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 811-05785
MFS INVESTMENT GRADE MUNICIPAL 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)
Registrants telephone number, including area code: (617) 954-5000
Date of fiscal year end: November 30
Date of reporting period: November 30, 2017
ITEM 1. | REPORTS TO STOCKHOLDERS. |
ANNUAL REPORT
November 30, 2017
MFS® INVESTMENT GRADE MUNICIPAL TRUST
CXH-ANN
MFS® INVESTMENT GRADE MUNICIPAL TRUST
New York Stock Exchange Symbol: CXH
NOT FDIC INSURED MAY LOSE VALUE NO BANK GUARANTEE
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, weve 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,
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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(a) | For all securities other than those specifically described below, ratings are assigned to underlying securities utilizing ratings from Moodys, Fitch, and Standard & Poors rating agencies and applying the following hierarchy: If all three agencies provide a rating, the middle rating (after dropping the highest and lowest ratings) is assigned; if two of the three agencies rate a security, the lower of the two is assigned. Ratings are shown in the S&P and Fitch scale (e.g., AAA). Securities rated BBB or higher are considered investment grade. All ratings are subject to change. Not Rated includes fixed income securities, including fixed income futures contracts, which have not been rated by any rating agency. The fund may or may not have held all of these instruments on this date. The fund is not rated by these agencies. |
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Portfolio Composition continued
(d) | Duration is a measure of how much a bonds 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. This calculation is based on net assets applicable to common shares as of November 30, 2017. |
(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 portfolios 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 instruments effective maturity for purposes of calculating the funds dollar-weighted average effective maturity, MFS uses the instruments 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 instruments stated maturity. This calculation is based on gross assets, which consists of net assets applicable to common shares plus the value of preferred shares, as of November 30, 2017. |
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 funds cash position and other assets and liabilities.
Cash & Cash Equivalents is negative due to the aggregate liquidation value of variable rate municipal term preferred shares.
Other includes equivalent exposure from currency derivatives and/or any offsets to derivative positions and/or the leverage created through the issuance of self-deposited inverse floaters and may be negative.
Percentages are based on net assets applicable to common shares as of November 30, 2017.
The portfolio is actively managed and current holdings may be different.
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Summary of Results
MFS Investment Grade Municipal Trust (fund) is a closed-end fund. The funds investment objective is to seek high current income exempt from federal income tax, but may also consider capital appreciation. The fund invests, under normal market conditions, at least 80% of its net assets, including assets attributable to preferred shares and borrowing for investment purposes, in tax-exempt bonds and tax-exempt notes.
For the twelve months ended November 30, 2017, common shares of the fund provided a total return of 8.25%, at net asset value and a total return of 8.64%, at market value. This compares with a return of 5.58% for the funds benchmark, the Bloomberg Barclays Municipal Bond Index.
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 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
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Management Review continued
constrained by below-average inventory levels. Global trade, which was sluggish early in the period, showed signs of improvement in the periods 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.
For the reporting period, the municipal market largely took its cue from the direction of US Treasury rates. Yields rose early in the period, post-election, pushed higher by a combination of negative flows into the asset class and increased issuance in the last quarter of calendar 2016. Yields declined with US Treasury yields beginning in March, before hitting their lowest levels of the year in September 2017. Finally, yields began to rise beginning in September and continued rising through the end of the period as investors appeared to have begun pricing in increasing odds of tax reform passing through Congress. Further pushing municipal rates higher was the expectation of increasing supply through the end of calendar 2017 as issuers raced to beat potential changes in rules pertaining to tax-exempt financing.
Amid the volatile yield environment, the yield curve flattened dramatically. Yields on shorter-dated municipal bonds, maturing inside of 5 years, rose in response to the tightening of monetary policy by the Fed, while yields on longer-dated municipal bonds, maturing beyond 5 years, declined amidst the stagnant growth and lack of inflation. As a result, the broader US investment grade municipal bond market provided modestly positive returns with long-dated bonds dramatically outperforming short-dated bonds. For the period as a whole, the municipal market (as measured by the ratio of yields on high-quality municipal bonds divided by yields on comparable maturity US Treasury bonds) outperformed the US Treasury market. The yield ratio on 10-year bonds began the year at approximately 105%, peaked in December 2016 at 107.5%, and reached a low in July 2017 at 80%, before spiking at the end of the period to 95%. Furthermore, mid-quality and lower-quality municipal bonds outperformed higher-quality municipal bonds. Fundamentals generally remained stable for the majority of municipal issuers, supporting the performance of mid-to-lower tier
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Management Review continued
credits. Slow-but-steady US economic growth should continue to support municipal bond credit fundamentals. However, markets remain concerned about underfunded public employee pension systems and other post-retirement benefits promised to public employees, and the political challenges in enacting reforms.
Additionally, during the period, Hurricane Maria made landfall on the island of Puerto Rico. The hurricane had a devastating impact on the islands residents and the governments ability to provide basic human services such as water, power and healthcare. The prospects for long-term recovery are still uncertain and the government and many of its agencies and instrumentalities, which were already operating under an oversight board established by the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management and Economic Stability Act (PROMESA), are in the process of amending their financial plans in light of the recent events. As such, prices of the majority of debt issued from the jurisdiction of Puerto Rico, both insured and uninsured, have declined since late September.
Factors Affecting Performance
Relative to the Bloomberg Barclays Municipal Bond Index, the funds greater-than-benchmark exposure to the education and industrial revenue sectors was a key contributor to performance. Additionally, bond selection within AA rated (r) securities, and the funds exposure to B and BB rated bonds, not represented in the benchmark, contributed to relative returns. The funds longer-than-benchmark duration (d) stance further aided relative results.
