MFS CHARTER INCOME TRUST N-CSR
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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM N-CSR

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF

REGISTERED MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

Investment Company Act file number 811-05822

MFS CHARTER INCOME TRUST

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

111 Huntington Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02199

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

Christopher R. Bohane

Massachusetts Financial Services Company

111 Huntington Avenue

Boston, Massachusetts 02199

(Name and address of agents for service)

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

Date of fiscal year end: November 30

Date of reporting period: November 30, 2017


Table of Contents
ITEM 1. REPORTS TO STOCKHOLDERS.


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ANNUAL REPORT

November 30, 2017

 

LOGO

 

MFS® CHARTER INCOME TRUST

 

LOGO

 

MCR-ANN

 


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MANAGED DISTRIBUTION POLICY DISCLOSURE

The MFS Charter Income Trust’s (the fund) Board of Trustees adopted a managed distribution policy. The fund seeks to pay monthly distributions based on an annual rate of 8.00% of the fund’s average monthly net asset value. The primary purpose of the managed distribution policy is to provide shareholders with a constant, but not guaranteed, fixed minimum rate of distribution each month. You should not draw any conclusions about the fund’s investment performance from the amount of the current distribution or from the terms of the fund’s managed distribution policy. The Board may amend or terminate the managed distribution policy at any time without prior notice to fund shareholders. The amendment or termination of the managed distribution policy could have an adverse effect on the market price of the fund’s shares.

With each distribution, the fund will issue a notice to shareholders and an accompanying press release which will provide detailed information regarding the amount and composition of the distribution and other related information. The amounts and sources of distributions reported in the notice to shareholders are only estimates and are not being provided for tax reporting purposes. The actual amounts and sources of the amounts for tax reporting purposes will depend upon the fund’s investment experience during its fiscal year and may be subject to changes based on tax regulations. The fund will send you a Form 1099-DIV for the calendar year that will tell you how to report these distributions for federal income tax purposes. Please refer to “Tax Matters and Distributions” under Note 2 of the Notes to Financial Statements for information regarding the tax character of the fund’s distributions.

Under a managed distribution policy the fund may at times distribute more than its net investment income and net realized capital gains; therefore, a portion of your distribution may result in a return of capital. A return of capital may occur, for example, when some or all of the money that you invested in the fund is paid back to you. Any such returns of capital will decrease the fund’s total assets and, therefore, could have the effect of increasing the fund’s expense ratio. In addition, in order to make the level of distributions called for under its managed distribution policy, the fund may have to sell portfolio securities at a less than opportune time. A return of capital does not necessarily reflect the fund’s investment performance and should not be confused with ‘yield’ or ‘income’. The fund’s total return in relation to changes in net asset value is presented in the Financial Highlights.


Table of Contents

MFS® CHARTER INCOME TRUST

New York Stock Exchange Symbol: MCR

 

Letter from the Executive Chairman     1  
Portfolio composition     2  
Management review     4  
Performance summary     7  
Portfolio managers’ profiles     10  
Dividend reinvestment and cash purchase plan     11  
Portfolio of investments     12  
Statement of assets and liabilities     37  
Statement of operations     38  
Statements of changes in net assets     39  
Statement of cash flows     40  
Financial highlights     41  
Notes to financial statements     43  
Report of independent registered public accounting firm     57  
Results of shareholder meeting     58  
Trustees and officers     59  
Board review of investment advisory agreement     66  
Proxy voting policies and information     70  
Quarterly portfolio disclosure     70  
Further information     70  
Information about fund contracts and legal claims     71  
Federal tax information     71  
MFS® privacy notice     72  
Contact information    back cover  

 

NOT FDIC INSURED MAY LOSE VALUE NO BANK GUARANTEE



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LOGO

 

LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN

 

Dear Shareholders:

Most markets have proved resilient over the past year, despite uncertainty accompanying a new presidential administration in the United States and unease over

ongoing negotiations between the United Kingdom and the European Union regarding Brexit. U.S. share prices have reached new highs in recent months although the U.S. Federal Reserve has continued to gradually hike interest rates and has begun to shrink its balance sheet.

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

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

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

Respectfully,

 

LOGO

Robert J. Manning

Executive Chairman

MFS Investment Management

January 16, 2018

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

 

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PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION

 

Portfolio structure (i)

LOGO

 

Fixed income sectors (i)  
High Yield Corporates     62.7%  
Non-U.S. Government Bonds     16.8%  
Investment Grade Corporates     13.2%  
Emerging Markets Bonds     9.6%  
Mortgage-Backed Securities     4.0%  
U.S. Treasury Securities     2.2%  
Collateralized Debt Obligations     1.5%  
Asset-Backed Securities     0.7%  
Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities     0.4%  
Floating Rate Loans     0.3%  
Municipal Bonds (o)     0.0%  
Composition including fixed income credit quality (a)(i)  
AAA     5.2%  
AA     2.3%  
A     8.9%  
BBB     16.5%  
BB     34.4%  
B     29.2%  
CCC     4.9%  
C     0.2%  
D (o)     0.0%  
U.S. Government     14.8%  
Federal Agencies     4.0%  
Not Rated     (8.7)%  
Non-Fixed Income     0.2%  
Cash & Cash Equivalents (Less Liabilities)     (21.4)%  
Other     9.5%  
Portfolio facts (i)  
Average Duration (d)     5.5  
Average Effective Maturity (m)     7.4 yrs.  
 

 

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Portfolio Composition – continued

 

 

(a) For all securities other than those specifically described below, ratings are assigned to underlying securities utilizing ratings from Moody’s, Fitch, and Standard & Poor’s rating agencies and applying the following hierarchy: If all three agencies provide a rating, the middle rating (after dropping the highest and lowest ratings) is assigned; if two of the three agencies rate a security, the lower of the two is assigned. Ratings are shown in the S&P and Fitch scale (e.g., AAA). Securities rated BBB or higher are considered investment grade. All ratings are subject to change. U.S. Government includes securities issued by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Federal Agencies includes rated and unrated U.S. Agency fixed-income securities, U.S. Agency mortgage-backed securities, and collateralized mortgage obligations of U.S. Agency mortgage-backed securities. Not Rated includes fixed income securities, including fixed income futures contracts, which have not been rated by any rating agency. Non-Fixed Income includes any equity securities (including convertible bonds and equity derivatives) and/or commodity-linked derivatives. The fund may or may not have held all of these instruments on this date. The fund is not rated by these agencies.
(d) Duration is a measure of how much a bond’s price is likely to fluctuate with general changes in interest rates, e.g., if rates rise 1.00%, a bond with a 5-year duration is likely to lose about 5.00% of its value due to the interest rate move.
(i) For purposes of this presentation, the components include the value of securities, and reflect the impact of the equivalent exposure of derivative positions, if any. These amounts may be negative from time to time. Equivalent exposure is a calculated amount that translates the derivative position into a reasonable approximation of the amount of the underlying asset that the portfolio would have to hold at a given point in time to have the same price sensitivity that results from the portfolio’s ownership of the derivative contract. When dealing with derivatives, equivalent exposure is a more representative measure of the potential impact of a position on portfolio performance than value. The bond component will include any accrued interest amounts.
(m) In determining an instrument’s effective maturity for purposes of calculating the fund’s dollar-weighted average effective maturity, MFS uses the instrument’s stated maturity or, if applicable, an earlier date on which MFS believes it is probable that a maturity-shortening device (such as a put, pre-refunding or prepayment) will cause the instrument to be repaid. Such an earlier date can be substantially shorter than the instrument’s stated maturity.
(o) Less than 0.1%.

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

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

From time to time Cash & Cash Equivalents may be negative due to borrowings for leverage transactions and/or timing of cash receipts.

Other includes equivalent exposure from currency derivatives and/or any offsets to derivative positions.

Percentages are based on net assets as of November 30, 2017.

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

 

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MANAGEMENT REVIEW

Summary of Results

MFS Charter Income Trust (“fund”) is a closed-end fund. The fund’s investment objective is to seek high current income, but may also consider capital appreciation. MFS normally invests the fund’s assets primarily in debt instruments. MFS normally invests the fund’s assets in corporate bonds of U.S. and/or foreign issuers, U.S. Government securities, foreign government securities, mortgage-backed and other asset-backed securities of U.S. and/or foreign issuers, and/or debt instruments of issuers located in emerging market countries. MFS allocates the fund’s assets across these categories with a view toward broad diversification across and within these categories.

For the twelve months ended November 30, 2017, shares of the fund provided a total return of 9.02%, at net asset value and a total return of 9.67%, at market value. This compares with a return of 9.16% for the fund’s benchmark, the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. High-Yield Corporate Bond 2% Issuer Capped Index. Over the same period, the fund’s other benchmark, the MFS Charter Income Trust Blended Index (“Blended Index”), generated a return of 6.50%. The Blended Index reflects the blended returns of various fixed income market indices, with percentage allocations to each index designed to resemble the fixed income allocations of the fund. The market indices and related percentage allocations used to compile the Blended Index are set forth in the Performance Summary.

The performance commentary below is based on the net asset value performance of the fund which reflects the performance of the underlying pool of assets held by the fund. The total return at market value represents the return earned by owners of the shares of the fund which are traded publicly on the exchange.

Market Environment

For the first time in many years, the global economy experienced a period of synchronized economic growth over the reporting period. The rebound in emerging markets (“EM”) economies was more pronounced (despite the slight deceleration in Chinese growth at the end of the period), helped by larger economies, such as Brazil and Russia, emerging from recessions. At the same time, developed markets (“DM”) economies continued to grow at or above potential. Market confidence increased in the US during the period fueled, in part, by a more lenient US regulatory backdrop and hopes for a significant cut in corporate tax rates.

Globally, markets benefited from a reflation trade as commodity prices strengthened, activity and growth prospects improved, and inflation moved higher, though within moderate bounds. As a result, there were more tightening signals and actions by DM central banks. The US Federal Reserve (“Fed”) increased interest rates by 25 basis points three times during the period, bringing the total number of quarter-percent hikes in the federal funds rate to four, since December 2015. The European Central Bank announced an extension of its quantitative easing program at the end of the period, but reduced the pace of its monthly asset purchases by half. In addition, the Bank of England hiked its base rate for the first time in a decade, near the end of the period. Markets were comforted, along with central banks, by the decline in fears of a populist surge in Europe after establishment candidates won the Dutch and French

 

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Management Review – continued

 

elections, though a right-wing populist party gained seats in the German parliament for the first time in the post-World War II era. Additionally, European growth reflected a generally calmer political economic backdrop.

In recent months, the US dollar reversed the sharp rise seen early in the period, easing what had been a substantial headwind to earnings for multinationals. US consumer spending held up well during the second half of the period amid a modest increase in real wages and relatively low gasoline prices. However, demand for autos cooled from the record level logged early in the period, while the housing market improved, albeit constrained by below-average inventory levels. Global trade, which was sluggish early in the period, showed signs of improvement in the period’s second half, a positive indicator of global economic activity and prospects. Early in the period, there was a selloff in EM due to fears that President Trump would follow through on various campaign threats and promises that were judged to be detrimental to EM. While President Trump withdrew the US from the Trans-Pacific Partnership and began the renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement, significant additional policy action was lacking on economic issues involving EM. As a result, EM resumed their upward trajectory, powered by strong inflows throughout 2017.

10-Year US Treasury yields exhibited quite a bit of volatility during the reporting period, reaching as high as 2.62% in March 2017, and as low as 2.05% in September 2017, before finishing the reporting period essentially unchanged from one year ago. The increase in yields was driven by optimism over the potential for stronger US growth in the wake of the US presidential election, as well as signs of improving global growth, and a modest improvement in oil prices, which investors felt could lead to a reflationary environment. However, yields declined subsequent to March 2017 as investors priced in a lower likelihood of fiscal stimulus, and little indication of higher inflation led markets to believe that the Fed would be dovish, or more gradual, in normalizing policy. US Treasury yields then rose during the latter part of the reporting period as the Fed signaled that it viewed the low inflationary environment as temporary, and that further increases in the Fed Funds rate were likely, and that the Fed would likely begin unwinding its balance sheet in the fall as well.

Factors Affecting Performance

Relative to the Blended Index, the fund’s lesser exposure to sovereign bonds held back relative performance. Additionally, the fund’s exposure to commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS), which are not held by the benchmark, weakened relative returns.

Conversely, the fund’s greater allocation to the industrials sector and a lesser allocation to the treasury sector, contributed to relative performance. The fund’s greater exposure to “BB” rated (r) bonds, particularly its position within the government-related agencies and treasury sectors, also bolstered relative results. Security selection in “CCC” rated securities, specifically within the industrials sector, further benefited relative performance. The fund’s shorter-than-benchmark duration (d) stance, particularly in the long end of the curve, was another factor that supported relative returns as rates generally rose during the reporting period.

The fund employs leverage which has been created through the use of loan agreements with a bank. To the extent that investments are purchased through the use

 

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Management Review – continued

 

of leverage, the fund’s net asset value will increase or decrease at a greater rate than a comparable unleveraged fund. During the reporting period, the fund’s use of leverage positively impacted performance.

Respectfully,

Portfolio Manager(s)

Richard Hawkins, Robert Spector, William Adams, Ward Brown, David Cole, Pilar Gomez-Bravo, Joshua Marston, Robert Persons, Matt Ryan, and Erik Weisman

 

(d) Duration is a measure of how much a bond’s price is likely to fluctuate with general changes in interest rates, e.g., if rates rise 1.00%, a bond with a 5-year duration is likely to lose about 5.00% of its value.

 

(r) Bonds rated “BBB”, “Baa”, or higher are considered investment grade; bonds rated “BB”, “Ba”, or below are considered non-investment grade. The source for bond quality ratings is Moody’s Investors Service, Standard & Poor’s and Fitch, Inc. and are applied using 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). For securities which are not rated by any of the three agencies, the security is considered Not Rated.

The views expressed in this report are those of the portfolio manager(s) only through the end of the period of the report as stated on the cover and do not necessarily reflect the views of MFS or any other person in the MFS organization. These views are subject to change at any time based on market or other conditions, and MFS disclaims any responsibility to update such views. These views may not be relied upon as investment advice or an indication of trading intent on behalf of any MFS portfolio. References to specific securities are not recommendations of such securities, and may not be representative of any MFS portfolio’s current or future investments.

 

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PERFORMANCE SUMMARY THROUGH 11/30/17

The following chart presents the fund’s historical performance in comparison to its benchmark(s). Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, and shares, when sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost; current performance may be lower or higher than quoted. The performance shown does not reflect the deduction of taxes, if any, that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the sale of fund shares. Performance data shown represents past performance and is no guarantee of future results.

Price Summary for MFS Charter Income Trust

                   Date        Price     

 

Year Ended 11/30/17

     Net Asset Value        11/30/17        $9.26    
              11/30/16        $9.26    
     New York Stock Exchange Price        11/30/17        $8.40    
              6/06/17  (high) (t)       $8.75    
              12/01/16  (low) (t)       $8.28    
                11/30/16        $8.35    

Total Returns vs Benchmark(s)

 

         

 

Year Ended 11/30/17

     MFS Charter Income Trust at         
    

New York Stock Exchange Price (r)

     9.67%    
    

Net Asset Value (r)

     9.02%    
     Bloomberg Barclays U.S. High-Yield Corporate Bond
2% Issuer Capped Index (f)
     9.16%    
     MFS Charter Income Trust Blended Index (f)(w)      6.50%    
     Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Credit Bond Index (f)      5.98%    
     Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Government/Mortgage Bond Index (f)      1.99%    
     Citigroup World Government Bond Non-Dollar Hedged Index (f)      2.53%    
       JPMorgan Emerging Markets Bond Index Global (f)      10.20%    

 

(f) Source: FactSet Research Systems Inc.

 

(r) Includes reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions.

 

(t) For the period December 1, 2016 through November 30, 2017.

 

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Performance Summary – continued

 

(w) As of November 30, 2017, the MFS Charter Income Trust Blended Index was comprised of 42% Bloomberg Barclays U.S. High-Yield Corporate Bond 2% Issuer Capped Index, 20% Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Government/Mortgage Bond Index, 15.2% Citigroup World Government Bond Non-Dollar Hedged Index, 12.8% JPMorgan Emerging Markets Bond Index Global, and 10% Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Credit Bond Index.

Benchmark Definition(s)

Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Credit Bond Index – a market capitalization-weighted index that measures the performance of publicly issued, SEC-registered, U.S. corporate and specified foreign debentures and secured notes that meet specified maturity, liquidity, and quality requirements.

Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Government/Mortgage Bond Index – measures debt issued by the U.S. Government, and its agencies, as well as mortgage-backed pass-through securities of Ginnie Mae (GNMA), Fannie Mae (FNMA), and Freddie Mac (FHLMC).

Bloomberg Barclays U.S. High-Yield Corporate Bond 2% Issuer Capped Index – a component of the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. High-Yield Corporate Bond Index, which measures performance of non-investment grade, fixed rate debt. The index limits the maximum exposure to any one issuer to 2%.

Citigroup World Government Bond Non-Dollar Hedged Index – a market capitalization-weighted index that is designed to represent the currency-hedged performance of the international developed government bond markets, excluding the United States.

JPMorgan Emerging Markets Bond Index Global – measures the performance of U.S. dollar-denominated debt instruments issued by emerging market sovereign and quasi-sovereign entities: Brady bonds, loans, Eurobonds.

It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

Notes to Performance Summary

The fund’s shares may trade at a discount or premium to net asset value. When fund shares trade at a premium, buyers pay more than the net asset value underlying fund shares, and shares purchased at a premium would receive less than the amount paid for them in the event of the fund’s concurrent liquidation.

The fund’s monthly distributions may include a return of capital to shareholders to the extent that the fund’s net investment income and net capital gains, determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, are insufficient to meet the fund’s target annual distribution rate. Distributions that are treated for federal income tax purposes as a return of capital will reduce each shareholder’s basis in his or her shares and, to the extent the return of capital exceeds such basis, will be treated as gain to the shareholder from a sale of shares. It may also result in a recharacterization of what economically represents a return of capital to ordinary income in those situations where a fund has long term capital gains and a capital loss carryforward. Returns of shareholder capital may have the effect of reducing the fund’s assets and increasing the fund’s expense ratio.

 

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Performance Summary – continued

 

The fund’s target annual distribution rate is calculated based on an annual rate of 8.00% of the fund’s average monthly net asset value, not a fixed share price, and the fund’s dividend amount will fluctuate with changes in the fund’s average monthly net assets.

Net asset values and performance results based on net asset value per share do not include adjustments made for financial reporting purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and may differ from amounts reported in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities or the Financial Highlights.

From time to time the fund may receive proceeds from litigation settlements, without which performance would be lower.

 

In accordance with Section 23(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, the fund hereby gives notice that it may from time to time repurchase shares of the fund in the open market at the option of the Board of Trustees and on such terms as the Trustees shall determine.

 

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PORTFOLIO MANAGERS’ PROFILES

 

Portfolio Manager   Primary Role   Since   Title and Five Year History
Richard Hawkins   Co-Lead Portfolio
Manager
  2004   Investment Officer of MFS; employed in the investment management area of MFS since 1988.
Robert Spector   Co-Lead and
Debt Instruments
Portfolio Manager
  2015  

Investment Officer of MFS; employed in

the investment management area of MFS since 2011.

William Adams   Below Investment
Grade Debt
Instruments
Portfolio Manager
  2011   Investment Officer of MFS; employed in the investment management area of MFS since 2009.
Ward Brown   Emerging
Markets Debt
Instruments
Portfolio Manager
  2012   Investment Officer of MFS; employed in the investment management area of MFS since 2005.
David Cole   Below Investment
Grade Debt
Instruments
Portfolio Manager
  2006   Investment Officer of MFS; employed in the investment management area of MFS since 2004.
Pilar Gomez-Bravo   Debt Instruments
Portfolio Manager
  2013   Investment Officer of MFS; employed in the investment management area of MFS since 2013; Managing Director of Imperial Capital from May 2012 to March 2013.
Joshua Marston   Structured
Securities
Portfolio Manager
  2012   Investment Officer of MFS; employed in the investment management area of MFS since 1999.
Robert Persons   Investment Grade
Debt Instruments
Portfolio Manager
  2013   Investment Officer of MFS; employed in the investment management area of MFS since 2000.
Matt Ryan   Emerging
Markets Debt
Instruments
Portfolio Manager
  2004   Investment Officer of MFS; employed in the investment management area of MFS since 1997.
Erik Weisman   Sovereign Debt
Obligations
Portfolio Manager
  2012   Investment Officer of MFS; employed in the investment management area of MFS since 2002.

 

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DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT AND CASH PURCHASE PLAN

The fund offers a Dividend Reinvestment and Cash Purchase Plan (the “Plan”) that allows common shareholders to reinvest either all of the distributions paid by the fund or only the long-term capital gains. Generally, purchases are made at the market price unless that price exceeds the net asset value (the shares are trading at a premium). If the shares are trading at a premium, purchases will be made at a price of either the net asset value or 95% of the market price, whichever is greater. You can also buy shares on a quarterly basis in any amount $100 and over. The Plan Agent will purchase shares under the Cash Purchase Plan on the 15th of January, April, July, and October or shortly thereafter.

If shares are registered in your own name, new shareholders will automatically participate in the Plan, unless you have indicated that you do not wish to participate. If your shares are in the name of a brokerage firm, bank, or other nominee, you can ask the firm or nominee to participate in the Plan on your behalf. If the nominee does not offer the Plan, you may wish to request that your shares be re-registered in your own name so that you can participate. There is no service charge to reinvest distributions, nor are there brokerage charges for shares issued directly by the fund. However, when shares are bought on the New York Stock Exchange or otherwise on the open market, each participant pays a pro rata share of the transaction expenses, including commissions. Dividends and capital gains distributions are taxable whether received in cash or reinvested in additional shares – the automatic reinvestment of distributions does not relieve you of any income tax that may be payable (or required to be withheld) on the distributions.

If your shares are held directly with the Plan Agent, you may withdraw from the Plan at any time by going to the Plan Agent’s website at www.computershare.com/investor, by calling 1-800-637-2304 any business day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time or by writing to the Plan Agent at P.O. Box 43078, Providence, RI 02940-3078. Please have available the name of the fund and your account number. For certain types of registrations, such as corporate accounts, instructions must be submitted in writing. Please call for additional details. When you withdraw from the Plan, you can receive the value of the reinvested shares in one of three ways: your full shares will be held in your account, the Plan Agent will sell your shares and send the proceeds to you, or you may transfer your full shares to your investment professional who can hold or sell them. Additionally, the Plan Agent will sell your fractional shares and send the proceeds to you.

If you have any questions or for further information or a copy of the Plan, contact the Plan Agent Computershare Trust Company, N.A. (the Transfer Agent for the fund) at 1-800-637-2304, at the Plan Agent’s website at www.computershare.com/investor, or by writing to the Plan Agent at P.O. Box 43078, Providence, RI 02940-3078.

