdings, Inc. (a)      26,719        1,415,038   
    

 

 

 
             $ 9,156,671   
Electrical Equipment - 1.9%                 
Danaher Corp.      54,893      $ 5,310,898   
IMI PLC      121,861        1,664,835   
Legrand S.A.      74,629        4,250,479   
Pentair PLC      26,301        1,527,562   
Schneider Electric S.A.      67,498        4,393,083   
Siemens AG      78,101        8,148,821   
Spectris PLC      79,336        2,110,936   
Tyco International PLC      127,907        4,926,978   
    

 

 

 
             $ 32,333,592   
Electronics - 2.7%                 
Analog Devices, Inc.      74,732      $ 4,208,906   
Halma PLC      217,143        2,830,124   
Hirose Electric Co. Ltd.      26,545        3,180,908   
Intel Corp.      99,509        3,013,132   
NVIDIA Corp.      115,491        4,103,395   
Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.      4,408        4,793,242   
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd., ADR      557,237        13,145,221   
Texas Instruments, Inc.      190,368        10,858,591   
    

 

 

 
             $ 46,133,519   
Energy - Independent - 0.9%                 
Cairn Energy PLC (a)      379,572      $ 1,241,775   
California Resources Corp.      1        2   
EOG Resources, Inc.      25,133        2,076,488   
Occidental Petroleum Corp.      51,693        3,962,268   
Valero Energy Corp.      119,624        7,042,265   
    

 

 

 
             $ 14,322,798   

 

8


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Common Stocks - continued                 
Energy - Integrated - 2.7%                 
BP PLC      871,314      $ 4,758,288   
Chevron Corp.      40,792        4,168,127   
China Petroleum & Chemical Corp.      6,520,000        4,628,238   
Exxon Mobil Corp.      142,849        12,627,852   
Lukoil PJSC, ADR      34,918        1,479,999   
OAO Gazprom, ADR      16,687        86,606   
OAO Gazprom, ADR      383,411        1,981,468   
Royal Dutch Shell PLC, “A”      191,254        4,972,827   
Royal Dutch Shell PLC, “B”      189,000        4,932,170   
Suncor Energy, Inc.      95,642        2,807,440   
TOTAL S.A.      56,960        2,865,204   
    

 

 

 
             $ 45,308,219   
Engineering - Construction - 0.3%                 
Bouygues (l)      43,284      $ 1,443,255   
VINCI S.A. (l)      55,158        4,120,471   
    

 

 

 
             $ 5,563,726   
Food & Beverages - 3.1%                 
Bunge Ltd.      37,976      $ 2,373,500   
Danone S.A. (l)      169,587        11,878,333   
General Mills, Inc.      220,064        13,498,726   
Nestle S.A.      217,014        16,174,816   
Tyson Foods, Inc., “A”      119,869        7,889,778   
    

 

 

 
             $ 51,815,153   
Food & Drug Stores - 0.9%                 
Alimentation Couche-Tard, Inc.      57,330      $ 2,513,071   
CVS Health Corp.      116,445        11,702,723   
Wesfarmers Ltd.      31,052        1,006,431   
    

 

 

 
             $ 15,222,225   
Gaming & Lodging - 0.1%                 
Sands China Ltd.      489,600      $ 1,744,823   
General Merchandise - 0.5%                 
Target Corp.      107,521      $ 8,547,920   
Health Maintenance Organizations - 0.2%                 
Cigna Corp.      23,115      $ 3,202,352   
Insurance - 3.7%                 
Aon PLC      60,452      $ 6,354,714   
Chubb Ltd.      38,840        4,577,682   

 

9


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Common Stocks - continued                 
Insurance - continued                 
Dai-Ichi Life Insurance Co. Ltd.      67,000      $ 798,060   
Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd.      14,476        7,758,914   
Hiscox Ltd.      142,022        1,868,677   
MetLife, Inc.      217,596        9,813,580   
Prudential Financial, Inc.      89,655        6,960,814   
Suncorp Group Ltd.      255,460        2,423,634   
Swiss Re Ltd.      54,938        4,873,578   
Travelers Cos., Inc.      87,820        9,651,418   
Validus Holdings Ltd.      53,808        2,480,011   
Zurich Insurance Group AG      16,664        3,729,554   
    

 

 

 
             $ 61,290,636   
Internet - 0.1%                 
Facebook, Inc., “A” (a)      14,076      $ 1,655,056   
Machinery & Tools - 0.2%                 
Illinois Tool Works, Inc.      38,361      $ 4,009,492   
Major Banks - 3.5%                 
Bank of New York Mellon Corp.      150,260      $ 6,046,462   
BNP Paribas      24,836        1,314,994   
BOC Hong Kong Holdings Ltd.      1,572,000        4,695,045   
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.      27,962        4,588,844   
HSBC Holdings PLC      1,284,583        8,493,282   
JPMorgan Chase & Co.      202,200        12,779,040   
State Street Corp.      70,878        4,415,699   
Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc.      46,500        1,397,797   
Toronto-Dominion Bank      49,328        2,195,719   
Wells Fargo & Co.      250,943        12,542,131   
    

 

 

 
             $ 58,469,013   
Medical Equipment - 1.0%                 
Abbott Laboratories      126,054      $ 4,903,501   
Medtronic PLC      110,951        8,781,772   
St. Jude Medical, Inc.      43,166        3,289,249   
    

 

 

 
             $ 16,974,522   
Metals & Mining - 0.4%                 
Rio Tinto PLC      175,037      $ 5,883,651   
Natural Gas - Distribution - 0.4%                 
Engie (l)      377,220      $ 6,219,875   
Network & Telecom - 0.4%                 
LM Ericsson Telephone Co., “B”      834,217      $ 6,752,312   

 

10


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Common Stocks - continued                 
Oil Services - 0.6%                 
Schlumberger Ltd.      76,382      $ 6,136,530   
Technip (l)      72,485        4,242,076   
    

 

 

 
             $ 10,378,606   
Other Banks & Diversified Financials - 2.6%                 
Agricultural Bank of China      2,711,000      $ 977,923   
American Express Co.      46,491        3,041,906   
China Construction Bank      6,470,000        4,122,045   
DBS Group Holdings Ltd.      414,400        4,689,033   
DNB A.S.A. (l)      272,219        3,485,631   
Hachijuni Bank Ltd.      150,000        651,435   
ING Groep N.V.      415,722        5,091,060   
North Pacific Ltd.      139,300        349,290   
Svenska Handelsbanken AB      455,109        6,058,334   
U.S. Bancorp      190,859        8,147,771   
UBS Group AG      419,497        7,259,095   
    

 

 

 
             $ 43,873,523   
Pharmaceuticals - 5.8%                 
Bayer AG      75,167      $ 8,671,550   
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.      108,920        7,861,846   
Eli Lilly & Co.      98,824        7,464,177   
GlaxoSmithKline PLC      184,329        3,929,558   
Johnson & Johnson      170,577        19,118,270   
Merck & Co., Inc.      183,399        10,057,601   
Novartis AG      184,919        14,110,363   
Pfizer, Inc.      331,158        10,832,178   
Roche Holding AG      41,406        10,466,960   
Santen Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.      213,700        3,054,495   
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., ADR      49,476        2,693,968   
    

 

 

 
             $ 98,260,966   
Railroad & Shipping - 0.2%                 
Canadian National Railway Co.      29,925      $ 1,842,183   
Union Pacific Corp.      21,184        1,847,880   
    

 

 

 
             $ 3,690,063   
Real Estate - 0.6%                 
Deutsche Wohnen AG      313,269      $ 9,593,663   
Medical Properties Trust, Inc., REIT      67,588        899,596   
    

 

 

 
             $ 10,493,259   
Restaurants - 0.1%                 
Greggs PLC      103,428      $ 1,561,109   

 

11


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Common Stocks - continued                 
Specialty Chemicals - 0.3%                 
PTT Global Chemical PLC      2,339,500      $ 4,186,051   
Specialty Stores - 0.4%                 
American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.      179,285      $ 2,565,568   
Esprit Holdings Ltd. (a)      987,750        865,900   
GameStop Corp., “A”      60,290        1,977,512   
Just Eat PLC (a)      176,808        990,745   
    

 

 

 
             $ 6,399,725   
Telecommunications - Wireless - 1.5%                 
Advanced Info Service PLC      202,200      $ 903,040   
KDDI Corp.      575,700        16,375,439   
Vodafone Group PLC      2,372,485        7,598,692   
    

 

 

 
             $ 24,877,171   
Telephone Services - 1.7%                 
British Telecom Group, PLC      1,296,851      $ 8,398,169   
Nippon Telegraph & Telephone Corp.      50,200        2,222,255   
TDC A.S.      692,104        3,541,606   
Verizon Communications, Inc.      280,243        14,275,578   
    

 

 

 
             $ 28,437,608   
Tobacco - 3.1%                 
Altria Group, Inc.      153,895      $ 9,650,755   
British American Tobacco PLC      132,348        8,063,957   
Imperial Brands PLC      34,509        1,874,973   
Japan Tobacco, Inc.      223,900        9,171,271   
Philip Morris International, Inc.      212,622        20,862,471   
Reynolds American, Inc.      59,962        2,974,115   
    

 

 

 
             $ 52,597,542   
Trucking - 0.7%                 
United Parcel Service, Inc., “B”      50,653      $ 5,322,111   
Yamato Holdings Co. Ltd.      345,100        6,880,122   
    

 

 

 
             $ 12,202,233   
Utilities - Electric Power - 0.9%                 
American Electric Power Co., Inc.      151,344      $ 9,610,344   
Endesa S.A.      131,787        2,766,801   
Korea Electric Power Corp.      55,290        2,993,031   
    

 

 

 
             $ 15,370,176   
Total Common Stocks (Identified Cost, $759,557,825)      $ 973,666,402   

 

12


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Bonds - 32.8%                 
Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Aerospace - 0.1%                 
Lockheed Martin Corp., 3.55%, 1/15/2026    $ 795,000      $ 852,244   
Airlines - 0.1%                 
Ryanair Ltd., 1.125%, 3/10/2023    EUR 850,000      $ 971,165   
Asset-Backed & Securitized - 1.6%                 
Cent LP, 2013-17A, “A1”, CLO, FRN, 1.916%, 1/30/2025 (n)    $ 1,216,000      $ 1,209,235   
Chesapeake Funding II LLC, 2016-1A, “A2”, FRN, 1.583%, 3/15/2028 (n)      2,004,000        2,003,800   
Citigroup/Deutsche Bank Commercial Mortgage Trust, 5.322%, 12/11/2049      1,144,397        1,163,771   
Commercial Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, “A4”, 5.306%, 12/10/2046      741,266        750,101   
Commercial Mortgage Trust, 2015-LC21, “A4”, 3.708%, 7/10/2048      1,995,691        2,142,461   
Dryden Senior Loan Fund, 2013-26A, “A”, CLO, FRN, 1.728%, 7/15/2025 (n)      1,563,000        1,545,401   
Enterprise Fleet Financing LLC, 0.91%, 9/20/2018 (z)      750,353        750,278   
GS Mortgage Securities Trust, 2015-GC30, “A4”, 3.382%, 5/10/2050      2,298,421        2,406,211   
Gulf Stream Sextant CLO Ltd., 2007-1A, “A1A”, FRN, 0.864%, 6/17/2021 (n)      260,574        259,836   
Hyundai Auto Lease Securitization Trust, 2015-A, “A2”, 1%, 10/16/2017 (n)      293,870        293,914   
ING Investment Management Ltd., 2013-2A, “A1”, CLO, FRN, 1.788%, 4/25/2025 (n)      1,419,000        1,399,317   
John Deere Owner Trust , “A2”, 1.15%, 10/15/2018      1,905,000        1,906,566   
JPMBB Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust, 2014-C26, 3.494%, 1/15/2048      2,620,000        2,777,789   
JPMorgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Corp., “A3”, FRN, 5.929%, 6/15/2049      187,133        190,054   
JPMorgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Corp., “A3”, FRN, 6.135%, 2/15/2051      37,423        37,395   
JPMorgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Corp., “A4”, FRN, 5.929%, 6/15/2049      1,040,000        1,065,028   
KKR Financial CLO Ltd., 2007-1A, “A”, FRN, 0.968%, 5/15/2021 (n)      931,695        929,178   
Merrill Lynch Mortgage Trust, “A3”, FRN, 6.026%, 6/12/2050      17,458        17,449   
Merrill Lynch Mortgage Trust, FRN, 6.026%, 6/12/2050      1,040,000        1,068,141   
Volvo Financial Equipment LLC, 2015-1A, “A2”, 0.95%, 11/15/2017 (n)      1,307,373        1,306,390   
Wachovia Bank Commercial Mortgage Trust, “A4”, FRN, 6.147%, 2/15/2051      477,442        491,688   

 

13


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Bonds - continued                 
Asset-Backed & Securitized - continued                 
Wells Fargo Commercial Mortgage Trust, 2015-C28, “A4”, 3.54%, 5/15/2048    $ 2,322,687      $ 2,461,370   
Wells Fargo Commercial Mortgage Trust, 2015-NXS1, “A5”, 3.148%, 5/15/2048      1,013,505        1,045,657   
    

 

 

 
             $ 27,221,030   
Automotive - 0.5%                 
Delphi Automotive PLC, 1.5%, 3/10/2025    EUR 575,000      $ 631,146   
Delphi Automotive PLC, 4.25%, 1/15/2026    $ 943,000        999,384   
FCA Capital Ireland PLC, 2%, 10/23/2019    EUR 875,000        1,041,943   
Ford Motor Credit Co. LLC, 1.7%, 5/09/2016    $ 853,000        853,096   
Ford Motor Credit Co. LLC, 1.461%, 3/27/2017      1,362,000        1,362,937   
General Motors Co., 6.6%, 4/01/2036      916,000        1,071,839   
RCI Banque S.A., 1.25%, 6/08/2022    EUR 450,000        524,048   
Toyota Motor Credit Corp., 1%, 3/09/2021    EUR 550,000        649,251   
Volkswagen International Finance N.V., 3.75% to 3/24/2021, FRN to 3/29/2049    EUR 600,000        668,302   
Volkswagen International Finance N.V., 3.875% to 9/04/2018, FRN to 9/29/2049    EUR 450,000        513,503   
    

 

 

 
             $ 8,315,449   
Biotechnology - 0.0%                 
Life Technologies Corp., 6%, 3/01/2020    $ 432,000      $ 485,997   
Broadcasting - 0.2%                 
Discovery Communications, Inc., 1.9%, 3/19/2027    EUR 1,300,000      $ 1,300,652   
Omnicom Group, Inc., 3.6%, 4/15/2026    $ 890,000        926,618   
Omnicom Group, Inc., 3.65%, 11/01/2024      210,000        222,025   
ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE, 2.625%, 4/15/2021    EUR 860,000        1,038,201   
SES S.A., 3.6%, 4/04/2023 (n)    $ 635,000        627,254   
    

 

 

 
             $ 4,114,750   
Brokerage & Asset Managers - 0.2%                 
CME Group, Inc., 3%, 3/15/2025    $ 991,000      $ 1,008,718   
Intercontinental Exchange, Inc., 2.75%, 12/01/2020      538,000        554,134   
Intercontinental Exchange, Inc., 3.75%, 12/01/2025      883,000        915,440   
TD Ameritrade Holding Corp., 2.95%, 4/01/2022      715,000        734,841   
    

 

 

 
             $ 3,213,133   
Building - 0.1%                 
Martin Marietta Materials, Inc., 4.25%, 7/02/2024    $ 400,000      $ 417,612   
Mohawk Industries, Inc., 2%, 1/14/2022    EUR 800,000        933,952   
Owens Corning, Inc., 4.2%, 12/15/2022    $ 1,053,000        1,083,331   
    

 

 

 
             $ 2,434,895   

 

14


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Bonds - continued                 
Business Services - 0.3%                 
Cisco Systems, Inc., 2.2%, 2/28/2021    $ 1,211,000      $ 1,235,741   
Fidelity National Information Services, Inc., 5%, 3/15/2022      483,000        504,432   
Fidelity National Information Services, Inc., 3.875%, 6/05/2024      1,180,000        1,205,618   
Fidelity National Information Services, Inc., 5%, 10/15/2025      410,000        452,682   
Tencent Holdings Ltd., 3.8%, 2/11/2025 (n)      1,490,000        1,539,481   
    

 

 

 
             $ 4,937,954   
Cable TV - 0.6%                 
CCO Safari II LLC, 6.384%, 10/23/2035 (n)    $ 2,231,000      $ 2,575,234   
Comcast Corp., 2.75%, 3/01/2023      2,311,000        2,388,486   
Comcast Corp., 4.65%, 7/15/2042      300,000        338,547   
Cox Communications, Inc., 3.25%, 12/15/2022 (n)      595,000        585,189   
NBCUniversal Enterprise, Inc., 1.974%, 4/15/2019 (n)      895,000        909,683   
NBCUniversal Media LLC, 5.15%, 4/30/2020      728,000        827,907   
Shaw Communications, 5.65%, 10/01/2019    CAD 718,000        634,114   
Sky PLC, 2.5%, 9/15/2026    EUR 900,000        1,075,054   
Time Warner Cable Inc., 5.25%, 7/15/2042    GBP 100,000        146,522   
Time Warner Cable, Inc., 5.75%, 6/02/2031    GBP 250,000        395,423   
    

 

 

 
             $ 9,876,159   
Chemicals - 0.1%                 
LYB International Finance B.V., 4%, 7/15/2023    $ 336,000      $ 358,325   
LyondellBasell Industries N.V., 5%, 4/15/2019      597,000        644,192   
LyondellBasell Industries N.V., 4.625%, 2/26/2055      420,000        391,432   
    

 

 

 
             $ 1,393,949   
Computer Software - 0.1%                 
Oracle Corp., 3.4%, 7/08/2024    $ 837,000      $ 890,369   
Computer Software - Systems - 0.2%                 
Apple, Inc., 2.7%, 5/13/2022    $ 1,598,000      $ 1,649,925   
Apple, Inc., 3.6%, 7/31/2042    GBP 730,000        1,081,474   
    

 

 

 
             $ 2,731,399   
Conglomerates - 0.0%                 
DH Europe Finance S.A., 1%, 7/08/2019    EUR 450,000      $ 528,396   
Consumer Products - 0.2%                 
International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc., 1.75%, 3/14/2024    EUR 630,000      $ 743,196   
Newell Rubbermaid, Inc., 5.375%, 4/01/2036    $ 323,000        353,970   
Newell Rubbermaid, Inc., 3.85%, 4/01/2023      751,000        785,258   
Reckitt Benckiser Treasury Services PLC, 3.625%, 9/21/2023 (n)      731,000        768,815   

 

15


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Bonds - continued                 
Consumer Products - continued                 
Whirlpool Corp., 0.625%, 3/12/2020    EUR 400,000      $ 459,426   
    

 

 

 
             $ 3,110,665   
Consumer Services - 0.2%                 
Priceline Group, Inc., 2.15%, 11/25/2022    EUR 340,000      $ 406,245   
Priceline Group, Inc., 3.65%, 3/15/2025    $ 429,000        439,298   
Priceline Group, Inc., 1.8%, 3/03/2027    EUR 450,000        479,552   
Visa, Inc., 4.15%, 12/14/2035    $ 1,513,000        1,645,979   
    

 

 

 
             $ 2,971,074   
Defense Electronics - 0.0%                 
BAE Systems, 4.125%, 6/08/2022    GBP 350,000      $ 556,569   
Electronics - 0.1%                 
Flextronics International Ltd., 4.625%, 2/15/2020    $ 327,000      $ 341,345   
Tyco Electronics Group S.A., 2.375%, 12/17/2018      522,000        527,438   
Tyco Electronics Group S.A., 1.1%, 3/01/2023    EUR 1,025,000        1,170,277   
    