The fund employs leverage which has been created through the issuance of variable rate municipal term preferred shares and inverse floaters. To the extent that investments are purchased through the use of leverage, the funds net asset value will increase or decrease at a greater rate than a comparable unleveraged fund. During the reporting period, the use of leverage had a positive impact on the funds performance due to the incremental yield.
Conversely, the combination of the funds greater exposure to, and weak bond selection in, Puerto Rico-issued bonds, weighed on relative returns. Bond selection within the health care sector was another factor that held back the funds relative performance.
Respectfully,
Portfolio Manager(s)
Michael Dawson and Geoffrey Schechter
(d) | Duration is a measure of how much a bonds 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 Moodys Investors Service, Standard & Poors 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. |
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Management Review continued
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 portfolios current or future investments.
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PERFORMANCE SUMMARY THROUGH 11/30/17
The following chart presents the funds 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 Investment Grade Municipal Trust
Date | Price | |||||||||||||
Year Ended 11/30/17 |
Net Asset Value | 11/30/17 | $10.47 | |||||||||||
11/30/16 | $10.15 | |||||||||||||
New York Stock Exchange Price | 11/30/17 | $9.70 | ||||||||||||
9/01/17 | (high) (t) | $10.33 | ||||||||||||
12/05/16 | (low) (t) | $9.27 | ||||||||||||
11/30/16 | $9.37 |
Total Returns vs Benchmark(s)
Year Ended 11/30/17 |
MFS Investment Grade Municipal Trust at | |||||||||
New York Stock Exchange Price (r) |
8.64% | |||||||||
Net Asset Value (r) |
8.25% | |||||||||
Bloomberg Barclays Municipal Bond Index (f) | 5.58% |
(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. |
Benchmark Definition(s)
Bloomberg Barclays Municipal Bond Index a market capitalization-weighted index that measures the performance of the tax-exempt bond market.
It is not possible to invest directly in an index.
Notes to Performance Summary
The funds 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 funds concurrent liquidation.
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Performance Summary continued
The funds monthly distributions may include a return of capital to shareholders to the extent that distributions are in excess of the funds net investment income and net capital gains, determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations. Distributions that are treated for federal income tax purposes as a return of capital will reduce each shareholders 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. Returns of shareholder capital may have the effect of reducing the funds assets and increasing the funds expense ratio.
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 common and/or preferred 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 Manager | Primary Role | Since | Title and Five Year History | |||
Michael Dawson | Portfolio Manager |
2007 | Investment Officer of MFS; employed in the investment management area of MFS since 1998. | |||
Geoffrey Schechter | Portfolio Manager |
2007 | Investment Officer of MFS; employed in the investment management area of MFS since 1993. |
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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 Agents 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 Agents 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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11/30/17
The Portfolio of Investments is a complete list of all securities owned by your fund. It is categorized by jurisdiction.
Municipal Bonds - 152.4% | ||||||||
Issuer | Shares/Par | Value ($) | ||||||
Alabama - 0.9% | ||||||||
Birmingham, AL, Special Care Facilities Financing Authority Rev. (Methodist Home for the Aging), 5.25%, 6/01/2025 | $ | 70,000 | $ | 78,475 | ||||
Cullman County, AL, Health Care Authority (Cullman Regional Medical Center), A, 6.75%, 2/01/2029 | 355,000 | 367,390 | ||||||
Jefferson County, AL, Sewer Rev. Warrants, Capital Appreciation, Senior Lien, B, AGM, 0%, 10/01/2026 | 95,000 | 68,227 | ||||||
Jefferson County, AL, Sewer Rev. Warrants, Capital Appreciation, Senior Lien, B, AGM, 0%, 10/01/2029 | 135,000 | 79,506 | ||||||
Jefferson County, AL, Sewer Rev. Warrants, Capital Appreciation, Senior Lien, B, AGM, 0%, 10/01/2034 | 190,000 | 78,048 | ||||||