 

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PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS

11/30/17

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

 

Bonds - 119.6%  
Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Aerospace - 1.3%  
Dae Funding LLC, 5%, 8/01/2024 (n)    $ 1,535,000     $ 1,535,000  
Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc., 3.483%, 12/01/2027 (n)      140,000       139,719  
KLX, Inc., 5.875%, 12/01/2022 (n)      1,530,000       1,598,850  
Lockheed Martin Corp., 3.55%, 1/15/2026      263,000       272,189  
RBS Global, Inc./Rexnord LLC, 4.875%, 12/15/2025 (z)      170,000       170,000  
TransDigm, Inc., 6%, 7/15/2022      820,000       845,625  
TransDigm, Inc., 6.5%, 7/15/2024      800,000       818,000  
TransDigm, Inc., 6.375%, 6/15/2026      465,000       471,975  
    

 

 

 
             $ 5,851,358  
Airlines - 0.2%                 
Ryanair Ltd., 1.125%, 3/10/2023    EUR 775,000     $ 940,359  
Apparel Manufacturers - 0.1%                 
Coach, Inc., 4.125%, 7/15/2027    $ 385,000     $ 385,918  
Asset-Backed & Securitized - 2.7%                 
Bayview Financial Revolving Mortgage Loan Trust, FLR, 2.937%, (LIBOR-1mo. + 1.6%) 12/28/2040 (z)    $ 459,302     $ 399,538  
Chesapeake Funding II LLC, 2016-1A, “A2”, FLR,
2.4%, (U.S. LIBOR-1mo. + 1.15%) 3/15/2028 (n)
     1,098,367       1,101,889  
Commercial Mortgage Trust, 2015-DC1, “A5”, 3.35%, 2/10/2048      500,000       508,182  
Crest Ltd., CDO, 7%, (0.001% cash or 7% PIK) 1/28/2040 (a)(p)      3,365,600       538,496  
Dryden Senior Loan Fund, 2013-26A, “A”, CLO, FLR, 2.459%, (U.S. LIBOR-3mo. + 1.1%) 7/15/2025 (n)      645,871       650,695  
Dryden Senior Loan Fund, 2014-34A, “CR”, CLO, FLR, 3.509%, (LIBOR-3mo. + 2.15%) 10/15/2026 (n)      255,098       258,410  
First Union-Lehman Brothers Bank of America, 1.09%, 11/18/2035 (i)      1,316,005       19,526  
Flatiron CLO Ltd., 2013-1A, “A2R”, FLR, 3.003%, (U.S. LIBOR-3mo. + 1.65%) 1/17/2026 (n)      929,626       936,665  
Ford Credit Floorplan Master Owner Trust, 2015-1, “A2”, FLR, 1.65%, (U.S. LIBOR-1mo. + 0.4%) 1/15/2020      1,848,000       1,848,725  
HarbourView CLO VII Ltd., “B1R”, FLR, 3.085%, (U.S. LIBOR-3mo. + 1.65%) 11/18/2026 (n)      940,012       940,816  
JPMorgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Trust, 2007-LD11, “AM”, 6.167%, 6/15/2049      689,405       700,752  

 

12


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Bonds - continued  
Asset-Backed & Securitized - continued                 
Loomis, Sayles & Co., CLO, “A1”, FLR,
2.889%, (U.S. LIBOR-3mo. + 1.53%) 10/15/2027 (n)
   $ 2,526,150     $ 2,541,007  
Octagon Investment Partners XV, Ltd., CLO, FLR,
2.817%, (U.S. LIBOR-3mo. + 1.45%) 10/25/2025 (n)
     1,177,401       1,183,481  
Wells Fargo Commercial Mortgage Trust, 2015-NXS1, “A5”, 3.148%, 5/15/2048      768,632       773,810  
    

 

 

 
             $ 12,401,992  
Automotive - 1.7%                 
Allison Transmission, Inc., 5%, 10/01/2024 (n)    $ 2,006,000     $ 2,089,349  
Delphi Automotive PLC, 1.5%, 3/10/2025    EUR 200,000       245,171  
Ferrari N.V., 1.5%, 3/16/2023    EUR 350,000       427,060  
General Motors Financial Co., Inc., 3.45%, 4/10/2022    $ 256,000       259,631  
General Motors Financial Co., Inc., 4.35%, 1/17/2027      129,000       132,569  
IHO Verwaltungs GmbH,
4.75%, (4.75% cash or 5.50% PIK) 9/15/2026 (n)(p)
     1,230,000       1,245,375  
Lear Corp., 3.8%, 9/15/2027      127,000       126,829  
RCI Banque S.A., 1%, 5/17/2023    EUR 600,000       725,440  
Volkswagen International Finance N.V.,
2.7% to 12/14/2022, FLR to 12/31/2099
   EUR 100,000       122,655  
Volkswagen Leasing GmbH, 1.375%, 1/20/2025    EUR 240,000       290,967  
ZF North America Capital, Inc., 4.5%, 4/29/2022 (n)    $ 1,085,000       1,148,744  
ZF North America Capital, Inc., 4.75%, 4/29/2025 (n)      750,000       799,035  
    

 

 

 
             $ 7,612,825  
Banks & Diversified Financials (Covered Bonds) - 0.1%          
CaixaBank S.A., 1.125%, 1/12/2023    EUR 200,000     $ 238,288  
Biotechnology - 0.1%  
Life Technologies Corp., 6%, 3/01/2020    $ 200,000     $ 214,360  
Broadcasting - 1.9%  
E. W. Scripps Co., 5.125%, 5/15/2025 (n)    $ 845,000     $ 842,888  
ITV PLC, 2%, 12/01/2023    EUR 100,000       123,765  
Liberty Media Corp. - Liberty Formula One, 8.5%, 7/15/2029    $ 620,000       682,000  
Liberty Media Corp. - Liberty Formula One, 8.25%, 2/01/2030      395,000       429,563  
Match Group, Inc., 6.375%, 6/01/2024      1,195,000       1,289,106  
Netflix, Inc., 5.875%, 2/15/2025      2,275,000       2,434,250  
Netflix, Inc., 4.375%, 11/15/2026      400,000       392,500  
ProSiebenSat.1 Media AG, 2.625%, 4/15/2021    EUR 240,000       302,135  
RELX Finance B.V., 1%, 3/22/2024    EUR 150,000       181,776  
Sinclair Television Group Co., 5.125%, 2/15/2027 (z)    $ 310,000       302,250  
WMG Acquisition Corp., 5%, 8/01/2023 (n)      210,000       217,350  

 

13


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Bonds - continued  
Broadcasting - continued  
WMG Acquisition Corp., 4.875%, 11/01/2024 (n)    $ 1,435,000     $ 1,485,225  
    

 

 

 
             $ 8,682,808  
Brokerage & Asset Managers - 0.2%  
E*TRADE Financial Corp., 2.95%, 8/24/2022    $ 199,000     $ 197,392  
Intercontinental Exchange, Inc., 2.75%, 12/01/2020      178,000       180,030  
Intercontinental Exchange, Inc., 3.75%, 12/01/2025      292,000       304,884  
TD Ameritrade Holding Corp., 3.3%, 4/01/2027      282,000       284,569  
    

 

 

 
      $ 966,875  
Building - 3.2%  
ABC Supply Co., Inc., 5.75%, 12/15/2023 (n)    $ 1,800,000     $ 1,904,040  
Beacon Escrow Corp., 4.875%, 11/01/2025 (n)      840,000       856,800  
Beacon Roofing Supply, Inc., 6.375%, 10/01/2023      1,435,000       1,531,863  
Elementia S.A. de C.V., 5.5%, 1/15/2025 (n)      210,000       218,505  
Gibraltar Industries, Inc., 6.25%, 2/01/2021      1,045,000       1,065,900  
HD Supply, Inc., 5.75%, 4/15/2024 (n)      1,470,000       1,565,550  
Imerys S.A., 1.5%, 1/15/2027    EUR 200,000       242,520  
James Hardie International Finance Ltd., 4.75%, 1/15/2025 (n)    $ 205,000       208,588  
James Hardie International Finance Ltd., 5%, 1/15/2028 (n)      230,000       234,025  
Martin Marietta Materials, Inc., 3.45%, 6/01/2027      133,000       131,313  
Mohawk Industries, Inc., 3.85%, 2/01/2023      134,000       138,836  
New Enterprise Stone & Lime Co., Inc., 10.125%, 4/01/2022 (n)      920,000       995,900  
PriSo Acquisition Corp., 9%, 5/15/2023 (n)      740,000       782,550  
Standard Industries, Inc., 5.375%, 11/15/2024 (n)      1,760,000       1,852,400  
Standard Industries, Inc., 6%, 10/15/2025 (n)      835,000       899,880  
Summit Materials LLC/Summit Materials Finance Co., 6.125%, 7/15/2023      1,340,000       1,400,702  
Union Andina de Cementos S.A.A., 5.875%, 10/30/2021 (n)      492,000       515,370  
    

 

 

 
             $ 14,544,742  
Business Services - 2.5%                 
Alliance Data Systems Corp., 5.875%, 11/01/2021 (n)    $ 1,500,000     $ 1,533,750  
Alliance Data Systems Corp., 5.375%, 8/01/2022 (n)      450,000       456,750  
Ascend Learning LLC, 6.875%, 8/01/2025 (n)      545,000       566,800  
CDK Global, Inc., 4.875%, 6/01/2027 (n)      1,725,000       1,776,750  
Cisco Systems, Inc., 2.2%, 2/28/2021      350,000       349,094  
Equinix, Inc., 5.375%, 1/01/2022      305,000       317,581  
Equinix, Inc., 5.375%, 4/01/2023      1,425,000       1,468,890  
Equinix, Inc., 5.75%, 1/01/2025      202,000       216,393  
Equinix, Inc., 5.875%, 1/15/2026      490,000       531,650  
Fidelity National Information Services, Inc., 3.875%, 6/05/2024      146,000       151,153  
Fidelity National Information Services, Inc., 5%, 10/15/2025      39,000       42,969  
Fidelity National Information Services, Inc., 3%, 8/15/2026      267,000       256,721  

 

14


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Bonds - continued  
Business Services - continued                 
First Data Corp., 5%, 1/15/2024 (n)    $ 2,055,000     $ 2,126,925  
MSCI, Inc., 4.75%, 8/01/2026 (n)      1,045,000       1,104,879  
Tencent Holdings Ltd., 3.375%, 3/05/2018 (n)      449,000       450,425  
    

 

 

 
      $ 11,350,730  
Cable TV - 6.3%                 
Altice Financing S.A., 6.5%, 1/15/2022 (n)    $ 2,005,000     $ 2,070,159  
Altice Financing S.A., 6.625%, 2/15/2023 (n)      2,345,000       2,403,621  
Altice U.S. Finance I Corp., 5.5%, 5/15/2026 (n)      970,000       982,125  
CCO Holdings LLC/CCO Holdings Capital Corp., 5.125%, 5/01/2023 (n)      1,800,000       1,863,000  
CCO Holdings LLC/CCO Holdings Capital Corp., 5.75%, 1/15/2024      1,565,000       1,621,731  
CCO Holdings LLC/CCO Holdings Capital Corp., 5.375%, 5/01/2025 (n)      335,000       342,956  
CCO Holdings LLC/CCO Holdings Capital Corp., 5.75%, 2/15/2026 (n)      1,475,000       1,530,313  
Charter Communications Operating LLC, 6.384%, 10/23/2035      217,000       249,766  
Cox Communications, Inc., 4.6%, 8/15/2047 (n)      322,000       321,207  
CSC Holdings LLC, 5.5%, 4/15/2027 (n)      1,395,000       1,414,181  
DISH DBS Corp., 5%, 3/15/2023      905,000       883,506  
DISH DBS Corp., 5.875%, 11/15/2024      845,000       851,338  
Intelsat Jackson Holdings S.A., 5.5%, 8/01/2023      485,000       397,094  
Intelsat Jackson Holdings S.A., 8%, 2/15/2024 (n)      245,000       259,088  
Lynx II Corp., 6.375%, 4/15/2023 (n)      555,000       575,119  
Shaw Communications, Inc., 5.65%, 10/01/2019    CAD 260,000       214,187  
Sirius XM Radio, Inc., 4.625%, 5/15/2023 (n)    $ 740,000       760,350  
Sirius XM Radio, Inc., 6%, 7/15/2024 (n)      1,500,000       1,593,750  
Sirius XM Radio, Inc., 5.375%, 4/15/2025 (n)      705,000       741,343  
Sky PLC, 2.5%, 9/15/2026    EUR 250,000       322,793  
Telenet Finance Lux S.A., 5.5%, 3/01/2028 (n)    $ 1,200,000       1,192,500  
Time Warner Cable, Inc., 4.5%, 9/15/2042      119,000       108,969  
Unitymedia Hessen, 5.5%, 1/15/2023 (n)      1,215,000       1,245,375  
Unitymedia KabelBW GmbH, 6.125%, 1/15/2025 (n)      1,570,000       1,658,784  
Videotron Ltd., 5.375%, 6/15/2024 (n)      350,000       378,000  
Videotron Ltd., 5.125%, 4/15/2027 (n)      1,730,000       1,812,175  
Virgin Media Finance PLC, 5.75%, 1/15/2025 (n)      200,000       204,500  
Virgin Media Secured Finance PLC, 5.25%, 1/15/2026 (n)      1,100,000       1,134,375  
VTR Finance B.V., 6.875%, 1/15/2024 (n)      480,000       507,600  
Ziggo Bond Finance B.V., 5.875%, 1/15/2025 (n)      1,155,000       1,155,000  
    

 

 

 
             $ 28,794,905  

 

15


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Bonds - continued  
Chemicals - 1.1%                 
Air Liquide Finance Co., 2.25%, 9/27/2023 (n)    $ 261,000     $ 253,181  
Axalta Coating Systems Co., 4.875%, 8/15/2024 (n)      1,420,000       1,487,450  
GCP Applied Technologies Co., 9.5%, 2/01/2023 (n)      1,621,000       1,805,389  
LYB International Finance Co., 1.875%, 3/02/2022    EUR 250,000       313,433  
SPCM S.A., 4.875%, 9/15/2025 (n)    $ 1,250,000       1,271,875  
    

 

 

 
             $ 5,131,328  
Computer Software - 1.2%                 
Diamond 1 Finance Corp./Diamond 2 Finance Corp., 6.02%, 6/15/2026 (n)    $ 765,000     $ 840,972  
Diamond 1 Finance Corp./Diamond 2 Finance Corp., 5.875%, 6/15/2021 (n)      1,100,000       1,144,005  
Nuance Communications, Inc., 5.625%, 12/15/2026 (n)      1,045,000       1,094,638  
Oracle Corp., 3.4%, 7/08/2024      251,000       259,113  
VeriSign, Inc., 4.625%, 5/01/2023      1,465,000       1,507,119  
VeriSign, Inc., 5.25%, 4/01/2025      250,000       272,188  
VeriSign, Inc., 4.75%, 7/15/2027      345,000       355,781  
    

 

 

 
      $ 5,473,816  
Computer Software - Systems - 1.6%                 
Apple, Inc., 2.7%, 5/13/2022    $ 400,000     $ 403,278  
Apple, Inc., 4.5%, 2/23/2036      417,000       472,877  
Apple, Inc., 3.6%, 7/31/2042    GBP 130,000       204,653  
Apple, Inc., 4.25%, 2/09/2047    $ 84,000       89,736  
CDW LLC/CDW Finance Corp., 5.5%, 12/01/2024      395,000       430,550  
CDW LLC/CDW Finance Corp., 5%, 9/01/2025      235,000       245,575  
JDA Software Group, Inc., 7.375%, 10/15/2024 (n)      1,105,000       1,151,963  
Sabre GLBL, Inc., 5.375%, 4/15/2023 (n)      1,765,000       1,835,600  
SS&C Technologies Holdings, Inc., 5.875%, 7/15/2023      945,000       999,338  
Western Digital Corp., 10.5%, 4/01/2024      1,320,000       1,533,180  
    

 

 

 
             $ 7,366,750  
Conglomerates - 2.7%                 
Amsted Industries Co., 5%, 3/15/2022 (n)    $ 2,335,000     $ 2,402,127  
EnerSys, 5%, 4/30/2023 (n)      1,965,000       2,065,702  
Enpro Industries, Inc., 5.875%, 9/15/2022      1,705,000       1,773,200  
Entegris, Inc., 4.625%, 2/10/2026 (n)      1,440,000       1,467,000  
Gates Global LLC, 6%, 7/15/2022 (n)      915,000       935,862  
Johnson Controls International PLC, 1.375%, 2/25/2025    EUR 200,000       244,097  
Parker-Hannifin Corp., 4.1%, 3/01/2047 (n)    $ 176,000       183,906  
Smiths Group PLC, 2%, 2/23/2027    EUR 200,000       247,899  
SPX FLOW, Inc., 5.625%, 8/15/2024 (n)    $ 1,315,000       1,384,038  
TriMas Corp., 4.875%, 10/15/2025 (n)      1,505,000       1,520,050  
    

 

 

 
             $ 12,223,881  

 

16


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Bonds - continued  
Construction - 0.3%                 
Empresas ICA S.A.B. de C.V., 8.9%, 2/04/2021 (d)    $ 450,000     $ 111,515  
Empresas ICA S.A.B. de C.V., 8.875%, 5/29/2024 (d)(n)      853,000       208,627  
Mattamy Group Corp., 6.5%, 10/01/2025 (n)      1,135,000       1,188,913  
    

 

 

 
             $ 1,509,055  
Consumer Products - 0.9%                 
Essity AB, 1.625%, 3/30/2027    EUR 300,000     $ 369,031  
Prestige Brands, Inc., 5.375%, 12/15/2021 (n)    $ 1,180,000       1,205,075  
Prestige Brands, Inc., 6.375%, 3/01/2024 (z)      610,000       635,925  
Reckitt Benckiser Treasury Services PLC, 3.625%, 9/21/2023 (n)      250,000       256,540  
Reckitt Benckiser Treasury Services PLC, 3%, 6/26/2027 (n)      272,000       265,808  
Spectrum Brands, Inc., 6.125%, 12/15/2024      170,000       179,563  
Spectrum Brands, Inc., 5.75%, 7/15/2025      1,150,000       1,207,500  
    

 

 

 
             $ 4,119,442  
Consumer Services - 2.0%                 
ADT Corp., 6.25%, 10/15/2021    $ 1,025,000     $ 1,127,500  
G4S International Finance PLC, 1.5%, 1/09/2023    EUR 200,000       245,117  
G4S International Finance PLC, 1.5%, 6/02/2024    EUR 200,000       241,911  
Grupo Posadas S.A.B. de C.V., 7.875%, 6/30/2022 (n)    $ 366,000       381,555  
Interval Acquisition Corp., 5.625%, 4/15/2023      2,175,000       2,267,438  
Monitronics International, Inc., 9.125%, 4/01/2020      890,000       749,825  
Priceline Group, Inc., 3.55%, 3/15/2028      141,000       140,154  
Priceline Group, Inc., 2.15%, 11/25/2022    EUR 110,000       140,975  
Priceline Group, Inc., 1.8%, 3/03/2027    EUR 1,100,000       1,339,771  
ServiceMaster Co. LLC, 5.125%, 11/15/2024 (n)    $ 930,000       943,950  
Visa, Inc., 4.15%, 12/14/2035      234,000       256,046  
Visa, Inc., 4.3%, 12/14/2045      300,000       332,733  
West Corp., 8.5%, 10/15/2025 (n)      805,000       785,881  
    

 

 

 
             $ 8,952,856  
Containers - 3.0%                 
Berry Global Group, Inc., 5.5%, 5/15/2022    $ 1,025,000     $ 1,062,156  
Berry Global Group, Inc., 6%, 10/15/2022      975,000       1,028,625  
Berry Global Group, Inc., 5.125%, 7/15/2023      420,000       439,950  
Crown American LLC, 4.5%, 1/15/2023      875,000       913,675  
Crown Americas LLC/Crown Americas Capital Corp. V, 4.25%, 9/30/2026      520,000       522,600  
DS Smith PLC, 1.375%, 7/26/2024    EUR 300,000       360,798  
Multi-Color Corp., 6.125%, 12/01/2022 (n)    $ 1,700,000       1,768,000  
Multi-Color Corp., 4.875%, 11/01/2025 (n)      140,000       141,050  
Reynolds Group, 5.75%, 10/15/2020      510,000       518,606  
Reynolds Group, 5.125%, 7/15/2023 (n)      1,200,000       1,245,000  
Reynolds Group, 7%, 7/15/2024 (n)      535,000       574,015  

 

17


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Bonds - continued  
Containers - continued                 
San Miguel Industrias PET S.A., 4.5%, 9/18/2022 (n)    $ 337,000     $ 343,740  
Sealed Air Corp., 4.875%, 12/01/2022 (n)      1,495,000       1,586,569  
Sealed Air Corp., 5.125%, 12/01/2024 (n)      390,000       418,275  
Sealed Air Corp., 5.5%, 9/15/2025 (n)      220,000       240,900  
Signode Industrial Group, 6.375%, 5/01/2022 (n)      1,200,000       1,234,500  
Silgan Holdings, Inc., 5.5%, 2/01/2022      100,000       102,500  
Silgan Holdings, Inc., 4.75%, 3/15/2025 (n)      1,260,000       1,291,500  
    

 

 

 
             $ 13,792,459  
Electrical Equipment - 0.5%                 
Arrow Electronics, Inc., 3.5%, 4/01/2022    $ 173,000     $ 174,954  
CommScope Holding Company, Inc., 5.5%, 6/15/2024 (n)      390,000       408,525  
CommScope Technologies LLC, 5%, 3/15/2027 (n)      1,585,000       1,585,000  
    

 

 

 
             $ 2,168,479  
Electronics - 0.7%                 
Broadcom Corp./Broadcom Cayman Finance Ltd., 3.875%, 1/15/2027 (n)    $ 240,000     $ 235,178  
Sensata Technologies B.V., 5.625%, 11/01/2024 (n)      520,000       574,600  
Sensata Technologies B.V., 5%, 10/01/2025 (n)      1,480,000       1,579,900  
Tyco Electronics Group S.A., 2.375%, 12/17/2018      294,000       294,987  
Tyco Electronics Group S.A., 1.1%, 3/01/2023    EUR 350,000       427,732  
    

 

 

 
             $ 3,112,397  
Emerging Market Quasi-Sovereign - 2.1%                 
Abu Dhabi Crude Oil Pipeline, 4.6%, 11/02/2047 (n)    $ 400,000     $ 408,000  
BPRL International Singapore Private Ltd., 4.375%, 1/18/2027      567,000       587,183  
CITGO Petroleum Corp., 6.25%, 8/15/2022 (n)      757,000       757,000  
Empresa Nacional del Petroleo, 3.75%, 8/05/2026 (n)      207,000       206,524  
Gaz Capital S.A., 4.95%, 2/06/2028      383,000       397,257  
Gaz Capital S.A., 7.288%, 8/16/2037      507,000       618,079  
Kazakhstan Temir Zholy Finance B.V., 4.85%, 11/17/2027 (n)      451,000       457,765  
Office Cherifien des Phosphates S.A., 6.875%, 4/25/2044 (n)      351,000       398,413  
ONGC Videsh Ltd., 4.625%, 7/15/2024      511,000       546,009  
Pertamina, 6%, 5/03/2042 (n)      318,000       361,148  
Pertamina PT, 6%, 5/03/2042      654,000       742,739  
Petrobras Global Finance B.V., 6.125%, 1/17/2022      44,000       46,860  
Petrobras Global Finance B.V., 7.375%, 1/17/2027      403,000       444,106  
Petrobras International Finance Co., 6.75%, 1/27/2041      1,116,000       1,120,185  
Petroleos del Peru S.A., 4.75%, 6/19/2032      200,000       204,500  
Petroleos Mexicanos, 4.625%, 9/21/2023      212,000       218,890  
Petroleos Mexicanos, 5.625%, 1/23/2046      246,000       230,010  
Southern Gas Corridor CJSC, 6.875%, 3/24/2026      1,315,000       1,486,434  

 

18


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Portfolio of Investments – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Bonds - continued  
Emerging Market Quasi-Sovereign - continued                 
State Grid Overseas Investment (2016) Ltd., 2.75%, 5/04/2022 (n)    $ 402,000     $ 399,483  
    

 

 

 
             $ 9,630,585  
Emerging Market Sovereign - 3.9%                 
Dominican Republic, 7.5%, 5/06/2021 (n)    $ 548,000     $ 599,375  
Dominican Republic, 8.625%, 4/20/2027      758,000       936,130  
Federative Republic of Brazil, 4.625%, 1/13/2028      457,000       454,944  
Government of Ukraine, 7.75%, 9/01/2026      200,000       207,052  
Government of Ukraine, 7.375%, 9/25/2032 (n)      231,000       227,604  
Republic of Angola, 7%, 8/17/2019      210,875       216,674  
Republic of Argentina, 5.625%, 1/26/2022      564,000       591,918  
Republic of Argentina, 6.875%, 1/26/2027      115,000       125,695  
Republic of Argentina, 2.5% to 3/31/2019, 3.75% to 3/31/2029, 5.25% to 12/31/2038      353,000       258,802  
Republic of Croatia, 5.5%, 4/04/2023 (n)      1,146,000       1,263,316  
Republic of Hungary, 5.375%, 2/21/2023      446,000       498,182  
Republic of Hungary, 7.625%, 3/29/2041      470,000       727,325  
Republic of Indonesia, 11.625%, 3/04/2019 (n)      571,000       637,387  
Republic of Indonesia, 2.875%, 7/08/2021 (z)    EUR 175,000       225,342  
Republic of Indonesia, 3.375%, 4/15/2023 (n)    $ 302,000       305,300  
Republic of Indonesia, 2.15%, 7/18/2024 (z)    EUR 161,000       199,774  
Republic of Indonesia, 4.125%, 1/15/2025 (n)    $ 342,000       354,693  
Republic of Indonesia, 4.125%, 1/15/2025      1,368,000       1,418,773  
Republic of Indonesia, 4.625%, 4/15/2043      1,349,000       1,391,464  
Republic of Panama, 9.375%, 4/01/2029      719,000       1,091,083  
Republic of Paraguay, 6.1%, 8/11/2044      243,000       279,450  
Republic of Paraguay, 6.1%, 8/11/2044 (n)      350,000       402,500  
Republic of Sri Lanka, 6.125%, 6/03/2025      1,286,000       1,357,941  
Republic of Sri Lanka, 6.85%, 11/03/2025      408,000       449,245  
Republic of Turkey, 3.25%, 3/23/2023      633,000       594,893  
Republic of Turkey, 4.875%, 10/09/2026      1,523,000       1,482,717  
Russian Federation, 4.875%, 9/16/2023 (n)      400,000       434,800  
Russian Federation, 4.75%, 5/27/2026      800,000       846,429  
United Mexican States, 4.15%, 3/28/2027      224,000       234,528  
    

 

 

 
             $ 17,813,336  
Energy - Independent - 4.7%                 
Afren PLC, 10.25%, 4/08/2019 (d)(z)    $ 451,812     $ 1,130  
Alta Mesa Holdings LP/Alta Mesa Finance Services Corp., 7.875%, 12/15/2024      1,315,000       1,449,788  
Consol Energy, Inc., 5.875%, 4/15/2022      805,000       823,113  
Consol Energy, Inc., 8%, 4/01/2023      495,000       528,413  
Continental Resources, Inc., 4.5%, 4/15/2023      1,970,000       2,009,396  

 

19


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Portfolio of Investments – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Bonds - continued  
Energy - Independent - continued                 
CrownRock LP/CrownRock Finance, Inc., 5.625%, 10/15/2025 (n)    $ 1,365,000     $ 1,371,821  
Diamondback Energy, Inc., 5.375%, 5/31/2025      1,525,000       1,574,090  
Gulfport Energy Corp., 6%, 10/15/2024      980,000       983,675  
Gulfport Energy Corp., 6.375%, 5/15/2025      685,000       690,138  
Parsley Energy LLC/Parsley Finance Corp., 5.625%, 10/15/2027 (n)      1,630,000       1,665,648  
PDC Energy, Inc., 6.125%, 9/15/2024      1,550,000       1,618,781  
QEP Resources, Inc., 5.25%, 5/01/2023      1,490,000       1,508,625  
QEP Resources, Inc., 5.625%, 3/01/2026      600,000       608,928  
Seven Generations Energy, 6.75%, 5/01/2023 (n)      1,230,000       1,306,875  
Seven Generations Energy, 5.375%, 9/30/2025 (n)      660,000       663,300  
SM Energy Co., 6.75%, 9/15/2026      1,710,000       1,729,238  
Tengizchevroil Finance Co. International Ltd., 4%, 8/15/2026 (n)      401,000       397,661  
Tengizchevroil Finance Co. International Ltd., 4%, 8/15/2026      987,000       978,782  
Whiting Petroleum Corp., 6.25%, 4/01/2023      1,075,000       1,075,000  
WPX Energy, Inc., 6%, 1/15/2022      340,000       350,200  
    