 

 

 
             $ 2,039,060   
Emerging Market Quasi-Sovereign - 0.5%                 
CNPC General Capital Ltd., 3.4%, 4/16/2023 (n)    $ 1,511,000      $ 1,521,740   
Comision Federal De Electricidad, 4.875%, 1/15/2024      535,000        556,400   
Comision Federal de Electricidad, 5.75%, 2/14/2042 (n)      677,000        666,845   
Empresa Nacional del Petroleo, 6.25%, 7/08/2019      265,000        291,293   
Office Cherifien des Phosphates, 6.875%, 4/25/2044 (n)      1,590,000        1,655,588   
Pemex Project Funding Master Trust, 5.75%, 3/01/2018      523,000        548,250   
Petroleos Mexicanos, 5.5%, 1/21/2021      232,000        243,600   
State Grid Overseas Investment (2014) Ltd., 4.125%, 5/07/2024 (n)      2,200,000        2,378,820   
    

 

 

 
             $ 7,862,536   
Emerging Market Sovereign - 0.5%                 
Republic of Indonesia, 2.875%, 7/08/2021 (z)    EUR 400,000      $ 474,509   
Republic of Peru, 7.35%, 7/21/2025    $ 1,805,000        2,415,993   
United Mexican States, 6.5%, 6/10/2021    MXN 98,800,000        6,055,946   
United Mexican States, 1.625%, 3/06/2024    EUR 250,000        281,825   
    

 

 

 
             $ 9,228,273   
Energy - Integrated - 0.0%                 
TOTAL S.A., 2.625% to 2/26/2025, FRN to 12/29/2049    EUR 500,000      $ 531,017   
Entertainment - 0.1%                 
Carnival Corp., 1.875%, 11/07/2022    EUR 980,000      $ 1,158,187   

 

16


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Bonds - continued                 
Financial Institutions - 0.0%                 
International Lease Finance Corp., 7.125%, 9/01/2018 (n)    $ 569,000      $ 624,193   
Food & Beverages - 1.1%                 
Anheuser-Busch InBev N.V., 1.5%, 4/18/2030    EUR 660,000      $ 730,111   
Anheuser-Busch InBev S.A., 5.375%, 1/15/2020    $ 1,008,000        1,138,185   
Anheuser-Busch InBev Worldwide, Inc., 3.3%, 2/01/2023      1,251,000        1,303,782   
Anheuser-Busch InBev Worldwide, Inc., 4.7%, 2/01/2036      1,636,000        1,789,184   
Coca-Cola Co., 0.75%, 3/09/2023    EUR 425,000        488,806   
Coca-Cola Co., 1.125%, 3/09/2027    EUR 400,000        453,851   
Coca-Cola Enterprises, Inc., 1.875%, 3/18/2030    EUR 600,000        652,209   
J.M. Smucker Co., 2.5%, 3/15/2020    $ 1,414,000        1,443,864   
J.M. Smucker Co., 4.375%, 3/15/2045      271,000        283,459   
Kraft Heinz Co., 5%, 7/15/2035 (n)      305,000        340,329   
Kraft Heinz Foods Co., 3.5%, 7/15/2022 (n)      1,602,000        1,690,594   
Mead Johnson Nutrition Co., 3%, 11/15/2020      849,000        878,792   
PepsiCo, Inc., 2.15%, 10/14/2020      2,276,000        2,339,359   
PepsiCo, Inc., 3.1%, 7/17/2022      1,651,000        1,758,566   
SABMiller Holdings, Inc., 1.875%, 1/20/2020    EUR 200,000        243,134   
SABMiller Holdings, Inc., 3.75%, 1/15/2022 (n)    $ 376,000        401,710   
SYSCO Corp., 2.5%, 7/15/2021      2,301,000        2,328,996   
Tyson Foods, Inc., 5.15%, 8/15/2044      191,000        218,590   
Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co., 2.9%, 10/21/2019 (n)      277,000        286,344   
Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co., 3.375%, 10/21/2020 (n)      300,000        315,205   
    

 

 

 
             $ 19,085,070   
Food & Drug Stores - 0.2%                 
CVS Health Corp., 3.375%, 8/12/2024    $ 1,214,000      $ 1,275,749   
CVS Health Corp., 4.875%, 7/20/2035      357,000        400,180   
CVS Health Corp., 5.75%, 6/01/2017      189,000        198,509   
Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc., 2.7%, 11/18/2019      1,042,000        1,077,383   
Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc., 2.875%, 11/20/2020    GBP 700,000        1,035,087   
    

 

 

 
             $ 3,986,908   
Forest & Paper Products - 0.1%                 
Georgia-Pacific LLC, 5.4%, 11/01/2020 (n)    $ 793,000      $ 893,633   
Gaming & Lodging - 0.1%                 
InterContinental Hotels Group PLC, 3.75%, 8/14/2025    GBP 510,000      $ 766,112   
Whitbread Group PLC, 3.375%, 10/16/2025    GBP 550,000        812,342   
Wyndham Worldwide Corp., 2.5%, 3/01/2018    $ 500,000        500,493   
Wyndham Worldwide Corp., 5.625%, 3/01/2021      350,000        381,801   
    

 

 

 
             $ 2,460,748   

 

17


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Bonds - continued                 
Insurance - 0.4%                 
Allianz SE, 2.241% to 7/07/2025, FRN to 7/07/2045    EUR 800,000      $ 875,408   
American International Group, Inc., 4.875%, 6/01/2022    $ 926,000        1,016,411   
American International Group, Inc., 3.75%, 7/10/2025      1,106,000        1,120,739   
Aviva PLC, 4.5%, 5/10/2021    CAD 535,000        431,886   
Aviva PLC, 3.375% to 12/04/2025, FRN to 12/04/2045    EUR 740,000        771,083   
CNP Assurances S.A., 6% to 9/14/2020, FRN to 9/14/2040    EUR 450,000        579,629   
Delta Lloyd Levensverzek, FRN, 9%, 8/29/2042    EUR 650,000        878,253   
Hiscox Ltd., 6.125% to 11/24/2025, FRN to 11/24/2045    GBP 500,000        733,776   
    

 

 

 
             $ 6,407,185   
Insurance - Health - 0.1%                 
UnitedHealth Group, Inc., 2.7%, 7/15/2020    $ 1,536,000      $ 1,600,584   
Insurance - Property & Casualty - 0.5%                 
ACE INA Holdings, Inc., 2.3%, 11/03/2020    $ 284,000      $ 290,610   
Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., 2.75%, 3/15/2023      694,000        715,810   
Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., 0.5%, 3/13/2020    EUR 700,000        807,261   
Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., 2.15%, 3/15/2028    EUR 920,000        1,104,152   
Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., 1.625%, 3/16/2035    EUR 450,000        475,754   
Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., 4.5%, 2/11/2043    $ 475,000        528,592   
Chubb Corp., 6.375% to 4/15/2017, FRN to 3/29/2067      730,000        627,800   
Liberty Mutual Group, Inc., 4.25%, 6/15/2023      958,000        1,003,740   
Liberty Mutual Group, Inc., 2.75%, 5/04/2026 (z)    EUR 280,000        320,250   
Liberty Mutual Group, Inc., 4.85%, 8/01/2044 (n)    $ 500,000        481,213   
Marsh & McLennan Cos., Inc., 2.55%, 10/15/2018      293,000        298,377   
Marsh & McLennan Cos., Inc., 3.5%, 6/03/2024      500,000        512,361   
QBE Capital Funding IV LP, 7.5% to 5/24/2021, FRN to 5/24/2041    GBP 300,000        476,039   
    

 

 

 
             $ 7,641,959   
International Market Quasi-Sovereign - 0.3%                 
Electricite de France S.A., 6% to 1/29/26, FRN to 12/29/2049    GBP 500,000      $ 697,100   
Electricite de France S.A., 5.375% to 1/29/2025, FRN to 1/29/2049    EUR 600,000        690,247   
ESB Finance Ltd., 2.125%, 6/08/2027    EUR 800,000        994,453   
Israel Electric Corp. Ltd., 5.625%, 6/21/2018 (n)    $ 735,000        781,356   
Statoil A.S.A., 4.25%, 11/23/2041      660,000        680,230   
Statoil A.S.A., FRN, 0.908%, 5/15/2018      477,000        472,728   
Temasek Financial I Ltd., 2.375%, 1/23/2023 (n)      1,450,000        1,464,013   
    

 

 

 
             $ 5,780,127   
International Market Sovereign - 13.9%                 
Commonwealth of Australia, 5.75%, 5/15/2021    AUD 13,737,000      $ 12,278,514   
Commonwealth of Australia, 3.75%, 4/21/2037    AUD 1,200,000        997,210   

 

18


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Bonds - continued                 
International Market Sovereign - continued                 
Federal Republic of Germany, 2.5%, 7/04/2044    EUR 2,617,000      $ 4,101,947   
Federal Republic of Germany, 6.25%, 1/04/2030    EUR 2,500,000        5,043,012   
Government of Canada, 4.25%, 6/01/2018    CAD 7,496,000        6,412,674   
Government of Canada, 2.5%, 6/01/2024    CAD 5,042,000        4,378,306   
Government of Canada, 5.75%, 6/01/2033    CAD 4,267,000        5,259,561   
Government of Canada, 4%, 6/01/2041    CAD 890,000        971,814   
Government of Japan, 1.8%, 3/20/2043    JPY 666,800,000        8,604,853   
Government of Japan, 2.1%, 9/20/2024    JPY 19,700,000        220,181   
Government of Japan, 0.3%, 12/20/2025    JPY 43,100,000        420,505   
Government of Japan, 2.2%, 9/20/2027    JPY 2,081,700,000        24,539,604   
Government of Japan, 1.7%, 9/20/2032    JPY 197,000,000        2,315,916   
Government of Japan, 1.5%, 3/20/2034    JPY 1,339,000,000        15,434,995   
Government of Japan, 2.4%, 3/20/2037    JPY 859,500,000        11,478,526   
Government of Japan, 2%, 3/20/2052    JPY 127,000,000        1,833,002   
Government of New Zealand, 5.5%, 4/15/2023    NZD 13,586,000        11,331,865   
Kingdom of Belgium, 4%, 3/28/2032    EUR 3,770,000        6,078,696   
Kingdom of Norway, 3.75%, 5/25/2021    NOK 48,483,000        6,846,876   
Kingdom of Norway, 3%, 3/14/2024    NOK 30,130,000        4,221,347   
Kingdom of Spain, 5.4%, 1/31/2023    EUR 4,819,000        7,136,424   
Kingdom of Spain, 5.15%, 10/31/2028    EUR 2,202,000        3,424,767   
Kingdom of the Netherlands, 5.5%, 1/15/2028    EUR 2,346,000        4,178,326   
Republic of Austria, 1.75%, 10/20/2023    EUR 2,820,000        3,615,783   
Republic of France, 1.75%, 5/25/2023    EUR 3,452,000        4,392,610   
Republic of France, 6%, 10/25/2025    EUR 3,683,000        6,377,355   
Republic of France, 4.75%, 4/25/2035    EUR 1,858,000        3,361,523   
Republic of France, 4.5%, 4/25/2041    EUR 1,791,000        3,319,474   
Republic of Iceland, 4.875%, 6/16/2016 (n)    $ 910,000        912,285   
Republic of Ireland, 5.4%, 3/13/2025    EUR 504,000        798,337   
Republic of Italy, 5.5%, 9/01/2022    EUR 18,409,000        27,125,759   
Republic of Italy, 3.75%, 3/01/2021    EUR 6,905,000        9,140,865   
Republic of Italy, 4.75%, 9/01/2028    EUR 2,202,000        3,335,409   
United Kingdom Treasury, 5%, 3/07/2018    GBP 3,229,000        5,120,079   
United Kingdom Treasury, 8%, 6/07/2021    GBP 2,329,000        4,591,447   
United Kingdom Treasury, 4.25%, 12/07/2027    GBP 1,523,000        2,803,388   
United Kingdom Treasury, 4.25%, 3/07/2036    GBP 2,158,000        4,140,435   
United Kingdom Treasury, 3.25%, 1/22/2044    GBP 2,264,000        3,867,209   
United Kingdom Treasury, 3.75%, 7/22/2052    GBP 711,000        1,411,419   
United Kingdom Treasury, 4%, 1/22/2060    GBP 700,000        1,527,739   
    

 

 

 
             $ 233,350,037   
Local Authorities - 0.0%                 
Province of Alberta, 1.25%, 6/01/2020    CAD 521,000      $ 412,332   
Province of Manitoba, 4.15%, 6/03/2020    CAD 458,000        404,589   
    

 

 

 
             $ 816,921   

 

19


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Bonds - continued                 
Major Banks - 1.5%                 
ABN AMRO Bank N.V., 1.8%, 6/04/2018 (n)    $ 532,000      $ 531,387   
ABN AMRO Bank N.V., 7.125%, 7/06/2022    EUR 300,000        434,318   
ABN AMRO Bank N.V., 2.875%, 1/18/2028    EUR 500,000        585,156   
Bank of America Corp., 1.75%, 6/05/2018    $ 750,000        752,951   
Bank of America Corp., 2.625%, 4/19/2021      1,939,000        1,951,933   
Barclays Bank PLC, 6%, 1/14/2021    EUR 342,000        445,713   
Barclays Bank PLC, 6.75% to 1/16/2018, FRN to 1/16/2023    GBP 400,000        612,214   
Credit Agricole S.A., 7.375%, 12/18/2023    GBP 200,000        363,719   
Credit Suisse Group AG, 6.5%, 8/08/2023 (n)    $ 1,261,000        1,340,461   
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., 2.625%, 4/25/2021      642,000        645,571   
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., 5.75%, 1/24/2022      1,181,000        1,359,200   
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., 4.8%, 7/08/2044      500,000        537,028   
HSBC Bank PLC, FRN, 1.258%, 5/15/2018 (n)      1,116,000        1,110,110   
Huntington National Bank, 2.4%, 4/01/2020      418,000        415,928   
JPMorgan Chase & Co., 4.25%, 10/15/2020      634,000        685,786   
JPMorgan Chase & Co., 4.5%, 1/24/2022      1,532,000        1,691,883   
JPMorgan Chase & Co., 6.75% to 2/01/2024, FRN to 1/29/2049      515,000        569,770   
Morgan Stanley, 2.2%, 12/07/2018      720,000        726,318   
Morgan Stanley, 2.5%, 4/21/2021      860,000        861,625   
Morgan Stanley, 5.5%, 7/28/2021      490,000        556,658   
Morgan Stanley, 1.75%, 3/11/2024    EUR 420,000        486,115   
Morgan Stanley, 3.95%, 4/23/2027    $ 1,588,000        1,585,675   
Nationwide Building Society, 1.25%, 3/03/2025    EUR 710,000        791,437   
Nordea Bank AB, FRN, 1.078%, 5/13/2016 (n)    $ 2,050,000        2,050,449   
PNC Bank N.A., 2.6%, 7/21/2020      857,000        880,529   
PNC Financial Services Group, Inc., FRN, 6.75%, 12/31/2049      640,000        708,000   
Regions Financial Corp., 2%, 5/15/2018      602,000        601,180   
Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC, 5.5%, 3/23/2020    EUR 300,000        406,731   
Wells Fargo & Co., 3.3%, 9/09/2024    $ 500,000        515,305   
Wells Fargo & Co., 4.1%, 6/03/2026      649,000        682,725   
    

 

 

 
             $ 24,885,875   
Medical & Health Technology & Services - 0.3%                 
Becton, Dickinson and Co., 3.734%, 12/15/2024    $ 2,017,000      $ 2,147,141   
Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings, 3.2%, 2/01/2022      1,034,000        1,052,759   
Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings, 4.7%, 2/01/2045      242,000        246,678   
Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc., 3%, 4/15/2023      1,872,000        1,897,296   
    

 

 

 
             $ 5,343,874   
Medical Equipment - 0.2%                 
Medtronic, Inc., 3.5%, 3/15/2025    $ 3,390,000      $ 3,636,060   
Zimmer Holdings, Inc., 4.25%, 8/15/2035      376,000        376,226   
    

 

 

 
             $ 4,012,286   

 

20


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Bonds - continued                 
Metals & Mining - 0.3%                 
Barrick North America Finance LLC, 5.75%, 5/01/2043    $ 1,187,000      $ 1,231,550   
Cameco Corp., 5.67%, 9/02/2019    CAD 724,000        626,759   
Glencore Finance Europe, 6.5%, 2/27/2019    GBP 200,000        309,691   
Glencore Finance Europe S.A., 1.25%, 3/17/2021    EUR 1,010,000        1,051,259   
Glencore Funding LLC, 4.625%, 4/29/2024    $ 771,000        695,828   
Southern Copper Corp., 5.25%, 11/08/2042      821,000        707,297   
Xstrata Finance Canada Ltd., 5.25%, 6/13/2017    EUR 300,000        355,530   
    

 

 

 
             $ 4,977,914   
Midstream - 0.4%                 
APT Pipelines Ltd., 5%, 3/23/2035 (n)    $ 685,000      $ 668,238   
Dominion Gas Holdings LLC, 2.8%, 11/15/2020      1,716,000        1,753,623   
Energy Transfer Partners LP, 3.6%, 2/01/2023      399,000        365,334   
Energy Transfer Partners LP, 5.15%, 3/15/2045      681,000        579,321   
Enterprise Products Operating LLC, 1.65%, 5/07/2018      1,350,000        1,350,898   
Enterprise Products Operating LLC, 3.9%, 2/15/2024      346,000        360,095   
Enterprise Products Operating LLC, 4.85%, 3/15/2044      198,000        199,833   
Kinder Morgan Energy Partners LP, 5.4%, 9/01/2044      925,000        831,701   
Kinder Morgan, Inc., 2.25%, 3/16/2027    EUR 425,000        427,548   
Pembina Pipeline Corp., 4.81%, 3/25/2044    CAD 847,000        624,601   
    

 

 

 
             $ 7,161,192   
Mortgage-Backed - 1.8%                 
Fannie Mae, 5.05%, 1/01/2017    $ 299,316      $ 302,045   
Fannie Mae, 5.6%, 1/01/2017      656        656   
Fannie Mae, 5.189%, 1/01/2018      94,762        97,235   
Fannie Mae, 3.828%, 7/01/2018      253,716        266,188   
Fannie Mae, 2.578%, 9/25/2018      878,596        899,406   
Fannie Mae, 5.1%, 3/01/2019      312,205        340,971   
Fannie Mae, 5.18%, 3/01/2019      312,694        335,123   
Fannie Mae, 4.57%, 5/01/2019      223,246        241,719   
Fannie Mae, 5%, 12/01/2020 - 8/01/2040      2,751,166        3,065,526   
Fannie Mae, 4.5%, 3/01/2025 - 4/01/2044      1,641,980        1,790,147   
Fannie Mae, 5.5%, 1/01/2037      60,935        68,818   
Fannie Mae, 6%, 9/01/2037 - 6/01/2038      498,185        571,948   
Fannie Mae, 4%, 2/01/2041      967,851        1,037,125   
Fannie Mae, 3.5%, 5/01/2043      2,971,821        3,139,596   
Freddie Mac, 4%, 9/01/2044      4,217,915        4,504,321   
Freddie Mac, 1.426%, 8/25/2017      752,409        754,317   
Freddie Mac, 3.882%, 11/25/2017      733,000        757,708   
Freddie Mac, 2.412%, 8/25/2018      800,516        819,122   
Freddie Mac, 5.085%, 3/25/2019      589,000        642,143   
Freddie Mac, 1.883%, 5/25/2019      1,250,000        1,268,204   
Freddie Mac, 3.32%, 7/25/2020      282,565        290,344   