Jefferson County, AL, Sewer Rev. Warrants, Capital Appreciation, Senior Lien, B, AGM, 0%, 10/01/2035 | 365,000 | 141,277 | ||||||
Pell City, AL, Special Care Facilities, Financing Authority Rev. (Noland Health Services, Inc.), 5%, 12/01/2039 | 140,000 | 152,981 | ||||||
|
|
|||||||
$ | 965,904 | |||||||
Arizona - 1.5% | ||||||||
Phoenix, AZ, Industrial Development Authority Education Facility Rev. (Great Hearts Academies Project), A, 5%, 7/01/2036 | $ | 60,000 | $ | 66,446 | ||||
Phoenix, AZ, Industrial Development Authority Education Facility Rev. (Great Hearts Academies Project), A, 5%, 7/01/2041 | 45,000 | 48,904 | ||||||
Phoenix, AZ, Industrial Development Authority Education Facility Rev. (Great Hearts Academies Project), A, 5%, 7/01/2046 | 80,000 | 85,409 | ||||||
Phoenix, AZ, Industrial Development Authority Education Facility Rev. (Legacy Traditional Schools Project), 5%, 7/01/2035 | 70,000 | 71,502 | ||||||
Phoenix, AZ, Industrial Development Authority Education Facility Rev. (Legacy Traditional Schools Project), 5%, 7/01/2045 | 80,000 | 80,001 | ||||||
Salt River, AZ, Agricultural Improvement Power District, Electric System Rev., A, 5%, 1/01/2037 | 70,000 | 83,504 | ||||||
Salt River, AZ, Agricultural Improvement Power District, Electric System Rev., A, 5%, 1/01/2038 | 75,000 | 89,324 | ||||||
Salt River, AZ, Agricultural Improvement Power District, Electric System Rev., A, 5%, 1/01/2039 | 50,000 | 59,453 | ||||||
Salt Verde Financial Corp., AZ, Senior Gas Rev., 5%, 12/01/2032 | 795,000 | 959,064 | ||||||
|
|
|||||||
$ | 1,543,607 | |||||||
Arkansas - 0.2% | ||||||||
Arkansas Development Finance Authority Hospital Rev. (Washington Regional Medical Center), A, 5%, 2/01/2035 | $ | 30,000 | $ | 33,212 |
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Portfolio of Investments continued
Issuer | Shares/Par | Value ($) | ||||||
Municipal Bonds - continued | ||||||||
Arkansas - continued | ||||||||
Arkansas Development Finance Authority Hospital Rev. (Washington Regional Medical Center), C, 5%, 2/01/2033 | $ | 50,000 | $ | 55,759 | ||||
Pulaski County, AR, Public Facilities Board Healthcare Rev. (Baptist Health), 5%, 12/01/2042 | 120,000 | 133,595 | ||||||
|
|
|||||||
$ | 222,566 | |||||||
California - 13.2% | ||||||||
Beverly Hills, CA, Unified School District (Election of 2008), Capital Appreciation, 0%, 8/01/2031 | $ | 130,000 | $ | 85,518 | ||||
Beverly Hills, CA, Unified School District (Election of 2008), Capital Appreciation, 0%, 8/01/2032 | 235,000 | 148,628 | ||||||
Beverly Hills, CA, Unified School District (Election of 2008), Capital Appreciation, 0%, 8/01/2033 | 470,000 | 284,580 | ||||||
California Department of Water Resources, Center Valley Project Rev., AJ, 5%, 12/01/2035 (Prerefunded 12/01/2021) | 1,000,000 | 1,130,550 | ||||||
California Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (California Lutheran University), 5.75%, 10/01/2038 | 350,000 | 362,233 | ||||||
California Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Chapman University), 5%, 4/01/2031 | 135,000 | 148,099 | ||||||
California Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (University of San Francisco), 6.125%, 10/01/2036 | 75,000 | 87,086 | ||||||
California Health Facilities Financing Authority Rev. (St. Joseph Health System), A, 5.75%, 7/01/2039 | 195,000 | 208,467 | ||||||
California Health Facilities Financing Authority Rev. (Sutter Health), B, 5.875%, 8/15/2031 | 535,000 | 598,456 | ||||||
California Municipal Finance Authority Rev. (University of La Verne), A, 6.25%, 6/01/2040 (Prerefunded 6/01/2020) | 70,000 | 78,102 | ||||||
California Public Works Board Lease Rev. (Various Capital Projects), I, 5%, 11/01/2038 | 1,220,000 | 1,382,955 | ||||||
California Public Works Board Lease Rev., Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (Various Correctional Facilities), A, 5%, 9/01/2033 | 1,135,000 | 1,306,953 | ||||||
California School Finance Authority, School Facility Rev. (Alliance for College-Ready Public Schools Projects), A, 5%, 7/01/2030 | 40,000 | 45,085 | ||||||
California School Finance Authority, School Facility Rev. (Alliance for College-Ready Public Schools Projects), A, 5%, 7/01/2045 | 100,000 | 109,277 | ||||||
California State University Rev., A, 5%, 11/01/2037 | 805,000 | 891,819 | ||||||
California Statewide Communities Development Authority Environmental Facilities Rev. (Microgy Holdings Project), 9%, 12/01/2038 (a)(d) | 25,246 | 126 | ||||||