 

 

 
             $ 21,334,602  
Energy - Integrated - 0.1%                 
LUKOIL International Finance B.V., 4.563%, 4/24/2023 (n)    $ 544,000     $ 565,869  
Entertainment - 1.3%                 
Cedar Fair LP, 5.375%, 6/01/2024    $ 405,000     $ 424,238  
Cedar Fair LP, 5.375%, 4/15/2027 (n)      710,000       747,275  
Cinemark USA, Inc., 5.125%, 12/15/2022      1,430,000       1,462,175  
Cinemark USA, Inc., 4.875%, 6/01/2023      1,150,000       1,170,125  
Six Flags Entertainment Corp., 4.875%, 7/31/2024 (n)      2,105,000       2,141,838  
    

 

 

 
             $ 5,945,651  
Financial Institutions - 1.9%                 
AerCap Ireland Capital Co., 3.65%, 7/21/2027    $ 379,000     $ 373,364  
Aircastle Ltd., 5.125%, 3/15/2021      460,000       487,025  
Aircastle Ltd., 5.5%, 2/15/2022      800,000       861,000  
Nationstar Mortgage LLC/Capital Corp., 6.5%, 8/01/2018      615,000       615,000  
Nationstar Mortgage LLC/Capital Corp., 7.875%, 10/01/2020      2,110,000       2,154,310  
Nationstar Mortgage LLC/Capital Corp., 6.5%, 7/01/2021      405,000       411,075  
Navient Corp., 7.25%, 1/25/2022      1,490,000       1,605,475  
Navient Corp., 7.25%, 9/25/2023      430,000       463,325  
Park Aerospace Holdings Ltd., 5.5%, 2/15/2024 (n)      1,845,000       1,888,819  
    

 

 

 
             $ 8,859,393  

 

20


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Bonds - continued  
Food & Beverages - 2.9%                 
Anheuser-Busch InBev N.V., 1.5%, 4/18/2030    EUR 250,000     $ 298,159  
Anheuser-Busch InBev S.A., 6.875%, 11/15/2019    $ 300,000       326,400  
Anheuser-Busch InBev Worldwide, Inc., 3.3%, 2/01/2023      408,000       418,322  
Anheuser-Busch InBev Worldwide, Inc., 4.7%, 2/01/2036      483,000       535,199  
Aramark Services, Inc., 4.75%, 6/01/2026      1,010,000       1,046,613  
Asahi Group Holdings Ltd., 1.151%, 9/19/2025    EUR 150,000       179,590  
Coca-Cola Enterprises, Inc., 1.875%, 3/18/2030    EUR 200,000       247,917  
Cott Holdings, Inc., 5.5%, 4/01/2025 (n)    $ 1,360,000       1,401,480  
Danone S.A., 2.077%, 11/02/2021 (n)      236,000       231,743  
Danone S.A., 2.589%, 11/02/2023 (n)      553,000       539,987  
Gruma S.A.B. de C.V., 4.875%, 12/01/2024 (n)      202,000       217,352  
JBS USA LLC/JBS USA Finance, Inc., 5.875%, 7/15/2024 (n)      1,500,000       1,477,500  
Kraft Heinz Foods Co., 5.2%, 7/15/2045      31,000       33,531  
Kraft Heinz Foods Co., 4.375%, 6/01/2046      130,000       125,453  
Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc., 4.625%, 11/01/2024 (n)      965,000       997,569  
Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc., 4.875%, 11/01/2026 (n)      520,000       547,300  
Pilgrim’s Pride Corp., 5.875%, 9/30/2027 (n)      1,095,000       1,142,906  
Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC/Pinnacle Foods Finance Corp., 5.875%, 1/15/2024      1,430,000       1,515,800  
U.S. Foods Holding Corp., 5.875%, 6/15/2024 (n)      1,590,000       1,669,500  
Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co., 2.9%, 10/21/2019 (n)      107,000       108,169  
Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co., 3.375%, 10/21/2020 (n)      300,000       307,678  
    

 

 

 
             $ 13,368,168  
Food & Drug Stores - 0.1%                 
Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc., 2.7%, 11/18/2019    $ 333,000     $ 335,339  
Forest & Paper Products - 0.0%                 
Appvion, Inc., 9%, 6/01/2020 (d)(n)    $ 281,000     $ 105,375  
Gaming & Lodging - 1.7%                 
CCM Merger, Inc., 6%, 3/15/2022 (n)    $ 815,000     $ 837,413  
GLP Capital LP/GLP Financing II, Inc., 5.375%, 11/01/2023      1,045,000       1,124,681  
GLP Capital LP/GLP Financing II, Inc., 5.375%, 4/15/2026      145,000       156,509  
Hilton Worldwide Finance LLC, 4.625%, 4/01/2025      1,260,000       1,302,525  
InterContinental Hotels Group PLC, 3.75%, 8/14/2025    GBP 100,000       146,214  
MGM Resorts International, 6.625%, 12/15/2021    $ 825,000       917,804  
Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc., REIT, 5%, 4/15/2021      1,375,000       1,399,063  
Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc., REIT, 5%, 4/15/2023      620,000       637,050  
Wynn Macau Ltd., 4.875%, 10/01/2024 (n)      540,000       548,100  
Wynn Macau Ltd., 5.5%, 10/01/2027 (n)      615,000       622,688  
    

 

 

 
             $ 7,692,047  

 

21


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Portfolio of Investments – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Bonds - continued  
Industrial - 0.3%                 
KAR Auction Services, Inc., 5.125%, 6/01/2025 (n)    $ 1,480,000     $ 1,531,800  
Insurance - 0.3%                 
American International Group, Inc., 1.875%, 6/21/2027    EUR 110,000     $ 134,005  
AssuredPartners, Inc., 7%, 8/15/2025 (n)    $ 810,000       816,075  
Bupa Finance PLC, 2%, 4/05/2024    GBP 200,000       269,349  
    

 

 

 
             $ 1,219,429  
Insurance - Health - 0.6%                 
Aetna, Inc., 2.8%, 6/15/2023    $ 317,000     $ 312,015  
Centene Corp., 5.625%, 2/15/2021      410,000       423,325  
Centene Corp., 6.125%, 2/15/2024      1,180,000       1,262,600  
UnitedHealth Group, Inc., 2.7%, 7/15/2020      528,000       534,868  
    

 

 

 
             $ 2,532,808  
Insurance - Property & Casualty - 0.5%                 
Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., 2.75%, 3/15/2023    $ 234,000     $ 235,506  
Chubb INA Holdings, Inc., 2.3%, 11/03/2020      95,000       95,071  
Chubb INA Holdings, Inc., 2.875%, 11/03/2022      221,000       223,667  
Liberty Mutual Group, Inc., 4.25%, 6/15/2023      365,000       385,603  
Liberty Mutual Group, Inc., 2.75%, 5/04/2026    EUR 100,000       130,138  
Liberty Mutual Group, Inc., 2.75%, 5/04/2026 (z)    EUR 100,000       130,138  
Marsh & McLennan Cos., Inc., 3.5%, 6/03/2024    $ 159,000       164,061  
Marsh & McLennan Cos., Inc., 4.35%, 1/30/2047      131,000       142,722  
QBE Capital Funding III Ltd., 7.5% to 5/24/2021,
FLR to 5/24/2041
   GBP 200,000       304,756  
XLIT Ltd., 3.25% to 6/29/2027, FLR to 6/29/2047    EUR 230,000       277,590  
    

 

 

 
             $ 2,089,252  
International Market Sovereign - 13.4%                 
Buoni del Tesoro Poliennali, 2.5%, 12/01/2024    EUR 7,218,000     $ 9,357,558  
Commonwealth of Australia, 5.75%, 5/15/2021    AUD 2,319,000       1,974,740  
Commonwealth of Australia, 3.75%, 4/21/2037    AUD 197,000       165,547  
Federal Republic of Germany, 6.25%, 1/04/2030    EUR 442,000       878,623  
Federal Republic of Germany, 2.5%, 7/04/2044    EUR 120,000       188,636  
Government of Australia, 2.75%, 11/21/2027    AUD 1,031,000       796,169  
Government of Canada, 3.25%, 6/01/2021    CAD 187,000       153,313  
Government of Canada, 0.5%, 3/01/2022    CAD 3,919,000       2,900,938  
Government of Canada, 2.5%, 6/01/2024    CAD 5,700,000       4,623,665  
Government of Canada, 1.5%, 6/01/2026    CAD 3,348,000       2,525,656  
Government of Canada, 5.75%, 6/01/2033    CAD 948,000       1,089,412  
Government of Japan, 0.8%, 6/20/2023    JPY 500,000,000       4,663,779  
Government of Japan, 2.2%, 9/20/2027    JPY 787,000,000       8,468,440  
Government of Japan, 2.4%, 3/20/2037    JPY 493,400,000       5,860,651  

 

22


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Portfolio of Investments – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Bonds - continued  
International Market Sovereign - continued                 
Government of Japan, 1.8%, 3/20/2043    JPY 81,000,000     $ 896,329  
Kingdom of Spain, 4.6%, 7/30/2019    EUR 1,130,000       1,455,010  
Kingdom of Spain, 5.4%, 1/31/2023    EUR 746,000       1,114,678  
Kingdom of Spain, 5.15%, 10/31/2028    EUR 1,210,000       1,951,056  
Republic of France, 4.75%, 4/25/2035    EUR 747,000       1,401,271  
Republic of France, 4.5%, 4/25/2041    EUR 580,000       1,122,919  
Republic of Ireland, 4.5%, 4/18/2020    EUR 222,000       296,030  
Republic of Italy, 3.75%, 3/01/2021    EUR 1,581,000       2,106,390  
Republic of Italy, 5.5%, 9/01/2022    EUR 925,000       1,359,436  
Republic of Portugal, 4.95%, 10/25/2023    EUR 1,894,000       2,776,887  
United Kingdom Treasury, 4.25%, 3/07/2036    GBP 111,000       207,686  
United Kingdom Treasury, 3.25%, 1/22/2044    GBP 1,530,000       2,637,781  
    

 

 

 
             $ 60,972,600  
Local Authorities - 0.1%                 
Province of Alberta, 4.5%, 12/01/2040    CAD 255,000     $ 246,554  
Province of British Columbia, 2.3%, 6/18/2026    CAD 370,000       285,099  
    

 

 

 
             $ 531,653  
Machinery & Tools - 0.5%                 
Ashtead Capital, Inc., 5.625%, 10/01/2024 (n)    $ 1,185,000     $ 1,256,100  
CNH Industrial Capital LLC, 4.375%, 11/06/2020      1,045,000       1,088,368  
    

 

 

 
             $ 2,344,468  
Major Banks - 2.8%                 
Bank of America Corp., 7.625%, 6/01/2019    $ 370,000     $ 398,236  
Bank of America Corp., 2.625%, 4/19/2021      370,000       370,943  
Bank of America Corp., 3.248%, 10/21/2027      462,000       456,800  
Bank of America Corp., 6.1% to 3/17/2025, FLR to 12/29/2049      670,000       742,863  
Barclays Bank PLC, 6%, 1/14/2021    EUR 250,000       345,976  
Barclays Bank PLC, 6.75% to 1/16/2018, FLR to 1/16/2023    GBP 100,000       136,143  
Credit Agricole S.A., 7.375%, 12/18/2023    GBP 100,000       173,623  
Credit Suisse Group AG, 6.5%, 8/08/2023 (n)    $ 200,000       224,750  
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., 2.625%, 4/25/2021      360,000       359,781  
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., 5.75%, 1/24/2022      500,000       555,832  
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., 3.625%, 1/22/2023      454,000       467,211  
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., 3.85%, 1/26/2027      314,000       320,508  
HSBC Holdings PLC, 4.375%, 11/23/2026      269,000       280,263  
JPMorgan Chase & Co., 6.3%, 4/23/2019      500,000       528,021  
JPMorgan Chase & Co., 3.25%, 9/23/2022      478,000       488,729  
JPMorgan Chase & Co., 2.95%, 10/01/2026      601,000       585,533  
JPMorgan Chase & Co., 3.54% to 5/01/2027, FLR to 5/01/2028      291,000       293,495  
JPMorgan Chase & Co., 4.26% to 2/22/2047, FLR to 2/22/2048      303,000       320,011  
JPMorgan Chase & Co., 6% to 8/01/2023, FLR to 12/31/2049      1,210,000       1,311,338  

 

23


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Bonds - continued  
Major Banks - continued                 
Morgan Stanley, 6.625%, 4/01/2018    $ 391,000     $ 396,918  
Morgan Stanley, 2.2%, 12/07/2018      238,000       238,284  
Morgan Stanley, 2.625%, 3/09/2027    GBP 200,000       271,351  
Morgan Stanley, 3.95%, 4/23/2027    $ 514,000       520,539  
Nordea Bank AB, 1% to 9/07/2021, FLR to 9/07/2026    EUR 200,000       240,778  
PNC Bank N.A., 2.6%, 7/21/2020    $ 295,000       297,013  
UBS Group AG, 6.875% to 8/07/2025, FLR to 12/29/2049      1,220,000       1,350,638  
UBS Group Funding (Jersey) Ltd., 1.5%, 11/30/2024    EUR 300,000       372,750  
UBS Group Funding (Switzerland) AG,
2.859% to 8/15/2022, FLR to 8/15/2023 (n)
   $ 750,000       742,062  
Wells Fargo & Co., 4.1%, 6/03/2026      100,000       103,981  
    

 

 

 
             $ 12,894,370  
Medical & Health Technology & Services - 4.1%                 
AmSurg Corp., 5.625%, 7/15/2022    $ 865,000     $ 882,300  
Baxter International, Inc., 1.3%, 5/30/2025    EUR 200,000       242,025  
Becton, Dickinson and Co., 2.675%, 12/15/2019    $ 379,000       380,959  
Becton, Dickinson and Co., 3.734%, 12/15/2024      239,000       243,245  
CHS/Community Health Systems, Inc., 6.875%, 2/01/2022      775,000       466,938  
DaVita, Inc., 5.125%, 7/15/2024      455,000       462,963  
DaVita, Inc., 5%, 5/01/2025      1,075,000       1,075,323  
HCA, Inc., 7.5%, 2/15/2022      2,085,000       2,350,838  
HCA, Inc., 5.875%, 3/15/2022      1,505,000       1,631,044  
HCA, Inc., 5%, 3/15/2024      1,040,000       1,092,000  
HCA, Inc., 5.375%, 2/01/2025      695,000       721,063  
HCA, Inc., 5.25%, 6/15/2026      215,000       228,303  
HealthSouth Corp., 5.125%, 3/15/2023      1,305,000       1,335,276  
HealthSouth Corp., 5.75%, 11/01/2024      30,000       30,713  
Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings, 3.2%, 2/01/2022      200,000       204,046  
Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings, 4.7%, 2/01/2045      310,000       327,760  
Northwell Healthcare, Inc., 3.979%, 11/01/2046      40,000       38,635  
Northwell Healthcare, Inc., 4.26%, 11/01/2047      307,000       309,563  
Polaris, 8.5%, 12/01/2022 (n)      445,000       462,978  
Quintiles IMS Holdings, Inc., 5%, 10/15/2026 (n)      1,225,000       1,283,188  
Quorum Health Corp., 11.625%, 4/15/2023      550,000       521,125  
Tenet Healthcare Corp., 8.125%, 4/01/2022      765,000       757,350  
THC Escrow Corp. III, 5.125%, 5/01/2025 (n)      965,000       928,813  
Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc., 3.2%, 8/15/2027      476,000       466,725  
Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc., 3%, 4/15/2023      360,000       361,313  
Universal Health Services, Inc., 7.625%, 8/15/2020      1,325,000       1,328,710  
West Street Merger Sub, Inc., 6.375%, 9/01/2025 (n)      640,000       644,800  
    

 

 

 
             $ 18,777,996  

 

24


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Bonds - continued  
Medical Equipment - 0.8%                 
Hologic, Inc., 5.25%, 7/15/2022 (n)    $ 830,000     $ 866,313  
Teleflex, Inc., 5.25%, 6/15/2024      1,095,000       1,149,750  
Teleflex, Inc., 4.875%, 6/01/2026      610,000       631,893  
Teleflex, Inc., 4.625%, 11/15/2027      790,000       808,763  
Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc., 1.414%, 12/13/2022    EUR 300,000       367,170  
    

 

 

 
             $ 3,823,889  
Metals & Mining - 3.9%                 
Cameco Corp., 5.67%, 9/02/2019    CAD 262,000     $ 211,332  
First Quantum Minerals Ltd., 7%, 2/15/2021 (n)    $ 495,000       513,563  
First Quantum Minerals Ltd., 7.25%, 4/01/2023 (n)      1,070,000       1,131,525  
Freeport-McMoRan, Inc., 6.5%, 11/15/2020      135,000       137,673  
Freeport-McMoRan, Inc., 6.875%, 2/15/2023      2,270,000       2,477,251  
Freeport-McMoRan, Inc., 3.875%, 3/15/2023      445,000       439,927  
Freeport-McMoRan, Inc., 5.4%, 11/14/2034      410,000       398,725  
Glencore Finance (Europe) S.A., 1.25%, 3/17/2021    EUR 330,000       403,340  
GrafTech International Co., 6.375%, 11/15/2020    $ 680,000       678,300  
Kaiser Aluminum Corp., 5.875%, 5/15/2024      1,660,000       1,780,350  
Kinross Gold Corp., 4.5%, 7/15/2027 (n)      920,000       926,900  
Kinross Gold Corp., 5.125%, 9/01/2021      300,000       316,500  
Kinross Gold Corp., 5.95%, 3/15/2024      1,265,000       1,388,338  
Lundin Mining Corp., 7.875%, 11/01/2022 (n)      930,000       1,002,075  

Northwest Acquisitions ULC/Dominion Finco, Inc.,

7.125%, 11/01/2022 (n)

     935,000       965,388  
Novelis Corp., 5.875%, 9/30/2026 (n)      1,455,000       1,507,744  
Steel Dynamics, Inc., 5.125%, 10/01/2021      430,000       441,288  
Steel Dynamics, Inc., 5.25%, 4/15/2023      775,000       798,483  
Steel Dynamics, Inc., 5.5%, 10/01/2024      835,000       888,774  
Steel Dynamics, Inc., 4.125%, 9/15/2025 (n)      541,000       542,353  
Suncoke Energy, Inc., 7.625%, 8/01/2019      127,000       126,683  
TMS International Corp., 7.25%, 8/15/2025 (n)      860,000       903,000  
    

 

 

 
             $ 17,979,512  
Midstream - 3.4%                 
APT Pipelines Ltd., 5%, 3/23/2035 (n)    $ 280,000     $ 299,717  
Blue Racer Midstream LLC/Blue Racer Finance Corp., 6.125%, 11/15/2022 (n)      1,755,000       1,820,813  
DCP Midstream LP, 4.95%, 4/01/2022      486,000       505,440  
DCP Midstream LP, 5.6%, 4/01/2044      530,000       518,075  
DCP Midstream LP, 3.875%, 3/15/2023      665,000       663,338  
Enterprise Products Operating LLC, 1.65%, 5/07/2018      296,000       295,689  
Kinder Morgan (Delaware), Inc., 7.75%, 1/15/2032      1,160,000       1,486,428  
ONEOK, Inc., 4.95%, 7/13/2047      474,000       477,992  
Phillips 66 Partners LP, 3.75%, 3/01/2028      127,000       125,990  

 

25


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Bonds - continued  
Midstream - continued                 
Plains All American Pipeline LP, 6.125% to 11/15/2022,
FLR to 12/31/2099
   $ 1,090,000     $ 1,077,738  
Sabine Pass Liquefaction LLC, 5.625%, 4/15/2023      1,130,000       1,243,335  
Sabine Pass Liquefaction LLC, 4.2%, 3/15/2028      333,000       335,450  
Tallgrass Energy GP, LP, 5.5%, 1/15/2028 (n)      2,110,000       2,173,300  
Targa Resources Partners LP, 5.375%, 2/01/2027      2,300,000       2,357,500  
Targa Resources Partners LP/Targa Resources Finance Corp., 4.125%, 11/15/2019      1,050,000       1,057,875  
Targa Resources Partners LP/Targa Resources Finance Corp., 5.25%, 5/01/2023      860,000       881,500  
    

 

 

 
             $ 15,320,180  
Mortgage-Backed - 4.0%                 
Fannie Mae, 5.5%, 9/01/2019 - 7/01/2035    $ 256,627     $ 277,597  
Fannie Mae, 6.5%, 4/01/2032 - 1/01/2033      46,303       52,151  
Fannie Mae, 6%, 8/01/2034 - 2/01/2037      83,217       94,185  
Fannie Mae, FLR, 1.487%, 5/25/2018      671,715       671,207  
Freddie Mac, 3.187%, 9/25/2027      492,000       502,607  
Freddie Mac, 3.064%, 8/25/2024      1,141,916       1,169,363  
Freddie Mac, 2.811%, 1/25/2025      11,000,000       11,097,533  
Freddie Mac, 2.673%, 3/25/2026      701,000       693,840  
Freddie Mac, 3.243%, 4/25/2027      991,000       1,016,949  
Freddie Mac, 3.117%, 6/25/2027      298,465       303,196  
Freddie Mac, 3.194%, 7/25/2027      1,073,000       1,095,315  
Freddie Mac, 3.244%, 8/25/2027      1,160,000       1,190,685  
Freddie Mac, 6%, 8/01/2034      66,934       75,892  
    

 

 

 
             $ 18,240,520  
Municipals - 0.0%                 
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Public Improvement, “C-7”, NATL, 6%, 7/01/2027    $ 20,000     $ 20,128  
Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority Rev., “PP”, NATL, 5%, 7/01/2022      95,000       95,152  
    

 

 

 
             $ 115,280  
Natural Gas - Distribution - 0.1%                 
Boston Gas Co., 3.15%, 8/01/2027 (n)    $ 248,000     $ 246,297  
GNL Quintero S.A., 4.634%, 7/31/2029 (n)      323,000       335,920  
    

 

 

 
             $ 582,217  
Network & Telecom - 1.5%                 
AT&T, Inc., 4.9%, 8/14/2037    $ 488,000     $ 486,429  
AT&T, Inc., 4.25%, 6/01/2043    GBP 100,000       142,902  
AT&T, Inc., 5.65%, 2/15/2047    $ 206,000       224,434  

 

26


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Bonds - continued  
Network & Telecom - continued                 
British Telecom PLC, 5.75%, 12/07/2028    GBP 150,000     $ 256,980  
CenturyLink, Inc., 7.65%, 3/15/2042    $ 595,000       499,800  
Deutsche Telekom International Finance B.V., 1.5%, 4/03/2028    EUR 200,000       244,094  
Empresa Nacional de Telecomunicaciones S.A., 4.75%, 8/01/2026    $ 300,000       310,875  
Telecom Italia Capital, 6%, 9/30/2034      250,000       279,063  
Telecom Italia S.p.A., 5.303%, 5/30/2024 (n)      1,515,000       1,615,823  
Telefonica Celular del Paraguay S.A., 6.75%, 12/13/2022      517,000       529,460  
Verizon Communications, Inc., 4.812%, 3/15/2039      323,000       331,911  
Zayo Group LLC/Zayo Capital, Inc., 6.375%, 5/15/2025      660,000       700,425  
Zayo Group LLC/Zayo Capital, Inc., 5.75%, 1/15/2027 (n)      1,285,000       1,323,550  
    

 

 

 
             $ 6,945,746  
Oil Services - 0.7%                 
Bristow Group, Inc., 6.25%, 10/15/2022    $ 791,000     $ 636,280  
Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc., 7.875%, 8/15/2025      440,000       458,700  
Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc., 5.7%, 10/15/2039      945,000       767,813  
Schlumberger Ltd., 2.65%, 11/20/2022 (n)      310,000       308,961  
Trinidad Drilling Ltd., 6.625%, 2/15/2025 (n)      945,000       902,475  
    

 

 

 
             $ 3,074,229  
Oils - 0.1%                 
Marathon Petroleum Corp., 4.75%, 9/15/2044    $ 200,000     $ 203,728  
Neste Oyj, 1.5%, 6/07/2024    EUR 100,000       120,982  
Phillips 66, 4.875%, 11/15/2044    $ 150,000       165,684  
    

 

 

 
             $ 490,394  
Other Banks & Diversified Financials - 0.9%                 
Arion Banki, 2.5%, 4/26/2019    EUR 100,000     $ 123,012  
Bank of Iceland, 1.75%, 9/07/2020    EUR 300,000       370,031  
BBVA Bancomer S.A. de C.V., 6.75%, 9/30/2022 (n)    $ 1,004,000       1,137,231  
Belfius Bank S.A., 3.125%, 5/11/2026    EUR 200,000       262,249  
Capital One Financial Corp., 2.35%, 8/17/2018    $ 806,000       807,745  
Citizens Bank N.A., 2.55%, 5/13/2021      250,000       249,509  
Deutsche Bank AG, 1.875%, 2/28/2020    GBP 200,000       271,766  
Groupe BPCE S.A., 12.5% to 9/30/2019, FLR to 8/29/2049 (n)      113,000       132,140  
ING Groep N.V., 3.95%, 3/29/2027      249,000       260,357  
Intesa Sanpaolo S.p.A., 5.25%, 1/28/2022    GBP 100,000       153,045  
JSC Kazkommertsbank, 5.5%, 12/21/2022    $ 342,000       341,213  
    

 

 

 
             $ 4,108,298  
Personal Computers & Peripherals - 0.0%                 
Equifax, Inc., 2.3%, 6/01/2021    $ 160,000     $ 155,249  