 

21


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Bonds - continued                 
Mortgage-Backed - continued                 
Freddie Mac, 5.5%, 7/01/2037    $ 135,236      $ 151,653   
Freddie Mac, 4.5%, 5/01/2040      2,377,071        2,596,435   
Ginnie Mae, 5%, 5/15/2040      871,618        967,859   
Ginnie Mae, 3.5%, 6/20/2043 - 12/20/2045      5,010,216        5,302,817   
    

 

 

 
             $ 30,211,426   
Natural Gas - Distribution - 0.2%                 
Engie, 3% to 6/02/2019, FRN to 6/29/2049    EUR 400,000      $ 469,452   
Gas Natural Fenosa Finance B.V., 1.375%, 1/21/2025    EUR 700,000        815,511   
GNL Quintero S.A., 4.634%, 7/31/2029 (n)    $ 1,440,000        1,454,400   
    

 

 

 
             $ 2,739,363   
Network & Telecom - 0.9%                 
AT&T, Inc., 2.45%, 6/30/2020    $ 4,694,000      $ 4,767,499   
AT&T, Inc., 4.75%, 5/15/2046      728,000        733,549   
British Telecommunications PLC, 5.75%, 12/07/2028    GBP 165,000        305,520   
Empresa Nacional de Telecomunicaciones S.A., 4.75%, 8/01/2026 (n)    $ 1,730,000        1,716,074   
Orange S.A., 4% to 10/01/2021, FRN to 10/29/2049    EUR 900,000        1,053,732   
Verizon Communications, Inc., 4.5%, 9/15/2020    $ 3,050,000        3,372,324   
Verizon Communications, Inc., 2.625%, 12/01/2031    EUR 550,000        669,035   
Verizon Communications, Inc., 6.4%, 9/15/2033    $ 725,000        909,436   
Verizon Communications, Inc., 5.05%, 3/15/2034      395,000        433,523   
Verizon Communications, Inc., 6.55%, 9/15/2043      403,000        531,572   
    

 

 

 
             $ 14,492,264   
Oils - 0.2%                 
Marathon Petroleum Corp., 3.4%, 12/15/2020    $ 984,000      $ 990,906   
Marathon Petroleum Corp., 3.625%, 9/15/2024      1,138,000        1,089,906   
Valero Energy Corp., 4.9%, 3/15/2045      601,000        560,383   
    

 

 

 
             $ 2,641,195   
Other Banks & Diversified Financials - 0.5%                 
Banque Federative du Credit Mutuel S.A., 3%, 5/21/2024    EUR 600,000      $ 732,852   
BBVA Bancomer S.A. de C.V., 6.75%, 9/30/2022 (n)    $ 901,000        988,848   
BBVA Subordinated Capital S.A.U., 3.5% to 4/11/2019, FRN to 4/11/2024    EUR 500,000        591,138   
BPCE S.A., 4.5%, 3/15/2025 (n)    $ 300,000        295,412   
BPCE S.A., 5.25%, 4/16/2029    GBP 300,000        456,131   
Capital One Bank (USA) N.A., 3.375%, 2/15/2023    $ 900,000        905,658   
Discover Bank, 7%, 4/15/2020      1,065,000        1,207,119   
Discover Bank, 3.1%, 6/04/2020      480,000        488,990   
Intesa Sanpaolo S.p.A., 5.25%, 1/28/2022    GBP 550,000        883,934   
Intesa Sanpaolo S.p.A., 1.125%, 3/04/2022    EUR 1,150,000        1,312,908   
KBC Group N.V., FRN, 2.375%, 11/25/2024    EUR 600,000        701,363   

 

22


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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Bonds - continued                 
Other Banks & Diversified Financials - continued                 
Rabobank Nederland N.V., 4%, 9/19/2022    GBP 250,000      $ 400,211   
    

 

 

 
             $ 8,964,564   
Personal Computers & Peripherals - 0.0%                 
Equifax, Inc., 3.3%, 12/15/2022    $ 483,000      $ 501,463   
Pharmaceuticals - 0.7%                 
AbbVie, Inc., 1.75%, 11/06/2017    $ 528,000      $ 530,727   
Actavis Funding SCS, 3.8%, 3/15/2025      403,000        413,748   
Actavis Funding SCS, 4.85%, 6/15/2044      714,000        732,206   
Actavis, Inc., 1.875%, 10/01/2017      531,000        532,501   
Bayer AG, 2.375% to 10/02/2022, FRN to 4/02/2075    EUR 305,000        341,830   
Bayer AG, 3% to 7/01/2020, FRN to 7/01/2075    EUR 595,000        696,975   
Biogen, Inc., 5.2%, 9/15/2045    $ 755,000        860,310   
Celgene Corp., 2.875%, 8/15/2020      2,203,000        2,281,603   
Forest Laboratories, Inc., 4.375%, 2/01/2019 (n)      911,000        961,426   
Gilead Sciences, Inc., 2.35%, 2/01/2020      661,000        678,760   
Gilead Sciences, Inc., 3.7%, 4/01/2024      988,000        1,066,305   
Gilead Sciences, Inc., 4.5%, 2/01/2045      326,000        347,535   
Gilead Sciences, Inc., 4.75%, 3/01/2046      584,000        647,803   
Johnson & Johnson, 2.05%, 3/01/2023      972,000        980,384   
Mylan, Inc., 2.55%, 3/28/2019      216,000        216,386   
    

 

 

 
             $ 11,288,499   
Real Estate - Apartment - 0.1%                 
Deutsche Wohnen AG, REIT, 1.375%, 7/24/2020    EUR 700,000      $ 827,595   
Vonovia Finance B.V., 2.125%, 7/09/2022    EUR 500,000        611,828   
Vonovia Finance B.V., FRN, REIT, 4%, 12/29/2049    EUR 500,000        578,107   
    

 

 

 
             $ 2,017,530   
Real Estate - Office - 0.0%                 
Boston Properties, Inc., REIT, 3.125%, 9/01/2023    $ 669,000      $ 678,701   
Real Estate - Retail - 0.1%                 
Simon International Finance S.C.A., 1.375%, 11/18/2022    EUR 600,000      $ 704,692   
Simon Property Group, Inc., REIT, 5.65%, 2/01/2020    $ 640,000        724,146   
    

 

 

 
             $ 1,428,838   
Restaurants - 0.1%                 
McDonald’s Corp., 4.875%, 12/09/2045    $ 933,000      $ 1,054,343   
Retailers - 0.3%                 
Dollar General Corp., 4.125%, 7/15/2017    $ 500,000      $ 515,651   
Gap, Inc., 5.95%, 4/12/2021      738,000        787,040   
Home Depot, Inc., 2.625%, 6/01/2022      1,400,000        1,448,930   

 

23


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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Bonds - continued                 
Retailers - continued                 
Home Depot, Inc., 3%, 4/01/2026    $ 916,000      $ 957,913   
Home Depot, Inc., 4.875%, 2/15/2044      500,000        590,303   
Marks & Spencer PLC, 4.75%, 6/12/2025    GBP 300,000        476,081   
    

 

 

 
             $ 4,775,918   
Specialty Chemicals - 0.1%                 
Akzo Nobel N.V., 1.75%, 11/07/2024    EUR 600,000      $ 725,936   
Ecolab, Inc., 2.625%, 7/08/2025    EUR 325,000        406,954   
    

 

 

 
             $ 1,132,890   
Supermarkets - 0.1%                 
Loblaw Cos. Ltd., 4.86%, 9/12/2023    CAD 725,000      $ 653,962   
METRO AG, 1.5%, 3/19/2025    EUR 700,000        787,443   
Morrison (WM) Supermarkets, 3.5%, 7/27/2026    GBP 200,000        268,644   
    

 

 

 
             $ 1,710,049   
Supranational - 0.1%                 
International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, 2.8%, 1/13/2021    AUD 600,000      $ 459,557   
International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, 4.25%, 6/24/2025    AUD 440,000        369,488   
International Finance Corp., 3.25%, 7/22/2019    AUD 635,000        495,175   
    

 

 

 
             $ 1,324,220   
Telecommunications - Wireless - 0.3%                 
America Movil S.A.B. de C.V., 4.75%, 6/28/2022    EUR 500,000      $ 695,486   
America Movil S.A.B. de C.V., 1.5%, 3/10/2024    EUR 670,000        766,992   
American Tower Corp., REIT, 3.5%, 1/31/2023    $ 502,000        514,188   
American Tower Corp., REIT, 4%, 6/01/2025      1,250,000        1,308,035   
Crown Castle International Corp., 3.7%, 6/15/2026      515,000        522,915   
SBA Tower Trust, 2.898%, 10/15/2044 (n)      588,000        589,976   
    

 

 

 
             $ 4,397,592   
Telephone Services - 0.1%                 
TDC A/S Callable Medium Term Note Fixed, 1.75%, 2/27/2027    EUR 600,000      $ 634,912   
TELUS Corp., 5.05%, 7/23/2020    CAD 734,000        654,885   
    

 

 

 
             $ 1,289,797   
Tobacco - 0.3%                 
B.A.T. International Finance PLC, 0.875%, 10/13/2023    EUR 750,000      $ 850,802   
Imperial Tobacco Finance PLC, 4.25%, 7/21/2025 (n)    $ 556,000        598,628   
Reynolds American, Inc., 8.125%, 6/23/2019      434,000        517,682   
Reynolds American, Inc., 3.25%, 6/12/2020      1,321,000        1,385,205   
Reynolds American, Inc., 4.45%, 6/12/2025      255,000        282,404   

 

24


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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Bonds - continued                 
Tobacco - continued                 
Reynolds American, Inc., 5.7%, 8/15/2035    $ 798,000      $ 952,549   
    

 

 

 
             $ 4,587,270   
Transportation - Services - 0.1%                 
ERAC USA Finance LLC, 7%, 10/15/2037 (n)    $ 627,000      $ 810,377   
Heathrow Funding Ltd., 4.625%, 10/31/2046    GBP 225,000        387,644   
Stagecoach Group PLC, 4%, 9/29/2025    GBP 550,000        826,479   
    

 

 

 
             $ 2,024,500   
U.S. Government Agencies and Equivalents - 0.1%                 
Small Business Administration, 5.09%, 10/01/2025    $ 36,684      $ 40,018   
Small Business Administration, 5.21%, 1/01/2026      524,845        571,360   
Small Business Administration, 5.31%, 5/01/2027      331,124        368,087   
Small Business Administration, 2.22%, 3/01/2033      1,011,552        1,020,253   
    

 

 

 
             $ 1,999,718   
U.S. Treasury Obligations - 1.3%                 
U.S. Treasury Bonds, 4.5%, 8/15/2039    $ 6,515,600      $ 8,858,668   
U.S. Treasury Bonds, 3.625%, 2/15/2044      5,417,000        6,515,849   
U.S. Treasury Notes, 4.75%, 8/15/2017 (f)      3,896,000        4,099,476   
U.S. Treasury Notes, 1.125%, 6/15/2018      2,986,000        3,006,179   
    

 

 

 
             $ 22,480,172   
Utilities - Electric Power - 0.3%                 
American Electric Power Co., Inc., 1.65%, 12/15/2017    $ 528,000      $ 527,446   
CMS Energy Corp., 5.05%, 3/15/2022      631,000        711,901   
DTE Electric Co., 3.7%, 3/15/2045      700,000        711,327   
E.On International Finance, 6.375%, 6/07/2032    GBP 250,000        449,607   
EDP Finance B.V., 4.9%, 10/01/2019 (n)    $ 500,000        527,485   
EDP Finance B.V., 4.125%, 1/20/2021    EUR 500,000        638,926   
Enel Finance International N.V., 5.625%, 8/14/2024    GBP 250,000        436,275   
PPL Capital Funding, Inc., 5%, 3/15/2044    $ 331,000        366,562   
PPL WEM Holdings PLC, 5.375%, 5/01/2021 (n)      189,000        209,369   
Progress Energy, Inc., 7.05%, 3/15/2019      460,000        523,062   
    

 

 

 
             $ 5,101,960   
Total Bonds (Identified Cost, $534,113,664)      $ 551,295,048   
     Strike Price     First Exercise                
Warrants - 0.0%                                
Medical & Health Technology & Services - 0.0%   
HealthSouth Corp.
(1 share for 1 warrant) (Identified Cost, $0) (a)
  $ 41.40        1/04/16        557      $                  2,011   

 

25


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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Convertible Preferred Stocks - 0.4%                 
Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Pharmaceuticals - 0.0%                 
Allergan PLC, 5.5%      640      $ 519,354   
Telephone Services - 0.1%                 
Frontier Communications Corp., 11.125%      7,530      $ 785,379   
Utilities - Electric Power - 0.3%                 
Exelon Corp., 6.5%      114,118      $ 5,530,158   
Total Convertible Preferred Stocks
(Identified Cost, $6,375,082)
      $ 6,834,891   
Preferred Stocks - 0.5%                 
Consumer Products - 0.5%                 
Henkel AG & Co. KGaA (Identified Cost, $3,618,341)      80,006      $ 9,131,771   
Money Market Funds - 7.4%                 
MFS Institutional Money Market Portfolio, 0.36%,
at Cost and Net Asset Value (v)
     124,750,243      $ 124,750,243   
Collateral for Securities Loaned - 0.8%                 
JPMorgan Prime Money Market Fund, 0.45%,
at Cost and Net Asset Value (j)
     14,030,982      $ 14,030,982   
Total Investments (Identified Cost, $1,442,446,137)            $ 1,679,711,348   
Other Assets, Less Liabilities - 0.2%              2,884,846   
Net Assets - 100.0%            $ 1,682,596,194   

 

(a) Non-income producing security.
(f) All or a portion of the security has been segregated as collateral for open futures contracts.
(j) The rate quoted is the annualized seven-day yield of the fund at period end.
(l) A portion of this security is on loan.
(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 $44,219,235 representing 2.6% of net assets.
(v) Underlying affiliated fund that is available only to investment companies managed by MFS. The rate quoted for the MFS Institutional Money Market Portfolio is the annualized seven-day yield of the fund at period end.
(z)

Restricted securities are not registered under the Securities Act of 1933 and are subject to legal restrictions on resale. These securities generally may be resold in transactions exempt from registration or to the public if the securities are subsequently registered. Disposal of these

 

26


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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

  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  
Enterprise Fleet Financing LLC, 0.91%, 9/20/2018    2/04/16      $749,709         $750,278   
Liberty Mutual Group, Inc., 2.75%, 5/04/2026    4/26/16      313,765         320,250   
Republic of Indonesia, 2.875%, 7/08/2021    7/02/14      543,437         474,509   
Total Restricted Securities         $1,545,037   
% of Net assets         0.1%   

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

 

ADR   American Depositary Receipt
CLO   Collateralized Loan Obligation
FRN   Floating Rate Note. Interest rate resets periodically and the current rate may not be the rate reported at period end.
PLC   Public Limited Company
REIT   Real Estate Investment Trust

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

 

AUD   Australian Dollar
CAD   Canadian Dollar
CHF   Swiss Franc
CNY   Chinese Yuan Renminbi
CZK   Czech Koruna
DKK   Danish Krone
EUR   Euro
GBP   British Pound
ILS   Israeli Sheqel
JPY   Japanese Yen
KRW   Korean Won
MXN   Mexican Peso
MYR   Malaysian Ringgit
NOK   Norwegian Krone
NZD   New Zealand Dollar
PLN   Polish Zloty
SEK   Swedish Krona
SGD   Singapore Dollar
THB   Thailand Baht
TRY   Turkish Lira
ZAR   South African Rand

 

27


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Derivative Contracts at 4/30/16

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts at 4/30/16

 

Type   Currency   Counter-
party
 

Contracts

to

Deliver/

Receive

    Settlement
Date Range
 

In

Exchange
For

   

Contracts

at Value

    Net
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Asset Derivatives                                 
BUY   AUD   Goldman Sachs International     684,000      7/15/16     $514,545        $518,470        $3,925   
SELL   AUD   Goldman Sachs International     606,804      7/15/16     472,448        459,955        12,493   
BUY   CAD   Citibank N.A.     1,239,000      7/15/16     977,543        987,493        9,950   
BUY   CZK   Goldman Sachs International     12,895,000      7/15/16     545,953        546,994        1,041   
BUY   DKK   Goldman Sachs International     12,627,686      7/15/16     1,939,498        1,947,365        7,867   
BUY   EUR   Citibank N.A.     1,149,000      7/15/16     1,305,965        1,318,730        12,765   
BUY   EUR   Deutsche Bank AG     18,414,787      6/15/16-7/15/16     20,823,112        21,125,449        302,337   
BUY   EUR   Goldman Sachs International     3,863,000      7/15/16     4,395,951        4,433,642        37,691   
BUY   EUR   Merrill Lynch International     1,267,000      7/15/16     1,438,909        1,454,161        15,252   
BUY   GBP   BNP Paribas S.A.     468,650      7/15/16     666,625        684,926        18,301   
BUY   GBP   Credit Suisse Group     563,000      7/15/16     801,280        822,816        21,536   
BUY   GBP   Goldman Sachs International     87,000      7/15/16     123,238        127,149        3,911   
BUY   ILS   Goldman Sachs International     2,402,000      7/15/16     640,080        643,828        3,748   
BUY   JPY   Deutsche Bank AG     5,686,033,102      7/15/16     52,509,636        53,557,900        1,048,264   
BUY   JPY   Goldman Sachs International     236,514,000      7/15/16     2,157,879        2,227,773        69,894   
BUY   KRW   Deutsche Bank AG     17,282,882,000      5/02/16- 6/28/16     15,073,291        15,161,672        88,381   

 

28


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts at 4/30/16 - continued

 

Type   Currency   Counter-
party
 

Contracts

to

Deliver/

Receive

    Settlement
Date Range
 

In

Exchange
For

   

Contracts

at Value

    Net
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Asset Derivatives - continued                            
BUY   KRW   JPMorgan Chase Bank     8,641,441,000      5/02/16     $6,991,293        $7,584,203        $592,910   
BUY   NOK   Barclays Bank PLC     129,000      7/15/16     15,556        16,016        460   
BUY   NZD   Merrill Lynch International     148,000      7/15/16     100,629        102,939        2,310   
BUY   SEK   Goldman Sachs International     77,533,843      7/15/16     9,623,201        9,681,338        58,137   
BUY   THB   JPMorgan Chase Bank     56,073,750      5/24/16     1,604,399        1,605,360        961   
BUY   TRY   Citibank N.A.     2,489,000      7/15/16     855,617        871,994        16,377   
BUY   ZAR   Deutsche Bank AG     13,302,933      7/15/16     885,711        920,593        34,882   
             

 

 

 
                $2,363,393   
             

 

 

 
Liability Derivatives                                 
SELL   AUD   Barclays Bank PLC     28,000      7/15/16     $21,172        $21,224        $(52
SELL   AUD   Westpac Banking Corp.     8,669,026      7/15/16     6,569,735        6,571,091        (1,356
SELL   CAD   Goldman Sachs International     534,408      7/15/16     423,417        425,928        (2,511
SELL   CAD   Merrill Lynch International     15,141,851      7/15/16     11,706,289        12,068,180        (361,891
BUY   CHF   UBS AG     4,185,000      7/15/16     4,395,080        4,377,075        (18,005
SELL   CNY   JPMorgan Chase Bank     42,104,000      4/26/17     6,321,447        6,343,274        (21,827
SELL   EUR   Citibank N.A.     924,790      7/15/16     1,046,791        1,061,399        (14,608
SELL   EUR   Goldman Sachs International     3,963,368      7/15/16     4,491,527        4,548,836        (57,309
SELL   EUR   Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.     1,748,213      7/15/16     1,998,949        2,006,458        (7,509
SELL   GBP   Citibank N.A.     107,000      7/15/16     152,116        156,379        (4,263
SELL   GBP   Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.     1,135,560      7/15/16     1,602,860        1,659,605        (56,745
SELL   JPY   Goldman Sachs International     233,130,955      7/15/16     2,156,352        2,195,908        (39,556
SELL   KRW   Deutsche Bank AG     8,641,441,000      5/02/16     7,527,051        7,584,203        (57,152
SELL   MXN   Deutsche Bank AG     69,012,811      7/15/16     3,917,821        3,982,131        (64,310