California Statewide Communities Development Authority Rev. (Loma Linda University Medical Center), A, 5.25%, 12/01/2034 | 85,000 | 93,988 | ||||||
California Statewide Communities Development Authority Rev. (Loma Linda University Medical Center), A, 5.25%, 12/01/2044 | 245,000 | 267,890 |
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Portfolio of Investments continued
Issuer | Shares/Par | Value ($) | ||||||
Municipal Bonds - continued | ||||||||
California - continued | ||||||||
California Statewide Communities Development Authority Rev. (Loma Linda University Medical Center), A, 5%, 12/01/2046 | $ | 120,000 | $ | 129,461 | ||||
Chula Vista, CA, Industrial Development Rev. (San Diego Gas & Electric Co.), E, 5.875%, 1/01/2034 | 195,000 | 207,388 | ||||||
Golden State, CA, Tobacco Securitization Corp., Tobacco Settlement Rev., Enhanced, A, 5%, 6/01/2030 | 85,000 | 97,628 | ||||||
La Verne, CA, COP (Brethren Hillcrest Homes), 5%, 5/15/2036 | 50,000 | 52,793 | ||||||
Los Angeles County, CA, Redevelopment Refunding Authority Tax Allocation Rev. D, AGM, 5%, 9/01/2023 | 210,000 | 244,129 | ||||||
Los Angeles County, CA, Regional Financing Authority Rev. (MonteCedro Inc. Project), A, CALHF, 5%, 11/15/2034 | 35,000 | 39,622 | ||||||
Los Angeles County, CA, Regional Financing Authority Rev. (MonteCedro Inc. Project), A, CALHF, 5%, 11/15/2044 | 65,000 | 72,935 | ||||||
Los Angeles, CA, Unified School District, D, 5%, 1/01/2034 | 95,000 | 99,957 | ||||||
Mount San Antonio, CA, Community College District Rev. (Election of 2008), Convertible Capital Appreciation, A, 0% to 8/01/2023, 5.875% to 8/01/2028 | 140,000 | 135,047 | ||||||
Mount San Antonio, CA, Community College District Rev. (Election of 2008), Convertible Capital Appreciation, A, 0% to 8/01/2028, 6.25% to 8/01/2043 | 355,000 | 288,210 | ||||||
Palomar Pomerado Health Care District, CA, COP, 6.75%, 11/01/2039 (Prerefunded 11/01/2019) | 245,000 | 269,008 | ||||||
Riverside County, CA, Transportation Commission, Sales Tax Rev. (Limited Tax), A, 5.25%, 6/01/2039 | 345,000 | 398,185 | ||||||
San Diego County, CA, Regional Airport Authority Rev., A, 5%, 7/01/2040 | 835,000 | 907,211 | ||||||
San Francisco, CA, City & County Airports Commission, International Airport Rev., D, 5%, 5/01/2025 (Prerefunded 5/03/2021) | 285,000 | 317,567 | ||||||
San Francisco, CA, City & County Airports Commission, International Airport Rev., Unrefunded Balance, D, 5%, 5/01/2025 | 715,000 | 793,049 | ||||||
San Francisco, CA, City & County Redevelopment Successor Agency, Tax Allocation (Mission Bay South Redevelopment Project), A, 5%, 8/01/2043 | 25,000 | 28,352 | ||||||
San Jose, CA, Airport Rev., A-2, 5.25%, 3/01/2034 | 710,000 | 784,415 | ||||||
State of California, 5.25%, 10/01/2028 | 270,000 | 305,238 | ||||||
State of California, 5.25%, 9/01/2030 | 645,000 | 727,147 | ||||||
Upland, CA, COP (San Antonio Community Hospital), 6.5%, 1/01/2041 | 85,000 | 95,673 | ||||||
West Contra Costa, CA, Unified School District, B, NATL, 6%, 8/01/2024 | 245,000 | 276,772 | ||||||
Whittier, CA, Health Facility Rev. (PIH Health), 5%, 6/01/2044 | 125,000 | 137,964 | ||||||
|
|
|||||||
$ | 13,637,563 |
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Portfolio of Investments continued
Issuer | Shares/Par | Value ($) | ||||||
Municipal Bonds - continued | ||||||||
Colorado - 2.9% | ||||||||
Colorado Educational & Cultural Facilities Authority Rev. (Montessori Charter School Project), 5%, 7/15/2037 | $ | 40,000 | $ | 43,710 | ||||
Colorado Educational & Cultural Facilities Authority Rev. (The Classical Academy Project), A, 5%, 12/01/2038 | 75,000 | 83,100 | ||||||
Colorado Educational & Cultural Facilities Authority Rev. (Twin Peaks Charter Academy Project), 5%, 11/15/2031 | 145,000 | 163,547 | ||||||
Colorado Health Facilities Authority Rev. (Covenant Retirement Communities, Inc. Project), A, 5%, 12/01/2035 | 150,000 | 161,336 | ||||||
Colorado Health Facilities Authority Rev. (Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society), 5.625%, 6/01/2043 | 90,000 | 101,977 | ||||||
Colorado Health Facilities Authority Rev. (SCL Health System), A, 5%, 1/01/2044 | 380,000 | 421,549 | ||||||
Colorado Regional Transportation District, Private Activity Rev. (Denver Transportation Partners), 6.5%, 1/15/2030 | 560,000 | 625,526 | ||||||
Colorado Regional Transportation District, Private Activity Rev. (Denver Transportation Partners), 6%, 1/15/2034 | 480,000 | 526,589 | ||||||
Denver, CO, Convention Center Hotel Authority Rev., 5%, 12/01/2035 | 70,000 | 79,135 | ||||||
Denver, CO, Convention Center Hotel Authority Rev., 5%, 12/01/2036 | 45,000 | 50,798 | ||||||