 

27


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Bonds - continued  
Pharmaceuticals - 0.5%                 
Celgene Corp., 2.875%, 8/15/2020    $ 524,000     $ 529,122  
Gilead Sciences, Inc., 2.35%, 2/01/2020      52,000       52,228  
Mallinckrodt International Finance S.A., 5.75%, 8/01/2022 (n)      710,000       654,975  
Mallinckrodt International Finance S.A., 5.625%, 10/15/2023 (z)      315,000       276,413  
Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc., 5.5%, 3/01/2023 (n)      315,000       269,719  
Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc., 6.125%, 4/15/2025 (n)      745,000       638,838  
    

 

 

 
             $ 2,421,295  
Pollution Control - 0.0%                 
Republic Services, Inc., 3.375%, 11/15/2027    $ 75,000     $ 75,337  
Printing & Publishing - 0.2%                 
Nielsen Finance LLC, 5%, 4/15/2022 (n)    $ 954,000     $ 982,000  
Real Estate - Apartment - 0.1%                 
Grand City Properties S.A., 1.375%, 8/03/2026    EUR 300,000     $ 357,707  
Vonovia SE, REIT, 2.125%, 7/09/2022    EUR 225,000       289,050  
    

 

 

 
             $ 646,757  
Real Estate - Healthcare - 0.6%                 
MPT Operating Partnership LP/MPT Financial Co., 5%, 10/15/2027    $ 1,330,000     $ 1,386,525  
MPT Operating Partnership LP/MPT Financial Co., REIT, 5.25%, 8/01/2026      1,375,000       1,448,906  
    

 

 

 
             $ 2,835,431  
Real Estate - Office - 0.2%                 
Boston Properties, Inc., REIT, 3.125%, 9/01/2023    $ 250,000     $ 252,313  
Merlin Properties SOCIMI S.A., REIT, 2.225%, 4/25/2023    EUR 250,000       315,389  
Merlin Properties SOCIMI S.A., REIT, 1.875%, 11/02/2026    EUR 150,000       179,156  
    

 

 

 
             $ 746,858  
Real Estate - Other - 1.2%                 
CyrusOne LP/CyrusOne Finance Co., REIT, 5.375%, 3/15/2027 (z)    $ 525,000     $ 549,938  
CyrusOne LP/CyrusOne Finance Corp., REIT, 5.375%, 3/15/2027 (n)      320,000       335,200  
CyrusOne LP/CyrusOne Finance Corp., REIT, 5%, 3/15/2024 (n)      1,455,000       1,513,200  
Felcor Lodging LP, REIT, 5.625%, 3/01/2023      1,240,000       1,277,200  
Starwood Property Trust, Inc., REIT, 5%, 12/15/2021      865,000       900,681  
Starwood Property Trust, Inc., REIT, 4.75%, 3/15/2025 (n)      725,000       723,188  
    

 

 

 
             $ 5,299,407  

 

28


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Bonds - continued  
Restaurants - 0.5%                 
Golden Nugget, Inc., 6.75%, 10/15/2024 (n)    $ 850,000     $ 868,063  
KFC Holding Co./Pizza Hut Holdings LLC/Taco Bell of America LLC, 5.25%, 6/01/2026 (n)      1,365,000       1,443,488  
    

 

 

 
             $ 2,311,551  
Retailers - 1.1%                 
Best Buy Co., Inc., 5.5%, 3/15/2021    $ 347,000     $ 372,179  
Dollar Tree, Inc., 5.75%, 3/01/2023      1,270,000       1,328,738  
Hanesbrands, Inc., 4.625%, 5/15/2024 (n)      300,000       305,625  
Hanesbrands, Inc., 4.875%, 5/15/2026 (n)      1,280,000       1,305,216  
Home Depot, Inc., 3%, 4/01/2026      310,000       309,658  
Home Depot, Inc., 4.875%, 2/15/2044      200,000       235,881  
Kering S.A., 1.25%, 5/10/2026    EUR 200,000       244,808  
Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc., 5.625%, 12/01/2025    $ 1,075,000       1,074,328  
    

 

 

 
             $ 5,176,433  
Specialty Chemicals - 0.9%                 
A Schulman, Inc., 6.875%, 6/01/2023    $ 1,230,000     $ 1,288,425  
Ecolab, Inc., 2.625%, 7/08/2025    EUR 100,000       132,918  
Koppers, Inc., 6%, 2/15/2025 (n)    $ 1,235,000       1,326,452  
Univar USA, Inc., 6.75%, 7/15/2023 (n)      1,430,000       1,497,925  
    

 

 

 
             $ 4,245,720  
Specialty Stores - 0.5%                 
Group 1 Automotive, Inc., 5%, 6/01/2022    $ 1,455,000     $ 1,500,469  
PetSmart, Inc., 7.125%, 3/15/2023 (n)      825,000       602,250  
    

 

 

 
             $ 2,102,719  
Supermarkets - 0.3%                 
Albertsons Cos. LLC/Safeway Co., 6.625%, 6/15/2024    $ 1,260,000     $ 1,190,700  
Loblaw Cos. Ltd., 4.86%, 9/12/2023    CAD 262,000       224,414  
    

 

 

 
             $ 1,415,114  
Supranational - 0.1%                 
International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, 2.8%, 1/13/2021    AUD 170,000     $ 130,655  
International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, 4.25%, 6/24/2025    AUD 210,000       174,461  
International Finance Corp., 3.25%, 7/22/2019    AUD 305,000       235,207  
    

 

 

 
             $ 540,323  
Telecommunications - Wireless - 3.0%                 
Altice Luxembourg S.A., 7.75%, 5/15/2022 (n)    $ 415,000     $ 395,288  
Altice Luxembourg S.A., 7.625%, 2/15/2025 (n)      1,340,000       1,222,750  

 

29


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Bonds - continued  
Telecommunications - Wireless - continued                 
American Tower Corp., REIT, 3.5%, 1/31/2023    $ 465,000     $ 475,806  
Crown Castle International Corp., 3.7%, 6/15/2026      157,000       156,348  
Digicel Group Ltd., 6%, 4/15/2021 (n)      967,000       932,817  
Digicel Group Ltd., 7.125%, 4/01/2022 (n)      640,000       578,093  
Digicel Group Ltd., 6.75%, 3/01/2023 (n)      1,150,000       1,115,500  
SBA Communications Corp., 4%, 10/01/2022 (n)      1,485,000       1,492,425  
SBA Communications Corp., 4.875%, 9/01/2024      350,000       362,250  
SBA Tower Trust, 2.898%, 10/08/2019 (n)      220,000       221,009  
Sprint Corp., 7.875%, 9/15/2023      980,000       1,055,950  
Sprint Corp., 7.125%, 6/15/2024      1,655,000       1,722,243  
Sprint Nextel Corp., 6%, 11/15/2022      895,000       903,950  
T-Mobile USA, Inc., 6.125%, 1/15/2022      135,000       139,725  
T-Mobile USA, Inc., 6.5%, 1/15/2024      615,000       652,669  
T-Mobile USA, Inc., 5.125%, 4/15/2025      815,000       851,675  
T-Mobile USA, Inc., 6.5%, 1/15/2026      775,000       847,656  
T-Mobile USA, Inc., 5.375%, 4/15/2027      695,000       743,650  
    

 

 

 
             $ 13,869,804  
Telephone Services - 0.5%                 
Chorus Ltd. Co., 1.125%, 10/18/2023    EUR 150,000     $ 180,641  
Level 3 Financing, Inc., 5.375%, 1/15/2024    $ 470,000       471,175  
Level 3 Financing, Inc., 5.375%, 5/01/2025      1,545,000       1,549,326  
TELUS Corp., 5.05%, 7/23/2020    CAD 265,000       220,598  
    

 

 

 
             $ 2,421,740  
Tobacco - 0.2%                 
Imperial Brands Finance PLC, 1.375%, 1/27/2025    EUR 150,000     $ 181,692  
Reynolds American, Inc., 8.125%, 6/23/2019    $ 92,000       99,995  
Reynolds American, Inc., 4.45%, 6/12/2025      415,000       442,407  
Reynolds American, Inc., 5.7%, 8/15/2035      118,000       138,171  
    

 

 

 
             $ 862,265  
Transportation - Services - 0.6%                 
Autostrade per L’Italia S.p.A., 1.75%, 6/26/2026    EUR 250,000     $ 309,862  
Brambles Finance PLC, 1.5%, 10/04/2027    EUR 150,000       182,414  
Compagnie Financial et Indus Unternehmensanleihe, 0.75%, 9/09/2028    EUR 200,000       227,923  
ERAC USA Finance LLC, 7%, 10/15/2037 (n)    $ 250,000       329,566  
Heathrow Funding Ltd., 1.875%, 7/12/2032    EUR 150,000       184,461  
Heathrow Funding Ltd., 4.625%, 10/31/2046    GBP 100,000       170,212  
Navios Maritime Holding, Inc., 7.375%, 1/15/2022 (n)    $ 335,000       263,813  
Navios South American Logistics, Inc./Navios Logistics Finance (U.S.), Inc., 7.25%, 5/01/2022      130,000       126,100  
Syncreon Group BV/Syncre, 8.625%, 11/01/2021 (n)      670,000       546,050  

 

30


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Bonds - continued  
Transportation - Services - continued                 
Transurban Finance Co., 1.75%, 3/29/2028    EUR 200,000     $ 243,845  
    

 

 

 
             $ 2,584,246  
U.S. Treasury Obligations - 14.8%                 
U.S. Treasury Bonds, 5.25%, 2/15/2029    $ 3,824,000     $ 4,868,579  
U.S. Treasury Bonds, 5.375%, 2/15/2031      286,200       379,282  
U.S. Treasury Bonds, 4.5%, 2/15/2036      1,082,000       1,384,706  
U.S. Treasury Bonds, 4.75%, 2/15/2037 (f)      1,885,200       2,493,251  
U.S. Treasury Bonds, 3.125%, 2/15/2043 (f)      2,920,000       3,087,900  
U.S. Treasury Bonds, 3.625%, 2/15/2044      771,000       887,584  
U.S. Treasury Notes, 0.875%, 10/15/2018      11,000,000       10,927,813  
U.S. Treasury Notes, 1.25%, 12/15/2018      10,000,000       9,954,297  
U.S. Treasury Notes, 0.75%, 10/31/2018      14,000,000       13,884,609  
U.S. Treasury Notes, 0.875%, 5/15/2019      9,000,000       8,887,500  
U.S. Treasury Notes, 1.75%, 5/15/2022      4,692,000       4,624,553  
U.S. Treasury Notes, 2.25%, 11/15/2025      6,005,000       5,952,691  
    

 

 

 
             $ 67,332,765  
Utilities - Electric Power - 3.3%                 
American Electric Power Co., Inc., 1.65%, 12/15/2017    $ 185,000     $ 185,000  
Calpine Corp., 5.5%, 2/01/2024      1,765,000       1,705,431  
Calpine Corp., 5.75%, 1/15/2025      930,000       895,125  
Calpine Corp., 5.25%, 6/01/2026 (n)      695,000       702,819  
Covanta Holding Corp., 6.375%, 10/01/2022      310,000       317,750  
Covanta Holding Corp., 5.875%, 3/01/2024      995,000       1,004,950  
Covanta Holding Corp., 5.875%, 7/01/2025      1,215,000       1,215,000  
Dominion Resources, Inc., 2.5%, 12/01/2019      250,000       250,485  
Duke Energy Florida LLC, 3.2%, 1/15/2027      310,000       313,381  
EDP Finance B.V., 5.25%, 1/14/2021 (n)      200,000       214,948  
EDP Finance B.V., 2%, 4/22/2025    EUR 100,000       126,328  
Emera U.S. Finance LP, 2.7%, 6/15/2021    $ 98,000       97,986  
Emera U.S. Finance LP, 3.55%, 6/15/2026      112,000       112,283  
Enel Finance International N.V., 4.75%, 5/25/2047 (n)      442,000       458,915  
Engie Energia Chile S.A., 5.625%, 1/15/2021      757,000       824,370  
Engie Energia Chile S.A., 4.5%, 1/29/2025 (n)      512,000       532,524  
Exelon Corp., 3.497%, 6/01/2022      151,000       154,463  
Innogy Finance B.V., 4.75%, 1/31/2034    GBP 100,000       163,599  
NextEra Energy Capital Holdings, Inc., 3.55%, 5/01/2027    $ 377,000       384,547  
NextEra Energy Operating Co., 4.25%, 9/15/2024 (n)      1,290,000       1,302,900  
NRG Energy, Inc., 6.625%, 3/15/2023      1,530,000       1,586,763  
Pattern Energy Group, Inc., 5.875%, 2/01/2024 (n)      1,240,000       1,311,300  
PPL Capital Funding, Inc., 3.1%, 5/15/2026      379,000       371,946  
PPL WEM Holdings PLC, 5.375%, 5/01/2021 (n)      250,000       268,548  

 

31


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Portfolio of Investments – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
Bonds - continued  
Utilities - Electric Power - continued                 
Virginia Electric & Power Co., 3.5%, 3/15/2027    $ 475,000     $ 490,636  
    

 

 

 
             $ 14,991,997  
Total Bonds (Identified Cost, $539,212,595)            $ 546,077,640  
Floating Rate Loans (g)(r) - 0.3%                 
Computer Software - Systems - 0.1%                 
Sabre GLBL, Inc., Term Loan B, 3.59%, 2/22/2024    $ 236,813     $ 237,775  
Consumer Products - 0.0%                 
Spectrum Brands, Inc., Term Loan B, 3.37%, 6/23/2022    $ 129,227     $ 129,825  
Entertainment - 0.1%                 
Cedar Fair LP, Term Loan B, 3.59%, 4/13/2024    $ 317,611     $ 319,199  
Six Flags Theme Parks, Inc., Term Loan B, 3.32%, 6/30/2022      331,400       333,057  
    

 

 

 
             $ 652,256  
Medical & Health Technology & Services - 0.1%                 
DaVita HealthCare Partners, Inc., Term Loan B, 4.09%, 6/24/2021    $ 555,971     $ 560,557  
Total Floating Rate Loans (Identified Cost, $1,572,239)     $ 1,580,413  
Common Stocks - 0.2%                 
Energy - Independent - 0.1%                 
Frontera Energy Corp. (a)      8,177     $ 237,869  
Oil Services - 0.1%                 
Gravity Oilfield Services, Inc. (a)(u)      615     $ 546,993  
Total Common Stocks (Identified Cost, $1,645,971)            $ 784,862  
Investment Companies (h) - 1.3%                 
Money Market Funds - 1.3%                 
MFS Institutional Money Market Portfolio, 1.19% (v)
(Identified Cost, $5,804,198)
     5,804,640     $ 5,804,060  
Other Assets, Less Liabilities - (21.4)%              (97,656,238)  
Net Assets - 100.0%            $ 456,590,737  

 

(a) Non-income producing security.
(d) In default.
(f) All or a portion of the security has been segregated as collateral for open futures contracts.
(g) The rate shown represents a weighted average coupon rate on settled positions at period end, unless otherwise indicated.

 

32


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Portfolio of Investments – continued

 

(h) An affiliated issuer may be considered one in which the fund owns 5% or more of the outstanding voting securities, or a company which is under common control. At period end, the aggregate values of the fund’s investments in affiliated issuers and in unaffiliated issuers were $5,804,060 and $548,442,915, respectively.
(i) Interest only security for which the fund receives interest on notional principal (Par amount). Par amount shown is the notional principal and does not reflect the cost of the security.
(n) Securities exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be sold in the ordinary course of business in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At period end, the aggregate value of these securities was $179,834,997, representing 39.4% of net assets.
(p) Payment-in-kind security for which interest income may be received in additional securities and/or cash.
(r) Remaining maturities of floating rate loans may be less than stated maturities shown as a result of contractual or optional prepayments by the borrower. Such prepayments cannot be predicted with certainty. These loans may be subject to restrictions on resale. Floating rate loans generally have rates of interest which are determined periodically by reference to a base lending rate plus a premium.
(u) The security was valued using significant unobservable inputs and is considered level 3 under the fair value hierarchy. For further information about the fund’s level 3 holdings, please see Note 2 in the Notes to Financial Statements.
(v) Affiliated issuer that is available only to investment companies managed by MFS. The rate quoted for the MFS Institutional Money Market Portfolio is the annualized seven-day yield of the fund at period end.
(z) Restricted securities are not registered under the Securities Act of 1933 and are subject to legal restrictions on resale. These securities generally may be resold in transactions exempt from registration or to the public if the securities are subsequently registered. Disposal of these securities may involve time-consuming negotiations and prompt sale at an acceptable price may be difficult. The fund holds the following restricted securities:

 

Restricted Securities    Acquisition
Date
  
Cost
     Value  
Afren PLC, 10.25%, 4/08/2019    3/01/12-4/02/13      $482,712        $1,130  
Bayview Financial Revolving Mortgage Loan Trust, FLR,
2.937%, (LIBOR-1mo. + 1.6%),12/28/2040
   3/01/06      459,302        399,538  
CyrusOne LP/CyrusOne Finance Co., 5.375%, 3/15/2027    11/01/17      553,030        549,938  
Liberty Mutual Group, Inc., 2.75%, 5/04/2026    4/26/16      112,171        130,138  
Mallinckrodt International Finance S.A., 5.625%, 10/15/2023    11/08/17-11/10/17      275,901        276,413  
Prestige Brands, Inc., 6.375%, 3/01/2024    11/03/17      652,314        635,925  
RBS Global, Inc./Rexnord LLC, 4.875%, 12/15/2025    11/30/17      170,000        170,000  
Republic of Indonesia, 2.875%, 7/08/2021    7/02/14      238,025        225,342  
Republic of Indonesia, 2.15%, 7/18/2024    7/11/17      184,239        199,774  
Sinclair Television Group Co., 5.125%, 2/15/2027    11/28/17      302,251        302,250  
Total Restricted Securities            $2,890,448  
% of Net assets            0.6%  

 

33


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Portfolio of Investments – continued

 

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

 

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

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
DKK   Danish Krone
EUR   Euro
GBP   British Pound
HKD   Hong Kong Dollar
INR   Indian Rupee
JPY   Japanese Yen
KRW   Korean Won
MXN   Mexican Peso
NOK   Norwegian Krone
NZD   New Zealand Dollar
SEK   Swedish Krona
SGD   Singapore Dollar
ZAR   South African Rand

Derivative Contracts at 11/30/17

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

 

Currency
Purchased
   

Currency

Sold

  Counterparty   Settlement
Date
    Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Asset Derivatives      
DKK     31,438     USD   5,031   Barclays Bank PLC     1/12/2018       $11  
EUR     2,073,101     USD   2,460,910   Brown Brothers Harriman     1/12/2018       13,355  
EUR     658,445     USD   777,218   Goldman Sachs International     1/12/2018       8,642  
EUR     2,911,018     USD   3,411,997   JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.     1/12/2018       62,329  
GBP     200,734     USD   268,473   Brown Brothers Harriman     1/12/2018       3,436  
GBP     1,517,833     USD   2,007,191   JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.     1/12/2018       48,828  
INR     149,980,000     USD   2,273,010   JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.     12/11/2017       51,001  
JPY     16,804,516     USD   149,457   JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.     1/12/2018       203  
KRW     44,218,500     USD   39,510   JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.     1/23/2018       1,135  
MXN     3,219,094     USD   169,420   JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.     1/12/2018       2,142  
USD     20,226,879     JPY   2,258,189,459   Barclays Bank PLC     1/12/2018       115,671  
USD     9,733,930     CAD   12,193,948   Citibank N.A.     1/12/2018       275,954  
USD     1,152,726     HKD   8,975,000   Citibank N.A.     1/12/2018       3,017  
USD     116,057     JPY   13,004,000   Citibank N.A.     1/12/2018       245  
USD     62,108     AUD   81,000   Deutsche Bank AG     1/12/2018       852  
USD     30,317     CAD   39,000   Deutsche Bank AG     1/12/2018       67  

 

34


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Portfolio of Investments – continued

 

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts - continued

 

Currency
Purchased
   

Currency

Sold

  Counterparty   Settlement
Date
    Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Asset Derivatives – continued    
USD     652,179     NOK   5,169,000   Deutsche Bank AG     1/12/2018       $29,996  
USD     124,272     CAD   155,000   Goldman Sachs International     1/12/2018       4,049  
USD     182,344     CHF   177,000   Goldman Sachs International     1/12/2018       1,793  
USD     5,817,447     AUD   7,482,978   JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.     1/12/2018       158,520  
USD     3,957,507     NOK   31,518,000   JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.     1/12/2018       163,746  
USD     2,475     NZD   3,506   JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.     1/12/2018       80  
USD     7,947,163     CAD   9,926,483   Merrill Lynch International     1/12/2018       247,897  
ZAR     569,852     USD   41,059   JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.     1/12/2018       228  
           

 

 

 
              $1,193,197  
           

 

 

 
Liability Derivatives      
CAD     1,458,000     USD   1,150,569   Goldman Sachs International     1/12/2018       $(19,702
CHF     57,082     USD   59,051   Goldman Sachs International     1/12/2018       (824
HKD     18,713,000     USD   2,403,193   Brown Brothers Harriman     1/12/2018       (6,034
HKD     17,765,000     USD   2,278,205   Deutsche Bank AG     1/12/2018       (2,486
HKD     8,071,000     USD   1,036,434   JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.     1/12/2018       (2,529
INR     150,464,000     USD   2,333,463   Barclays Bank PLC     12/11/2017       (1,953
INR     89,271,000     USD   1,384,025   JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.     12/11/2017       (729
NOK     36,558,912     USD   4,624,111   Goldman Sachs International     1/12/2018       (223,584
SEK     1,084,119     USD   135,003   Deutsche Bank AG     1/12/2018       (5,066
USD     9,438,887     GBP   7,124,215   Barclays Bank PLC     1/12/2018       (211,398
USD     51,200     CHF   51,000   Citibank N.A.     1/12/2018       (823
USD     865,877     EUR   730,739   Citibank N.A.     1/12/2018       (6,266
USD     101,261     SEK   846,000   Citibank N.A.     1/12/2018       (136
USD     5,583,743     EUR   4,800,742   Deutsche Bank AG     1/12/2018       (145,984
USD     1,695,175     EUR   1,424,000   Goldman Sachs International     1/12/2018       (4,381
USD     40,453,721     EUR   34,162,875   JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.     1/12/2018       (319,967
USD     456,552     GBP   346,000   JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.     1/12/2018       (12,131
USD     49,364     SGD   66,859   JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.     1/12/2018       (224
USD     451,272     EUR   379,000   UBS AG     1/12/2018       (1,068
           

 

 

 
              $(965,285
           

 

 

 

Futures Contracts

 

Description   Long/
Short
    Currency     Contracts   Notional
Amount
    Expiration
Date
    Value/
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Asset Derivatives      
Interest Rate Futures            
Euro-Bund 10 yr     Long       EUR     27          $5,229,290       December - 2017       $2,507  
Euro-Buxl 30 yr     Long       EUR     5          994,691       December - 2017       1,178  

 

35


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Portfolio of Investments – continued

 

Futures Contracts - continued

 

Description   Long/
Short
    Currency     Contracts   Notional
Amount
    Expiration
Date
    Value/
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Asset Derivatives – continued      
Interest Rate Futures – continued      
U.S. Treasury Ultra Note 10 yr     Short       USD     41     $5,460,047       March - 2018       $46,860  
Government of Canada Bond 10 yr     Short       CAD     12     1,271,480       March - 2018       614  
U.S. Treasury Bond 30 yr     Short       USD     4     606,875       March - 2018       7,860  
U.S. Treasury Note 5 yr     Short       USD     48     5,584,500       March - 2018       24,959  
U.S. Treasury Note 10 yr     Short       USD     379     47,013,766       March - 2018       355,288  
           

 

 

 
              $439,266  
           

 

 

 
Liability Derivatives            
Interest Rate Futures            
Euro-Bobl 5 yr     Long       EUR     22     $3,443,654       December - 2017       $(5,813
Long Gilt 10 yr     Long       GBP     35     5,850,484       March - 2018       (36,568
U.S. Treasury Ultra Bond     Long       USD     8     1,319,000       March - 2018       (17,600
           

 

 

 
              $(59,981
           

 

 

 

At November 30, 2017, the fund had liquid securities with an aggregate value of $800,144 to cover any collateral or margin obligations for certain derivative contracts.