 

29


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts at 4/30/16 - continued

 

Type   Currency   Counter-
party
 

Contracts

to

Deliver/

Receive

    Settlement
Date Range
   

In

Exchange
For

   

Contracts

at Value

    Net
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Liability Derivatives - continued                              
BUY   MYR   JPMorgan Chase Bank     6,641,863        5/13/16        $1,709,397        $1,698,817        $(10,580
SELL   NOK   Goldman Sachs International     85,798,872        7/15/16        10,419,458        10,652,221        (232,763
SELL   NZD   Goldman Sachs International     473,000        7/15/16        320,552        328,986        (8,434
SELL   NZD   Westpac Banking Corp.     15,041,828        7/15/16        10,336,639        10,462,056        (125,417
BUY   PLN   Goldman Sachs International     5,974,803        7/15/16        1,584,190        1,563,189        (21,001
BUY   SGD   Goldman Sachs International     2,287,000        7/15/16        1,700,860        1,698,002        (2,858
             

 

 

 
                $(1,108,147
             

 

 

 

Futures Contracts at 4/30/16

 

Description   Currency     Contracts     Value   Expiration
Date
    Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Liability Derivatives          
Interest Rate Futures          
U.S. Treasury Note 10 yr (Short)     USD        36      $4,682,250     June - 2016        $(14,168
         

 

 

 

At April 30, 2016, the fund had cash collateral of $1,770,000 and other liquid securities with an aggregate value of $48,403 to cover any commitments for certain derivative contracts. Cash collateral is comprised of “Deposits with brokers” on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

30


Table of Contents

Financial Statements

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

At 4/30/16 (unaudited)

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

 

Assets         

Investments

  

Non-affiliated issuers, at value (identified cost, $1,317,695,894)

     $1,554,961,105   

Underlying affiliated funds, at cost and value

     124,750,243   

Total investments, at value, including $13,303,470 of securities on loan (identified cost, $1,442,446,137)

     $1,679,711,348   

Cash

     903,910   

Foreign currency, at value (identified cost, $17,922)

     17,922   

Deposits with brokers

     1,770,000   

Receivables for

  

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

     2,363,393   

Investments sold

     4,414,983   

Fund shares sold

     7,914,943   

Interest and dividends

     7,742,915   

Other assets

     5,434   

Total assets

     $1,704,844,848   
Liabilities         

Payables for

  

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

     $1,108,147   

Daily variation margin on open futures contracts

     3,937   

Investments purchased

     4,609,257   

Fund shares reacquired

     1,716,112   

Collateral for securities loaned, at value

     14,030,982   

Payable to affiliates

  

Investment adviser

     46,117   

Shareholder servicing costs

     512,378   

Distribution and service fees

     51,278   

Payable for independent Trustees’ compensation

     7,501   

Deferred country tax expense payable

     37,164   

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

     125,781   

Total liabilities

     $22,248,654   

Net assets

     $1,682,596,194   
Net assets consist of         

Paid-in capital

     $1,468,609,508   

Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments and translation of assets and liabilities in foreign currencies (net of $37,164 deferred country tax)

     238,563,108   

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

     (32,396,209

Undistributed net investment income

     7,819,787   

Net assets

     $1,682,596,194   

Shares of beneficial interest outstanding

     103,085,349   

 

31


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Statement of Assets and Liabilities (unaudited) – continued

 

 

    Net assets  

Shares

outstanding

   Net asset value
per share (a)
 

Class A

  $845,743,495   51,784,766      $16.33   

Class B

  58,360,482   3,506,347      16.64   

Class C

  342,294,962   20,841,222      16.42   

Class I

  303,175,541   18,741,975      16.18   

Class R1

  3,132,583   191,480      16.36   

Class R2

  14,082,484   870,432      16.18   

Class R3

  12,225,858   750,958      16.28   

Class R4

  7,098,816   434,118      16.35   

Class R5

  96,481,973   5,964,051      16.18   

 

(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 $17.33 [100 / 94.25 x $16.33]. On sales of $50,000 or more, the maximum offering price of Class A shares is reduced. A contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on redemptions of Class A, Class B, and Class C shares. Redemption price per share was equal to the net asset value per share for Classes I, R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5.

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

32


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Financial Statements

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Six months ended 4/30/16 (unaudited)

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

 

Net investment income   

Income

  

Dividends

     $14,569,611   

Interest

     7,180,940   

Dividends from underlying affiliated funds

     111,702   

Foreign taxes withheld

     (808,639

Total investment income

     $21,053,614   

Expenses

  

Management fee

     $6,355,770   

Distribution and service fees

     2,918,632   

Shareholder servicing costs

     833,994   

Administrative services fee

     122,636   

Independent Trustees’ compensation

     13,802   

Custodian fee

     144,065   

Shareholder communications

     51,345   

Audit and tax fees

     34,576   

Legal fees

     6,788   

Miscellaneous

     102,459   

Total expenses

     $10,584,067   

Fees paid indirectly

     (526

Reduction of expenses by investment adviser and distributor

     (1,058,566

Net expenses

     $9,524,975   

Net investment income

     $11,528,639   
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency   

Realized gain (loss) (identified cost basis)

  

Investments

     $(15,023,399

Futures contracts

     147,905   

Foreign currency

     1,371,098   

Net realized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency

     $(13,504,396

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

  

Investments (net of $30,368 increase in deferred country tax)

     $51,748,141   

Futures contracts

     (103,041

Translation of assets and liabilities in foreign currencies

     2,120,925   

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

     $53,766,025   

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

     $40,261,629   

Change in net assets from operations

     $51,790,268   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

33


Table of Contents

Financial Statements

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

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

 

    

Six months ended

4/30/16

(unaudited)

    

Year ended

10/31/15

 
Change in net assets      
From operations                  

Net investment income

     $11,528,639         $20,399,335   

Net realized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency

     (13,504,396      50,960,207   

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

     53,766,025         (70,781,120

Change in net assets from operations

     $51,790,268         $578,422   
Distributions declared to shareholders                  

From net investment income

     $(4,030,349      $(13,762,055

From net realized gain on investments

     (56,436,387      (16,165,256

Total distributions declared to shareholders

     $(60,466,736      $(29,927,311

Change in net assets from fund share transactions

     $170,368,621         $97,459,362   

Total change in net assets

     $161,692,153         $68,110,473   
Net assets                  
At beginning of period      1,520,904,041         1,452,793,568   

At end of period (including undistributed net investment income of $7,819,787 and $321,497, respectively)

     $1,682,596,194         $1,520,904,041   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

34


Table of Contents

Financial Statements

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

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

 

Class A  

Six months
ended

4/30/16

    Years ended 10/31  
    2015     2014     2013     2012     2011  
    (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $16.49        $16.80        $16.32        $14.39        $13.52        $13.31   
Income (loss) from investment operations                                   

Net investment income (d)

    $0.13        $0.25        $0.32        $0.24        $0.25        $0.26   

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

    0.38        (0.22     0.55        1.91        0.92        0.35   

Total from investment operations

    $0.51        $0.03        $0.87        $2.15        $1.17        $0.61   
Less distributions declared to shareholders                                   

From net investment income

    $(0.05     $(0.16     $(0.32     $(0.22     $(0.30     $(0.40

From net realized gain on
investments

    (0.62     (0.18     (0.07                     

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

    $(0.67     $(0.34     $(0.39     $(0.22     $(0.30     $(0.40

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $16.33        $16.49        $16.80        $16.32        $14.39        $13.52   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

    3.25 (n)      0.20        5.41        15.13        8.81        4.69   
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                           

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

    1.27 (a)      1.28        1.27        1.28        1.30        1.30   

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

    1.13 (a)      1.13        1.17        1.22        1.25        1.25   

Net investment income

    1.65 (a)      1.51        1.93        1.60        1.80        1.89   

Portfolio turnover

    21 (n)      54        23        40        30        46   

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $845,743        $802,412        $772,769        $657,312        $509,475        $477,216   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

35


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

Class B

 

Six months
ended

4/30/16

    Years ended 10/31  
    2015     2014     2013     2012     2011  
    (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $16.82        $17.21        $16.70        $14.73        $13.83        $13.60   
Income (loss) from investment operations                                   

Net investment income (d)

    $0.07        $0.13        $0.20        $0.13        $0.15        $0.16   

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

    0.38        (0.22     0.57        1.95        0.94        0.36   

Total from investment operations

    $0.45        $(0.09     $0.77        $2.08        $1.09        $0.52   
Less distributions declared to shareholders                                   

From net investment income

    $(0.01     $(0.12     $(0.19     $(0.11     $(0.19     $(0.29

From net realized gain on
investments

    (0.62     (0.18     (0.07                     

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

    $(0.63     $(0.30     $(0.26     $(0.11     $(0.19     $(0.29

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $16.64        $16.82        $17.21        $16.70        $14.73        $13.83   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

    2.81 (n)      (0.53     4.66        14.20        8.01        3.94   
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                           

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

    2.02 (a)      2.03        2.01        2.03        2.05        2.05   

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

    1.88 (a)      1.88        1.92        1.97        2.00        2.00   

Net investment income

    0.88 (a)      0.75        1.19        0.86        1.05        1.14   

Portfolio turnover

    21 (n)      54        23        40        30        46   

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $58,360        $60,197        $66,528        $64,457        $59,468        $56,479   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

36


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

Class C

 

Six months
ended

4/30/16

    Years ended 10/31  
    2015     2014     2013     2012     2011  
    (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $16.60        $17.00        $16.50        $14.56        $13.67        $13.45   
Income (loss) from investment operations                           

Net investment income (d)

    $0.07        $0.13        $0.20        $0.13        $0.15        $0.16   

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

    0.38        (0.23     0.57        1.92        0.93        0.36   

Total from investment operations

    $0.45        $(0.10     $0.77        $2.05        $1.08        $0.52   
Less distributions declared to shareholders                           

From net investment income

    $(0.01     $(0.12     $(0.20     $(0.11     $(0.19     $(0.30

From net realized gain on
investments

    (0.62     (0.18     (0.07                     

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

    $(0.63     $(0.30     $(0.27     $(0.11     $(0.19     $(0.30

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $16.42        $16.60        $17.00        $16.50        $14.56        $13.67   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

    2.86 (n)      (0.59     4.70        14.19        8.05        3.92   
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                           

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

    2.02 (a)      2.03        2.02        2.03        2.05        2.05   

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

    1.88 (a)      1.88        1.92        1.97        2.00        2.00   

Net investment income

    0.90 (a)      0.75        1.17        0.85        1.05        1.14   

Portfolio turnover

    21 (n)      54        23        40        30        46   

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $342,295        $323,241        $308,269        $245,944        $186,974        $171,596   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

37


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Financial Highlights – continued

 

Class I

 

Six months
ended

4/30/16

    Years ended 10/31  
    2015     2014     2013     2012     2011  
    (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $16.34        $16.65        $16.17        $14.27        $13.41        $13.20   
Income (loss) from investment operations                                   

Net investment income (d)

    $0.15        $0.29        $0.35        $0.28        $0.27        $0.29   

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

    0.38        (0.22     0.56        1.88        0.92        0.35   

Total from investment operations

    $0.53        $0.07        $0.91        $2.16        $1.19        $0.64   
Less distributions declared to shareholders                                   

From net investment income

    $(0.07     $(0.20     $(0.36     $(0.26     $(0.33     $(0.43

From net realized gain on
investments

    (0.62     (0.18     (0.07                     

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

    $(0.69     $(0.38     $(0.43     $(0.26     $(0.33     $(0.43

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $16.18        $16.34        $16.65        $16.17        $14.27        $13.41   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(x)

    3.41 (n)      0.45        5.72        15.33        9.08        5.00   
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                           

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

    1.02 (a)      1.03        1.02        1.03        1.06        1.05   

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

    0.88 (a)      0.88        0.92        0.97        1.00        1.00   

Net investment income

    1.94 (a)      1.75        2.14        1.84        2.00        2.17   

Portfolio turnover

    21 (n)      54        23        40        30        46   

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $303,176        $212,571        $193,307        $108,175        $67,970        $26,765   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

38


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

Class R1  

Six months
ended

4/30/16

    Years ended 10/31  
    2015     2014     2013     2012     2011  
    (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $16.54        $16.93        $16.44        $14.50        $13.62        $13.40   
Income (loss) from investment operations                           

Net investment income (d)

    $0.07        $0.13        $0.20        $0.13        $0.15        $0.15   

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

    0.38        (0.23     0.56        1.92        0.92        0.37   

Total from investment operations

    $0.45        $(0.10     $0.76        $2.05        $1.07        $0.52   
Less distributions declared to shareholders                           

From net investment income

    $(0.01     $(0.11     $(0.20     $(0.11     $(0.19     $(0.30

From net realized gain on
investments

    (0.62     (0.18     (0.07                     

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

    $(0.63     $(0.29     $(0.27     $(0.11     $(0.19     $(0.30

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $16.36        $16.54        $16.93        $16.44        $14.50        $13.62   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(x)

    2.87 (n)      (0.55     4.63        14.26        8.01        3.95   
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                           

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

    2.02 (a)      2.03        2.01        2.03        2.05        2.05   

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

    1.88 (a)      1.88        1.92        1.97        2.00        2.00   

Net investment income

    0.87 (a)      0.75        1.18        0.87        1.05        1.13   

Portfolio turnover

    21 (n)      54        23        40        30        46   

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $3,133        $3,195        $3,518        $3,613        $3,124        $3,126   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

39


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

Class R2   Six months
ended
4/30/16
    Years ended 10/31  
    2015     2014     2013     2012     2011  
    (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $16.35        $16.68        $16.20        $14.29        $13.43        $13.22   
Income (loss) from investment operations                           

Net investment income (d)

    $0.11        $0.21        $0.28        $0.21        $0.21        $0.22   

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

    0.38        (0.22     0.55        1.88        0.92        0.36   

Total from investment operations

    $0.49        $(0.01     $0.83        $2.09        $1.13        $0.58   
Less distributions declared to shareholders                           

From net investment income

    $(0.04     $(0.14     $(0.28     $(0.18     $(0.27     $(0.37

From net realized gain on
investments

    (0.62     (0.18     (0.07                     

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

    $(0.66     $(0.32     $(0.35     $(0.18     $(0.27     $(0.37

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $16.18        $16.35        $16.68        $16.20        $14.29        $13.43   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(x)

    3.13 (n)      (0.03     5.16        14.79        8.55        4.46   
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                           

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

    1.52 (a)      1.53        1.51        1.53        1.56        1.55   

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

    1.38 (a)      1.38        1.42        1.47        1.50        1.50   

Net investment income

    1.40 (a)      1.25        1.69        1.38        1.54        1.64   

Portfolio turnover

    21 (n)      54        23        40        30        46   

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $14,082        $11,577        $9,812        $10,528        $8,438        $5,687   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

40


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

Class R3  

Six months
ended

4/30/16

    Years ended 10/31  
    2015     2014     2013     2012     2011  
    (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $16.44        $16.75        $16.27        $14.35        $13.48        $13.27   
Income (loss) from investment operations                                   

Net investment income (d)

    $0.13        $0.25        $0.32        $0.24        $0.24        $0.25   

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

    0.38        (0.22     0.55        1.90        0.93        0.36   

Total from investment operations

    $0.51        $0.03        $0.87        $2.14        $1.17        $0.61   
Less distributions declared to shareholders                                   

From net investment income

    $(0.05     $(0.16     $(0.32     $(0.22     $(0.30     $(0.40

From net realized gain on
investments

    (0.62     (0.18     (0.07                     

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

    $(0.67     $(0.34     $(0.39     $(0.22     $(0.30     $(0.40

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $16.28        $16.44        $16.75        $16.27        $14.35        $13.48   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(x)

    3.26 (n)      0.19        5.42        15.10        8.84        4.72   
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                           

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

    1.27 (a)      1.27        1.27        1.28        1.31        1.30   

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

    1.13 (a)      1.13        1.17        1.22        1.25        1.25   

Net investment income

    1.63 (a)      1.50        1.93        1.59        1.77        1.87   

Portfolio turnover

    21 (n)      54        23        40        30        46   

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $12,226        $11,368        $13,576        $12,423        $9,575        $6,308   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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Financial Highlights – continued

 

Class R4   Six months
ended
4/30/16
    Years ended 10/31  
    2015     2014     2013     2012     2011  
    (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $16.51        $16.82        $16.33        $14.41        $13.52        $13.30   
Income (loss) from investment operations                                   

Net investment income (d)

    $0.14        $0.29        $0.36        $0.27        $0.30        $0.29   

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

    0.39        (0.22     0.56        1.91        0.90        0.36   

Total from investment operations

    $0.53        $0.07        $0.92        $2.18        $1.20        $0.65   
Less distributions declared to shareholders                                   

From net investment income

    $(0.07     $(0.20     $(0.36     $(0.26     $(0.31     $(0.43

From net realized gain on
investments

    (0.62     (0.18     (0.07                     

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

    $(0.69     $(0.38     $(0.43     $(0.26     $(0.31     $(0.43

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $16.35        $16.51        $16.82        $16.33        $14.41        $13.52   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(x)

    3.37 (n)      0.45        5.72        15.32        9.06        5.04   
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                           

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

    1.02 (a)      1.03        1.02        1.04        1.05        1.05   

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

    0.88 (a)      0.88        0.92        0.97        1.00        1.00   

Net investment income

    1.81 (a)      1.73        2.14        1.77        2.19        2.16   

Portfolio turnover

    21 (n)      54        23        40        30        46   

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $7,099        $10,758        $10,042        $7,938        $2,642        $32,383   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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Financial Highlights – continued

 

    

Six months
ended

4/30/16

    Years ended 10/31  
Class R5      2015     2014     2013     2012 (i)  
     (unaudited)                          

Net asset value, beginning of period

     $16.34        $16.65        $16.18        $14.27        $13.29   
Income (loss) from investment operations                           

Net investment income (d)

     $0.16        $0.30        $0.37        $0.29        $0.07   

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

     0.38        (0.21     0.55        1.89        1.01   

Total from investment operations

     $0.54        $0.09        $0.92        $2.18        $1.08   
Less distributions declared to shareholders                           

From net investment income

     $(0.08     $(0.22     $(0.38     $(0.27     $(0.10

From net realized gain on investments

     (0.62     (0.18     (0.07              

Total distributions declared to shareholders

     $(0.70     $(0.40     $(0.45     $(0.27     $(0.10

Net asset value, end of period (x)

     $16.18        $16.34        $16.65        $16.18        $14.27   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(x)

     3.46 (n)      0.56        5.73        15.49        8.16 (n) 
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                        

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

     0.92 (a)      0.93        0.93        0.94        1.00 (a) 

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

     0.78 (a)      0.78        0.83        0.88        0.94 (a) 

Net investment income

     2.00 (a)      1.85        2.25        1.95        1.24 (a) 

Portfolio turnover

     21 (n)      54        23        40        30   

Net assets at end of period (000 omitted)

     $96,482        $85,585        $74,972        $61,383        $44,263   

 

(a) Annualized.
(d) Per share data is based on average shares outstanding.
(f) Ratios do not reflect reductions from fees paid indirectly, if applicable.
(i) For the period from the class inception, June 1, 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

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

(1) Business and Organization

MFS Global Total Return Fund (the fund) is a diversified series of MFS Series Trust VI (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.