Denver, CO, Convention Center Hotel Authority Rev., 5%, 12/01/2040 | 120,000 | 134,470 | ||||||
Denver, CO, Health & Hospital Authority Rev., A, 5.25%, 12/01/2045 | 95,000 | 103,167 | ||||||
Park Creek Metropolitan District, CO, Senior Limited Property Tax Supported Rev., A, NATL, 5%, 12/01/2045 | 405,000 | 463,417 | ||||||
|
|
|||||||
$ | 2,958,321 | |||||||
Connecticut - 1.0% | ||||||||
Mohegan Tribal Finance Authority, CT, Economic Development Bonds, 7%, 2/01/2045 (n) | $ | 175,000 | $ | 184,867 | ||||
State of Connecticut, Special Tax Obligation Rev., A, 5%, 12/01/2029 | 405,000 | 445,666 | ||||||
State of Connecticut, Special Tax Obligation Rev., A, 5%, 12/01/2030 | 385,000 | 423,192 | ||||||
|
|
|||||||
$ | 1,053,725 | |||||||
District of Columbia - 1.6% | ||||||||
District of Columbia Rev. (Georgetown University), Convertible Capital Appreciation, BHAC, 0% to 4/01/2018, 5% to 4/01/2040 | $ | 1,430,000 | $ | 1,508,092 | ||||
District of Columbia Rev. (Kipp, D.C. Charter School),A, 6%, 7/01/2033 | 40,000 | 46,273 | ||||||
District of Columbia Rev. (Kipp, D.C. Charter School),A, 6%, 7/01/2043 | 105,000 | 119,900 | ||||||
|
|
|||||||
$ | 1,674,265 |
15
Portfolio of Investments continued
Issuer | Shares/Par | Value ($) | ||||||
Municipal Bonds - continued | ||||||||
Florida - 4.5% | ||||||||
Bellalago, FL, Educational Facilities Benefit District (Osceola County) Capital Improvement Refunding Rev., 4.375%, 5/01/2030 | $ | 80,000 | $ | 85,310 | ||||
Bellalago, FL, Educational Facilities Benefit District (Osceola County) Capital Improvement Refunding Rev., 4.5%, 5/01/2033 | 35,000 | 37,386 | ||||||
Bellalago, FL, Educational Facilities Benefit District (Osceola County) Capital Improvement Refunding Rev., 4.6%, 5/01/2034 | 60,000 | 64,363 | ||||||
Capital Trust Agency, FL, Housing Rev. (Atlantic Housing Foundation), B, 7%, 7/15/2032 (d) | 340,000 | 255,000 | ||||||
Collier County, FL, Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Ave Maria University, Inc. Project), A, 6.125%, 6/01/2043 | 440,000 | 486,600 | ||||||
Daytona Beach, FL, Halifax Hospital Medical Center Rev., 5%, 6/01/2029 | 105,000 | 119,600 | ||||||
Daytona Beach, FL, Halifax Hospital Medical Center Rev., 5%, 6/01/2030 | 105,000 | 118,921 | ||||||
Miami-Dade County, FL, Health Facilities Authority Hospital Rev., Prerefunded, 6.125%, 8/01/2042 (Prerefunded 8/01/2020) | 145,000 | 161,243 | ||||||
Miami-Dade County, FL, Health Facilities Authority Hospital Rev., Unrefunded Balance, 6.125%, 8/01/2042 | 50,000 | 54,832 | ||||||
Miami-Dade County, FL, Special Obligation, B, 5%, 10/01/2035 | 180,000 | 200,241 | ||||||
Mid-Bay Bridge Authority, FL, Springing Lien Rev., A, 7.25%, 10/01/2040 (Prerefunded 10/01/2021) | 175,000 | 209,521 | ||||||
North Broward, FL, Hospital District Rev. (Broward Health), B, 5%, 1/01/2042 | 275,000 | 298,518 | ||||||
South Lake County, FL, Hospital District Rev. (South Lake Hospital), A, 6%, 4/01/2029 | 105,000 | 109,981 | ||||||
South Lake County, FL, Hospital District Rev. (South Lake Hospital), A, 6.25%, 4/01/2039 | 155,000 | 162,688 | ||||||
St. Johns County, FL, Industrial Development Authority Rev. (Presbyterian Retirement), A, 6%, 8/01/2045 (Prerefunded 8/01/2020) | 400,000 | 444,068 | ||||||
Sumter County, FL, Industrial Development Authority Hospital Rev. (Central Florida Health Alliance Projects), A, 5%, 7/01/2026 | 20,000 | 22,778 | ||||||
Sumter County, FL, Industrial Development Authority Hospital Rev. (Central Florida Health Alliance Projects), A, 5%, 7/01/2029 | 20,000 | 22,358 | ||||||
Sumter County, FL, Industrial Development Authority Hospital Rev. (Central Florida Health Alliance Projects), A, 5.125%, 7/01/2034 | 40,000 | 44,066 | ||||||
Sumter County, FL, Industrial Development Authority Hospital Rev. (Central Florida Health Alliance Projects), A, 5.25%, 7/01/2044 | 120,000 | 131,975 | ||||||
Tampa Bay, FL, Sports Authority Rev. (Tampa Bay Arena), NATL, 5.75%, 10/01/2025 | 1,000,000 | 1,159,870 | ||||||
Tampa, FL (University of Tampa Project), 5%, 4/01/2040 | 85,000 | 95,271 | ||||||
Westridge, FL, Community Development District, Capital Improvement Rev., 5.8%, 5/01/2037 (a)(d) | 480,000 | 307,200 | ||||||
|
|
|||||||
$ | 4,591,790 |
16
Portfolio of Investments continued
Issuer | Shares/Par | Value ($) | ||||||
Municipal Bonds - continued | ||||||||
Georgia - 3.4% | ||||||||
Americus and Sumter County, GA, Hospital Authority Rev. (Magnolia Manor Obligated Group), A, 6.25%, 5/15/2033 | $ | 75,000 | $ | 82,953 | ||||