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

36


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Financial Statements

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

At 11/30/17

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

 

Assets         

Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value (identified cost, $542,430,805)

     $548,442,915  

Investments in affiliated issuers, at value (identified cost, $5,804,198)

     5,804,060  

Cash

     835,749  

Foreign currency, at value (identified cost, $5,334)

     5,356  

Receivables for

  

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

     1,193,197  

Daily variation margin on open futures contracts

     215,223  

Investments sold

     1,251,806  

Interest

     5,892,588  

Other assets

     3,927  

Total assets

     $563,644,821  
Liabilities         

Notes payable

     $100,000,000  

Payables for

 

Distributions

     195,215  

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

     965,285  

Investments purchased

     4,151,854  

Capital shares reacquired

     1,399,044  

Payable to affiliates

 

Investment adviser

     14,180  

Transfer agent and dividend disbursing costs

     2,697  

Payable for independent Trustees’ compensation

     12,927  

Accrued interest expense

     151,114  

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

     161,768  

Total liabilities

     $107,054,084  

Net assets

     $456,590,737  
Net assets consist of         

Paid-in capital

     $469,688,561  

Unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     6,633,618  

Accumulated net realized gain (loss)

     (17,406,307

Accumulated distributions in excess of net investment income

     (2,325,135

Net assets

     $456,590,737  

Shares of beneficial interest outstanding (49,589,421 shares authorized less 296,986 capital shares to be retired)

     49,292,435  

Net asset value per share (net assets of $456,590,737 / 49,292,435 shares of beneficial interest outstanding)

     $9.26  

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

37


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Financial Statements

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Year ended 11/30/17

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

 

Net investment income (loss)         

Income

 

Interest

     $24,355,862  

Dividends from affiliated issuers

     93,342  

Foreign taxes withheld

     (1,156

Total investment income

     $24,448,048  

Expenses

 

Management fee

     $2,633,154  

Transfer agent and dividend disbursing costs

     64,181  

Administrative services fee

     84,008  

Independent Trustees’ compensation

     65,390  

Stock exchange fee

     49,976  

Custodian fee

     52,462  

Shareholder communications

     167,162  

Audit and tax fees

     79,682  

Legal fees

     62,170  

Interest expense

     1,617,398  

Miscellaneous

     60,424  

Total expenses

     $4,936,007  

Net investment income (loss)

     $19,512,041  
Realized and unrealized gain (loss)  

Realized gain (loss) (identified cost basis)

 

Unaffiliated issuers

     $2,513,131  

Affiliated issuers

     1,025  

Futures contracts

     (263,191

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

     952,313  

Foreign currency

     27,466  

Net realized gain (loss)

     $3,230,744  

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

 

Unaffiliated issuers

     $17,353,456  

Affiliated issuers

     (138

Futures contracts

     837,882  

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

     (5,006,337

Translation of assets and liabilities in foreign currencies

     44,438  

Net unrealized gain (loss)

     $13,229,301  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

     $16,460,045  

Change in net assets from operations

     $35,972,086  

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

38


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.

 

     Year ended  
Change in net assets    11/30/17      11/30/16  
From operations  

Net investment income (loss)

     $19,512,041        $23,982,372  

Net realized gain (loss)

     3,230,744        (16,119,265

Net unrealized gain (loss)

     13,229,301        32,311,594  

Change in net assets from operations

     $35,972,086        $40,174,701  
Distributions declared to shareholders  

From net investment income

     $(16,248,537      $(25,680,863

From tax return of capital

     (21,298,942      (12,631,474

Total distributions declared to shareholders

     $(37,547,479      $(38,312,337

Change in net assets from fund share transactions

     $(18,955,628      $(8,777,369

Total change in net assets

     $(20,531,021      $(6,915,005
Net assets  

At beginning of period

     477,121,758        484,036,763  

At end of period (including accumulated distributions in excess of net investment income of $2,325,135 and $8,203,523, respectively)

     $456,590,737        $477,121,758  

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

39


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Financial Statements

 

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

Year ended 11/30/17

This statement provides a summary of cash flows from investment activity for the fund.

 

Cash flows from operating activities:         

Change in net assets from operations

     $35,972,086  
Adjustments to reconcile change in net assets from operations to net cash provided by operating activities:         

Purchase of investment securities

     (329,785,958

Proceeds from disposition of investment securities

     360,210,864  

Proceeds from disposition of short-term investments, net

     3,500,955  

Realized gain/loss on investments

     (2,514,156

Unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments

     (17,353,318

Unrealized appreciation/depreciation on foreign currency contracts

     5,006,337  

Net amortization/accretion of income

     (74,840

Decrease in interest receivable

     857,073  

Decrease in accrued expenses and other liabilities

     (15,164

Decrease in receivable for daily variation margin on open futures contracts

     103,392  

Decrease in other assets

     147,769  

Increase in interest payable

     62,482  

Net cash provided by operating activities

     $56,117,522  
Cash flows from financing activities:         

Distributions paid in cash

     (37,545,614

Repurchase of shares of beneficial interest

     (18,337,499

Net cash used by financing activities

     $(55,883,113

Net increase in cash

     $234,409  
Cash:         

Beginning of period (including foreign currency of $37)

     $606,696  

End of period (including foreign currency of $5,356)

     $841,105  

 

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

 

 

Cash paid during the year ended November 30, 2017 for interest was $1,554,916.  

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

40


Table of Contents

Financial Statements

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

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

 

    Year ended  
    11/30/17     11/30/16     11/30/15     11/30/14     11/30/13  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $9.26       $9.20       $10.17       $10.17       $10.40  
Income (loss) from investment operations                                  

Net investment income (loss) (d)

    $0.39       $0.46 (c)      $0.49       $0.52       $0.57  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

    0.33       0.32       (0.68     0.04       (0.18

Total from investment operations

    $0.72       $0.78       $(0.19     $0.56       $0.39  
Less distributions declared to shareholders                                  

From net investment income

    $(0.32     $(0.50     $(0.81     $(0.58     $(0.62

From tax return of capital

    (0.43     (0.24                  

Total distributions declared to shareholders

    $(0.75     $(0.74     $(0.81     $(0.58     $(0.62

Net increase from repurchase of capital shares

    $0.03       $0.02       $0.03       $0.02       $0.00 (w) 

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $9.26       $9.26       $9.20       $10.17       $10.17  

Market value, end of period

    $8.40       $8.35       $7.92       $8.81       $8.97  

Total return at market value (%)

    9.67       15.19       (1.28     4.68       (6.13

Total return at net asset value (%) (j)(r)(s)(x)

    9.02       9.97 (c)      (0.66     6.58       4.28  
Ratios (%) (to average net assets)
and Supplemental data:
                                 

Expenses before expense reductions (f)

    1.05       0.99 (c)      0.90       0.87       0.92  

Expenses after expense reductions (f)

    N/A       N/A       N/A       0.87       0.92  

Net investment income

    4.16       5.01 (c)      5.01       5.09       5.53  

Portfolio turnover

    52       43       37       44       52  

Net assets at end of period (000 omitted)

    $456,591       $477,122       $484,037       $548,530       $557,238  
Supplemental Ratios (%):                                  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets after
expense reductions and excluding interest
expense and fees (f)

    0.71       0.73 (c)      0.73       0.72       0.75  
Senior Securities:                                  

Total notes payable outstanding (000 omitted)

    $100,000       $100,000       $100,000       $100,000       $100,000  

Asset coverage per $1,000 of indebtedness (k)

    $5,566       $5,771       $5,840       $6,485       $6,572  

 

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(c) Amount reflects a one-time reimbursement of expenses by the custodian (or former custodian) without which net investment income and performance would be lower and expenses would be higher.
(d) Per share data is based on average shares outstanding.
(f) Ratios do not reflect reductions from fees paid indirectly, if applicable.
(j) Total return at net asset value is calculated using the net asset value of the fund, not the publicly traded price and therefore may be different than the total return at market value.
(k) Calculated by subtracting the fund’s total liabilities (not including notes payable) from the fund’s total assets and dividing this number by the notes payable outstanding and then multiplying by 1,000.
(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.
(w) Per share amount was less than $0.01.
(x) The net asset values and total returns at net asset value 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

(1) Business and Organization

MFS Charter Income Trust (the fund) is organized as a Massachusetts business trust and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as a diversified closed-end management investment company.

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

(2) Significant Accounting Policies

General – The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of increases and decreases in net assets from operations during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. In the preparation of these financial statements, management has evaluated subsequent events occurring after the date of the fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities through the date that the financial statements were issued. The fund invests in high-yield securities rated below investment grade. Investments in high-yield securities involve greater degrees of credit and market risk than investments in higher-rated securities and tend to be more sensitive to economic conditions. The fund invests in foreign securities. Investments in foreign securities are vulnerable to the effects of changes in the relative values of the local currency and the U.S. dollar and to the effects of changes in each country’s legal, political, and economic environment.

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

In November 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230) – Restricted Cash (“ASU 2016-18”). For entities that have restricted cash and are required to present a statement of cash flows, ASU 2016-18 changes the cash flow presentation for restricted cash. Although still evaluating the potential impacts of ASU 2016-18, management expects that the effects of the fund’s adoption will be limited to the reclassification of restricted cash on the fund’s Statement of Cash Flows and the addition of disclosures regarding the nature of the restrictions on restricted cash. ASU 2016-18 will be effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those annual periods.

 

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

Balance Sheet Offsetting – The fund’s accounting policy with respect to balance sheet offsetting is that, absent an event of default by the counterparty or a termination of the agreement, the International Swaps and Derivatives Association (ISDA) Master Agreement, or similar agreement, does not result in an offset of reported amounts of financial assets and financial liabilities in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities across transactions between the fund and the applicable counterparty. The fund’s right to setoff may be restricted or prohibited by the bankruptcy or insolvency laws of the 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. Exchange-traded options are generally valued at the last sale or official closing price on their primary exchange as provided by a third-party pricing service. Exchange-traded options for which there were no sales reported that day are generally valued at the last daily bid quotation on their primary exchange as provided by a third-party pricing service. Options not traded on an exchange are generally valued at a broker/dealer bid quotation. Foreign currency options are generally valued at valuations provided by a third-party pricing service. Futures contracts are generally valued at last posted settlement price 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

 

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such as yield, quality, coupon rate, maturity, type of issue, trading characteristics, and other market data. The values of foreign securities and other assets and liabilities expressed in foreign currencies are converted to U.S. dollars using the mean of bid and asked prices for rates provided by a third-party pricing service.

The Board of Trustees has delegated primary responsibility for determining or causing to be determined the value of the fund’s investments (including any fair valuation) to the adviser pursuant to valuation policies and procedures approved by the Board. If the adviser determines that reliable market quotations are not readily available, investments are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the adviser in accordance with such procedures under the oversight of the Board of Trustees. Under the fund’s valuation policies and procedures, market quotations are not considered to be readily available for most types of debt instruments and floating rate loans and many types of derivatives. These investments are generally valued at fair value based on information from third-party pricing services. In addition, investments may be valued at fair value if the adviser determines that an investment’s value has been materially affected by events occurring after the close of the exchange or market on which the investment is principally traded (such as foreign exchange or market) and prior to the determination of the fund’s net asset value, or after the halting of trading of a specific security where trading does not resume prior to the close of the exchange or market on which the security is principally traded. The adviser generally relies on third-party pricing services or other information (such as the correlation with price movements of similar securities in the same or other markets; the type, cost and investment characteristics of the security; the business and financial condition of the issuer; and trading and other market data) to assist in determining whether to fair value and at what value to fair value an investment. The value of an investment for purposes of calculating the fund’s net asset value can differ depending on the source and method used to determine value. When fair valuation is used, the value of an investment used to determine the fund’s net asset value may differ from quoted or published prices for the same investment. There can be no assurance that the fund could obtain the fair value assigned to an investment if it were to sell the investment at the same time at which the fund determines its net asset value per share.

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

 

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such as futures contracts and forward foreign currency exchange contracts. The following is a summary of the levels used as of November 30, 2017 in valuing the fund’s assets or liabilities:

 

Financial Instruments    Level 1     Level 2     Level 3      Total  
Equity Securities      $237,869       $—       $546,993        $784,862  
U.S. Treasury Bonds & U.S. Government Agency & Equivalents            67,332,765              67,332,765  
Non-U.S. Sovereign Debt            88,956,844              88,956,844  
Municipal Bonds            115,280              115,280  
U.S. Corporate Bonds            282,605,676              282,605,676  
Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities            18,240,520              18,240,520  
Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities            2,002,270              2,002,270  
Asset-Backed Securities (including CDOs)            10,399,722              10,399,722  
Foreign Bonds            76,424,563              76,424,563  
Floating Rate Loans            1,580,413              1,580,413  
Mutual Funds      5,804,060                    5,804,060  
Total      $6,041,929       $547,658,053       $546,993        $554,246,975  
Other Financial Instruments                          
Futures Contracts – Assets      $439,266       $—       $—        $439,266  
Futures Contracts – Liabilities      (59,981                  (59,981
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts – Assets            1,193,197              1,193,197  
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts – Liabilities            (965,285            (965,285

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

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

 

     Equity Securities  
Balance as of 11/30/16      $—  

Received as part of a corporate action

     546,993  
Balance as of 11/30/17      $546,993  

At November 30, 2017, the fund held one level 3 security.

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

 

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

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

The derivative instruments used by the fund were purchased options, futures contracts, and forward foreign currency exchange contracts. Depending on the type of derivative, the fund may exit a derivative position by entering into an offsetting transaction with a counterparty or exchange, negotiating an agreement with the derivative counterparty, or novating the position to a third party. The fund may be unable to promptly close out a futures position in instances where the daily fluctuation in the price for that type of future exceeds the daily limit set by the exchange. The fund’s period end derivatives, as presented in the Portfolio of Investments and the associated Derivative Contract tables, generally are indicative of the volume of its derivative activity during the period.

The following table presents, by major type of derivative contract, the fair value, on a gross basis, of the asset and liability components of derivatives held by the fund at November 30, 2017 as reported in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities:

 

        Fair Value (a)  
Risk   Derivative Contracts   Asset Derivatives     Liability Derivatives  
Interest Rate   Interest Rate Futures     $439,266       $(59,981
Foreign Exchange   Forward Foreign Currency Exchange     1,193,197       (965,285
Total       $1,632,463       $(1,025,266

 

(a) The value for futures contracts presented in this table corresponds to the value reported in the fund’s Portfolio of Investments. Only the current day net variation margin for futures contracts is separately reported within the fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

The following table presents, by major type of derivative contract, the realized gain (loss) on derivatives held by the fund for the year ended November 30, 2017 as reported in the Statement of Operations:

 

Risk    Futures
Contracts
     Forward
Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Contracts
     Investments
(Purchased
Options)
 
Interest Rate      $(263,191      $—        $(25,970
Foreign Exchange             952,313         
Equity                    (70,980
Total      $(263,191      $952,313        $(96,950

 

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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 year ended November 30, 2017 as reported in the Statement of Operations:

 

Risk    Futures
Contracts
     Forward
Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Contracts
     Investments
(Purchased
Options)
 
Interest Rate      $837,882        $—        $—  
Foreign Exchange             (5,006,337       
Equity                    49,010  
Total      $837,882        $(5,006,337      $49,010  

Derivative counterparty credit risk is managed through formal evaluation of the creditworthiness of all potential counterparties. On certain, but not all, uncleared derivatives, the fund attempts to reduce its exposure to counterparty credit risk whenever possible by entering into an ISDA Master Agreement on a bilateral basis. The ISDA Master Agreement gives each party to the agreement the right to terminate all transactions traded under such agreement if there is a certain deterioration in the credit quality of the other party. Upon an event of default or a termination of the ISDA Master Agreement, the non-defaulting party has the right to close out all transactions traded under such agreement and to net amounts owed under each agreement to one net amount payable by one party to the other. This right to close out and net payments across all transactions traded under the ISDA Master Agreement could result in a reduction of the fund’s credit risk to such counterparty equal to any amounts payable by the fund under the applicable transactions, if any.

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

 

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Purchased Options – The fund purchased put options for a premium. Purchased put options entitle the holder to sell a specified number of shares or units of a particular security, currency or index at a specified price at a specified date or within a specified period of time. Purchasing put options may hedge against an anticipated decline in the value of portfolio securities or currency or decrease the fund’s exposure to an underlying instrument.

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

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

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

Upon entering into a futures contract, the fund is required to deposit with the broker, either in cash or securities, an initial margin in an amount equal to a certain percentage of the notional amount of the contract. Subsequent payments (variation margin) are made or received by the fund each day, depending on the daily fluctuations in the value of the contract, and are recorded for financial statement purposes as unrealized gain or loss by the fund until the contract is closed or expires at which point the gain or loss on futures contracts is realized.

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

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts – The fund entered into forward foreign currency exchange contracts for the purchase or sale of a specific foreign currency at a fixed price on a future date. These contracts may be used to hedge the fund’s currency risk or for non-hedging purposes. For hedging purposes, the fund may enter into contracts to deliver or receive foreign currency that the fund will receive from

 

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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 forward foreign currency exchange contracts.

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, a multicurrency cash settlement system for the centralized settlement of foreign transactions. 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.

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

Statement of Cash Flows – Information on financial transactions which have been settled through the receipt or disbursement of cash is presented in the Statement of Cash Flows. The cash amount shown in the Statement of Cash Flows is the amount included within the fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities and includes cash on hand at its custodian bank and does not include any short-term investments.

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

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

 

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consent fees, and prepayment fees. Commitment fees are recorded on an accrual basis as income in the accompanying financial statements. Dividends received in cash are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Certain dividends from foreign securities will be recorded when the fund is informed of the dividend if such information is obtained subsequent to the ex-dividend date. Dividend and interest payments received in additional securities are recorded on the ex-dividend or ex-interest date in an amount equal to the value of the security on such date. Debt obligations may be placed on non-accrual status or set to accrue at a rate of interest less than the contractual coupon when the collection of all or a portion of interest has become doubtful. Interest income for those debt obligations may be further reduced by the write-off of the related interest receivables when deemed uncollectible.

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

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

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

To mitigate this risk of loss on TBA securities and other types of forward settling mortgage-backed securities, the fund whenever possible enters into a Master Securities Forward Transaction Agreement (“MSFTA”) on a bilateral basis with each of the counterparties with whom it undertakes a significant volume of transactions. The MSFTA gives each party to the agreement the right to terminate all transactions traded under such agreement if there is a certain deterioration in the credit quality of the

 

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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.

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. The fund seeks to pay monthly distributions based on an annual rate of 8.00% of the fund’s average monthly net asset value. As a result, distributions may exceed actual earnings which may result in a tax return of capital or, to the extent the fund has long-term gains, distributions of current year long-term gains may be recharacterized as ordinary income. 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.

Book/tax differences primarily relate to defaulted bonds, expiration of capital loss carryforwards, amortization and accretion of debt securities, straddle loss deferrals, and derivative transactions.

 

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Notes to Financial Statements – continued

 

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

 

     Year ended
11/30/17
     Year ended
11/30/16
 
Ordinary income (including any short-term capital gains)      $16,248,537        $25,680,863  
Tax return of capital (b)      21,298,942        12,631,474  
Total distributions      $37,547,479        $38,312,337  

 

(b) Distributions in excess of tax basis earnings and profits are reported in the financial statements as a tax return of capital.

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

 

As of 11/30/17       
Cost of investments      $554,840,093  
Gross appreciation      11,446,504  
Gross depreciation      (11,432,425
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)      $14,079  
Capital loss carryforwards      (12,918,244
Other temporary differences      (193,659

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

 

Short-Term      $(2,498,649
Long-Term      (10,419,595
Total      $(12,918,244

(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 0.32% of the fund’s average daily net assets and 4.57% of gross income less interest expense from leveraging. Gross income is calculated based on tax elections that generally include the accretion of discount and exclude the amortization of premium, which may differ from investment income reported in the Statement of Operations. The management fee, from net assets and gross income, incurred for the year ended November 30, 2017 was equivalent to an annual effective rate of 0.56% of the fund’s average daily net assets.

Transfer Agent – The fund engages Computershare Trust Company, N.A. (“Computershare”) as the sole transfer agent for the fund. MFS Service Center, Inc. (MFSC) monitors and supervises the activities of Computershare for an agreed upon fee approved by the Board of Trustees. For the year ended November 30, 2017, these fees paid to MFSC amounted to $16,105.

 

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Notes to Financial Statements – continued

 

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 year ended November 30, 2017 was equivalent to an annual effective rate of 0.0179% 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 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 $2,748 and is included in “Independent Trustees’ compensation” in the Statement of Operations for the year ended November 30, 2017. The liability for deferred retirement benefits payable to certain independent Trustees under the DB plan amounted to $12,893 at November 30, 2017, and is included in “Payable for independent Trustees’ compensation” in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

Other – This fund and certain other funds managed by MFS (the funds) have entered into a service agreement (the ISO Agreement) which provides for payment of fees solely by the funds to Tarantino LLC in return for the provision of services of an Independent Senior Officer (ISO) for the funds. Frank L. Tarantino serves as the ISO and is an officer of the funds and the sole member of Tarantino LLC. The funds can terminate the ISO Agreement with Tarantino LLC at any time under the terms of the ISO Agreement. For the year ended November 30, 2017, the fee paid by the fund under this agreement was $877 and is included in “Miscellaneous” expense in the Statement of Operations. MFS has agreed to bear all expenses associated with office space, other administrative support, and supplies provided to the ISO.

The fund invests in the MFS Institutional Money Market Portfolio which is managed by MFS and seeks current income consistent with preservation of capital and liquidity. This money market fund does not pay a management fee to MFS.

The fund is permitted to engage in purchase and sale transactions with funds and accounts for which MFS serves as investment adviser or sub-adviser (“cross-trades”) pursuant to a policy adopted by the Board of Trustees. This policy has been designed to ensure that cross-trades conducted by the fund comply with Rule 17a-7 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Under this policy, cross-trades are effected at current market prices with no remuneration paid in connection with the transaction. During the year ended November 30, 2017, the fund engaged in sale transactions pursuant to this policy, which amounted to $438,690. The sales transactions resulted in net realized gains (losses) of $8,207.

 

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Notes to Financial Statements – continued

 

(4) Portfolio Securities

For the year ended November 30, 2017, purchases and sales of investments, other than purchased option transactions and short-term obligations, were as follows:

 

     Purchases      Sales  
U.S. Government securities      $67,127,055        $38,552,393  
Non-U.S. Government securities      $221,658,079        $288,359,706  

(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. The Trustees have authorized the repurchase by the fund of up to 10% annually of its own shares of beneficial interest. The fund repurchased 2,208,712 shares of beneficial interest during the year ended November 30, 2017 at an average price per share of $8.58 and a weighted average discount of 8.21% per share. The fund repurchased 1,084,828 shares of beneficial interest during the year ended November 30, 2016 at an average price per share of $8.57 and a weighted average discount of 11.80% per share. Transactions in fund shares were as follows:

 

     Year ended
11/30/17
     Year ended
11/30/16
 
     Shares      Amount      Shares      Amount  
Capital shares reacquired      (2,208,712      $(18,955,628      (1,084,828      $(8,777,369

(6) Loan Agreement

The fund has a credit agreement with a bank for a revolving secured line of credit that can be drawn upon up to $100,000,000. At November 30, 2017, the fund had outstanding borrowings under this agreement in the amount of $100,000,000, which are secured by a lien on the fund’s assets. The loan’s carrying value in the fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities approximates its fair value. The loan value as of the reporting date is considered level 2 under the fair value hierarchy. The credit agreement matures on August 19, 2018. Borrowings under the agreement can be made for liquidity or leverage purposes. Interest is charged at a rate per annum equal to LIBOR plus an agreed upon spread or an alternate rate, at the option of the borrower, stated as the greater of the bank’s prime rate, the daily one month LIBOR plus an agreed upon spread, or the Overnight Federal Funds Rate plus an agreed upon spread. The fund incurred interest expense of $1,612,761 during the period, which is included in “Interest expense” in the Statement of Operations. The fund may also be charged a commitment fee based on the average daily unused portion of the revolving secured line of credit. The fund did not incur a commitment fee during the period. For the year ended November 30, 2017, the average loan balance was $100,000,000 at a weighted average annual interest rate of 1.61%. The fund is subject to certain covenants including, but not limited to, requirements with respect to asset coverage, portfolio diversification and liquidity.

 

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Notes to Financial Statements – continued

 

(7) Investments in Affiliated Issuers

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

 

Affiliated Issuers          Beginning
Shares/Par
Amount
    Acquisitions
Shares/Par
Amount
    Dispositions
Shares/Par
Amount
    Ending
Shares/Par
Amount
 
MFS Institutional Money
Market Portfolio
      9,305,595       177,593,593       (181,094,548     5,804,640  
Affiliated Issuers   Realized
Gain (Loss)
    Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
    Capital Gain
Distributions
    Dividend
Income
    Ending
Value
 
MFS Institutional Money
Market Portfolio
    $1,025       $(138     $—       $93,342       $5,804,060  

(8) Legal Proceedings

In May 2015, the Motors Liquidation Company Avoidance Action Trust (hereafter, “AAT”) served upon the fund a complaint in an adversary proceeding in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York, captioned Motors Liquidation Company Avoidance Action Trust v. JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., et al. (No. 09-00504 (REG)). The complaint, which was originally filed in 2009 but not served on the fund until 2015, names as defendants over 500 entities (including the fund) that held an interest in a $1.5 billion General Motors (GM) term loan in 2009, when GM filed for bankruptcy. The AAT alleges that the fund and the other term loan lenders were improperly treated as secured lenders with respect to the term loan shortly before and immediately after GM’s bankruptcy, receiving full principal and interest payments under the loan. The AAT alleges that the fund and other term loan lenders should have been treated as unsecured (or partially unsecured) creditors because the main lien securing the collateral was allegedly not perfected at the time of GM’s bankruptcy due to an erroneous filing in October 2008 that terminated the financing statement perfecting the lien. The AAT seeks to claw back payments made to the fund and the other term loan lenders after, and during the 90 days before, GM’s June 2009 bankruptcy petition. During that time period, the fund received term loan payments of approximately $1,280,000. The fund cannot predict the outcome of this proceeding. Among other things, it is unclear whether the AAT’s claims will succeed; what the fund would be entitled to as an unsecured (or partially unsecured) creditor, given the existence of other collateral not impacted by the erroneous October 2008 filing; whether third parties responsible for the erroneous October 2008 filing would bear some or all of any liability; and the degree to which the fund may be entitled to indemnification from a third party for any amount required to be disgorged. The fund has and will continue to incur legal expenses associated with the defense of this action and in related claims against third parties.