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.

(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 January 2016, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-01, Financial Instruments – Overall (Subtopic 825-10) – Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (“ASU 2016-01”) which would first be effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods therein. ASU 2016-01, which changes the accounting for equity investments and for certain financial liabilities, also modifies the presentation and disclosure requirements for financial instruments. Investment companies are specifically exempted from ASU 2016-01’s equity investment accounting provisions and will continue to follow the industry specific guidance for investment accounting under ASC 946. Although still

 

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evaluating the potential impacts of ASU 2016-01 to the fund, management expects that the impact of the fund’s adoption will be limited to additional financial statement disclosures.

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

Investment Valuations – 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. Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are generally valued at the mean of bid and asked prices for the time period interpolated from rates provided by a third-party pricing service for proximate time periods. Open-end investment companies are generally valued at net asset value per share. Securities and other assets generally valued on the basis of information from a third-party pricing service may also be valued at a broker/dealer bid quotation. Values obtained from third-party pricing services can utilize both transaction data and market information such as yield, quality, coupon rate, maturity, type of issue, trading characteristics, and other market data. The values of foreign securities and other assets and liabilities expressed in foreign currencies are converted to U.S. dollars using the mean of bid and asked prices for rates provided by a third-party pricing service.

The Board of Trustees has delegated primary responsibility for determining or causing to be determined the value of the fund’s investments (including any fair valuation) to the adviser pursuant to valuation policies and procedures approved by the Board. If the adviser determines that reliable market quotations are not readily available, investments are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the adviser in accordance with such procedures under the oversight of the Board of Trustees. Under the fund’s valuation policies and procedures, market quotations are not considered to be readily available for most types of debt instruments and floating rate loans and many types of

 

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derivatives. These investments are generally valued at fair value based on information from third-party pricing services. In addition, investments may be valued at fair value if the adviser determines that an investment’s value has been materially affected by events occurring after the close of the exchange or market on which the investment is principally traded (such as foreign exchange or market) and prior to the determination of the fund’s net asset value, or after the halting of trading of a specific security where trading does not resume prior to the close of the exchange or market on which the security is principally traded. Events that occur on a frequent basis after foreign markets close (such as developments in foreign markets and significant movements in the U.S. markets) and prior to the determination of the fund’s net asset value may be deemed to have a material effect on the value of securities traded in foreign markets. Accordingly, the fund’s foreign equity securities may often be valued at fair value. The adviser generally relies on third-party pricing services or other information (such as the correlation with price movements of similar securities in the same or other markets; the type, cost and investment characteristics of the security; the business and financial condition of the issuer; and trading and other market data) to assist in determining whether to fair value and at what value to fair value an investment. The value of an investment for purposes of calculating the fund’s net asset value can differ depending on the source and method used to determine value. When fair valuation is used, the value of an investment used to determine the fund’s net asset value may differ from quoted or published prices for the same investment. There can be no assurance that the fund could obtain the fair value assigned to an investment if it were to sell the investment at the same time at which the fund determines its net asset value per share.

Various inputs are used in determining the value of the fund’s assets or liabilities. These inputs are categorized into three broad levels. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, an investment’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The fund’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and considers factors specific to the investment. Level 1 includes unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 includes other significant observable market-based inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speed, and credit risk). Level 3 includes unobservable inputs, which may include the adviser’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments. Other financial instruments are derivative instruments not

 

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reflected in total investments, such as futures contracts and forward foreign currency exchange contracts. The following is a summary of the levels used as of April 30, 2016 in valuing the fund’s assets or liabilities:

 

Investments at Value    Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  
Equity Securities:            

United States

     $511,714,952         $—         $—         $511,714,952   

United Kingdom

     93,425,548                         93,425,548   

Japan

             73,409,470                 73,409,470   

Switzerland

     68,157,271                         68,157,271   

France

     48,731,255                         48,731,255   

Germany

     39,669,538                         39,669,538   

Canada

     23,897,904                         23,897,904   

Sweden

     20,340,346                         20,340,346   

Taiwan

     13,145,221         3,975,154                 17,120,375   

Other Countries

     52,020,435         41,147,982                 93,168,417   
U.S. Treasury Bonds & U.S. Government Agency & Equivalents              24,479,892                 24,479,892   
Non-U.S. Sovereign Debt              257,545,193                 257,545,193   
U.S. Corporate Bonds              151,625,929                 151,625,929   
Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities              30,211,428                 30,211,428   
Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities              15,617,113                 15,617,113   
Asset-Backed Securities (including CDOs)              11,603,916                 11,603,916   
Foreign Bonds              60,211,576                 60,211,576   
Mutual Funds      138,781,225                         138,781,225   
Total Investments      $1,009,883,695         $669,827,653         $—         $1,679,711,348   
Other Financial Instruments                            
Futures Contracts      $(14,168      $—         $—         $(14,168
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts              1,255,246                 1,255,246   

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

Of the level 2 investments presented above, equity investments amounting to $6,742,015 would have been considered level 1 investments at the beginning of the period. Of the level 1 investments presented above, equity investments amounting to $865,900 would have been considered level 2 investments at the beginning of the period. The primary reason for changes in the classifications between levels 1 and 2 occurs when foreign equity securities are fair valued using other observable market-based inputs in place of the closing exchange price due to events occurring after the close of the exchange or market on which the investment is principally traded. The fund’s foreign equity securities may often be valued at fair value. The fund’s policy is to recognize transfers between the levels as of the end of the period.

 

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

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

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

The following table presents, by major type of derivative contract, the fair value, on a gross basis, of the asset and liability components of derivatives held by the fund at April 30, 2016 as reported in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities:

 

        Fair Value (a)  
Risk   Derivative Contracts   Asset Derivatives     Liability Derivatives  
Interest Rate   Interest Rate Futures     $—        $(14,168
Foreign Exchange   Forward Foreign Currency Exchange     2,363,393        (1,108,147
Total       $2,363,393        $(1,122,315

 

(a) The value of futures contracts includes cumulative appreciation (depreciation) as reported in the fund’s Portfolio of Investments. Only the current day variation margin for futures contracts is separately reported within the fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

The following table presents, by major type of derivative contract, the realized gain (loss) on derivatives held by the fund for the six months ended April 30, 2016 as reported in the Statement of Operations:

 

Risk    Futures
Contracts
     Foreign
Currency
 
Interest Rate      $147,905         $—   
Foreign Exchange              1,484,517   
Total      $147,905         $1,484,517   

 

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The following table presents, by major type of derivative contract, the change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on derivatives held by the fund for the six months ended April 30, 2016 as reported in the Statement of Operations:

 

Risk    Futures
Contracts
    

Translation

of Assets
and

Liabilities in

Foreign
Currencies

 
Interest Rate      $(103,041      $—   
Foreign Exchange              1,936,327   
Total      $(103,041      $1,936,327   

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 transaction to one net amount payable by one party to the other. This right to close out and net payments across all transactions traded under the ISDA Master Agreement could result in a reduction of the fund’s credit risk to such counterparty equal to any amounts payable by the fund under the applicable transactions, if any.

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

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

 

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value of the contract, and are recorded for financial statement purposes as unrealized gain or loss by the fund until the contract is closed or expires at which point the gain or loss on futures contracts is realized.

The fund bears the risk of interest rates, exchange rates or securities prices moving unexpectedly, in which case, the fund may not achieve the anticipated benefits of the futures contracts and may realize a loss. While futures contracts may present less counterparty risk to the fund since the contracts are exchange traded and the exchange’s clearinghouse guarantees payments to the broker, there is still counterparty credit risk due to the insolvency of the broker. The fund’s maximum risk of loss due to counterparty credit risk is equal to the margin posted by the fund to the broker plus any gains or minus any losses on the outstanding futures contracts.

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

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

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

Security Loans – Under its Securities Lending Agency Agreement with the fund, JPMorgan Chase and Co. (“Chase”), as lending agent, loans the securities of the fund to certain qualified institutions (the “Borrowers”) approved by the fund. Security loans can be terminated at the discretion of either the lending agent or the fund and the related securities must be returned within the earlier of the standard trade settlement period for such securities or within three business days. The loans are collateralized by cash and/or U.S. Treasury and federal agency obligations in an amount typically at least equal to the market value of the securities loaned. On loans collateralized by cash, the cash collateral is invested in a money market fund. The market value of the loaned securities is determined at the close of business of the fund and any additional required

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

collateral is delivered to the fund on the next business day. Chase provides the fund with indemnification against Borrower default. In the event of Borrower default, Chase will, for the benefit of the fund, either purchase securities identical to those loaned or, when such purchase is commercially impracticable, pay the fund the market value of the loaned securities. In return, Chase assumes the fund’s rights to the related collateral. If the collateral value is less than the cost to purchase identical securities, Chase is responsible for the shortfall, but only to the extent that such shortfall is not due to a decline in collateral value resulting from collateral reinvestment for which the fund bears the risk of loss. At period end, the fund had investment securities on loan, all of which were classified as equity securities in the fund’s Portfolio of Investments, with a fair value of $13,303,470. The fair value of the fund’s investment securities on loan and a related liability of $14,030,982 for cash collateral received on securities loaned are both presented gross in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. The collateral received on securities loaned exceeded the value of securities on loan at period end. The liability for cash collateral for securities loaned is carried at fair value, which is categorized as level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. A portion of the income generated upon investment of the collateral is remitted to the Borrowers, and the remainder is allocated between the fund and the lending agent. On loans collateralized by U.S. Treasury and/or federal agency obligations, a fee is received from the Borrower, and is allocated between the fund and the lending agent. Income from securities lending is included in “Interest” income in the Statement of Operations. The dividend and interest income earned on the securities loaned is accounted for in the same manner as other dividend and interest income.

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. Dividends received in cash are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Certain dividends from foreign securities will be recorded when the fund is informed of the dividend if such information is obtained subsequent to the

 

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ex-dividend date. Dividend and interest payments received in additional securities are recorded on the ex-dividend or ex-interest date in an amount equal to the value of the security on such date.

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

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

 

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custodian by the fund. The amount of the credit, for the six months ended April 30, 2016, 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 amortization and accretion of debt securities, passive foreign investment companies, wash sale loss deferrals, straddle loss deferrals, derivative transactions, and treating a portion of the proceeds from redemptions as a distribution for tax purposes.

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

 

     10/31/15  
Ordinary income (including any
short-term capital gains)
     $15,749,709   
Long-term capital gains      14,177,602   
Total distributions      $29,927,311   

 

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

 

As of 4/30/16       
Cost of investments      $1,458,722,271   
Gross appreciation      260,674,989   
Gross depreciation      (39,685,912
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)      $220,989,077   
As of 10/31/15       
Undistributed ordinary income      156,246   
Undistributed long-term capital gain      56,435,248   
Other temporary differences      (2,407,144
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)      168,478,804   

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 and service fees. The fund’s income, realized and unrealized gain (loss), and common expenses are allocated to shareholders based on the daily net assets of each class. Dividends are declared separately for each class. Differences in per share dividend rates are generally due to differences in separate class expenses. Class B shares will convert to Class A shares approximately eight years after purchase. The fund’s distributions declared to shareholders as reported in the Statements of Changes in Net Assets are presented by class as follows:

 

     From net investment
income
     From net realized gain on
investments
 
     Six months
ended
4/30/16
     Year
ended
10/31/15
     Six months
ended
4/30/16
     Year
ended
10/31/15
 
Class A      $2,376,914         $7,466,123         $29,963,611         $8,677,069   
Class B      32,642         443,853         2,167,765         706,492   
Class C      198,672         2,153,590         11,886,137         3,382,639   
Class I      914,749         2,348,470         7,835,313         2,158,677   
Class R1      2,107         22,574         119,237         36,298   
Class R2      27,039         80,980         473,698         106,492   
Class R3      33,373         125,213         426,425         147,674   
Class R4      37,247         127,731         356,376         120,086   
Class R5      407,606         993,521         3,207,825         829,829   
Total      $4,030,349         $13,762,055         $56,436,387         $16,165,256   

(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 0.84% of the fund’s average daily net assets.

The investment adviser has agreed in writing to reduce its management fee to 0.75% of average daily net assets in excess of $500 million up to $1.0 billion, 0.70% of

 

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average daily net asset in excess of $1.0 billion up to $2.5 billion, and 0.65% of average daily net assets in excess of $2.5 billion. This written agreement will continue until modified by the fund’s Board of Trustees, but such agreement will continue at least until February 28, 2017. For the six months ended April 30, 2016, this management fee reduction amounted to $587,406, which is included in the reduction of total expenses in the Statement of Operations. MFS has also agreed in writing to reduce its management fee by a specified amount if certain MFS mutual fund assets exceed thresholds agreed to by MFS and the fund’s Board of Trustees. For the six months ended April 30, 2016, this management fee reduction amounted to $56,670, which is included in the reduction of total expenses in the Statement of Operations. The management fee incurred for the six months ended April 30, 2016 was equivalent to an annual effective rate of 0.75% 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 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     R5  
1.13%     1.88%        1.88%        0.88%        1.88%        1.38%        1.13%        0.88%        0.82%   

This written agreement will continue until modified by the fund’s Board of Trustees, but such agreement will continue at least until February 28, 2017. For the six months ended April 30, 2016, this reduction amounted to $399,658, 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 $325,332 for the six months ended April 30, 2016, as its portion of the initial sales charge on sales of Class A shares of the fund.

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

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

Distribution Plan Fee Table:

 

     Distribution
Fee Rate (d)
     Service
Fee Rate (d)
     Total
Distribution
Plan (d)
     Annual
Effective
Rate (e)
     Distribution
and Service
Fee
 
Class A              0.25%         0.25%         0.25%         $986,441   
Class B      0.75%         0.25%         1.00%         1.00%         286,321   
Class C      0.75%         0.25%         1.00%         1.00%         1,588,929   
Class R1      0.75%         0.25%         1.00%         1.00%         15,279   
Class R2      0.25%         0.25%         0.50%         0.50%         28,586   
Class R3              0.25%         0.25%         0.25%         13,076   
Total Distribution and Service Fees         $2,918,632   

 

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(d) In accordance with the distribution plan for certain classes, the fund pays distribution and/or service fees equal to these annual percentage rates of each class’s average daily net assets. The distribution and service fee rates disclosed by class represent the current rates in effect at the end of the reporting period. Any rate changes, if applicable, are detailed below.
(e) The annual effective rates represent actual fees incurred under the distribution plan for the six months ended April 30, 2016 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 April 30, 2016, this rebate amounted to $14,687, $21, and $124 for Class A, Class B, and Class C, respectively, and is included in the reduction of total expenses in the Statement of Operations.

Certain Class A shares are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) in the event of a shareholder redemption within 18 months of purchase. 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 April 30, 2016, were as follows:

 

     Amount  
Class A      $5,808   
Class B      43,434   
Class C      20,109   

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 April 30, 2016, the fee was $85,637, which equated to 0.0113% annually of the fund’s average daily net assets. MFSC also receives payment from the fund for out-of-pocket expenses, sub-accounting and other shareholder servicing costs which may be paid to affiliated and unaffiliated service providers. Class R5 shares do not incur sub-accounting fees. For the six months ended April 30, 2016, these out-of-pocket expenses, sub-accounting and other shareholder servicing costs amounted to $748,357.

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 April 30, 2016 was equivalent to an annual effective rate of 0.0162% 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.

 

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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 $311 and is included in “Independent Trustees’ compensation” in the Statement of Operations for the six months ended April 30, 2016. The liability for deferred retirement benefits payable to certain independent Trustees under the DB plan amounted to $4,826 at April 30, 2016, 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 April 30, 2016, the fee paid by the fund under this agreement was $1,624 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. Income earned on this investment is included in “Dividends from underlying affiliated funds” in the Statement of Operations. This money market fund does not pay a management fee to MFS.

On March 16, 2016, MFS redeemed 2,903 shares of Class I for an aggregate amount of $45,756.

The fund is permitted to engage in purchase and sale transactions (“cross-trades”) with funds and accounts for which MFS serves as investment adviser or sub-adviser 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 April 30, 2016, the fund engaged in purchase and sale transactions pursuant to this policy, which amounted to $3,218,747 and $1,319,939, respectively. The sales transactions resulted in net realized gains (losses) of $(9,118).

(4) Portfolio Securities

For the six months ended April 30, 2016, purchases and sales of investments, other than short-term obligations, were as follows:

 

     Purchases      Sales  
U.S. Government securities      $51,851,218         $58,040,105   
Investments (non-U.S. Government securities)      $326,715,364         $247,916,353   

 

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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
4/30/16
     Year ended
10/31/15
 
     Shares      Amount      Shares      Amount  
Shares sold            

Class A

     6,551,275         $103,539,745         11,238,180         $186,488,455   

Class B

     200,396         3,211,365         428,415         7,280,066   

Class C

     3,042,871         48,156,803         4,193,350         70,402,962   

Class I

     7,951,192         123,567,283         4,895,702         80,173,680   

Class R1

     17,064         269,532         54,975         920,851   

Class R2

     325,261         5,133,566         302,157         4,942,765   

Class R3

     148,330         2,368,493         85,386         1,406,637   

Class R4

     104,917         1,651,744         346,739         5,808,406   

Class R5

     990,318         15,323,061         1,291,577         20,909,579   
     19,331,624         $303,221,592         22,836,481         $378,333,401   
Shares issued to shareholders in reinvestment of distributions            

Class A

     1,986,453         $30,954,592         927,290         $15,271,456   

Class B

     118,194         1,881,650         56,900         961,604   

Class C

     593,132         9,318,109         253,649         4,230,876   

Class I

     439,450         6,785,622         210,928         3,431,052   

Class R1

     7,698         120,481         3,527         58,616   

Class R2

     16,740         258,632         7,339         120,068   

Class R3

     29,602         459,798         16,617         272,887   

Class R4

     21,242         331,488         12,858         211,337   

Class R5

     213,816         3,301,615         111,368         1,809,971   
     3,426,327         $53,411,987         1,600,476         $26,367,867   
Shares reacquired            

Class A

     (5,400,516      $(84,936,298      (9,515,346      $(157,510,392

Class B

     (391,510      (6,292,100      (772,163      (13,104,403

Class C

     (2,261,398      (35,861,675      (3,119,118      (52,126,125

Class I

     (2,654,908      (41,426,255      (3,709,676      (60,492,804

Class R1

     (26,437      (407,049      (73,134      (1,226,782

Class R2

     (179,520      (2,765,112      (189,760      (3,113,887

Class R3

     (118,273      (1,823,348      (221,285      (3,628,042

Class R4

     (343,526      (5,359,323      (305,194      (5,063,588

Class R5

     (476,390      (7,393,798      (668,618      (10,975,883
     (11,852,478      $(186,264,958      (18,574,294      $(307,241,906

 

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     Six months ended
4/30/16
     Year ended
10/31/15
 
     Shares      Amount      Shares      Amount  
Net change            

Class A

     3,137,212         $49,558,039         2,650,124         $44,249,519   

Class B

     (72,920      (1,199,085      (286,848      (4,862,733

Class C

     1,374,605         21,613,237         1,327,881         22,507,713   

Class I

     5,735,734         88,926,650         1,396,954         23,111,928   

Class R1

     (1,675      (17,036      (14,632      (247,315

Class R2

     162,481         2,627,086         119,736         1,948,946   

Class R3

     59,659         1,004,943         (119,282      (1,948,518

Class R4

     (217,367      (3,376,091      54,403         956,155   

Class R5

     727,744         11,230,878         734,327         11,743,667   
     10,905,473         $170,368,621         5,862,663         $97,459,362   

(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 April 30, 2016, the fund’s commitment fee and interest expense were $2,944 and $0, respectively, and are included in “Miscellaneous” expense in the Statement of Operations.