Americus and Sumter County, GA, Hospital Authority Rev. (Magnolia Manor Obligated Group), A, 6.375%, 5/15/2043 | 75,000 | 82,714 | ||||||
Atlanta, GA, Water & Wastewater Rev., A, 6%, 11/01/2022 (Prerefunded 11/01/2019) | 290,000 | 313,884 | ||||||
Clayton County, GA, Development Authority Special Facilities Rev. (Delta Airlines, Inc.), A, 8.75%, 6/01/2029 | 125,000 | 143,300 | ||||||
DeKalb County, GA, Water & Sewer Rev., A, 5.25%, 10/01/2028 | 125,000 | 140,573 | ||||||
DeKalb County, GA, Water & Sewer Rev., A, 5.25%, 10/01/2029 | 120,000 | 134,902 | ||||||
DeKalb County, GA, Water & Sewer Rev., A, 5.25%, 10/01/2030 | 75,000 | 84,432 | ||||||
DeKalb County, GA, Water & Sewer Rev., A, 5.25%, 10/01/2041 | 340,000 | 377,832 | ||||||
Fulton County, GA, Water & Sewer Rev., 5%, 1/01/2027 | 215,000 | 235,625 | ||||||
Georgia Main Street Natural Gas, Inc., Gas Project Rev., A, 5%, 3/15/2022 | 525,000 | 586,546 | ||||||
Georgia Main Street Natural Gas, Inc., Gas Project Rev., A, 5.5%, 9/15/2026 | 120,000 | 142,390 | ||||||
Georgia Main Street Natural Gas, Inc., Gas Project Rev., A, 5.5%, 9/15/2028 | 250,000 | 299,038 | ||||||
Glynn-Brunswick, GA, Memorial Hospital Authority Rev., Unrefunded Balance, 5.625%, 8/01/2034 | 15,000 | 15,354 | ||||||
Hall County and Gainesville, GA, Hospital Authority Rev. (Northeast Georgia Health System, Inc.), A, 5.5%, 8/15/2054 | 320,000 | 375,338 | ||||||
Marietta, GA, Development Facilities Authority Rev. (Life University, Inc. Project), 7%, 6/15/2030 (Prerefunded 6/15/2018) | 100,000 | 103,003 | ||||||
Marietta, GA, Development Facilities Authority Rev. (Life University, Inc. Project), 7%, 6/15/2039 (Prerefunded 6/15/2018) | 100,000 | 103,003 | ||||||
Rockdale County, GA, Development Authority Project Rev. (Visy Paper Project), A, 6.125%, 1/01/2034 | 320,000 | 320,579 | ||||||
|
|
|||||||
$ | 3,541,466 | |||||||
Guam - 0.0% | ||||||||
Guam Government Business Privilege Tax Rev., A, 5.25%, 1/01/2036 | $ | 40,000 | $ | 42,698 | ||||
Hawaii - 1.0% | ||||||||
Hawaii Department of Budget & Finance, Special Purpose Rev. (15 Craigside Project), A, 9%, 11/15/2044 (Prerefunded 11/15/2019) | $ | 115,000 | $ | 130,891 | ||||
Hawaii Department of Budget & Finance, Special Purpose Rev. (Hawaiian Electric Co. & Subsidiary), 6.5%, 7/01/2039 | 410,000 | 440,381 | ||||||
State of Hawaii, DZ, 5%, 12/01/2031 (Prerefunded 12/01/2021) | 110,000 | 123,544 | ||||||
State of Hawaii, DZ, 5%, 12/01/2031 (Prerefunded 12/01/2021) | 70,000 | 78,763 | ||||||
State of Hawaii, Highway Rev., A, 5%, 1/01/2031 | 120,000 | 134,020 | ||||||
State of Hawaii, Highway Rev., A, 5%, 1/01/2032 | 80,000 | 89,146 | ||||||
|
|
|||||||
$ | 996,745 |
17
Portfolio of Investments continued
Issuer | Shares/Par | Value ($) | ||||||
Municipal Bonds - continued | ||||||||
Illinois - 17.2% | ||||||||
Bolingbrook, IL, Sales Tax Rev., 6.25%, 1/01/2024 | $ | 205,000 | $ | 203,510 | ||||
Chicago, IL (Modern Schools Across Chicago Program), G, AMBAC, 5%, 12/01/2023 | 45,000 | 45,154 | ||||||
Chicago, IL, A, AGM, 5%, 1/01/2022 | 40,000 | 40,100 | ||||||
Chicago, IL, A, AGM, 5%, 1/01/2023 | 25,000 | 25,063 | ||||||
Chicago, IL, A, AGM, 5%, 1/01/2025 | 5,000 | 5,013 | ||||||
Chicago, IL, A, AGM, 5%, 1/01/2028 | 360,000 | 379,130 | ||||||
Chicago, IL, A, 5.25%, 1/01/2028 | 25,000 | 27,232 | ||||||
Chicago, IL, A, AGM, 4.75%, 1/01/2030 | 45,000 | 45,153 | ||||||
Chicago, IL, A, AGM, 5%, 1/01/2034 | 155,000 | 155,341 | ||||||
Chicago, IL, A, 5%, 1/01/2036 | 85,000 | 88,610 | ||||||
Chicago, IL, A, AGM, 5%, 1/01/2037 | 260,000 | 260,567 | ||||||
Chicago, IL, C, NATL, 5%, 1/01/2023 | 35,000 | 35,084 | ||||||
Chicago, IL, C, NATL, 5%, 1/01/2029 | 285,000 | 285,624 | ||||||
Chicago, IL, D, 5.5%, 1/01/2033 | 70,000 | 75,874 | ||||||
Chicago, IL, (Modern Schools Across Chicago Program), H, AMBAC, 5%, 12/01/2021 | 85,000 | 85,292 | ||||||
Chicago, IL, Board of Education (School Reform), Capital Appreciation, A, NATL, 0%, 12/01/2019 | 50,000 | 47,112 | ||||||
Chicago, IL, Board of Education, B, AMBAC, 5%, 12/01/2021 | 110,000 | 110,172 | ||||||
Chicago, IL, Board of Education, B, AGM, 5%, 12/01/2035 | 305,000 | 305,729 | ||||||
Chicago, IL, Board of Education, C, AGM, 5%, 12/01/2032 | 685,000 | 706,105 | ||||||
Chicago, IL, Board of Education, Dedicated Capital Improvement Tax Bond, 5%, 4/01/2046 | 100,000 | 107,763 | ||||||
Chicago, IL, Board of Education, Dedicated Capital Improvement Tax Bond, 6%, 4/01/2046 | 420,000 | 492,677 | ||||||
Chicago, IL, Board of Education, Unlimited Tax General Obligation Refunding Dedicated Rev., A-2, 9%, 3/01/2035 | 220,000 | 221,052 | ||||||