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Trustees and Shareholders of MFS Charter Income Trust:

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the portfolio of investments, of MFS Charter Income Trust (the Fund) as of November 30, 2017, and the related statements of operations and cash flows for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. We were not engaged to perform an audit of the Fund’s internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Fund’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements and financial highlights, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of November 30, 2017, by correspondence with the custodian and others or by other appropriate auditing procedures where replies from others were not received. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of MFS Charter Income Trust at November 30, 2017, the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

LOGO

Boston, Massachusetts

January 16, 2018

 

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RESULTS OF SHAREHOLDER MEETING

(unaudited)

At the annual meeting of shareholders of MFS Charter Income Trust, which was held on October 5, 2017, the following action was taken:

Item 1: To elect the following individuals as Trustees:

 

     Number of Shares  

Nominee

   For     

Withheld Authority

 
Steven E. Buller      42,567,207.003        797,588.746  
Michael Hegarty      42,580,398.787        784,396.962  
John P. Kavanaugh      42,644,500.483        720,295.266  

 

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TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS — IDENTIFICATION AND BACKGROUND

The Trustees and Officers of the Trust, as of January 1, 2018, are listed below, together with their principal occupations during the past five years. (Their titles may have varied during that period.) The address of each Trustee and Officer is 111 Huntington Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02199-7618.

 

Name, Age

 

Position(s)
Held

with Fund

 

Trustee/
Officer

Since (h)

  Term
Expiring
  Number of
MFS Funds
overseen
by the
Trustee
 

Principal
Occupations
During

the Past
Five Years

 

Other

Directorships
During the Past
Five Years (j)

INTERESTED TRUSTEES        
Robert J. Manning (k)
(age 54)
  Trustee   February 2004   2019   137   Massachusetts Financial Services Company, Executive Chairman (since January 2017); Director; Chairman of the Board; Chief Executive Officer (until 2015); Co-Chief Executive Officer (2015-2016)   N/A

Robin A. Stelmach (k)

(age 56)

  Trustee   January 2014   2018   137  

Massachusetts Financial

Services Company, Vice Chair (since January 2017); Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President (until January 2017)

  N/A
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES        

John P. Kavanaugh

(age 63)

  Trustee and Chair of Trustees   January 2009   2020   137   Private investor   N/A

 

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Trustees and Officers – continued

 

Name, Age

 

Position(s)
Held

with Fund

 

Trustee/
Officer

Since (h)

  Term
Expiring
  Number of
MFS Funds
overseen
by the
Trustee
 

Principal
Occupations
During

the Past
Five Years

 

Other

Directorships
During the Past
Five Years (j)

Steven E. Buller

(age 66)

  Trustee   February 2014   2020   137   Financial Accounting Standards Advisory Council, Chairman (2014-2015); Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, Standing Advisory Group, Member (until 2014); BlackRock, Inc. (investment management), Managing Director (until 2014), BlackRock Finco UK (investment management), Director (until 2014)   N/A

John A. Caroselli

(age 63)

  Trustee   March 2017   2018   137   JC Global Advisors, LLC (management consulting), President (since 2015); First Capital Corporation (commercial finance), Executive Vice President (until 2015)   N/A

Maureen R. Goldfarb

(age 62)

  Trustee   January 2009   2019   137   Private investor   N/A
Michael Hegarty
(age 73)
  Trustee   December 2004   2020   137   Private investor   Rouse Properties Inc., Director (until 2016); Capmark Financial Group Inc., Director (until 2015)

 

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Trustees and Officers – continued

 

Name, Age

 

Position(s)
Held

with Fund

 

Trustee/
Officer

Since (h)

  Term
Expiring
  Number of
MFS Funds
overseen
by the
Trustee
 

Principal
Occupations
During

the Past
Five Years

 

Other

Directorships
During the Past
Five Years (j)

Clarence Otis, Jr.

(age 61)

  Trustee   March 2017   2018   137   Darden Restaurants, Inc., Chief Executive Officer (until 2014)   VF Corporation, Director; Verizon Communications, Inc., Director; The Travelers Companies, Director; Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, Director (until 2015)

Maryanne L. Roepke

(age 61)

  Trustee   May 2014   2019   137   American Century Investments (investment management), Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer (until 2014)   N/A
Laurie J. Thomsen
(age 60)
  Trustee   March 2005   2019   137   Private investor   The Travelers Companies, Director; Dycom Industries, Inc., Director (since 2015)

 

Name, Age

 

Position(s)
Held

with Fund

 

Trustee/Officer

Since (h)

 

Term

Expiring

 

Number of
MFS Funds
for which
the Person is
an Officer

 

Principal
Occupations
During the
Past Five Years

OFFICERS          
Christopher R. Bohane (k)
(age 43)
  Assistant Secretary and Assistant Clerk   July 2005   N/A   137   Massachusetts Financial Services Company, Vice President and Assistant General Counsel

Kino Clark (k)

(age 49)

 

Assistant

Treasurer

  January 2012   N/A   137   Massachusetts Financial Services Company, Vice President

 

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Trustees and Officers – continued

 

Name, Age

 

Position(s)
Held

with Fund

 

Trustee/Officer

Since (h)

 

Term

Expiring

 

Number of
MFS Funds
for which
the Person is
an Officer

 

Principal
Occupations
During the
Past Five Years

John W. Clark, Jr. (k)

(age 50)

  Assistant Treasurer   April 2017   N/A   137   Massachusetts Financial Services Company, Vice President (since March 2017); Deutsche Bank (financial services), Department Head – Treasurer’s Office (until February 2017)

Thomas H. Connors (k)

(age 58)

 

Assistant

Secretary and Assistant Clerk

  September 2012   N/A   137   Massachusetts Financial Services Company, Vice President and Senior Counsel
Ethan D. Corey (k)
(age 54)
  Assistant Secretary and Assistant Clerk   July 2005   N/A   137   Massachusetts Financial Services Company, Senior Vice President and Associate General Counsel
David L. DiLorenzo (k)
(age 49)
  President   July 2005   N/A   137   Massachusetts Financial Services Company, Senior Vice President

Heidi W. Hardin (k)

(age 50)

  Secretary and Clerk   April 2017   N/A   137   Massachusetts Financial Services Company, Executive Vice President and General Counsel (since March 2017); Harris Associates (investment management), General Counsel (from September 2015 to January 2017); Janus Capital Management LLC (investment management), Senior Vice President and General Counsel (until September 2015)

 

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Trustees and Officers – continued

 

Name, Age

 

Position(s)
Held

with Fund

 

Trustee/Officer

Since (h)

 

Term

Expiring

 

Number of
MFS Funds
for which
the Person is
an Officer

 

Principal
Occupations
During the
Past Five Years

Brian E. Langenfeld (k)

(age 44)

  Assistant Secretary and Assistant Clerk   June 2006   N/A   137   Massachusetts Financial Services Company, Vice President and Senior Counsel
Susan A. Pereira (k)
(age 47)
  Assistant Secretary and Assistant Clerk   July 2005   N/A   137   Massachusetts Financial Services Company, Vice President and Senior Counsel

Kasey L. Phillips (k)

(age 47)

  Assistant Treasurer   September 2012   N/A   137   Massachusetts Financial Services Company, Vice President

Matthew A. Stowe (k)

(age 43)

  Assistant Secretary and Assistant Clerk   October 2014   N/A   137   Massachusetts Financial Services Company, Vice President and Assistant General Counsel
Frank L. Tarantino
(age 73)
 

Independent

Senior Officer

  June 2004   N/A   137   Tarantino LLC (provider of compliance services), Principal
Richard S. Weitzel (k)
(age 47)
  Assistant Secretary and Assistant Clerk   October 2007   N/A   137   Massachusetts Financial Services Company, Senior Vice President and Associate General Counsel

Martin J. Wolin (k)

(age 50)

  Chief Compliance Officer   July 2015   N/A   137   Massachusetts Financial Services Company, Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer (since July 2015); Mercer (financial service provider), Chief Risk and Compliance Officer, North America and Latin America (until June 2015)

 

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Trustees and Officers – continued

 

Name, Age

 

Position(s)
Held

with Fund

 

Trustee/Officer

Since (h)

 

Term

Expiring

 

Number of
MFS Funds
for which
the Person is
an Officer

 

Principal
Occupations
During the
Past Five Years

James O. Yost (k)
(age 57)
  Treasurer   September 1990   N/A   137   Massachusetts Financial Services Company, Senior Vice President

 

(h) Date first appointed to serve as Trustee/officer of an MFS Fund. Each Trustee has served continuously since appointment unless indicated otherwise. For the period from December 15, 2004 until February 22, 2005, Mr. Manning served as Advisory Trustee. Prior to January 2012, Messrs. DiLorenzo and Yost served as Assistant Treasurers of the Funds. From January 2012 through December 2016, Messrs. DiLorenzo and Yost served as Treasurer and Deputy Treasurer of the Funds, respectively.
(j) Directorships or trusteeships of companies required to report to the Securities and Exchange Commission (i.e., “public companies”).
(k) “Interested person” of the Trust within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (referred to as the 1940 Act), which is the principal federal law governing investment companies like the fund, as a result of a position with MFS. The address of MFS is 111 Huntington Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02199-7618.

The Trust holds annual shareholder meetings for the purpose of electing Trustees, and Trustees are elected for fixed terms. The Board of Trustees is currently divided into three classes, each having a term of three years which term expires on the date of the third annual meeting following the election to office of the Trustee’s class. Each year the term of one class expires. Each Trustee and officer will serve until next elected or his or her earlier death, resignation, retirement or removal. Under the terms of the Board’s retirement policy, an Independent Trustee shall retire at the end of the calendar year in which he or she reaches the earlier of 75 years of age or 15 years of service on the Board (or, in the case of any Independent Trustee who joined the Board prior to 2015, 20 years of service on the Board).

Messrs. Buller and Otis and Ms. Roepke are members of the Trust’s Audit Committee.

 

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Trustees and Officers – continued

 

Each of the Interested Trustees and certain Officers hold comparable officer positions with certain affiliates of MFS.

 

 

Investment Adviser   Custodian
Massachusetts Financial Services Company   State Street Bank and Trust Company
111 Huntington Avenue   1 Lincoln Street
Boston, MA 02199-7618   Boston, MA 02111-2900
Portfolio Manager(s)   Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Richard Hawkins   Ernst & Young LLP
Robert Spector   200 Clarendon Street
William Adams   Boston, MA 02116
Ward Brown  
David Cole  
Pilar Gomez-Bravo  
Joshua Marston  
Robert Persons  
Matt Ryan  
Erik Weisman  

 

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BOARD REVIEW OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT

The Investment Company Act of 1940 requires that both the full Board of Trustees and a majority of the non-interested (“independent”) Trustees, voting separately, annually approve the continuation of the Fund’s investment advisory agreement with MFS. The Trustees consider matters bearing on the Fund and its advisory arrangements at their meetings throughout the year, including a review of performance data at each regular meeting. In addition, the independent Trustees met several times over the course of three months beginning in May and ending in July, 2017 (“contract review meetings”) for the specific purpose of considering whether to approve the continuation of the investment advisory agreement for the Fund and the other investment companies that the Board oversees (the “MFS Funds”). The independent Trustees were assisted in their evaluation of the Fund’s investment advisory agreement by independent legal counsel, from whom they received separate legal advice and with whom they met separately from MFS during various contract review meetings. The independent Trustees were also assisted in this process by the MFS Funds’ Independent Senior Officer, a senior officer appointed by and reporting to the independent Trustees.

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

In connection with their contract review meetings, the Trustees received and relied upon materials that included, among other items: (i) information provided by Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (“Broadridge”), an independent third party, on the investment performance (based on net asset value) of the Fund for various time periods ended December 31, 2016 and the investment performance (based on net asset value) of a group of funds with substantially similar investment classifications/objectives (the “Lipper performance universe”), (ii) information provided by Broadridge on the Fund’s advisory fees and other expenses and the advisory fees and other expenses of comparable funds identified by Broadridge (the “Broadridge expense group”), (iii) information provided by MFS on the advisory fees of portfolios of other clients of MFS, including institutional separate accounts and other clients, (iv) information as to whether and to what extent applicable expense waivers, reimbursements or fee “breakpoints” are observed for the Fund, (v) information regarding MFS’ financial results and financial condition, including MFS’ and certain of its affiliates’ estimated profitability from services performed for the Fund and the MFS Funds as a whole, and compared to MFS’ institutional business, (vi) MFS’ views regarding the outlook for the mutual fund industry and the strategic business plans of MFS, (vii) descriptions of various functions performed by MFS for the Funds, such as compliance monitoring and portfolio trading practices, and (viii) information regarding the overall organization of MFS, including information about MFS’ senior management and other personnel

 

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Board Review of Investment Advisory Agreement – continued

 

providing investment advisory, administrative and other services to the Fund and the other MFS Funds. The comparative performance, fee and expense information prepared and provided by Broadridge was not independently verified and the independent Trustees did not independently verify any information provided to them by MFS.

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

Based on information provided by Broadridge and MFS, the Trustees reviewed the Fund’s total return investment performance as well as the performance of peer groups of funds over various time periods. The Trustees placed particular emphasis on the total return performance of the Fund’s common shares in comparison to the performance of funds in its Lipper performance universe over the three-year period ended December 31, 2016, which the Trustees believed was a long enough period to reflect differing market conditions. The total return performance of the Fund’s common shares ranked 15th out of a total of 25 funds in the Lipper performance universe for this three-year period (a ranking of first place out of the total number of funds in the performance universe indicating the best performer and a ranking of last place out of the total number of funds in the performance universe indicating the worst performer). The total return performance of the Fund’s common shares ranked 13th out of a total of 25 funds for the one-year period and 11th out of a total of 19 funds for the five-year period ended December 31, 2016. Given the size of the Lipper performance universe and information previously provided by MFS regarding differences between the Fund and the other funds in its Lipper performance universe, the Trustees also reviewed the Fund’s performance in comparison to a custom benchmark developed by MFS. The Fund outperformed its custom benchmark for each of the one-, three- and five-year periods ended December 31, 2016 (one-year: 13.8% total return for the Fund versus 10.0% total return for the benchmark; three-year: 5.7% total return for the Fund versus 4.5% total return for the benchmark; five-year: 6.9% total return for the Fund versus 5.2% total return for the benchmark). Because of the passage of time, these performance results may differ from the performance results for more recent periods, including those shown elsewhere in this report.

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

 

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Board Review of Investment Advisory Agreement – continued

 

In assessing the reasonableness of the Fund’s advisory fee, the Trustees considered, among other information, the Fund’s advisory fee and the total expense ratio of the Fund’s common shares as a percentage of average daily net assets and the advisory fee and total expense ratios of peer groups of funds based on information provided by Broadridge. The Trustees considered that, according to the data provided by Broadridge (which takes into account any fee reductions or expense limitations that were in effect during the Fund’s last fiscal year), the Fund’s effective advisory fee rate and total expense ratio were each lower than the Broadridge expense group median.

The Trustees also considered the advisory fees charged by MFS to any institutional separate accounts advised by MFS (“separate accounts”) and unaffiliated investment companies for which MFS serves as subadviser (“subadvised funds”) that have comparable investment strategies to the Fund, if any. In comparing these fees, the Trustees considered information provided by MFS as to the generally broader scope of services provided by MFS to the Fund, as well as the more extensive regulatory burdens imposed on MFS in managing the Fund, in comparison to separate accounts and subadvised funds.

The Trustees considered that, as a closed-end fund, the Fund is unlikely to experience meaningful asset growth. As a result, the Trustees did not view the potential for realization of economies of scale as the Fund’s assets grow to be a material factor in their deliberations. The Trustees noted that they would consider economies of scale in the future in the event the Fund experiences significant asset growth, such as through an offering of preferred shares (which is not currently contemplated) or a material increase in the market value of the Fund’s portfolio securities.

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

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

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

The Trustees also considered the nature, quality, cost, and extent of administrative services provided to the Fund by MFS under agreements other than the investment advisory agreement. The Trustees also considered the nature, extent and quality of

 

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Board Review of Investment Advisory Agreement – continued

 

certain other services MFS performs or arranges for on the Fund’s behalf, which may include securities lending programs, directed expense payment programs, class action recovery programs, and MFS’ interaction with third-party service providers, principally custodians and sub-custodians. The Trustees concluded that the various non-advisory services provided by MFS and its affiliates on behalf of the Fund were satisfactory.

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

Based on their evaluation of factors that they deemed to be material, including those factors described above, the Board of Trustees, including the independent Trustees, concluded that the Fund’s investment advisory agreement with MFS should be continued for an additional one-year period, commencing August 1, 2017.

 

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PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND INFORMATION

MFS votes proxies on behalf of the fund pursuant to proxy voting policies and

procedures that are available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-225-2606, by visiting mfs.com/proxyvoting, or by visiting the SEC’s Web site at http://www.sec.gov.

Information regarding how the fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30 is available by August 31 of each year without charge by visiting mfs.com/proxyvoting, or by visiting the SEC’s Web site at http://www.sec.gov.

QUARTERLY PORTFOLIO DISCLOSURE

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

Public Reference Room

Securities and Exchange Commission

100 F Street, NE, Room 1580

Washington, D.C. 20549

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

FURTHER INFORMATION

From time to time, MFS may post important information about the fund or the MFS funds on the MFS web site (mfs.com). This information is available at https://www.mfs.com/en-us/what-we-do/announcements.html or at mfs.com/closedendfunds by choosing the fund’s name.

Additional information about the fund (e.g. performance, dividends and the fund’s price history) is also available by clicking on the fund’s name under “Closed-End Funds” in the “Products” section of mfs.com.

 

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INFORMATION ABOUT FUND CONTRACTS AND LEGAL CLAIMS

The fund has entered into contractual arrangements with an investment adviser, administrator, transfer agent, 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.

FEDERAL TAX INFORMATION (unaudited)

The fund will notify shareholders of amounts for use in preparing 2017 income tax forms in January 2018.

 

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rev. 3/16

 

 

FACTS

 

  WHAT DOES MFS DO WITH YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION?   LOGO

 

Why?   Financial companies choose how they share your personal information. Federal law gives consumers the right to limit some but not all sharing. Federal law also requires us to tell you how we collect, share, and protect your personal information. Please read this notice carefully to understand what we do.

 

What?  

The types of personal information we collect and share depend on the product or service you have with us. This information can include:

 

 Social Security number and account balances

 Account transactions and transaction history

 Checking account information and wire transfer instructions

 

When you are no longer our customer, we continue to share your information as described in this notice.

 

How?   All financial companies need to share customers’ personal information to run their everyday business. In the section below, we list the reasons financial companies can share their customers’ personal information; the reasons MFS chooses to share; and whether you can limit this sharing.

 

Reasons we can share your
personal information
  Does MFS
share?
  Can you limit
this sharing?

For our everyday business purposes –

such as to process your transactions, maintain your account(s), respond to court orders and legal investigations, or report to credit bureaus

  Yes   No

For our marketing purposes –

to offer our products and services to you

  No   We don’t share

For joint marketing with other

financial companies

  No   We don’t share

For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes –

information about your transactions and experiences

  No   We don’t share

For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes –

information about your creditworthiness

  No   We don’t share
For nonaffiliates to market to you   No   We don’t share

 

Questions?   Call 800-225-2606 or go to mfs.com.

 

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Page 2  

 


 

Who we are
Who is providing this notice?   MFS Funds, MFS Investment Management, MFS Institutional Advisors, Inc., and MFS Heritage Trust Company.

 

What we do
How does MFS protect my personal information?   To protect your personal information from unauthorized access and use, we use security measures that comply with federal law. These measures include procedural, electronic, and physical safeguards for the protection of the personal information we collect about you.
How does MFS collect my personal information?  

We collect your personal information, for example, when you

 

 open an account or provide account information

 direct us to buy securities or direct us to sell your securities

 make a wire transfer

 

We also collect your personal information from others, such as credit bureaus, affiliates, or other companies.

Why can’t I limit all sharing?  

Federal law gives you the right to limit only

 

 sharing for affiliates’ everyday business purposes – information about your creditworthiness

 affiliates from using your information to market to you

 sharing for nonaffiliates to market to you

 

State laws and individual companies may give you additional rights to limit sharing.

 

Definitions
Affiliates  

Companies related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and nonfinancial companies.

 

 MFS does not share personal information with affiliates, except for everyday business purposes as described on page one of this notice.

Nonaffiliates  

Companies not related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and nonfinancial companies.

 

 MFS does not share with nonaffiliates so they can market to you.

Joint marketing  

A formal agreement between nonaffiliated financial companies that together market financial products or services to you.

 

 MFS doesnt jointly market.

 

 

Other important information
If you own an MFS product or receive an MFS service in the name of a third party such as a bank or broker-dealer, their privacy policy may apply to you instead of ours.

 

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LOGO

 

CONTACT US

TRANSFER AGENT, REGISTRAR, AND

DIVIDEND DISBURSING AGENT

CALL

1-800-637-2304

9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time

WRITE

Computershare Trust Company, N.A.

P.O. Box 43078

Providence, RI 02940-3078

 

New York Stock Exchange Symbol: MCR


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ITEM 2. CODE OF ETHICS.

The Registrant has adopted a Code of Ethics pursuant to Section 406 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and as defined in Form N-CSR that applies to the Registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial and accounting officer. Effective January 1, 2017, the Code was amended to (i) clarify that the term “for profit” company as used in Section II.B of the Code excludes the investment adviser and its subsidiaries and pooled investment vehicles sponsored by the investment adviser or its subsidiaries, (ii) align the Code’s provisions regarding receipt of gifts and entertainment in Section II.B of the Code with the gifts and entertainment policy of the Funds’ investment adviser, and (iii) make other administrative changes. During the period covered by the report, the Registrant has not granted a waiver, including an implicit waiver, from any provision of the Code.

A copy of the Code effective as of January 1, 2017 is filed as an exhibit to this Form N-CSR.

 

ITEM 3. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT.

Messrs. Steven E. Buller and Clarence Otis, Jr. and Ms. Maryanne L. Roepke, members of the Audit Committee, have been determined by the Board of Trustees in their reasonable business judgment to meet the definition of “audit committee financial expert” as such term is defined in Form N-CSR. In addition, Messrs. Buller and Otis and Ms. Roepke are “independent” members of the Audit Committee (as such term has been defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission in regulations implementing Section 407 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002). The Securities and Exchange Commission has stated that the designation of a person as an audit committee financial expert pursuant to this Item 3 on the Form N-CSR does not impose on such a person any duties, obligations or liability that are greater than the duties, obligations or liability imposed on such person as a member of the Audit Committee and the Board of Trustees in the absence of such designation or identification.

 

ITEM 4. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.

Items 4(a) through 4(d) and 4(g):

The Board of Trustees has appointed Ernst & Young LLP (“E&Y”) to serve as independent accountants to the Registrant (hereinafter the “Registrant” or the “Fund”). The tables below set forth the audit fees billed to the Fund as well as fees for non-audit services provided to the Fund and/or to the Fund’s investment adviser, Massachusetts Financial Services Company (“MFS”), and to various entities either controlling, controlled by, or under common control with MFS that provide ongoing services to the Fund (“MFS Related Entities”).


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For the fiscal years ended November 30, 2017 and 2016, audit fees billed to the Fund by E&Y were as follows:

 

     Audit Fees  
   2017      2016  

Fees billed by E&Y:

     

MFS Charter Income Trust

     56,683        55,056  

For the fiscal years ended November 30, 2017 and 2016, fees billed by E&Y for audit-related, tax and other services provided to the Fund and for audit-related, tax and other services provided to MFS and MFS Related Entities were as follows:

 

     Audit-Related Fees1      Tax Fees2      All Other Fees3  
   2017      2016      2017      2016      2017      2016  

Fees billed by E&Y:

                 

To MFS Charter Income Trust

     11,358        11,027        10,452        10,303        1,160        1,200  
     Audit-Related Fees1      Tax Fees2      All Other Fees3  
   2017      2016      2017      2016      2017      2016  

Fees billed by E&Y:

                 

To MFS and MFS Related Entities of MFS Charter Income Trust*

     1,603,983        1,412,499        0        0        101,450        116,023  

 

     Aggregate Fees for Non-audit
Services
 
   2017      2016  

Fees Billed by E&Y:

     

To MFS Charter Income Trust, MFS and MFS Related Entities#

     1,860,403        1,676,652  

 

* 

This amount reflects the fees billed to MFS and MFS Related Entities for non-audit services relating directly to the operations and financial reporting of the Fund (portions of which services also related to the operations and financial reporting of other funds within the MFS Funds complex).

# This amount reflects the aggregate fees billed by E&Y for non-audit services rendered to the Fund and for non-audit services rendered to MFS and the MFS Related Entities.
1 

The fees included under “Audit-Related Fees” are fees related to assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of financial statements, but not reported under ‘‘Audit Fees,’’ including accounting consultations, agreed-upon procedure reports, attestation reports, comfort letters and internal control reviews.

2 

The fees included under “Tax Fees” are fees associated with tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning, including services relating to the filing or amendment of federal, state or local income tax returns, regulated investment company qualification reviews and tax distribution and analysis.

3 

The fees included under “All Other Fees” are fees for products and services provided by E&Y other than those reported under “Audit Fees,” “Audit-Related Fees” and “Tax Fees,” including fees for services related to review of internal controls and review of Rule 38a-1 compliance program.


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Item 4(e)(1):

Set forth below are the policies and procedures established by the Audit Committee of the Board of Trustees relating to the pre-approval of audit and non-audit related services:

To the extent required by applicable law, pre-approval by the Audit Committee of the Board is needed for all audit and permissible non-audit services rendered to the Fund and all permissible non-audit services rendered to MFS or MFS Related Entities if the services relate directly to the operations and financial reporting of the Registrant. Pre-approval is currently on an engagement-by-engagement basis. In the event pre-approval of such services is necessary between regular meetings of the Audit Committee and it is not practical to wait to seek pre-approval at the next regular meeting of the Audit Committee, pre-approval of such services may be referred to the Chair of the Audit Committee for approval; provided that the Chair may not pre-approve any individual engagement for such services exceeding $50,000 or multiple engagements for such services in the aggregate exceeding $100,000 in each period between regular meetings of the Audit Committee. Any engagement pre-approved by the Chair between regular meetings of the Audit Committee shall be presented for ratification by the entire Audit Committee at its next regularly scheduled meeting.