(7) Transactions in Underlying Affiliated Funds-Affiliated Issuers

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

 

Underlying Affiliated Fund    Beginning
Shares/Par
Amount
     Acquisitions
Shares/Par
Amount
     Dispositions
Shares/Par
Amount
    Ending
Shares/Par
Amount
 
MFS Institutional Money
Market Portfolio
     83,946,356         287,831,227         (247,027,340     124,750,243   
Underlying Affiliated Fund    Realized
Gain (Loss)
     Capital Gain
Distributions
     Dividend
Income
    Ending
Value
 
MFS Institutional Money
Market Portfolio
     $—         $—         $111,702        $124,750,243   

 

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PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND INFORMATION

MFS votes proxies on behalf of the fund pursuant to proxy voting policies and procedures that are available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-225-2606, by visiting the Proxy Voting section of mfs.com or by visiting the SEC’s Web site at http://www.sec.gov.

Information regarding how the fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the twelve-month period ended June 30, 2015 is available without charge by visiting the Proxy Voting section of mfs.com or by visiting the SEC’s Web site at http://www.sec.gov.

QUARTERLY PORTFOLIO DISCLOSURE

The fund will file a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the Commission) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. A shareholder can obtain the quarterly portfolio holdings report at mfs.com. The fund’s Form N-Q is also available on the EDGAR database on the Commission’s Internet Web site at http://www.sec.gov, and may be reviewed and copied at the:

Public Reference Room

Securities and Exchange Commission

100 F Street, NE, Room 1580

Washington, D.C. 20549

Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the Commission at 1-800-SEC-0330. Copies of the fund’s Form N-Q also may be obtained, upon payment of a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following e-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov or by writing the Public Reference Section at the above address.

FURTHER INFORMATION

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

PROVISION OF FINANCIAL REPORTS AND SUMMARY PROSPECTUSES

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

 

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CONTACT

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ACCOUNT SERVICE AND LITERATURE

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Table of Contents

SEMIANNUAL REPORT

April 30, 2016

 

LOGO

 

MFS® UTILITIES FUND

 

LOGO

 

MMU-SEM

 


Table of Contents

MFS® UTILITIES FUND

 

CONTENTS

 

Letter from the Chairman     1   
Portfolio composition     2   
Expense table     4   
Portfolio of investments     6   
Statement of assets and liabilities     12   
Statement of operations     14   
Statements of changes in net assets     15   
Financial highlights     16   
Notes to financial statements     25   
Proxy voting policies and information     39   
Quarterly portfolio disclosure     39   
Further information     39   
Provision of financial reports and summary prospectuses     39   
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 CHAIRMAN

 

Dear Shareholders:

Markets have largely recovered after a significant bout of volatility earlier this year. Oil prices have rebounded sharply, and the dollar has weakened against most currencies.

Global economic growth remains sluggish, and almost every major central bank — aside from the U.S. Federal Reserve — is continuing to loosen monetary policy. This should help keep interest rates lower for longer on a global basis.

Even with a weaker dollar, soft global growth continues to negatively impact U.S. exports. In Europe, a crucial referendum on Britain’s continued membership in the European Union is set for June 23. China continues to face headwinds in its shift to a consumer-led economy, which is weighing on its manufacturing sector. Emerging markets have been beneficiaries of the weaker U.S. dollar and firmer commodity prices.

At MFS®, we believe it is best to view markets through a long lens, and not react to short-term swings. That makes it possible to filter out market noise and focus on long-term fundamentals.

In our view, the professional guidance of a financial advisor, along with a patient, long-term approach, will help you reach your investment objectives.

Respectfully,

 

LOGO

Robert J. Manning

Chairman

MFS Investment Management

June 16, 2016

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 holdings (i)  
NextEra Energy, Inc.     5.0%   
Exelon Corp.     4.5%   
PPL Corp.     4.3%   
Sempra Energy     3.5%   
EDP Renovaveis S.A.     2.9%   
Calpine Corp.     2.7%   
Time Warner Cable, Inc.     2.5%   
American Electric Power Co., Inc.     2.4%   
Exelon Corp., 6.5%     2.3%   
Enel S.p.A     2.3%   
Top five industries (i)  
Utilities – Electric Power     54.8%   
Natural Gas – Pipeline     14.7%   
Telephone Services     8.1%   
Cable TV     7.0%   
Telecommunications – Wireless     6.3%   
Issuer country weightings (i)(x)   
United States     73.6%   
Portugal     5.2%   
Canada     3.3%   
United Kingdom     3.2%   
Italy     2.6%   
France     1.5%   
China     1.5%   
Sweden     1.5%   
Spain     1.3%   
Other Countries     6.3%   
 
(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.
(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 and Other.

 

2


Table of Contents

Portfolio Composition – continued

 

From time to time Other may be negative due to equivalent exposure from currency derivatives and/or offsets to derivative positions.

Where the fund holds convertible bonds, these 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 currency derivatives and/or any offsets to derivative positions.

Percentages are based on net assets as of 4/30/16.

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, November 1, 2015 through April 30, 2016

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 November 1, 2015 through April 30, 2016.

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
11/01/15

   

Ending

Account Value

4/30/16

   

Expenses

Paid During

Period (p)

11/01/15-4/30/16

 
A   Actual     1.02%        $1,000.00        $1,032.97        $5.16   
  Hypothetical (h)     1.02%        $1,000.00        $1,019.79        $5.12   
B   Actual     1.77%        $1,000.00        $1,029.40        $8.93   
  Hypothetical (h)     1.77%        $1,000.00        $1,016.06        $8.87   
C   Actual     1.77%        $1,000.00        $1,029.39        $8.93   
  Hypothetical (h)     1.77%        $1,000.00        $1,016.06        $8.87   
I   Actual     0.77%        $1,000.00        $1,034.63        $3.90   
  Hypothetical (h)     0.77%        $1,000.00        $1,021.03        $3.87   
R1   Actual     1.77%        $1,000.00        $1,029.50        $8.93   
  Hypothetical (h)     1.77%        $1,000.00        $1,016.06        $8.87   
R2   Actual     1.27%        $1,000.00        $1,031.80        $6.42   
  Hypothetical (h)     1.27%        $1,000.00        $1,018.55        $6.37   
R3   Actual     1.02%        $1,000.00        $1,033.57        $5.16   
  Hypothetical (h)     1.02%        $1,000.00        $1,019.79        $5.12   
R4   Actual     0.77%        $1,000.00        $1,034.73        $3.90   
  Hypothetical (h)     0.77%        $1,000.00        $1,021.03        $3.87   
R5   Actual     0.65%        $1,000.00        $1,035.77        $3.29   
  Hypothetical (h)     0.65%        $1,000.00        $1,021.63        $3.27   

 

(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 182/366 (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


Table of Contents

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS

4/30/16 (unaudited)

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

 

Common Stocks - 89.0%                 
Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Cable TV - 6.9%                 
Charter Communications, Inc., “A” (a)(l)      361,274      $ 76,676,794   
Comcast Corp., “A”      1,635,820        99,392,423   
Liberty Global PLC, “C” (a)      804,949        29,461,133   
Time Warner Cable, Inc.      544,977        115,595,071   
    

 

 

 
             $ 321,125,421   
Energy - Independent - 0.6%                 
Enable Midstream Partners LP      535,119      $ 6,351,863   
Western Gas Equity Partners LP      554,372        22,385,541   
    

 

 

 
             $ 28,737,404   
Natural Gas - Distribution - 6.3%                 
China Gas Holdings Ltd.      572,000      $ 825,211   
China Resources Gas Group Ltd.      17,072,000        48,228,764   
Engie      2,958,812        48,787,022   
NorthWestern Corp.      289,771        16,470,584   
Sempra Energy      1,584,277        163,735,028   
Snam S.p.A.      2,322,041        14,171,687   
    

 

 

 
             $ 292,218,296   
Natural Gas - Pipeline - 13.3%                 
Columbia Pipeline Partners LP      1,815,681      $ 26,381,845   
Enbridge, Inc.      2,224,986        92,425,496   
Energy Transfer Equity LP      1,638,613        20,367,960   
Energy Transfer Partners LP      2,042,496        72,365,633   
Enterprise Products Partners LP      3,104,219        82,851,605   
EQT GP Holdings LP      274,799        7,271,182   
EQT Midstream Partners LP      571,805        45,338,418   
JP Energy Partners LP      580,174        4,571,771   
Kinder Morgan, Inc.      1,710,642        30,381,002   
Plains All American Pipeline LP      360,583        8,271,774   
Plains GP Holdings LP      3,296,022        32,630,618   
SemGroup Corp., “A”      587,506        18,012,934   
Shell Midstream Partners LP      176,230        6,656,207   
Sunoco Logistics Partners LP      1,750,409        51,251,976   
Tallgrass Energy GP LP      1,075,040        22,393,083   
TransCanada Corp.      123,575        5,131,312   
Williams Cos., Inc.      2,454,350        47,589,847   
Williams Partners LP      1,495,859        45,219,818   
    

 

 

 
             $ 619,112,481   

 

6


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Common Stocks - continued                 
Telecommunications - Wireless - 5.8%                 
Advanced Info Service PLC      1,864,300      $ 8,326,104   
American Tower Corp., REIT      693,481        72,732,287   
Bharti Infratel Ltd.      1,374,566        7,784,338   
Cellnex Telecom S.A.U.      140,543        2,318,983   
Globe Telecom, Inc.      19,750        924,159   
KDDI Corp.      1,467,200        41,733,618   
Mobile TeleSystems PJSC, ADR      3,422,191        31,689,489   
SBA Communications Corp. (a)      486,069        50,084,550   
Vodafone Group PLC      16,804,731        53,822,877   
    

 

 

 
             $ 269,416,405   
Telephone Services - 7.3%                 
Altice N.V., “A” (a)      2,030,122      $ 30,800,833   
Bezeq - The Israel Telecommunication Corp. Ltd.      7,523,043        15,996,779   
British Telecom Group, PLC      4,394,408        28,457,380   
Com Hem Holding AB      7,746,943        68,686,355   
Hellenic Telecommunications Organization S.A.      4,030,824        38,786,713   
Numericable Group      710,440        23,253,592   
PT XL Axiata Tbk (a)      71,106,500        18,978,987   
Quebecor, Inc., “B”      1,077,713        28,826,053   
Singapore Telecommunications Ltd.      314,800        901,173   
TDC A.S.      7,934,425        40,601,716   
TELUS Corp.      438,251        13,894,656   
Verizon Communications, Inc.      622,475        31,708,877   
    

 

 

 
             $ 340,893,114   
Utilities - Electric Power - 48.8%                 
Abengoa Yield PLC (l)      1,695,669      $ 30,572,912   
AES Corp.      9,573,864        106,844,322   
Ameren Corp.      1,336,697        64,161,456   
American Electric Power Co., Inc.      1,782,266        113,173,891   
Avangrid, Inc.      456,560        18,308,056   
Calpine Corp. (a)      8,051,376        127,050,713   
China Longyuan Electric Power Group Corp.      30,772,000        21,083,146   
Covanta Holding Corp.      414,954        6,747,152   
CPFL Energia S.A.      2,840,336        16,393,304   
Dominion Resources, Inc.      943,954        67,464,407   
DTE Energy Co.      619,103        55,199,223   
Dynegy, Inc. (a)(h)      5,578,948        98,356,853   
Edison International      679,909        48,076,365   
EDP Renovaveis S.A.      17,394,947        135,642,151   
Enel S.p.A      23,762,296        107,693,288   
Energias de Portugal S.A.      29,782,205        105,852,960   
Energias do Brasil S.A.      1,914,516        7,125,334   

 

7


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Common Stocks - continued                 
Utilities - Electric Power - continued                 
Exelon Corp.      6,039,722      $ 211,933,845   
FirstEnergy Corp.      1,579,510        51,476,231   
Iberdrola S.A.      3,715,612        26,395,299   
NextEra Energy Partners LP      1,526,641        44,104,658   
NextEra Energy, Inc.      1,990,806        234,078,969   
NRG Energy, Inc.      5,917,615        89,355,987   
NRG Yield, Inc., “A”      1,391,713        21,056,618   
NRG Yield, Inc., “C”      1,545,797        25,010,995   
PG&E Corp.      1,577,806        91,828,309   
PPL Corp.      5,361,167        201,794,326   
Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc.      989,347        45,638,577   
Red Electrica de Espana      340,050        30,359,510   
SSE PLC      1,587,069        35,016,082   
Tractebel Energia S.A.      1,612,200        17,883,384   
Xcel Energy, Inc.      551,302        22,068,619   
    

 

 

 
             $ 2,277,746,942   
Total Common Stocks (Identified Cost, $3,842,293,557)      $ 4,149,250,063   
Bonds - 0.1%                 
Cable TV - 0.1%                 
Neptune Finco Corp., 10.125%, 1/15/2023 (n)
(Identified Cost, $3,060,000)
   $ 3,060,000      $ 3,358,350   
Convertible Preferred Stocks - 8.7%                 
Energy - Independent - 0.6%                 
Anadarko Petroleum Corp., 7.5%      789,436      $ 29,966,991   
Natural Gas - Pipeline - 1.1%                 
Kinder Morgan, Inc., 9.75%      1,154,599      $ 50,987,092   
Telecommunications - Wireless - 0.5%                 
American Tower Corp., 5.5%      223,840      $ 23,207,731   
Telephone Services - 0.8%                 
Frontier Communications Corp., 11.125%      369,546      $ 38,543,648   
Utilities - Electric Power - 5.7%                 
Dominion Resources, Inc., “B”, 6%      785,440      $ 43,599,774   
Dominion Resources, Inc., 6.375%      667,786        32,941,883   
Dynegy, Inc., 5.375% (h)      575,738        37,388,426   
Exelon Corp., 6.5%      2,247,506        108,914,141   

 

8


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Convertible Preferred Stocks - continued                 
Utilities - Electric Power - continued                 
NextEra Energy, Inc., 5.799%      274,899      $ 16,617,645   
NextEra Energy, Inc., 6.371%      414,370        24,779,326   
    

 

 

 
             $ 264,241,195   
Total Convertible Preferred Stocks (Identified Cost, $427,315,693)      $ 406,946,657   
Preferred Stocks - 0.3%                 
Utilities - Electric Power - 0.3%                 
Companhia Paranaense de Energia (Identified Cost, $25,121,704)      1,976,400      $ 16,268,630   
Rights - 0.3%                 
Natural Gas - Pipeline - 0.3%                 
TransCanada Corp, Expiration Date 3/17/17 (1 share for 1 right) (a) (Identified Cost, $11,335,473)      323,030      $ 12,996,377   
Money Market Funds - 1.5%                 
MFS Institutional Money Market Portfolio, 0.36%,
at Cost and Net Asset Value (v)
     69,987,447      $ 69,987,447   
Collateral for Securities Loaned - 1.6%                 
JPMorgan Prime Money Market Fund, 0.45%,
at Cost and Net Asset Value (j)
     75,287,578      $ 75,287,578   
Total Investments (Identified Cost, $4,454,401,452)      $ 4,734,095,102   
Other Assets, Less Liabilities - (1.5)%        (70,123,409
Net Assets - 100.0%      $ 4,663,971,693   

 

(a) Non-income producing security.
(h) Affiliated issuers are those in which the fund’s holdings of an issuer represent 5% or more of the outstanding voting securities of the issuer.
(j) The rate quoted is the annualized one-day yield of the fund at period end.
(l) A portion of this security is on loan.
(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 $3,358,350, representing 0.1% of net assets.
(v) Underlying affiliated fund that is available only to investment companies managed by MFS. The rate quoted for the MFS Institutional Money Market Portfolio is the annualized seven-day yield of the fund at period end.

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

 

ADR   American Depositary Receipt
PLC   Public Limited Company
REIT   Real Estate Investment Trust

 

9


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

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

 

CAD   Canadian Dollar
EUR   Euro
GBP   British Pound

Derivative Contracts at 4/30/16

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts at 4/30/16

 

Type   Currency   Counter-
party
  Contracts
to
Deliver/
Receive
    Settlement
Date Range
  In
Exchange
For
    Contracts
at Value
    Net
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Asset Derivatives                            
BUY   CAD   Goldman Sachs International     6,434,681      7/15/16     $5,027,953        $5,128,494        $100,541   
BUY   EUR   BNP Paribas S.A.     1,590,133      7/15/16     1,816,526        1,825,027        8,501   
BUY   EUR   JPMorgan Chase Bank     33,750      7/15/16     38,216        38,736        520   
BUY   EUR   Merrill Lynch International     4,088,408      7/15/16     4,691,901        4,692,346        445   
BUY   EUR   Morgan Stanley Capital Services     762,523      7/15/16     865,554        875,162        9,608   
BUY   GBP   Goldman Sachs International     970,726      7/15/16     1,397,432        1,418,702        21,270   
SELL   GBP   HBSC Bank     1,727,182      7/15/16     2,527,471        2,524,251        3,220   
             

 

 

 
                $144,105   
             

 

 

 
Liability Derivatives                                 
SELL   CAD   Merrill Lynch International     128,377,277      7/15/16     $99,267,101        $102,317,748        $(3,050,647
SELL   EUR   BNP Paribas S.A.     1,796,702      7/15/16     2,058,177        2,062,110        (3,933
SELL   EUR   Citibank N.A.     29,809,710      7/15/16     34,124,964        34,213,195        (88,231
SELL   EUR   Credit Suisse Group     4,166,485      7/15/16     4,773,441        4,781,957        (8,516
SELL   EUR   Deutsche Bank AG     116,599,596      6/15/16-7/15/16     131,509,908        133,738,887        (2,228,979
SELL   EUR   Goldman Sachs International     1,390,519      7/15/16     1,580,168        1,595,926        (15,758
SELL   EUR   JPMorgan Chase Bank     145,987,816      7/15/16     167,104,524        167,553,109        (448,585
SELL   EUR   Merrill Lynch International     9,600,118      7/15/16     10,999,566        11,018,246        (18,680
SELL   EUR   Morgan Stanley Capital Services     759,464      7/15/16     861,659        871,652        (9,993
SELL   GBP   BNP Paribas S.A.     45,124,648      7/15/16     64,186,878        65,949,024        (1,762,146

 

10


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts at 4/30/16 – continued

 

Type   Currency   Counter-
party
  Contracts
to
Deliver/
Receive
    Settlement
Date Range
  In
Exchange
For
    Contracts
at Value
    Net
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Liability Derivatives – continued                            
SELL   GBP   Goldman Sachs International     4,644,058      7/15/16     $6,694,889        $6,787,224        $(92,335
SELL   GBP   HBSC Bank     748,148      7/15/16     1,089,065        1,093,408        (4,343
             

 

 

 
                $(7,732,146
             

 

 

 

At April 30, 2016, the fund had cash collateral of $4,220,000 to cover any commitments for certain derivative contracts. Cash collateral is comprised of “Deposits with brokers” in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

11


Table of Contents

Financial Statements

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

At 4/30/16 (unaudited)

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

 

Assets         

Investments

  

Non-affiliated issuers, at value (identified cost, $4,384,414,005)

     $4,664,107,655   

Underlying affiliated funds, at cost and value

     69,987,447   

Total investments, at value, including $74,352,858 of securities on loan (identified cost, $4,454,401,452)

     $4,734,095,102   

Cash

     326,356   

Deposits with brokers

     4,220,000   

Foreign currency, at value (identified cost, $153,712)

     153,712   

Receivables for

  

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

     144,105   

Investments sold

     24,975,836   

Fund shares sold

     6,125,386   

Interest and dividends

     7,900,543   

Other assets

     16,553   

Total assets

     $4,777,957,593   
Liabilities         

Payables for

  

Distributions

     $680,536   

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

     7,732,146   

Investments purchased

     18,950,310   

Fund shares reacquired

     8,322,303   

Collateral for securities loaned, at value

     75,287,578   

Payable to affiliates

  

Investment adviser

     227,701   

Shareholder servicing costs

     2,204,989   

Distribution and service fees

     151,219   

Payable for independent Trustees’ compensation

     21,921   

Deferred country tax expense payable

     15,447   

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

     391,750   

Total liabilities

     $113,985,900   

Net assets

     $4,663,971,693   
Net assets consist of         

Paid-in capital

     $4,522,352,837   

Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments and translation of assets and liabilities in foreign currencies (net of $15,447 deferred country tax)

     272,095,254   

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

     (123,942,323

Accumulated distributions in excess of net investment income

     (6,534,075

Net assets

     $4,663,971,693   

Shares of beneficial interest outstanding

     253,342,421   

 

12


Table of Contents

Statement of Assets and Liabilities (unaudited) – continued

 

 

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

Class A

     $2,671,369,041         144,991,935         $18.42   

Class B

     240,897,060         13,139,801         18.33   

Class C

     841,639,196         45,909,714         18.33   

Class I

     472,610,211         25,558,779         18.49   

Class R1

     11,094,643         606,270         18.30   

Class R2

     102,191,517         5,561,496         18.37   

Class R3

     132,788,943         7,210,808         18.42   

Class R4

     99,193,389         5,379,447         18.44   

Class R5

     92,187,693         4,984,171         18.50   

 

(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 $19.54 [100 / 94.25 x $18.42]. On sales of $50,000 or more, the maximum offering price of Class A shares is reduced. A contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on redemptions of Class A, Class B, and Class C shares. Redemption price per share was equal to the net asset value per share for Classes I, R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5.