Chicago, IL, Board of Education, Unlimited Tax General Obligation Refunding Dedicated Rev., B, AMBAC, 5%, 12/01/2021 | 345,000 | 345,538 | ||||||
Chicago, IL, Board of Education, Unlimited Tax General Obligation Refunding Dedicated Rev., B, AMBAC, 5%, 12/01/2023 | 80,000 | 80,125 | ||||||
Chicago, IL, Board of Education, Unlimited Tax General Obligation Refunding Dedicated Rev., H, 5%, 12/01/2046 | 180,000 | 183,402 | ||||||
Chicago, IL, General Obligation, A, 6%, 1/01/2038 | 215,000 | 246,390 | ||||||
Chicago, IL, Greater Chicago Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, C, 5%, 12/01/2029 | 855,000 | 949,118 | ||||||
Chicago, IL, Modern Schools Across Chicago Program, D, AMBAC, 5%, 12/01/2022 | 230,000 | 230,789 | ||||||
Chicago, IL, OHare International Airport Rev., Customer Facility Charge, AGM, 5.25%, 1/01/2032 | 70,000 | 79,370 | ||||||
Chicago, IL, OHare International Airport Rev., Customer Facility Charge, AGM, 5.25%, 1/01/2033 | 35,000 | 39,596 |
18
Portfolio of Investments continued
Issuer | Shares/Par | Value ($) | ||||||
Municipal Bonds - continued | ||||||||
Illinois - continued | ||||||||
Chicago, IL, OHare International Airport Rev., Customer Facility Charge, AGM, 5.5%, 1/01/2043 | $ | 145,000 | $ | 165,164 | ||||
Chicago, IL, OHare International Airport Rev., Third Lien, A, 5.625%, 1/01/2035 (Prerefunded 1/01/2021) | 525,000 | 586,472 | ||||||
Chicago, IL, OHare International Airport Rev., Third Lien, A, 5.625%, 1/01/2035 | 125,000 | 137,895 | ||||||
Chicago, IL, Transit Authority Sales Tax Receipts Rev., 5.25%, 12/01/2029 | 155,000 | 168,575 | ||||||
Chicago, IL, Transit Authority Sales Tax Receipts Rev., 5.25%, 12/01/2030 | 310,000 | 336,663 | ||||||
Chicago, IL, Transit Authority Sales Tax Receipts Rev., 5.25%, 12/01/2031 | 60,000 | 65,184 | ||||||
Chicago, IL, Transit Authority Sales Tax Receipts Rev., 5.25%, 12/01/2040 | 410,000 | 439,512 | ||||||
Cook County, IL, Community College District 508 (City Colleges), BAM, 5%, 12/01/2047 | 455,000 | 497,988 | ||||||
Illinois Finance Authority Rev. (Edward-Elmhurst Healthcare), A, 5%, 1/01/2034 | 145,000 | 160,023 | ||||||
Illinois Finance Authority Rev. (Edward-Elmhurst Healthcare), A, 5%, 1/01/2035 | 145,000 | 159,552 | ||||||
Illinois Finance Authority Rev. (Franciscan Communities, Inc.), A, 4.75%, 5/15/2033 | 160,000 | 166,693 | ||||||
Illinois Finance Authority Rev. (Franciscan Communities, Inc.), A, 5.125%, 5/15/2043 | 125,000 | 131,756 | ||||||
Illinois Finance Authority Rev. (KishHealth Systems Obligated Group), 5.75%, 10/01/2028 (Prerefunded 10/01/2018) | 380,000 | 393,247 | ||||||
Illinois Finance Authority Rev. (Presence Health Network), A, 7.75%, 8/15/2034 (Prerefunded 8/15/2019) | 395,000 | 435,219 | ||||||
Illinois Finance Authority Rev. (Presence Health Network), C, 5%, 2/15/2036 | 85,000 | 93,752 | ||||||
Illinois Finance Authority Rev. (Presence Health Network), C, 5%, 2/15/2041 | 120,000 | 131,963 | ||||||
Illinois Finance Authority Rev. (Provena Health), 7.75%, 8/15/2034 (Prerefunded 8/15/2019) | 5,000 | 5,509 | ||||||
Illinois Finance Authority Rev. (Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago), A, 6%, 7/01/2043 | 565,000 | 635,958 | ||||||
Illinois Finance Authority Rev. (Resurrection Health Care Corp.), 6.125%, 5/15/2025 (Prerefunded 5/15/2019) | 430,000 | 457,529 | ||||||
Illinois Finance Authority Rev. (Roosevelt University Project), 6.25%, 4/01/2029 | 545,000 | 581,520 | ||||||
Illinois Finance Authority Rev. (Silver Cross Hospital & Medical Centers), 6.875%, 8/15/2038 (Prerefunded 8/15/2019) | 395,000 | 429,460 | ||||||
Illinois Finance Authority Rev. (Silver Cross Hospital & Medical Centers), C, 5%, 8/15/2035 | 315,000 | 341,756 |
19
Portfolio of Investments continued
Issuer | Shares/Par | Value ($) | ||||||
Municipal Bonds - continued | ||||||||
Illinois - continued | ||||||||
Illinois Finance Authority Rev. (University of Chicago), A, 5%, 10/01/2035 | $ | 1,000,000 | $ | 1,156,610 | ||||
Illinois Finance Authority Student Housing Rev. (Northern Illinois University Project), 6.625%, 10/01/2031 | 390,000 | 429,581 | ||||||
Illinois Railsplitter Tobacco Settlement Authority, 5.5%, 6/01/2023 | 150,000 | 169,244 | ||||||
Illinois Railsplitter Tobacco Settlement Authority, 6%, 6/01/2028 | 1,145,000 | 1,287,175 | ||||||
Illinois Toll Highway Authority Rev., B, 5%, 1/01/2032 | 1,000,000 | 1,140,680 | ||||||
Lincolnshire, IL, Special Service Area No. 1 (Sedgebrook Project), 6.25%, 3/01/2034 | 164,000 | 164,313 | ||||||