Item 4(e)(2):

None, or 0%, of the services relating to the Audit-Related Fees, Tax Fees and All Other Fees paid by the Fund and MFS and MFS Related Entities relating directly to the operations and financial reporting of the Registrant disclosed above were approved by the audit committee pursuant to paragraphs (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X (which permits audit committee approval after the start of the engagement with respect to services other than audit, review or attest services, if certain conditions are satisfied).

Item 4(f): Not applicable.

Item 4(h): The Registrant’s Audit Committee has considered whether the provision by a Registrant’s independent registered public accounting firm of non-audit services to MFS and MFS Related Entities that were not pre-approved by the Committee (because such services did not relate directly to the operations and financial reporting of the Registrant) was compatible with maintaining the independence of the independent registered public accounting firm as the Registrant’s principal auditors.

 

ITEM 5. AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS.

The Registrant has an Audit Committee established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The members of the Audit Committee are Messrs. Steven E. Buller and Clarence Otis, Jr. and Ms. Maryanne L. Roepke.


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ITEM 6. SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

A schedule of investments of the Registrant is included as part of the report to shareholders of the Registrant under Item 1 of this Form N-CSR.

 

ITEM 7. DISCLOSURE OF PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.

MASSACHUSETTS FINANCIAL SERVICES COMPANY

PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

February 1, 2017

Massachusetts Financial Services Company, MFS Institutional Advisors, Inc., MFS International (UK) Limited, MFS Heritage Trust Company, MFS Investment Management (Canada) Limited, MFS Investment Management Company (Lux) S.à r.l., MFS International Singapore Pte. Ltd., MFS Investment Management K.K., MFS International Australia Pty. Ltd.; and MFS’ other subsidiaries that perform discretionary investment management activities (collectively, “MFS”) have adopted proxy voting policies and procedures, as set forth below (“MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures”), with respect to securities owned by the clients for which MFS serves as investment adviser and has the power to vote proxies, including the pooled investment vehicles sponsored by MFS (the “MFS Funds”). References to “clients” in these policies and procedures include the MFS Funds and other clients of MFS, such as funds organized offshore, sub-advised funds and separate account clients, to the extent these clients have delegated to MFS the responsibility to vote proxies on their behalf under the MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures.

The MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures include:

 

  A. Voting Guidelines;

 

  B. Administrative Procedures;

 

  C Records Retention; and

 

  D. Reports.

 

A. VOTING GUIDELINES

 

  1. General Policy; Potential Conflicts of Interest

MFS’ policy is that proxy voting decisions are made in what MFS believes to be the best long-term economic interests of MFS’ clients, and not in the interests of any other party or in MFS’ corporate interests, including interests such as the distribution of MFS Fund shares and institutional client relationships.


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MFS reviews corporate governance issues and proxy voting matters that are presented for shareholder vote by either management or shareholders of public companies. Based on the overall principle that all votes cast by MFS on behalf of its clients must be in what MFS believes to be the best long-term economic interests of such clients, MFS has adopted proxy voting guidelines, set forth below, that govern how MFS generally will vote on specific matters presented for shareholder vote.

As a general matter, MFS votes consistently on similar proxy proposals across all shareholder meetings. However, some proxy proposals, such as certain excessive executive compensation, environmental, social and governance matters, are analyzed on a case-by-case basis in light of all the relevant facts and circumstances of the proposal. Therefore, MFS may vote similar proposals differently at different shareholder meetings based on the specific facts and circumstances of the issuer or the terms of the proposal. In addition, MFS also reserves the right to override the guidelines with respect to a particular proxy proposal when such an override is, in MFS’ best judgment, consistent with the overall principle of voting proxies in the best long-term economic interests of MFS’ clients.

MFS also generally votes consistently on the same matter when securities of an issuer are held by multiple client accounts, unless MFS has received explicit voting instructions to vote differently from a client for its own account. From time to time, MFS may also receive comments on the MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures from its clients. These comments are carefully considered by MFS when it reviews these guidelines and revises them as appropriate.

These policies and procedures are intended to address any potential material conflicts of interest on the part of MFS or its subsidiaries that are likely to arise in connection with the voting of proxies on behalf of MFS’ clients. If such potential material conflicts of interest do arise, MFS will analyze, document and report on such potential material conflicts of interest (see Sections B.2 and D below), and shall ultimately vote the relevant proxies in what MFS believes to be the best long-term economic interests of its clients. The MFS Proxy Voting Committee is responsible for monitoring and reporting with respect to such potential material conflicts of interest.

MFS is also a signatory to the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment. In developing these guidelines, MFS considered environmental, social and corporate governance issues in light of MFS’ fiduciary obligation to vote proxies in the best long-term economic interest of its clients.


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  2. MFS’ Policy on Specific Issues

Election of Directors

MFS believes that good governance should be based on a board with at least a simple majority of directors who are “independent” of management, and whose key committees (e.g., compensation, nominating, and audit committees) consist entirely of “independent” directors. While MFS generally supports the board’s nominees in uncontested or non-contentious elections, we will not support a nominee to a board of a U.S. issuer (or issuer listed on a U.S. exchange) if, as a result of such nominee being elected to the board, the board would consist of a simple majority of members who are not “independent” or, alternatively, the compensation, nominating (including instances in which the full board serves as the compensation or nominating committee) or audit committees would include members who are not “independent.”

MFS will also not support a nominee to a board if we can determine that he or she attended less than 75% of the board and/or relevant committee meetings in the previous year without a valid reason stated in the proxy materials or other company communications. In addition, MFS may not support some or all nominees standing for re-election to a board if we can determine: (1) the board or its compensation committee has re-priced or exchanged underwater stock options since the last annual meeting of shareholders and without shareholder approval; (2) the board or relevant committee has not taken adequately responsive action to an issue that received majority support or opposition from shareholders; (3) the board has implemented a poison pill without shareholder approval since the last annual meeting and such poison pill is not on the subsequent shareholder meeting’s agenda, (including those related to net-operating loss carry-forwards); (4) the board or relevant committee has failed to adequately oversee risk by allowing the hedging and/or significant pledging of company shares by executives; or (5) there are governance concerns with a director or issuer.

For directors who are not a CEO of a public company, MFS will vote against a nominee who serves on more than five (5) public company boards in total. MFS may consider exceptions to this policy if (i) the director is either retired or listed as “professional director” in the proxy statement; (ii) the company has disclosed the director’s plans to step down from the number of public company boards exceeding five (5) within a reasonable time; or (iii) the director exceeds the permitted number of public company board seats solely due to either his/her board service on an affiliated company (e.g., a subsidiary), or service on more than one investment company within the same investment company complex.

For directors who are also a CEO of a public company, MFS will vote against a nominee who serves on more than three (3) public-company boards in total. However, we will support his or her re-election to the board of the company for which he or she serves as CEO).


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MFS may not support certain board nominees of U.S. issuers under certain circumstances where MFS deems compensation to be egregious due to pay-for-performance issues and/or poor pay practices. Please see the section below titled “MFS’ Policy on Specific Issues - Advisory Votes on Executive Compensation” for further details.

MFS evaluates a contested or contentious election of directors on a case-by-case basis considering the long-term financial performance of the company relative to its industry, management’s track record, the qualifications of all nominees, and an evaluation of what each side is offering shareholders.

Majority Voting and Director Elections

MFS votes for reasonably crafted proposals calling for directors to be elected with an affirmative majority of votes cast and/or the elimination of the plurality standard for electing directors (including binding resolutions requesting that the board amend the company’s bylaws), provided the proposal includes a carve-out for a plurality voting standard when there are more director nominees than board seats (e.g., contested elections) (“Majority Vote Proposals”).

Classified Boards

MFS generally supports proposals to declassify a board (i.e.; a board in which only one-third of board members is elected each year) for all issuers other than for certain closed-end investment companies. MFS generally opposes proposals to classify a board for issuers other than for certain closed-end investment companies.

Proxy Access

MFS believes that the ability of qualifying shareholders to nominate a certain number of directors on the company’s proxy statement (“Proxy Access”) may have corporate governance benefits. However, such potential benefits must be balanced by its potential misuse by shareholders. Therefore, we support Proxy Access proposals at U.S. issuers that establish an ownership criteria of 3% of the company held continuously for a period of 3 years. In our view, such qualifying shareholders should have the ability to nominate at least 2 directors. Companies should be mindful of imposing any undue impediments within its bylaws that may render Proxy Access impractical, including re-submission thresholds for director nominees via Proxy Access.

MFS analyzes all other proposals seeking Proxy Access on a case-by-case basis. In its analysis, MFS will consider the proposed ownership criteria for qualifying shareholders (such as ownership threshold and holding period) as well as the proponent’s rationale for seeking Proxy Access.


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Stock Plans

MFS opposes stock option programs and restricted stock plans that provide unduly generous compensation for officers, directors or employees, or that could result in excessive dilution to other shareholders. As a general guideline, MFS votes against restricted stock, stock option, non-employee director, omnibus stock plans and any other stock plan if all such plans for a particular company involve potential dilution, in the aggregate, of more than 15%. However, MFS will also vote against stock plans that involve potential dilution, in aggregate, of more than 10% at U.S. issuers that are listed in the Standard and Poor’s 100 index as of December 31 of the previous year. In the cases where a stock plan amendment is seeking qualitative changes and not additional shares, MFS will vote its shares on a case-by-case basis.

MFS also opposes stock option programs that allow the board or the compensation committee to re-price underwater options or to automatically replenish shares without shareholder approval. MFS also votes against stock option programs for officers, employees or non-employee directors that do not require an investment by the optionee, that give “free rides” on the stock price, or that permit grants of stock options with an exercise price below fair market value on the date the options are granted. MFS will consider proposals to exchange existing options for newly issued options, restricted stock or cash on a case-by-case basis, taking into account certain factors, including, but not limited to, whether there is a reasonable value-for-value exchange and whether senior executives are excluded from participating in the exchange.

MFS supports the use of a broad-based employee stock purchase plans to increase company stock ownership by employees, provided that shares purchased under the plan are acquired for no less than 85% of their market value and do not result in excessive dilution.

Shareholder Proposals on Executive Compensation

MFS believes that competitive compensation packages are necessary to attract, motivate and retain executives. However, MFS also recognizes that certain executive compensation practices can be “excessive” and not in the best, long-term economic interest of a company’s shareholders. We believe that the election of an issuer’s board of directors (as outlined above), votes on stock plans (as outlined above) and advisory votes on pay (as outlined below) are typically the most effective mechanisms to express our view on a company’s compensation practices.

MFS generally opposes shareholder proposals that seek to set rigid restrictions on executive compensation as MFS believes that compensation committees should retain some flexibility to determine the appropriate pay package for executives. Although we support linking executive stock option grants to a


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company’s performance, MFS also opposes shareholder proposals that mandate a link of performance-based pay to a specific metric. MFS generally supports reasonably crafted shareholder proposals that (i) require the issuer to adopt a policy to recover the portion of performance-based bonuses and awards paid to senior executives that were not earned based upon a significant negative restatement of earnings unless the company already has adopted a satisfactory policy on the matter, (ii) expressly prohibit the backdating of stock options, and (iii) prohibit the acceleration of vesting of equity awards upon a broad definition of a “change-in-control” (e.g.; single or modified single-trigger).

Advisory Votes on Executive Compensation

MFS will analyze advisory votes on executive compensation on a case-by-case basis. MFS will vote against an advisory vote on executive compensation if MFS determines that the issuer has adopted excessive executive compensation practices and will vote in favor of an advisory vote on executive compensation if MFS has not determined that the issuer has adopted excessive executive compensation practices. Examples of excessive executive compensation practices may include, but are not limited to, a pay-for-performance disconnect, employment contract terms such as guaranteed bonus provisions, unwarranted pension payouts, backdated stock options, overly generous hiring bonuses for chief executive officers, unnecessary perquisites, or the potential reimbursement of excise taxes to an executive in regards to a severance package. In cases where MFS (i) votes against consecutive advisory pay votes, or (ii) determines that a particularly egregious excessive executive compensation practice has occurred, then MFS may also vote against certain or all board nominees. MFS may also vote against certain or all board nominees if an advisory pay vote for a U.S. issuer is not on the agenda, or the company has not implemented the advisory vote frequency supported by a plurality/ majority of shareholders.

MFS generally supports proposals to include an advisory shareholder vote on an issuer’s executive compensation practices on an annual basis.

“Golden Parachutes”

From time to time, MFS may evaluate a separate, advisory vote on severance packages or “golden parachutes” to certain executives at the same time as a vote on a proposed merger or acquisition. MFS will support an advisory vote on a severance package on a on a case-by-case basis, and MFS may vote against the severance package regardless of whether MFS supports the proposed merger or acquisition.

Shareholders of companies may also submit proxy proposals that would require shareholder approval of severance packages for executive officers that exceed certain predetermined thresholds. MFS votes in favor of such shareholder proposals when they would require shareholder approval of any severance package for an executive officer that exceeds a certain multiple of such officer’s annual compensation that is not determined in MFS’ judgment to be excessive.


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Anti-Takeover Measures

In general, MFS votes against any measure that inhibits capital appreciation in a stock, including proposals that protect management from action by shareholders. These types of proposals take many forms, ranging from “poison pills” and “shark repellents” to super-majority requirements.

MFS generally votes for proposals to rescind existing “poison pills” and proposals that would require shareholder approval to adopt prospective “poison pills,” unless the company already has adopted a clearly satisfactory policy on the matter. MFS may consider the adoption of a prospective “poison pill” or the continuation of an existing “poison pill” if we can determine that the following two conditions are met: (1) the “poison pill” allows MFS clients to hold an aggregate position of up to 15% of a company’s total voting securities (and of any class of voting securities); and (2) either (a) the “poison pill” has a term of not longer than five years, provided that MFS will consider voting in favor of the “poison pill” if the term does not exceed seven years and the “poison pill” is linked to a business strategy or purpose that MFS believes is likely to result in greater value for shareholders; or (b) the terms of the “poison pill” allow MFS clients the opportunity to accept a fairly structured and attractively priced tender offer (e.g. a “chewable poison pill” that automatically dissolves in the event of an all cash, all shares tender offer at a premium price). MFS will also consider on a case-by-case basis proposals designed to prevent tenders which are disadvantageous to shareholders such as tenders at below market prices and tenders for substantially less than all shares of an issuer.

MFS will consider any poison pills designed to protect a company’s net-operating loss carryforwards on a case-by-case basis, weighing the accounting and tax benefits of such a pill against the risk of deterring future acquisition candidates.

Proxy Contests

From time to time, a shareholder may express alternative points of view in terms of a company’s strategy, capital allocation, or other issues. Such shareholder may also propose a slate of director nominees different than the slate of director nominees proposed by the company (a “Proxy Contest”). MFS will analyze Proxy Contests on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the track record and current recommended initiatives of both company management and the dissident shareholder(s). Like all of our proxy votes, MFS will support the slate of director nominees that we believe is in the best, long-term economic interest of our clients.


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Reincorporation and Reorganization Proposals

When presented with a proposal to reincorporate a company under the laws of a different state, or to effect some other type of corporate reorganization, MFS considers the underlying purpose and ultimate effect of such a proposal in determining whether or not to support such a measure. MFS generally votes with management in regards to these types of proposals, however, if MFS believes the proposal is in the best long-term economic interests of its clients, then MFS may vote against management (e.g. the intent or effect would be to create additional inappropriate impediments to possible acquisitions or takeovers).

Issuance of Stock

There are many legitimate reasons for the issuance of stock. Nevertheless, as noted above under “Stock Plans,” when a stock option plan (either individually or when aggregated with other plans of the same company) would substantially dilute the existing equity (e.g. by approximately 10-15% as described above), MFS generally votes against the plan. In addition, MFS typically votes against proposals where management is asking for authorization to issue common or preferred stock with no reason stated (a “blank check”) because the unexplained authorization could work as a potential anti-takeover device. MFS may also vote against the authorization or issuance of common or preferred stock if MFS determines that the requested authorization is excessive or not warranted.

Repurchase Programs

MFS supports proposals to institute share repurchase plans in which all shareholders have the opportunity to participate on an equal basis. Such plans may include a company acquiring its own shares on the open market, or a company making a tender offer to its own shareholders.

Cumulative Voting

MFS opposes proposals that seek to introduce cumulative voting and for proposals that seek to eliminate cumulative voting. In either case, MFS will consider whether cumulative voting is likely to enhance the interests of MFS’ clients as minority shareholders.

Written Consent and Special Meetings

The right to call a special meeting or act by written consent can be a powerful tool for shareholders. As such, MFS supports proposals requesting the right for shareholders who hold at least 10% of the issuer’s outstanding stock to call a special meeting. MFS also supports proposals requesting the right for shareholders to act by written consent.


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Independent Auditors

MFS believes that the appointment of auditors for U.S. issuers is best left to the board of directors of the company and therefore supports the ratification of the board’s selection of an auditor for the company. Some shareholder groups have submitted proposals to limit the non-audit activities of a company’s audit firm or prohibit any non-audit services by a company’s auditors to that company. MFS opposes proposals recommending the prohibition or limitation of the performance of non-audit services by an auditor, and proposals recommending the removal of a company’s auditor due to the performance of non-audit work for the company by its auditor. MFS believes that the board, or its audit committee, should have the discretion to hire the company’s auditor for specific pieces of non-audit work in the limited situations permitted under current law.

Other Business

MFS generally votes against “other business” proposals as the content of any such matter is not known at the time of our vote.

Adjourn Shareholder Meeting

MFS generally supports proposals to adjourn a shareholder meeting if we support the other ballot items on the meeting’s agenda. MFS generally votes against proposals to adjourn a meeting if we do not support the other ballot items on the meeting’s agenda.

Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) Issues

MFS believes that a company’s ESG practices may have an impact on the company’s long-term economic financial performance and will generally support proposals relating to ESG issues that MFS believes are in the best long-term economic interest of the company’s shareholders. For those ESG proposals for which a specific policy has not been adopted, MFS considers such ESG proposals on a case-by-case basis. As a result, it may vote similar proposals differently at various shareholder meetings based on the specific facts and circumstances of such proposal.

MFS generally supports proposals that seek to remove governance structures that insulate management from shareholders (i.e., anti-takeover measures) or that seek to enhance shareholder rights. Many of these governance-related issues, including compensation issues, are outlined within the context of the above guidelines. In addition, MFS typically supports proposals that require an issuer to reimburse successful dissident shareholders (who are not seeking control of the company) for reasonable expenses that such dissident incurred in soliciting an alternative slate of director candidates. MFS also generally supports reasonably crafted shareholder proposals requesting increased disclosure around the company’s use of collateral in derivatives trading. MFS typically


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supports proposals for an independent board chairperson. However, we may not support such proposals if we determine there to be an appropriate and effective counter-balancing leadership structure in place (e.g.; a strong, independent lead director with an appropriate level of powers and duties). For any governance-related proposal for which an explicit guideline is not provided above, MFS will consider such proposals on a case-by-case basis and will support such proposals if MFS believes that it is in the best long-term economic interest of the company’s shareholders.

MFS generally supports proposals that request disclosure on the impact of environmental issues on the company’s operations, sales, and capital investments. However, MFS may not support such proposals based on the facts and circumstances surrounding a specific proposal, including, but not limited to, whether (i) the proposal is unduly costly, restrictive, or burdensome, (ii) the company already provides publicly-available information that is sufficient to enable shareholders to evaluate the potential opportunities and risks that environmental matters pose to the company’s operations, sales and capital investments, or (iii) the proposal seeks a level of disclosure that exceeds that provided by the company’s industry peers. MFS will analyze all other environmental proposals on a case-by-case basis and will support such proposals if MFS believes such proposal is in the best long-term economic interest of the company’s shareholders.

MFS will analyze social proposals on a case-by-case basis. MFS will support such proposals if MFS believes that such proposal is in the best long-term economic interest of the company’s shareholders. Generally, MFS will support shareholder proposals that (i) seek to amend a company’s equal employment opportunity policy to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity; and (ii) request additional disclosure regarding a company’s political contributions (including trade organizations and lobbying activity) (unless the company already provides publicly-available information that is sufficient to enable shareholders to evaluate the potential opportunities and risks that such contributions pose to the company’s operations, sales and capital investments).

The laws of various states or countries may regulate how the interests of certain clients subject to those laws (e.g. state pension plans) are voted with respect to social issues. Thus, it may be necessary to cast ballots differently for certain clients than MFS might normally do for other clients.

Foreign Issuers

MFS generally supports the election of a director nominee standing for re-election in uncontested or non-contentious elections unless it can be determined that (1) he or she failed to attend at least 75% of the board and/or relevant committee meetings in the previous year without a valid reason given in the proxy materials; (2) since the last annual meeting of shareholders and without shareholder


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approval, the board or its compensation committee has re-priced underwater stock options; or (3) since the last annual meeting, the board has either implemented a poison pill without shareholder approval or has not taken responsive action to a majority shareholder approved resolution recommending that the “poison pill” be rescinded. In such circumstances, we will vote against director nominee(s). Also, certain markets outside of the U.S. have adopted best practice guidelines relating to corporate governance matters (e.g. the United Kingdom’s and Japan Corporate Governance Codes). Many of these guidelines operate on a “comply or explain” basis. As such, MFS will evaluate any explanations by companies relating to their compliance with a particular corporate governance guideline on a case-by-case basis and may vote against the board nominees or other relevant ballot item if such explanation is not satisfactory. In some circumstances, MFS may submit a vote to abstain from certain director nominees or the relevant ballot items if we have concerns with the nominee or ballot item, but do not believe these concerns rise to the level where a vote against is warranted.

MFS generally supports the election of auditors, but may determine to vote against the election of a statutory auditor in certain markets if MFS reasonably believes that the statutory auditor is not truly independent.

Some international markets have also adopted mandatory requirements for all companies to hold shareholder votes on executive compensation. MFS will vote against such proposals if MFS determines that a company’s executive compensation practices are excessive, considering such factors as the specific market’s best practices that seek to maintain appropriate pay-for-performance alignment and to create long-term shareholder value. We may alternatively submit an abstention vote on such proposals in circumstances where our executive compensation concerns are not as severe.

Many other items on foreign proxies involve repetitive, non-controversial matters that are mandated by local law. Accordingly, the items that are generally deemed routine and which do not require the exercise of judgment under these guidelines (and therefore voted with management) for foreign issuers include, but are not limited to, the following: (i) receiving financial statements or other reports from the board; (ii) approval of declarations of dividends; (iii) appointment of shareholders to sign board meeting minutes; (iv) discharge of management and supervisory boards; and (v) approval of share repurchase programs (absent any anti-takeover or other concerns). MFS will evaluate all other items on proxies for foreign companies in the context of the guidelines described above, but will generally vote against an item if there is not sufficient information disclosed in order to make an informed voting decision. For any ballot item where MFS wishes to express a more moderate level of concern than a vote of against, we will cast a vote to abstain.


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In accordance with local law or business practices, some foreign companies or custodians prevent the sale of shares that have been voted for a certain period beginning prior to the shareholder meeting and ending on the day following the meeting (“share blocking”). Depending on the country in which a company is domiciled, the blocking period may begin a stated number of days prior or subsequent to the meeting (e.g. one, three or five days) or on a date established by the company. While practices vary, in many countries the block period can be continued for a longer period if the shareholder meeting is adjourned and postponed to a later date. Similarly, practices vary widely as to the ability of a shareholder to have the “block” restriction lifted early (e.g. in some countries shares generally can be “unblocked” up to two days prior to the meeting whereas in other countries the removal of the block appears to be discretionary with the issuer’s transfer agent). Due to these restrictions, MFS must balance the benefits to its clients of voting proxies against the potentially serious portfolio management consequences of a reduced flexibility to sell the underlying shares at the most advantageous time. For companies in countries with share blocking periods or in markets where some custodians may block shares, the disadvantage of being unable to sell the stock regardless of changing conditions generally outweighs the advantages of voting at the shareholder meeting for routine items. Accordingly, MFS will not vote those proxies in the absence of an unusual, significant vote that outweighs the disadvantage of being unable to sell the stock.

From time to time, governments may impose economic sanctions which may prohibit us from transacting business with certain companies or individuals. These sanctions may also prohibit the voting of proxies at certain companies or on certain individuals. In such instances, MFS will not vote at certain companies or on certain individuals if it determines that doing so is in violation of the sanctions.

In limited circumstances, other market specific impediments to voting shares may limit our ability to cast votes, including, but not limited to, late delivery of proxy materials, untimely vote cut-off dates, power of attorney and share re-registration requirements, or any other unusual voting requirements. In these limited instances, MFS votes securities on a best efforts basis in the context of the guidelines described above.

 

B. ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES

 

  1. MFS Proxy Voting Committee

The administration of these MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures is overseen by the MFS Proxy Voting Committee, which includes senior personnel from the MFS Legal and Global Investment Support Departments. The Proxy Voting Committee does not include individuals whose primary duties relate to client relationship management, marketing, or sales. The MFS Proxy Voting Committee:

 

  a. Reviews these MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures at least annually and recommends any amendments considered to be necessary or advisable;


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  b. Determines whether any potential material conflict of interest exists with respect to instances in which MFS (i) seeks to override these MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures; (ii) votes on ballot items not governed by these MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures; (iii) evaluates an excessive executive compensation issue in relation to the election of directors; or (iv) requests a vote recommendation from an MFS portfolio manager or investment analyst (e.g. mergers and acquisitions); and

 

  c. Considers special proxy issues as they may arise from time to time.

 

  2. Potential Conflicts of Interest

The MFS Proxy Voting Committee is responsible for monitoring potential material conflicts of interest on the part of MFS or its subsidiaries that could arise in connection with the voting of proxies on behalf of MFS’ clients. Due to the client focus of our investment management business, we believe that the potential for actual material conflict of interest issues is small. Nonetheless, we have developed precautions to assure that all proxy votes are cast in the best long-term economic interest of shareholders.1 Other MFS internal policies require all MFS employees to avoid actual and potential conflicts of interests between personal activities and MFS’ client activities. If an employee (including investment professionals) identifies an actual or potential conflict of interest with respect to any voting decision (including the ownership of securities in their individual portfolio), then that employee must recuse himself/herself from participating in the voting process. Any significant attempt by an employee of MFS or its subsidiaries to unduly influence MFS’ voting on a particular proxy matter should also be reported to the MFS Proxy Voting Committee.