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

13


Table of Contents

Financial Statements

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Six months ended 4/30/16 (unaudited)

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

 

Net investment income         

Income

  

Dividends

     $81,259,152   

Interest

     1,214,546   

Dividends from underlying affiliated funds

     50,907   

Foreign taxes withheld

     (478,399

Total investment income

     $82,046,206   

Expenses

  

Management fee

     $13,063,922   

Distribution and service fees

     8,868,402   

Shareholder servicing costs

     3,128,473   

Administrative services fee

     314,378   

Independent Trustees’ compensation

     42,768   

Custodian fee

     290,484   

Shareholder communications

     168,684   

Audit and tax fees

     31,127   

Legal fees

     24,935   

Miscellaneous

     176,163   

Total expenses

     $26,109,336   

Fees paid indirectly

     (7,156

Reduction of expenses by investment adviser and distributor

     (23,085

Net expenses

     $26,079,095   

Net investment income

     $55,967,111   
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency   

Realized gain (loss) (identified cost basis)

  

Investments:

  

Non-affiliated issuers

     $(90,542,139

Other affiliated issuers

     (4,011,747

Foreign currency

     3,861,806   

Net realized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency

     $(90,692,080

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

  

Investments (net of $15,447 increase in deferred country tax)

     $148,733,722   

Translation of assets and liabilities in foreign currencies

     (15,568,746

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

     $133,164,976   

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

     $42,472,896   

Change in net assets from operations

     $98,440,007   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

14


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
4/30/16
(unaudited)
    

Year ended
10/31/15

 
From operations                  

Net investment income

     $55,967,111         $118,509,792   

Net realized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency

     (90,692,080      310,930,616   

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

     133,164,976         (1,072,466,684

Change in net assets from operations

     $98,440,007         $(643,026,276
Distributions declared to shareholders                  

From net investment income

     $(59,049,592      $(125,992,867

From net realized gain on investments

     (271,621,261      (374,616,272

Total distributions declared to shareholders

     $(330,670,853      $(500,609,139

Change in net assets from fund share transactions

     $(298,921,570      $(125,518,489

Total change in net assets

     $(531,152,416      $(1,269,153,904
Net assets                  

At beginning of period

     5,195,124,109         6,464,278,013   

At end of period (including accumulated distributions in excess of net investment income of $6,534,075 and $3,451,594, respectively)

     $4,663,971,693         $5,195,124,109   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

15


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 a particular share class, if shorter). Certain information reflects financial results for a single fund share. The total returns in the table represent the rate by which an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the fund share class (assuming reinvestment of all distributions) held for the entire period.

 

    Six months
ended
4/30/16
    Years ended 10/31  
Class A     2015     2014     2013     2012     2011  
    (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning of
period

    $19.25        $23.34        $21.80        $18.61        $17.11        $16.01   
Income (loss) from investment operations                   

Net investment income (d)

    $0.23        $0.45        $0.66        $0.60        $0.51        $0.61   

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

    0.25        (2.73     2.42        3.17        1.53        1.02   

Total from investment
operations

    $0.48        $(2.28     $3.08        $3.77        $2.04        $1.63   
Less distributions declared to shareholders                   

From net investment income

    $(0.24     $(0.47     $(0.64     $(0.57     $(0.54     $(0.53

From net realized gain on
investments

    (1.07     (1.34     (0.90     (0.01              

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

    $(1.31     $(1.81     $(1.54     $(0.58     $(0.54     $(0.53

Net asset value, end of
period (x)

    $18.42        $19.25        $23.34        $21.80        $18.61        $17.11   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

    3.30 (n)      (10.42     14.99        20.59        12.17        10.26   
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                   

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

    1.02 (a)      0.99        0.97        1.01        1.02        1.04   

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

    1.02 (a)      0.99        0.97        1.01        1.02        1.04   

Net investment income

    2.64 (a)      2.10        2.97        2.97        2.90        3.62   

Portfolio turnover

    11 (n)      45        46        54        46        51   

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $2,671,369        $2,926,491        $3,597,063        $3,242,884        $2,699,649        $2,343,368   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

16


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

    Six months
ended
4/30/16
    Years ended 10/31  
Class B     2015     2014     2013     2012     2011  
    (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning of
period

    $19.16        $23.24        $21.71        $18.55        $17.05        $15.95   
Income (loss) from investment operations                   

Net investment income (d)

    $0.16        $0.28        $0.49        $0.44        $0.37        $0.49   

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

    0.26        (2.71     2.41        3.15        1.54        1.01   

Total from investment
operations

    $0.42        $(2.43     $2.90        $3.59        $1.91        $1.50   
Less distributions declared to shareholders                   

From net investment income

    $(0.18     $(0.31     $(0.47     $(0.42     $(0.41     $(0.40

From net realized gain on
investments

    (1.07     (1.34     (0.90     (0.01              

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

    $(1.25     $(1.65     $(1.37     $(0.43     $(0.41     $(0.40

Net asset value, end of
period (x)

    $18.33        $19.16        $23.24        $21.71        $18.55        $17.05   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

    2.94 (n)      (11.09     14.15        19.60        11.39        9.47   
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                   

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

    1.77 (a)      1.74        1.72        1.76        1.77        1.79   

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

    1.77 (a)      1.74        1.72        1.76        1.77        1.79   

Net investment income

    1.88 (a)      1.34        2.23        2.21        2.14        2.88   

Portfolio turnover

    11 (n)      45        46        54        46        51   

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $240,897        $260,079        $332,141        $305,988        $265,748        $233,107   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

17


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

    Six months
ended
4/30/16
    Years ended 10/31  
Class C     2015     2014     2013     2012     2011  
    (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning of
period

    $19.16        $23.24        $21.71        $18.55        $17.05        $15.96   
Income (loss) from investment operations                   

Net investment income (d)

    $0.16        $0.29        $0.49        $0.44        $0.38        $0.48   

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

    0.26        (2.72     2.41        3.15        1.53        1.01   

Total from investment
operations

    $0.42        $(2.43     $2.90        $3.59        $1.91        $1.49   
Less distributions declared to shareholders                   

From net investment income

    $(0.18     $(0.31     $(0.47     $(0.42     $(0.41     $(0.40

From net realized gain on
investments

    (1.07     (1.34     (0.90     (0.01              

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

    $(1.25     $(1.65     $(1.37     $(0.43     $(0.41     $(0.40

Net asset value, end of
period (x)

    $18.33        $19.16        $23.24        $21.71        $18.55        $17.05   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(t)(x)

    2.94 (n)      (11.09     14.16        19.61        11.40        9.41   
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                   

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

    1.77 (a)      1.74        1.72        1.76        1.77        1.79   

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

    1.77 (a)      1.74        1.72        1.76        1.77        1.79   

Net investment income

    1.89 (a)      1.35        2.21        2.21        2.15        2.86   

Portfolio turnover

    11 (n)      45        46        54        46        51   

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $841,639        $945,033        $1,145,572        $917,978        $739,959        $608,042   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

18


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

    Six months
ended
4/30/16
    Years ended 10/31  
Class I     2015     2014     2013     2012     2011  
    (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning of
period

    $19.31        $23.41        $21.86        $18.67        $17.15        $16.05   
Income (loss) from investment operations                   

Net investment income (d)

    $0.25        $0.50        $0.71        $0.65        $0.57        $0.66   

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

    0.26        (2.73     2.44        3.17        1.53        1.01   

Total from investment
operations

    $0.51        $(2.23     $3.15        $3.82        $2.10        $1.67   
Less distributions declared to shareholders                   

From net investment income

    $(0.26     $(0.53     $(0.70     $(0.62     $(0.58     $(0.57

From net realized gain on
investments

    (1.07     (1.34     (0.90     (0.01              

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

    $(1.33     $(1.87     $(1.60     $(0.63     $(0.58     $(0.57

Net asset value, end of
period (x)

    $18.49        $19.31        $23.41        $21.86        $18.67        $17.15   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(x)

    3.46 (n)      (10.20     15.28        20.82        12.54        10.50   
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                   

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

    0.77 (a)      0.74        0.72        0.76        0.77        0.79   

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

    0.77 (a)      0.74        0.72        0.76        0.77        0.79   

Net investment income

    2.92 (a)      2.33        3.14        3.21        3.22        3.88   

Portfolio turnover

    11 (n)      45        46        54        46        51   

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $472,610        $636,784        $864,695        $566,374        $462,849        $286,562   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

19


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

    Six months
ended
4/30/16
    Years ended 10/31  
Class R1     2015     2014     2013     2012     2011  
    (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning of
period

    $19.13        $23.21        $21.68        $18.52        $17.03        $15.94   
Income (loss) from investment operations                   

Net investment income (d)

    $0.16        $0.29        $0.49        $0.44        $0.37        $0.48   

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

    0.26        (2.72     2.41        3.15        1.53        1.01   

Total from investment
operations

    $0.42        $(2.43     $2.90        $3.59        $1.90        $1.49   
Less distributions declared to shareholders                   

From net investment income

    $(0.18     $(0.31     $(0.47     $(0.42     $(0.41     $(0.40

From net realized gain on
investments

    (1.07     (1.34     (0.90     (0.01              

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

    $(1.25     $(1.65     $(1.37     $(0.43     $(0.41     $(0.40

Net asset value, end of
period (x)

    $18.30        $19.13        $23.21        $21.68        $18.52        $17.03   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(x)

    2.95 (n)      (11.11     14.18        19.63        11.35        9.42   
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                   

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

    1.77 (a)      1.74        1.72        1.76        1.77        1.79   

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

    1.77 (a)      1.74        1.72        1.76        1.77        1.79   

Net investment income

    1.88 (a)      1.34        2.21        2.22        2.15        2.83   

Portfolio turnover

    11 (n)      45        46        54        46        51   

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $11,095        $10,865        $14,177        $12,041        $12,092        $11,686   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

20


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

    Six months
ended
4/30/16
    Years ended 10/31  
Class R2     2015     2014     2013     2012     2011  
    (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning of
period

    $19.20        $23.29        $21.75        $18.58        $17.07        $15.98   
Income (loss) from investment operations                   

Net investment income (d)

    $0.20        $0.39        $0.60        $0.54        $0.46        $0.57   

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

    0.26        (2.72     2.42        3.16        1.55        1.01   

Total from investment
operations

    $0.46        $(2.33     $3.02        $3.70        $2.01        $1.58   
Less distributions declared to shareholders                   

From net investment income

    $(0.22     $(0.42     $(0.58     $(0.52     $(0.50     $(0.49

From net realized gain on
investments

    (1.07     (1.34     (0.90     (0.01              

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

    $(1.29     $(1.76     $(1.48     $(0.53     $(0.50     $(0.49

Net asset value, end of
period (x)

    $18.37        $19.20        $23.29        $21.75        $18.58        $17.07   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(x)

    3.18 (n)      (10.66     14.74        20.22        11.99        9.94   
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                   

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

    1.27 (a)      1.24        1.22        1.26        1.27        1.29   

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

    1.27 (a)      1.24        1.22        1.26        1.27        1.29   

Net investment income

    2.38 (a)      1.84        2.69        2.71        2.65        3.37   

Portfolio turnover

    11 (n)      45        46        54        46        51   

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $102,192        $104,858        $137,813        $116,355        $116,173        $101,994   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

21


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights – continued

 

    Six months
ended
4/30/16
    Years ended 10/31  
Class R3     2015     2014     2013     2012     2011  
    (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning of
period

    $19.24        $23.33        $21.79        $18.59        $17.09        $15.99   
Income (loss) from investment operations                   

Net investment income (d)

    $0.23        $0.45        $0.65        $0.52        $0.51        $0.61   

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

    0.26        (2.73     2.43        3.25        1.53        1.02   

Total from investment
operations

    $0.49        $(2.28     $3.08        $3.77        $2.04        $1.63   
Less distributions declared to shareholders                   

From net investment income

    $(0.24     $(0.47     $(0.64     $(0.56     $(0.54     $(0.53

From net realized gain on
investments

    (1.07     (1.34     (0.90     (0.01              

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

    $(1.31     $(1.81     $(1.54     $(0.57     $(0.54     $(0.53

Net asset value, end of
period (x)

    $18.42        $19.24        $23.33        $21.79        $18.59        $17.09   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(x)

    3.36 (n)      (10.42     15.00        20.61        12.19        10.27   
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                   

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

    1.02 (a)      0.99        0.97        1.00        1.02        1.04   

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

    1.02 (a)      0.99        0.97        1.00        1.02        1.04   

Net investment income

    2.62 (a)      2.09        2.93        2.67        2.90        3.62   

Portfolio turnover

    11 (n)      45        46        54        46        51   

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $132,789        $134,801        $177,562        $135,710        $364,245        $324,613   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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Financial Highlights – continued

 

    Six months
ended
4/30/16
    Years ended 10/31  
Class R4     2015     2014     2013     2012     2011  
    (unaudited)                                

Net asset value, beginning of
period

    $19.26        $23.35        $21.81        $18.63        $17.12        $16.02   
Income (loss) from investment operations                   

Net investment income (d)

    $0.25        $0.50        $0.71        $0.65        $0.56        $0.64   

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

    0.26        (2.72     2.43        3.16        1.53        1.03   

Total from investment
operations

    $0.51        $(2.22     $3.14        $3.81        $2.09        $1.67   
Less distributions declared to shareholders                   

From net investment income

    $(0.26     $(0.53     $(0.70     $(0.62     $(0.58     $(0.57

From net realized gain on
investments

    (1.07     (1.34     (0.90     (0.01              

Total distributions declared to
shareholders

    $(1.33     $(1.87     $(1.60     $(0.63     $(0.58     $(0.57

Net asset value, end of
period (x)

    $18.44        $19.26        $23.35        $21.81        $18.63        $17.12   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(x)

    3.47 (n)      (10.19     15.26        20.82        12.50        10.52   
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                   

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)

    0.77 (a)      0.74        0.72        0.76        0.77        0.79   

Expenses after expense
reductions (f)

    0.77 (a)      0.74        0.72        0.76        0.77        0.79   

Net investment income

    2.88 (a)      2.33        3.19        3.22        3.17        3.78   

Portfolio turnover

    11 (n)      45        46        54        46        51   

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $99,193        $100,251        $144,910        $108,572        $73,570        $45,233   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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Financial Highlights – continued

 

     Six months
ended
4/30/16
    Years ended 10/31  
Class R5      2015     2014     2013     2012 (i)  
     (unaudited)           

Net asset value, beginning of period

     $19.31        $23.42        $21.86        $18.67        $16.71   
Income (loss) from investment operations           

Net investment income (d)

     $0.26        $0.53        $0.62        $0.72        $0.22   

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

     0.27        (2.75     2.55        3.12        1.96 (g) 

Total from investment operations

     $0.53        $(2.22     $3.17        $3.84        $2.18   
Less distributions declared to shareholders           

From net investment income

     $(0.27     $(0.55     $(0.71     $(0.64     $(0.22

From net realized gain on investments

     (1.07     (1.34     (0.90     (0.01       

Total distributions declared to shareholders

     $(1.34     $(1.89     $(1.61     $(0.65     $(0.22

Net asset value, end of period (x)

     $18.50        $19.31        $23.42        $21.86        $18.67   

Total return (%) (r)(s)(x)

     3.58 (n)      (10.15     15.42        20.95        13.11 (n) 

Ratios (%) (to average net assets)

and Supplemental data:

  

  

       

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

     0.65 (a)      0.63        0.63        0.65        0.71 (a) 

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

     0.65 (a)      0.63        0.63        0.65        0.71 (a) 

Net investment income

     2.97 (a)      2.48        2.71        3.48        2.93 (a) 

Portfolio turnover

     11 (n)      45        46        54        46 (n) 

Net assets at end of period (000 omitted)

     $92,188        $75,962        $50,344        $2,492        $283   

 

(a) Annualized.
(d) Per share data is based on average shares outstanding.
(f) Ratios do not reflect reductions from fees paid indirectly, if applicable.
(g) The per share amount varies from the net realized and unrealized gain/loss for the period because of the timing of sales of fund shares and the per share amount of realized and unrealized gains and losses at such time.
(i) For 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

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

(1) Business and Organization

MFS Utilities Fund (the fund) is a diversified series of MFS Series Trust VI (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.

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.

(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 securities of issuers in the utility industry. Issuers in a single industry can react similarly to market, economic, political and regulatory conditions and developments. 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 January 2016, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-01, Financial Instruments – Overall (Subtopic 825-10) – Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (“ASU 2016-01”) which would first be effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods therein. ASU 2016-01, which changes the accounting for equity investments and for certain financial liabilities, also modifies the presentation and disclosure requirements for financial instruments. Investment companies are specifically exempted from

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

ASU 2016-01’s equity investment accounting provisions and will continue to follow the industry specific guidance for investment accounting under ASC 946. Although still evaluating the potential impacts of ASU 2016-01 to the fund, management expects that the impact of the fund’s adoption will be limited to additional financial statement disclosures.

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

Investment Valuations – 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. Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are generally valued at the mean of bid and asked prices for the time period interpolated from rates provided by a third-party pricing service for proximate time periods. 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

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

the adviser determines that an investment’s value has been materially affected by events occurring after the close of the exchange or market on which the investment is principally traded (such as foreign exchange or market) and prior to the determination of the fund’s net asset value, or after the halting of trading of a specific security where trading does not resume prior to the close of the exchange or market on which the security is principally traded. Events that occur on a frequent basis after foreign markets close (such as developments in foreign markets and significant movements in the U.S. markets) and prior to the determination of the fund’s net asset value may be deemed to have a material effect on the value of securities traded in foreign markets. Accordingly, the fund’s foreign equity securities may often be valued at fair value. The adviser generally relies on third-party pricing services or other information (such as the correlation with price movements of similar securities in the same or other markets; the type, cost and investment characteristics of the security; the business and financial condition of the issuer; and trading and other market data) to assist in determining whether to fair value and at what value to fair value an investment. The value of an investment for purposes of calculating the fund’s net asset value can differ depending on the source and method used to determine value. When fair valuation is used, the value of an investment used to determine the fund’s net asset value may differ from quoted or published prices for the same investment. There can be no assurance that the fund could obtain the fair value assigned to an investment if it were to sell the investment at the same time at which the fund determines its net asset value per share.