In cases where proxies are voted in accordance with these MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures, no material conflict of interest will be deemed to exist. In cases where (i) MFS is considering overriding these MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures, (ii) matters presented for vote are not governed by these MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures, (iii) MFS evaluates a potentially excessive executive compensation issue in relation to the election of directors or advisory pay or severance package vote, or (iv) a vote recommendation is requested from an MFS portfolio manager or investment analyst (e.g. mergers and acquisitions); (collectively, “Non-Standard Votes”); the MFS Proxy Voting Committee will follow these procedures:

 

  a. Compare the name of the issuer of such proxy against a list of significant current (i) distributors of MFS Fund shares, and (ii) MFS institutional clients (the “MFS Significant Distributor and Client List”);

 

1  For clarification purposes, note that MFS votes in what we believe to be the best, long-term economic interest of our clients entitled to vote at the shareholder meeting, regardless of whether other MFS clients hold “short” positions in the same issuer.


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  b. If the name of the issuer does not appear on the MFS Significant Distributor and Client List, then no material conflict of interest will be deemed to exist, and the proxy will be voted as otherwise determined by the MFS Proxy Voting Committee;

 

  c. If the name of the issuer appears on the MFS Significant Distributor and Client List, then the MFS Proxy Voting Committee will be apprised of that fact and each member of the MFS Proxy Voting Committee will carefully evaluate the proposed vote in order to ensure that the proxy ultimately is voted in what MFS believes to be the best long-term economic interests of MFS’ clients, and not in MFS’ corporate interests; and

 

  d. For all potential material conflicts of interest identified under clause (c) above, the MFS Proxy Voting Committee will document: the name of the issuer, the issuer’s relationship to MFS, the analysis of the matters submitted for proxy vote, the votes as to be cast and the reasons why the MFS Proxy Voting Committee determined that the votes were cast in the best long-term economic interests of MFS’ clients, and not in MFS’ corporate interests. A copy of the foregoing documentation will be provided to MFS’ Conflicts Officer.

The members of the MFS Proxy Voting Committee are responsible for creating and maintaining the MFS Significant Distributor and Client List, in consultation with MFS’ distribution and institutional business units. The MFS Significant Distributor and Client List will be reviewed and updated periodically, as appropriate.

For instances where MFS is evaluating a director nominee who also serves as a director of the MFS Funds, then the MFS Proxy Voting Committee will adhere to the procedures described in section (d) above regardless of whether the portfolio company appears on our Significant Distributor and Client List.

If an MFS client has the right to vote on a matter submitted to shareholders by Sun Life Financial, Inc. or any of its affiliates (collectively “Sun Life”), MFS will cast a vote on behalf of such MFS client pursuant to the recommendations of Institutional Shareholder Services, Inc.‘s (“ISS”) benchmark policy, or as required by law.


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Except as described in the MFS Fund’s prospectus, from time to time, certain MFS Funds (the “top tier fund”) may own shares of other MFS Funds (the “underlying fund”). If an underlying fund submits a matter to a shareholder vote, the top tier fund will generally vote its shares in the same proportion as the other shareholders of the underlying fund. If there are no other shareholders in the underlying fund, the top tier fund will vote in what MFS believes to be in the top tier fund’s best long-term economic interest. If an MFS client has the right to vote on a matter submitted to shareholders by a pooled investment vehicle advised by MFS, MFS will cast a vote on behalf of such MFS client in the same proportion as the other shareholders of the pooled investment vehicle.

 

  3. Gathering Proxies

Most proxies received by MFS and its clients originate at Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (“Broadridge”). Broadridge and other service providers, on behalf of custodians, send proxy related material to the record holders of the shares beneficially owned by MFS’ clients, usually to the client’s proxy voting administrator or, less commonly, to the client itself. This material will include proxy ballots reflecting the shareholdings of Funds and of clients on the record dates for such shareholder meetings, as well as proxy materials with the issuer’s explanation of the items to be voted upon.

MFS, on behalf of itself and certain of its clients (including the MFS Funds) has entered into an agreement with an independent proxy administration firm pursuant to which the proxy administration firm performs various proxy vote related administrative services such as vote processing and recordkeeping functions. Except as noted below, the proxy administration firm for MFS and its clients, including the MFS Funds, is ISS. The proxy administration firm for MFS Development Funds, LLC is Glass, Lewis & Co., Inc. (“Glass Lewis”; Glass Lewis and ISS are each hereinafter referred to as the “Proxy Administrator”).

The Proxy Administrator receives proxy statements and proxy ballots directly or indirectly from various custodians, logs these materials into its database and matches upcoming meetings with MFS Fund and client portfolio holdings, which are input into the Proxy Administrator’s system by an MFS holdings data-feed. Through the use of the Proxy Administrator system, ballots and proxy material summaries for all upcoming shareholders’ meetings are available on-line to certain MFS employees and members of the MFS Proxy Voting Committee.

It is the responsibility of the Proxy Administrator and MFS to monitor the receipt of ballots. When proxy ballots and materials for clients are received by the Proxy Administrator, they are input into the Proxy Administrator’s on-line system. The Proxy Administrator then reconciles a list of all MFS accounts that hold shares of a company’s stock and the number of shares held on the record date by these accounts with the Proxy Administrator’s list of any upcoming shareholder’s meeting of that company. If a proxy ballot has not been received, the Proxy Administrator contacts the custodian requesting the reason as to why a ballot has not been received.


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  4. Analyzing Proxies

Proxies are voted in accordance with these MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures. The Proxy Administrator, at the prior direction of MFS, automatically votes all proxy matters that do not require the particular exercise of discretion or judgment with respect to these MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures as determined by MFS. With respect to proxy matters that require the particular exercise of discretion or judgment, the MFS Proxy Voting Committee or its representatives considers and votes on those proxy matters. MFS also receives research and recommendations from the Proxy Administrator which it may take into account in deciding how to vote. MFS uses the research of Proxy Administrators and/or other 3rd party vendors to identify (i) circumstances in which a board may have approved excessive executive compensation, (ii) environmental and social proposals that warrant further consideration or (iii) circumstances in which a non-U.S. company is not in compliance with local governance or compensation best practices. In those situations where the only MFS fund that is eligible to vote at a shareholder meeting has Glass Lewis as its Proxy Administrator, then we will utilize research from Glass Lewis to identify such issues. MFS analyzes such issues independently and does not necessarily vote with the ISS or Glass Lewis recommendations on these issues. MFS may also use other research tools in order to identify the circumstances described above. Representatives of the MFS Proxy Voting Committee review, as appropriate, votes cast to ensure conformity with these MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures.

As a general matter, portfolio managers and investment analysts have little involvement in most votes taken by MFS. This is designed to promote consistency in the application of MFS’ voting guidelines, to promote consistency in voting on the same or similar issues (for the same or for multiple issuers) across all client accounts, and to minimize the potential that proxy solicitors, issuers, or third parties might attempt to exert inappropriate influence on the vote. For votes that require a case-by-case analysis per the MFS Proxy Policies (e.g. proxy contests, potentially excessive executive compensation issues, or certain shareholder proposals), a representative of MFS Proxy Voting Committee will consult with or seek recommendations from MFS investment analysts and/or portfolio managers.2 However, the MFS Proxy Voting Committee will ultimately determine the manner in which such proxies are voted.

As noted above, MFS reserves the right to override the guidelines when such an override is, in MFS’ best judgment, consistent with the overall principle of voting proxies in the best long-term economic interests of MFS’ clients. Any such override of the guidelines shall be analyzed, documented and reported in accordance with the procedures set forth in these policies.

 

2  From time to time, due to travel schedules and other commitments, an appropriate portfolio manager or research analyst may not be available to provide a vote recommendation. If such a recommendation cannot be obtained within a reasonable time prior to the cut-off date of the shareholder meeting, the MFS Proxy Voting Committee may determine to abstain from voting.


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  5. Voting Proxies

In accordance with its contract with MFS, the Proxy Administrator also generates a variety of reports for the MFS Proxy Voting Committee, and makes available on-line various other types of information so that the MFS Proxy Voting Committee or proxy team may review and monitor the votes cast by the Proxy Administrator on behalf of MFS’ clients.

For those markets that utilize a “record date” to determine which shareholders are eligible to vote, MFS generally will vote all eligible shares pursuant to these guidelines regardless of whether all (or a portion of) the shares held by our clients have been sold prior to the meeting date.

 

  6. Securities Lending

From time to time, the MFS Funds or other pooled investment vehicles sponsored by MFS may participate in a securities lending program. In the event MFS or its agent receives timely notice of a shareholder meeting for a U.S. security, MFS and its agent will attempt to recall any securities on loan before the meeting’s record date so that MFS will be entitled to vote these shares. However, there may be instances in which MFS is unable to timely recall securities on loan for a U.S. security, in which cases MFS will not be able to vote these shares. MFS will report to the appropriate board of the MFS Funds those instances in which MFS is not able to timely recall the loaned securities. MFS generally does not recall non-U.S. securities on loan because there may be insufficient advance notice of proxy materials, record dates, or vote cut-off dates to allow MFS to timely recall the shares in certain markets on an automated basis. As a result, non-U.S. securities that are on loan will not generally be voted. If MFS receives timely notice of what MFS determines to be an unusual, significant vote for a non-U.S. security whereas MFS shares are on loan, and determines that voting is in the best long-term economic interest of shareholders, then MFS will attempt to timely recall the loaned shares.

 

  7. Engagement

The MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures are available on www.mfs.com and may be accessed by both MFS’ clients and the companies in which MFS’ clients invest. From time to time, MFS may determine that it is appropriate and beneficial for representatives from the MFS Proxy Voting Committee to engage in a dialogue or written communication with a company or other shareholders regarding certain matters on the company’s proxy statement that are of concern to shareholders, including environmental, social and governance matters. A company or shareholder may also seek to engage with representatives


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of the MFS Proxy Voting Committee in advance of the company’s formal proxy solicitation to review issues more generally or gauge support for certain contemplated proposals. For further information on requesting engagement with MFS on proxy voting issues, please visit www.mfs.com and refer to our most recent Annual Global Proxy Voting and Engagement Report for contact information.

 

C. RECORDS RETENTION

MFS will retain copies of these MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures in effect from time to time and will retain all proxy voting reports submitted to the Board of Trustees of the MFS Funds for the period required by applicable law. Proxy solicitation materials, including electronic versions of the proxy ballots completed by representatives of the MFS Proxy Voting Committee, together with their respective notes and comments, are maintained in an electronic format by the Proxy Administrator and are accessible on-line by the MFS Proxy Voting Committee. All proxy voting materials and supporting documentation, including records generated by the Proxy Administrator’s system as to proxies processed, including the dates when proxy ballots were received and submitted, and the votes on each company’s proxy issues, are retained as required by applicable law.

 

D. REPORTS

U.S. Registered MFS Funds

MFS publicly discloses the proxy voting records of the U.S. registered MFS Funds on a quarterly basis. MFS will also report the results of its voting to the Board of Trustees of the U.S. registered MFS Funds. These reports will include: (i) a summary of how votes were cast (including advisory votes on pay and “golden parachutes”) ; (ii) a summary of votes against management’s recommendation; (iii) a review of situations where MFS did not vote in accordance with the guidelines and the rationale therefore; (iv) a review of the procedures used by MFS to identify material conflicts of interest and any matters identified as a material conflict of interest; (v) a review of these policies and the guidelines; (vi) a review of our proxy engagement activity; (vii) a report and impact assessment of instances in which the recall of loaned securities of a U.S. issuer was unsuccessful; and (viii) as necessary or appropriate, any proposed modifications thereto to reflect new developments in corporate governance and other issues. Based on these reviews, the Trustees of the U.S. registered MFS Funds will consider possible modifications to these policies to the extent necessary or advisable.


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Other MFS Clients

MFS may publicly disclose the proxy voting records of certain other clients (including certain MFS Funds) or the votes it casts with respect to certain matters as required by law. A report can also be printed by MFS for each client who has requested that MFS furnish a record of votes cast. The report specifies the proxy issues which have been voted for the client during the year and the position taken with respect to each issue and, upon request, may identify situations where MFS did not vote in accordance with the MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures.

Except as described above, MFS generally will not divulge actual voting practices to any party other than the client or its representatives because we consider that information to be confidential and proprietary to the client. However, as noted above, MFS may determine that it is appropriate and beneficial to engage in a dialogue with a company regarding certain matters. During such dialogue with the company, MFS may disclose the vote it intends to cast in order to potentially effect positive change at a company in regards to environmental, social or governance issues.


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ITEM 8. PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.

Portfolio Manager(s)

Information regarding the portfolio manager(s) of the MFS Charter Income Trust (the “Fund”) is set forth below. Each portfolio manager is primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund.

 

Portfolio Manager

  

Primary Role

  

Since

  

Title and Five Year History

Richard Hawkins    Co-Lead Portfolio Manager    2004    Investment Officer of MFS; employed in the investment area of MFS since 1988.
William Adams    Below Investment Grade Debt Instruments Portfolio Manager    2011    Investment Officer of MFS; employed in the investment area of MFS since 2009.
Ward Brown    Emerging Markets Debt Instruments Portfolio Manager    2012    Investment Officer of MFS; Employed in the investment area of MFS since 2005
David Cole    Below Investment Grade Debt Instruments Portfolio Manager    2006    Investment Officer of MFS; employed in the investment area of MFS since 2004.
Pilar Gomez-Bravo    Debt Instruments Portfolio Manager    2013    Investment Officer of MFS; employed in the investment area of MFS since 2013; Imperial Capital from May 2012 to March 2013; Negentropy Capital from June 2011 to April 2012; Marengo Asset Management from June 2010 to April 2011.
Joshua Marston    Structured Securities Portfolio Manager    2012    Investment Officer of MFS; Employed in the investment area of MFS since 1999
Robert Persons    Investment Grade Debt Instruments Portfolio Manager    2013    Investment Officer of MFS; employed in the investment area of MFS since 2000
Matt Ryan    Emerging Markets Debt Instruments Portfolio Manager    2004    Investment Officer of MFS; employed in the investment area of MFS since 1997.
Robert Spector    Co-Lead Portfolio Manager    2015    Investment Office of MFS; employed in the investment area of MFS since 2011; Portfolio Manager and Chief Economist of McLean Budden from March 2005 to September 2011.
Erik Weisman    Sovereign Debt Instruments Portfolio Manager    2012    Investment Officer of MFS; Employed in the investment area of MFS since 2002

Compensation

Portfolio manager compensation is reviewed annually. As of December 31, 2016, portfolio manager total cash compensation is a combination of base salary and performance bonus:

Base Salary – Base salary represents a smaller percentage of portfolio manager total cash compensation than performance bonus.

Performance Bonus – Generally, the performance bonus represents more than a majority of portfolio manager total cash compensation.

The performance bonus is based on a combination of quantitative and qualitative factors, generally with more weight given to the former and less weight given to the latter.


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The quantitative portion is primarily based on the pre-tax performance of assets managed by the portfolio manager over three- and five-year periods relative to peer group universes and/or indices (“benchmarks”). As of December 31, 2016, the following benchmarks were used to measure the following portfolio manager’s performance for the Fund:

 

Fund

  

Portfolio Manager

  

Benchmark(s)

MFS Charter Income Trust                        Richard Hawkins   

Citigroup World Government Bond Non-Dollar Hedged Index JPMorgan Emerging Markets Bond Index Global

Bloomberg Barclay’s U.S. High-Yield Corporate Bond 2% Issuer Capped Index

Bloomberg Barclay’s U.S. Credit Bond Index

Bloomberg Barclay’s U.S. Government/Mortgage Bond Index

   William Adams    Bloomberg Barclays U.S. High-Yield Corporate Bond Index
   Ward Brown    JPMorgan Emerging Markets Bond Index Global
   David Cole    Bloomberg Barclays U.S. High-Yield Corporate Bond Index
   Pilar Gomez-Bravo   

Citigroup World Government Bond Non-Dollar Hedged Index JPMorgan Emerging Markets Bond Index Global

Bloomberg Barclay’s U.S. High-Yield Corporate Bond 2% Issuer Capped Index

Bloomberg Barclay’s U.S. Credit Bond Index

Bloomberg Barclay’s U.S. Government/Mortgage Bond Index

   Joshua Marston    Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Government/Mortgage Bond Index
   Robert Persons    Bloomberg Barclays Global Aggregate Credit Bond Index
   Matt Ryan    JPMorgan Emerging Markets Bond Index Global
   Robert Spector   

Citigroup World Government Bond Non-Dollar Hedged Index JPMorgan Emerging Markets Bond Index Global

Bloomberg Barclay’s U.S. High-Yield Corporate Bond 2% Issuer Capped Index

Bloomberg Barclay’s U.S. Credit Bond Index

Bloomberg Barclay’s U.S. Government/Mortgage Bond Index

   Erik Weisman    Citigroup World Government Bond Non-Dollar Hedged Index

Additional or different benchmarks, including versions and components of indices, custom indices, and linked indices that combine performance of different indices for different portions of the time period, may also be used. Consideration is primarily given to portfolio performance over three and five years with consideration given to other periods, if available. For portfolio managers who have served for more than five years, additional, longer-term performance periods, including the ten-year and since inception periods, are also considered. For portfolio managers who have served for less than three years, additional, shorter-term performance periods, including the one-year period, may also be considered. Emphasis is generally placed on longer performance periods when multiple performance periods are available.

The qualitative portion is based on the results of an annual internal peer review process (conducted by other portfolio managers, analysts, and traders) and management’s assessment of overall portfolio manager contributions to investor relations and the investment process (distinct from fund and other account performance). This performance bonus may be in the form of cash and/or a deferred cash award, at the discretion of management. A deferred cash award is issued for a cash value and becomes payable over a three-year vesting period if the portfolio manager remains in the continuous employ of MFS or its affiliates. During the vesting period, the value of the unfunded deferred cash award will fluctuate as though the portfolio manager had invested the cash value of the award in an MFS Fund(s) selected by the portfolio manager. A selected fund may be, but is not required to be, a fund that is managed by the portfolio manager.


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Portfolio managers also typically benefit from the opportunity to participate in the MFS Equity Plan. Equity interests are awarded by management, on a discretionary basis, taking into account tenure at MFS, contribution to the investment process, and other factors.

Finally, portfolio managers also participate in benefit plans (including a defined contribution plan and health and other insurance plans) and programs available generally to other employees of MFS. The percentage such benefits represent of any portfolio manager’s compensation depends upon the length of the individual’s tenure at MFS and salary level, as well as other factors.

Ownership of Fund Shares

The following table shows the dollar range of equity securities of the Fund beneficially owned by the Fund’s portfolio manager(s) as of the Fund’s fiscal year ended November 30, 2017. The following dollar ranges apply:

N. None

A. $1 – $10,000

B. $10,001 – $50,000

C. $50,001 – $100,000

D. $100,001 – $500,000

E. $500,001 – $1,000,000

F. Over $1,000,000

 

Name of Portfolio Manager

  

Dollar Range of Equity Securities in Fund

Richard Hawkins    N
William Adams    N
Ward Brown    N
David Cole    N
Pilar Gomez-Bravo    N
Joshua Marston    N
Robert Persons    N
Matt Ryan    N
Robert Spector    N
Erik Weisman    N


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Other Accounts

In addition to the Fund, each portfolio manager of the Fund is named as a portfolio manager of certain other accounts managed or subadvised by MFS or an affiliate. The number and assets of these accounts were as follows as of the Fund’s fiscal year ended November 30, 2017:

 

     Registered Investment
Companies*
     Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles
     Other Accounts  

Name

   Number of
Accounts
     Total
Assets
     Number of
Accounts
     Total Assets      Number of
Accounts
     Total Assets  

Richard Hawkins

     11      $ 22.0 billion        4      $ 3.4 billion        2      $ 493.1 million  

William Adams

     12      $ 9.2 billion        6      $ 1.1 billion        1      $ 108.4 million  

Ward Brown

     9      $ 12.4 billion        6      $ 3.7 billion        3      $ 1.2 billion  

David Cole

     11      $ 9.1 billion        4      $ 1.1 billion        1      $ 108.3 million  

Pilar Bravo-Gomez

     5      $ 4.5 billion        4      $ 3.2 billion        1      $ 459.7 million  

Joshua Marston

     10      $ 21.7 billion        8      $ 1.2 billion        12      $ 240.1 million  

Robert Persons

     17      $ 31.2 billion        9      $ 4.5 billion        4      $ 690.4 million  

Matt Ryan

     11      $ 13.0 billion        7      $ 4.4 billion        3      $ 1.2 billion  

Robert Spector

     5      $ 4.5 billion        10      $ 5.2 billion        50      $ 2.2 billion  

Erik Weisman

     7      $ 5.8 billion        4      $ 3.3 billion        1      $ 459.7 million  

 

* Includes the Fund.

Advisory fees are not based upon performance of any of the accounts identified in the table above.

Potential Conflicts of Interest

MFS seeks to identify potential conflicts of interest resulting from a portfolio manager’s management of both the Fund and other accounts, and has adopted policies and procedures designed to address such potential conflicts.

The management of multiple funds and accounts (including proprietary accounts) gives rise to conflicts of interest if the funds and accounts have different objectives and strategies, benchmarks, time horizons and fees as a portfolio manager must allocate his or her time and investment ideas across multiple funds and accounts. In certain instances, there are securities which are suitable for the Fund’s portfolio as well as for accounts of MFS or its subsidiaries with similar investment objectives. The Fund’s trade allocation policies may give rise to conflicts of interest if the Fund’s orders do not get fully executed or are delayed in getting executed due to being aggregated with those of other accounts of MFS or its subsidiaries. A portfolio manager may execute transactions for another fund or account that may adversely affect the value of the Fund’s investments. Investments selected for funds or accounts other than the Fund may outperform investments selected for the Fund.

When two or more clients are simultaneously engaged in the purchase or sale of the same security, the securities are allocated among clients in a manner believed by MFS to be fair and equitable to each. Allocations may be based on many factors and may not always be pro rata based on assets managed. The allocation methodology could have a detrimental effect on the price or volume of the security as far as the Fund is concerned.

MFS and/or a portfolio manager may have a financial incentive to allocate favorable or limited opportunity investments or structure the timing of investments to favor accounts other than the Fund, for instance, those that pay a higher advisory fee and/or have a performance adjustment and/or include an investment by the portfolio manager.


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ITEM 9. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS.

MFS Charter Income Trust

 

Period

   (a)
Total number
of  Shares
Purchased
     (b)
Average
Price
Paid  per
Share
     (c)
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced
Plans or
Programs
     (d)
Maximum
Number  (or
Approximate
Dollar Value) of
Shares that May
Yet Be Purchased
under the Plans
or Programs
 

12/01/16-12/31/16

     362,901        8.48        362,901        4,328,768  

  1/01/17-1/31/17

     547,100        8.62        547,100        3,781,668  

  2/01/17-2/28/17

     126,735        8.65        126,735        3,654,933  

  3/01/17-3/31/17

     360,923        8.57        360,923        3,294,010  

  4/01/17-4/30/17

     191,280        8.67        191,280        3,102,730  

  5/01/17-5/31/17

     96,087        8.69        96,087        3,006,643  

  6/01/16-6/30/16

     600        8.65        600        3,006,043  

  7/01/16-7/31/16

     0        N/A        0        3,006,043  

  8/01/16-8/31/16

     111,100        8.61        111,100        2,894,943  

  9/1/16-9/30/16

     43,000        8.65        43,000        2,851,943  

10/1/16-10/31/16

     24,000        8.60        24,000        4,942,142  

11/1/16-11/30/16

     344,986        8.52        344,986        4,597,156  
  

 

 

       

 

 

    

Total

     2,208,712        8.58        2,208,712     
  

 

 

       

 

 

    

Note: The Board approved procedures to repurchase shares and reviews the results periodically. The notification to shareholders of the program is part of the semi-annual and annual reports sent to shareholders. These annual programs begin on October 1st of each year. The programs conform to the conditions of Rule 10b-18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and limit the aggregate number of shares that may be purchased in each annual period (October 1 through the following September 30) to 10% of the Registrant’s outstanding shares as of the first day of the plan year (October 1). The aggregate number of shares available for purchase for the October 1, 2017 plan year is 4,966,142.

 

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 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 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 covered by the report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

ITEM 12. DISCLOSURE OF SECURITIES LENDING ACTIVITIES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.

During the fiscal year ended November 30, 2017, there were no fees or income related to securities lending activities of the Registrant.


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ITEM 13. EXHIBITS.

 

(a) File the exhibits listed below as part of this form. Letter or number the exhibits in the sequence indicated.

 

  (1) Any code of ethics, or amendment thereto, that is the subject of the disclosure required by Item 2, to the extent that the registrant intends to satisfy the Item 2 requirements through filing of an exhibit: Code of Ethics attached hereto.

 

  (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.

 

  (3) Notices to Trust’s common shareholders in accordance with Investment Company Act Section 19(a) and Rule 19a-1. 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 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 CHARTER INCOME TRUST

 

By (Signature and Title)*   DAVID L. DILORENZO
  David L. DiLorenzo, President

Date: January 16, 2018

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

By (Signature and Title)*   DAVID L. DILORENZO
  David L. DiLorenzo, President (Principal Executive Officer)

Date: January 16, 2018

 

By (Signature and Title)*   JAMES O. YOST
  James O. Yost, Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer and Accounting Officer)

Date: January 16, 2018

 

* Print name and title of each signing officer under his or her signature.