Various inputs are used in determining the value of the fund’s assets or liabilities. These inputs are categorized into three broad levels. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, an investment’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The fund’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and considers factors specific to the investment. Level 1 includes unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 includes other significant observable market-based inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speed, and credit risk). Level 3 includes unobservable inputs, which may include the adviser’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments. Other financial instruments are derivative instruments not

 

27


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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

reflected in total investments, such as forward foreign currency exchange contracts. The following is a summary of the levels used as of April 30, 2016 in valuing the fund’s assets or liabilities:

 

Investments at Value    Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  
Equity Securities:            

United States

     $3,356,826,053         $—         $—         $3,356,826,053   

Portugal

     241,495,111                         241,495,111   

Canada

     153,273,894                         153,273,894   

United Kingdom

     147,869,251                         147,869,251   

Italy

     121,864,975                         121,864,975   

France

     72,040,614                         72,040,614   

China

             70,137,121                 70,137,121   

Sweden

     68,686,355                         68,686,355   

Spain

     59,073,793                         59,073,793   

Other Countries

     180,665,835         113,528,725                 294,194,560   
U.S.Corporate Bonds              3,358,350                 3,358,350   
Mutual Funds      145,275,025                         145,275,025   
Total Investments      $4,547,070,906         $187,024,196         $—         $4,734,095,102   
Other Financial Instruments  
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts      $—         $(7,588,041      $—         $(7,588,041

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

Of the level 2 investments presented above, equity investments amounting to $62,567,830 would have been considered level 1 investments at the beginning of the period. The primary reason for changes in the classifications between levels 1 and 2 occurs when foreign equity securities are fair valued using other observable market-based inputs in place of the closing exchange price due to events occurring after the close of the exchange or market on which the investment is principally traded. The fund’s foreign equity securities may often be valued at fair value. The fund’s policy is to recognize transfers between the levels as of the end of the period.

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

Derivatives – The fund uses derivatives for different purposes, primarily to increase or decrease exposure to a particular market or segment of the market, or security, to

 

28


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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

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

The following table presents, by major type of derivative contract, the fair value, on a gross basis, of the asset and liability components of derivatives held by the fund at April 30, 2016 as reported in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities:

 

        Fair Value  
Risk   Derivative Contracts   Asset Derivatives     Liability Derivatives  
Foreign Exchange   Forward Foreign Currency Exchange     $144,105        $(7,732,146)   

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 April 30, 2016 as reported in the Statement of Operations:

 

Risk    Foreign Currency  
Foreign Exchange      $4,657,346   

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 April 30, 2016 as reported in the Statement of Operations:

 

Risk    Translation
of Assets
and
Liabilities in
Foreign
Currencies
 
Foreign Exchange      $(16,165,374

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 transaction to one net amount payable by one party to the other. This right to close out and net payments across all transactions traded under the ISDA Master Agreement could result in a reduction of the fund’s credit risk to such counterparty equal to any amounts payable by the fund under the applicable transactions, if any.

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

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

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

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

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

Security Loans – Under its Securities Lending Agency Agreement with the fund, JPMorgan Chase and Co. (“Chase”), as lending agent, loans the securities of the fund to certain qualified institutions (the “Borrowers”) approved by the fund. Security loans can be terminated at the discretion of either the lending agent or the fund and the related securities must be returned within the earlier of the standard trade settlement period for such securities or within three business days. The loans are collateralized by cash and/or U.S. Treasury and federal agency obligations in an amount typically at least equal to the market value of the securities loaned. On loans collateralized by cash, the cash collateral is invested in a money market fund. The market value of the loaned

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

securities is determined at the close of business of the fund and any additional required collateral is delivered to the fund on the next business day. Chase provides the fund with indemnification against Borrower default. In the event of Borrower default, Chase will, for the benefit of the fund, either purchase securities identical to those loaned or, when such purchase is commercially impracticable, pay the fund the market value of the loaned securities. In return, Chase assumes the fund’s rights to the related collateral. If the collateral value is less than the cost to purchase identical securities, Chase is responsible for the shortfall, but only to the extent that such shortfall is not due to a decline in collateral value resulting from collateral reinvestment for which the fund bears the risk of loss. At period end, the fund had investment securities on loan, all of which were classified as equity securities in the fund’s Portfolio of Investments, with a fair value of $74,352,858. The fair value of the fund’s investment securities on loan and a related liability of $75,287,578 for cash collateral received on securities loaned are both presented gross in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. The collateral received on securities loaned exceeded the value of securities on loan at period end. The liability for cash collateral for securities loaned is carried at fair value, which is categorized as level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. A portion of the income generated upon investment of the collateral is remitted to the Borrowers, and the remainder is allocated between the fund and the lending agent. On loans collateralized by U.S. Treasury and/or federal agency obligations, a fee is received from the Borrower, and is allocated between the fund and the lending agent. Income from securities lending is included in “Interest” income in the Statement of Operations. The dividend and interest income earned on the securities loaned is accounted for in the same manner as other dividend and interest income.

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. Some securities may be purchased on a “when-issued” or “forward delivery” basis, which means that the securities will be delivered to the fund at a future date, usually beyond customary settlement time. Dividends received in cash are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Certain dividends from foreign securities will be recorded when the fund is informed of the dividend if such information is obtained subsequent to the ex-dividend date. Dividend and interest payments received in additional securities are recorded on the ex-dividend or ex-interest date in an amount equal to the value of the security on such date.

The fund may receive proceeds from litigation settlements. Any proceeds received from litigation involving portfolio holdings are reflected in the Statement of Operations in realized gain/loss if the security has been disposed of by the fund or in unrealized

 

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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.

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 April 30, 2016, 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 wash sale loss deferrals, derivative transactions, treating a portion of the proceeds from redemptions as a distribution for tax purposes, and partnership adjustments.

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:

 

     10/31/15  

Ordinary income (including any

short-term capital gains)

     $197,578,192   
Long-term capital gains      303,030,947   
Total distributions      $500,609,139   

 

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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 4/30/16       
Cost of investments      $4,487,683,316   
Gross appreciation      719,999,346   
Gross depreciation      (473,587,560
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)      $246,411,786   
As of 10/31/15       
Undistributed ordinary income      13,318,939   
Undistributed long-term capital gain      268,297,189   
Other temporary differences      (5,412,447
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)      97,646,021   

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 and service fees. The fund’s income, realized and unrealized gain (loss), and common expenses are allocated to shareholders based on the daily net assets of each class. Dividends are declared separately for each class. Differences in per share dividend rates are generally due to differences in separate class expenses. Class B shares will convert to Class A shares approximately eight years after purchase. The fund’s distributions declared to shareholders as reported in the Statements of Changes in Net Assets are presented by class as follows:

 

     From net investment
income
     From net realized gain on
investments
 
     Six months
ended
4/30/16
     Year
ended
10/31/15
     Six months
ended
4/30/16
     Year
ended
10/31/15
 
Class A      $35,529,921         $75,204,473         $154,785,763         $207,683,990   
Class B      2,367,045         4,510,482         13,994,855         19,290,935   
Class C      8,338,117         16,135,535         49,747,414         67,087,364   
Class I      7,175,116         19,312,693         29,518,128         50,632,928   
Class R1      105,725         194,561         607,802         820,157   
Class R2      1,223,438         2,511,681         5,814,941         7,915,133   
Class R3      1,680,484         3,714,491         7,116,727         10,555,365   
Class R4      1,387,913         2,998,822         5,454,802         7,669,394   
Class R5      1,241,833         1,410,129         4,580,829         2,961,006   
Total      $59,049,592         $125,992,867         $271,621,261         $374,616,272   

(3) Transactions with Affiliates

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

 

First $3 billion of average daily net assets      0.60
Average daily net assets in excess of $3 billion      0.55

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

The investment adviser has agreed in writing to reduce its management fee to 0.50% of average daily net assets in excess of $10 billion. This written agreement will continue until modified by the fund’s Board of Trustees, but such agreement will continue at least until February 28, 2017. For the six months ended April 30, 2016, the fund’s average daily net assets did not exceed $10 billion and therefore, the management fee was not reduced in accordance with this agreement. The management fee incurred for the six months ended April 30, 2016 was equivalent to an annual effective rate of 0.58% of the fund’s average daily net assets.

Distributor – MFS Fund Distributors, Inc. (MFD), a wholly-owned subsidiary of MFS, as distributor, received $305,773 for the six months ended April 30, 2016, as its portion of the initial sales charge on sales of Class A shares of the fund.

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

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

Distribution Plan Fee Table:

 

     Distribution
Fee Rate (d)
     Service
Fee Rate (d)
     Total
Distribution
Plan (d)
     Annual
Effective
Rate (e)
     Distribution
and Service
Fee
 
Class A              0.25%         0.25%         0.25%         $3,201,427   
Class B      0.75%         0.25%         1.00%         1.00%         1,152,592   
Class C      0.75%         0.25%         1.00%         1.00%         4,074,551   
Class R1      0.75%         0.25%         1.00%         1.00%         50,667   
Class R2      0.25%         0.25%         0.50%         0.50%         238,968   
Class R3              0.25%         0.25%         0.25%         150,197   
Total Distribution and Service Fees         $8,868,402   

 

(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 April 30, 2016 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 April 30, 2016, this rebate amounted to $21,021, $784, $1,057, and $223 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

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

redemption within six years of purchase. All contingent deferred sales charges are paid to MFD and during the six months ended April 30, 2016, were as follows:

 

     Amount  
Class A      $7,329   
Class B      148,855   
Class C      42,671   

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 April 30, 2016, the fee was $275,443, which equated to 0.0123% annually of the fund’s average daily net assets. MFSC also receives payment from the fund for out-of-pocket expenses, sub-accounting and other shareholder servicing costs which may be paid to affiliated and unaffiliated service providers. Class R5 shares do not incur sub-accounting fees. For the six months ended April 30, 2016, these out-of-pocket expenses, sub-accounting and other shareholder servicing costs amounted to $2,853,030.

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 April 30, 2016 was equivalent to an annual effective rate of 0.0140% of the fund’s average daily net assets.

Trustees’ and Officers’ Compensation – The fund pays compensation to independent Trustees in the form of a retainer, attendance fees, and additional compensation to Board and Committee chairpersons. The fund does not pay compensation directly to Trustees or officers of the fund who are also officers of the investment adviser, all of whom receive remuneration for their services 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 $405 and is included in “Independent Trustees’ compensation” in the Statement of Operations for the six months ended April 30, 2016. The liability for deferred retirement benefits payable to certain independent Trustees under the DB plan amounted to $4,762 at April 30, 2016, 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

 

35


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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

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 April 30, 2016, the fee paid by the fund under this agreement was $5,257 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. Income earned on this investment is included in “Dividends from underlying affiliated funds” in the Statement of Operations. This money market fund does not pay a management fee to MFS.

On March 16, 2016, MFS purchased 98,756 shares of Class I for an aggregate amount of $1,751,936.

The fund is permitted to engage in purchase and sale transactions (“cross-trades”) with funds and accounts for which MFS serves as investment adviser or sub-adviser 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 April 30, 2016, the fund engaged in purchase and sale transactions pursuant to this policy, which amounted to $1,538,003 and $2,738,873, respectively. The sales transactions resulted in net realized gains (losses) of $15,050.

(4) Portfolio Securities

For the six months ended April 30, 2016, purchases and sales of investments, other than short-term obligations, aggregated $483,070,330 and $1,143,601,105, 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
4/30/16
     Year ended
10/31/15
 
     Shares      Amount      Shares      Amount  
Shares sold            

Class A

     10,538,849         $181,106,837         25,803,877         $555,465,201   

Class B

     596,325         10,221,746         1,441,375         30,989,340   

Class C

     2,282,240         38,877,008         7,261,261         156,331,747   

Class I

     4,396,075         75,757,594         10,100,741         218,131,807   

Class R1

     94,954         1,638,262         164,715         3,524,106   

Class R2

     813,781         14,079,570         1,485,175         31,834,170   

Class R3

     1,215,093         21,193,112         1,948,433         42,149,633   

Class R4

     1,199,335         21,191,577         1,377,725         29,743,951   

Class R5

     1,401,859         24,438,481         2,538,228         51,554,421   
     22,538,511         $388,504,187         52,121,530         $1,119,724,376   

 

36


Table of Contents

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

     Six months ended
4/30/16
    Year ended
10/31/15
 
     Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount  
Shares issued to shareholders in
reinvestment of distributions
   

Class A

     10,865,002        $180,878,729        12,445,735        $267,078,297   

Class B

     873,518        14,428,320        974,233        20,842,681   

Class C

     2,961,626        48,916,923        3,197,575        68,387,746   

Class I

     1,754,723        29,344,196        2,547,996        54,864,140   

Class R1

     43,242        713,490        47,512        1,014,715   

Class R2

     406,552        6,745,929        467,402        10,012,338   

Class R3

     528,447        8,795,221        664,931        14,268,909   

Class R4

     385,707        6,435,743        472,061        10,140,977   

Class R5

     241,502        4,043,030        197,992        4,255,830   
     18,060,319        $300,301,581        21,015,437        $450,865,633   
Shares reacquired         

Class A

     (28,469,697     $(490,299,067     (40,311,984     $(853,971,787

Class B

     (1,903,972     (32,592,471     (3,132,064     (66,365,346

Class C

     (8,659,919     (148,815,592     (10,422,394     (219,108,429

Class I

     (13,568,865     (233,811,612     (16,607,107     (350,526,238

Class R1

     (99,917     (1,701,418     (255,137     (5,349,575

Class R2

     (1,120,508     (19,095,611     (2,409,003     (50,972,442

Class R3

     (1,540,209     (26,835,669     (3,217,057     (67,758,216

Class R4

     (1,410,833     (24,371,287     (2,849,281     (61,754,233

Class R5

     (592,152     (10,204,611     (953,112     (20,302,232
     (57,366,072     $(987,727,338     (80,157,139     $(1,696,108,498
Net change         

Class A

     (7,065,846     $(128,313,501     (2,062,372     $(31,428,289

Class B

     (434,129     (7,942,405     (716,456     (14,533,325

Class C

     (3,416,053     (61,021,661     36,442        5,611,064   

Class I

     (7,418,067     (128,709,822     (3,958,370     (77,530,291

Class R1

     38,279        650,334        (42,910     (810,754

Class R2

     99,825        1,729,888        (456,426     (9,125,934

Class R3

     203,331        3,152,664        (603,693     (11,339,674

Class R4

     174,209        3,256,033        (999,495     (21,869,305

Class R5

     1,051,209        18,276,900        1,783,108        35,508,019   
     (16,767,242     $(298,921,570     (7,020,172     $(125,518,489

(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

 

37


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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

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 April 30, 2016, the fund’s commitment fee and interest expense were $10,335 and $0, respectively, and are included in “Miscellaneous” expense in the Statement of Operations.

(7) Transactions in Underlying Affiliated Funds-Affiliated Issuers

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

 

Underlying Affiliated Fund   

Beginning

Shares/Par

Amount

    Acquisitions
Shares/Par
Amount
     Dispositions
Shares/Par
Amount
   

Ending

Shares/Par
Amount

 
MFS Institutional Money
Market Portfolio
     6,177        334,590,347         (264,609,077     69,987,447   
Underlying Affiliated Fund   

Realized

Gain (Loss)

    Capital Gain
Distributions
     Dividend
Income
    Ending
Value
 
MFS Institutional Money
Market Portfolio
     $—        $—         $50,907        $69,987,447   
Other Affiliated Issuer    Beginning
Shares/Par
Amount
    Acquisitions
Shares/Par
Amount
     Dispositions
Shares/Par
Amount
    Ending
Shares/Par
Amount
 
Dynegy, Inc.      6,436,529        9,084         (290,927     6,154,686   
Other Affiliated Issuer    Realized
Gain (Loss)
    Capital Gain
Distributions
     Dividend
Income
    Ending
Value
 
Dynegy, Inc.      $(4,011,747     $—         $1,547,296        $135,745,279   

 

38


Table of Contents

PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND INFORMATION

MFS votes proxies on behalf of the fund pursuant to proxy voting policies and procedures that are available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-225-2606, by visiting the Proxy Voting section of mfs.com or by visiting the SEC’s Web site at http://www.sec.gov.

Information regarding how the fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the twelve-month period ended June 30, 2015 is available without charge by visiting the Proxy Voting section of mfs.com or by visiting the SEC’s Web site at http://www.sec.gov.

QUARTERLY PORTFOLIO DISCLOSURE

The fund will file a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the Commission) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. A shareholder can obtain the quarterly portfolio holdings report at mfs.com. The fund’s Form N-Q is also available on the EDGAR database on the Commission’s Internet Web site at http://www.sec.gov, and may be reviewed and copied at the:

Public Reference Room

Securities and Exchange Commission

100 F Street, NE, Room 1580

Washington, D.C. 20549

Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the Commission at 1-800-SEC-0330. Copies of the fund’s Form N-Q also may be obtained, upon payment of a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following e-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov or by writing the Public Reference Section at the above address.

FURTHER INFORMATION

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

PROVISION OF FINANCIAL REPORTS AND SUMMARY PROSPECTUSES

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

 

39


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

 


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ITEM 2. CODE OF ETHICS.

During the period covered by this report, the Registrant has not amended any provision in its Code of Ethics (the “Code”) that relates to an element of the Code’s 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 for each series of the Registrant is included as part of the report to shareholders of such series under Item 1 of this Form N-CSR.

 

ITEM 7. DISCLOSURE OF PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.

Not applicable to the Registrant.

 

ITEM 8. PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.

Not applicable to the Registrant.

 

ITEM 9. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS.

Not applicable to the Registrant.

 

ITEM 10. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.

There were no material changes to the procedures by which shareholders may send recommendations to the Board for nominees to the Registrant’s Board since the Registrant last provided disclosure as to such procedures in response to the requirements of Item 407 (c)(2)(iv) of Regulation S-K or this Item.


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ITEM 11. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

 

(a) Based upon their evaluation of the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Act”)) as conducted within 90 days of the filing date of this report on Form N-CSR, the registrant’s principal financial officer and principal executive officer have concluded that those disclosure controls and procedures provide reasonable assurance that the material information required to be disclosed by the registrant on this report is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.

 

(b) There were no changes in the registrant’s internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Act) that occurred during the second fiscal quarter of the period covered by the report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

ITEM 12. EXHIBITS.

 

(a) File the exhibits listed below as part of this form. Letter or number the exhibits in the sequence indicated.

 

  (1) Any code of ethics, or amendment thereto, that is the subject of the disclosure required by Item 2, to the extent that the registrant intends to satisfy the Item 2 requirements through filing of an exhibit.

 

  (2) A separate certification for each principal executive officer and principal financial officer of the registrant as required by Rule 30a-2(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 VI

 

By (Signature and Title)*    ROBIN A. STELMACH
  Robin A. Stelmach, President

Date: June 16, 2016

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)*    ROBIN A. STELMACH
 

Robin A. Stelmach, President

(Principal Executive Officer)

Date: June 16, 2016

 

By (Signature and Title)*    DAVID L. DILORENZO
 

David L. DiLorenzo, Treasurer

(Principal Financial Officer

and Accounting Officer)

Date: June 16, 2016

 

* Print name and title of each signing officer under his or her signature.