Romeoville, IL, Rev. (Lewis University Project), A, 5%, 10/01/2042 | 130,000 | 142,498 | ||||||
State of Illinois, AGM, 5%, 2/01/2027 | 95,000 | 106,231 | ||||||
State of Illinois, C, 5%, 11/01/2029 | 665,000 | 714,429 | ||||||
|
|
|||||||
$ | 17,733,836 | |||||||
Indiana - 3.1% | ||||||||
Indiana Finance Authority Health Facilities Rev. (Baptist Healthcare System Obligated Group), 5%, 8/15/2051 | $ | 190,000 | $ | 206,251 | ||||
Indiana Finance Authority Rev. (Marquette Project), A, 5%, 3/01/2030 | 40,000 | 43,169 | ||||||
Indiana Finance Authority Rev. (Marquette Project), A, 5%, 3/01/2039 | 100,000 | 105,776 | ||||||
Indiana Finance Authority Rev. (Ohio River Bridges East End Crossing Project), A, 5%, 7/01/2040 | 350,000 | 378,028 | ||||||
Indiana Finance Authority Rev. (Ohio River Bridges East End Crossing Project), A, 5%, 7/01/2044 | 365,000 | 392,886 | ||||||
Indiana Finance Authority Rev. (State Revolving Fund Program), A, 5%, 2/01/2029 | 1,000,000 | 1,132,780 | ||||||
Richmond, IN, Hospital Authority Rev. (Reid Hospital & Health Center Services), A, 6.625%, 1/01/2039 (Prerefunded 1/01/2019) | 525,000 | 553,114 | ||||||
University of Southern Indiana Rev. (Student Fee), J, ASSD GTY, 5.75%, 10/01/2028 (Prerefunded 10/01/2019) | 210,000 | 225,607 | ||||||
Valparaiso, IN, Exempt Facilities Rev. (Pratt Paper LLC Project), 7%, 1/01/2044 | 110,000 | 131,100 | ||||||
|
|
|||||||
$ | 3,168,711 | |||||||
Iowa - 0.5% | ||||||||
Iowa Student Loan Liquidity Corp. Rev., A-1, 4.625%, 12/01/2019 | $ | 95,000 | $ | 97,440 | ||||
Iowa Student Loan Liquidity Corp. Rev., A-1, 4.875%, 12/01/2020 | 20,000 | 20,630 | ||||||
Iowa Student Loan Liquidity Corp. Rev., A-2, 5.5%, 12/01/2025 | 80,000 | 85,237 | ||||||
Iowa Student Loan Liquidity Corp. Rev., A-2, 5.6%, 12/01/2026 | 85,000 | 90,643 | ||||||
Iowa Student Loan Liquidity Corp. Rev., A-2, 5.7%, 12/01/2027 | 15,000 | 15,911 | ||||||
Iowa Student Loan Liquidity Corp. Rev., A-2, 5.75%, 12/01/2028 | 150,000 | 159,059 | ||||||
|
|
|||||||
$ | 468,920 |
20
Portfolio of Investments continued
Issuer | Shares/Par | Value ($) | ||||||
Municipal Bonds - continued | ||||||||
Kansas - 0.7% | ||||||||
Coffeyville, KS, Electric Utility System Rev., B, NATL, 5%, 6/01/2038 | $ | 300,000 | $ | 326,952 | ||||
Coffeyville, KS, Electric Utility System Rev., B, NATL, 5%, 6/01/2042 | 100,000 | 108,779 | ||||||
Hutchinson, KS, Hospital Facilities Rev. (Hutchinson Regional Medical Center, Inc.), 5%, 12/01/2036 | 45,000 | 48,547 | ||||||
Hutchinson, KS, Hospital Facilities Rev. (Hutchinson Regional Medical Center, Inc.), 5%, 12/01/2041 | 45,000 | 48,230 | ||||||
Wyandotte County/Kansas City, KS, Unified Government Utility System Improvement Rev., A, 5%, 9/01/2044 | 195,000 | 223,244 | ||||||
|
|
|||||||
$ | 755,752 | |||||||
Kentucky - 2.4% | ||||||||
Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority Hospital Rev. (Baptist Healthcare System Obligated Group), B, 5%, 8/15/2046 | $ | 135,000 | $ | 147,115 | ||||
Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority, Hospital Facilities Rev. (Baptist Healthcare System), A, 5.375%, 8/15/2024 | 255,000 | 261,640 | ||||||
Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority, Hospital Facilities Rev. (Baptist Healthcare System), A, 5.625%, 8/15/2027 | 85,000 | 87,276 | ||||||
Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority, Hospital Facilities Rev. (Baptist Healthcare System), B, 5%, 8/15/2037 | 35,000 | 38,438 | ||||||
Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority, Hospital Facilities Rev. (Baptist Healthcare System), B, 5%, 8/15/2041 | 230,000 | 251,809 | ||||||
Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority, Hospital Facilities Rev. (Owensboro Medical Health System), A, 6.375%, 6/01/2040 (Prerefunded 6/01/2020) | 440,000 | 489,632 | ||||||
Kentucky Turnpike Authority, Economic Development Rev., A, 5%, 7/01/2030 | 1,000,000 | 1,101,540 | ||||||
University of Kentucky, General Receipts, A, 5%, 4/01/2036 | 110,000 | 124,138 | ||||||
|
|
|||||||
$ | 2,501,588 | |||||||
Louisiana - 2.4% | ||||||||
Jefferson Parish, LA, Hospital Service District No. 2 (East Jefferson General Hospital), 6.25%, 7/01/2031 | $ | 470,000 | $ | 487,127 | ||||
Louisiana Local Government, Environmental Facilities & Community Development Authority Rev. (St. James Place of Baton Rouge Project), A, 6.25%, 11/15/2045 | 240,000 | 267,456 | ||||||
Louisiana Public Facilities Authority Hospital Rev. (Lake Charles Memorial Hospital), 6.375%, 12/01/2034 | 290,000 | 306,524 | ||||||
Louisiana Public Facilities Authority Rev., (Loyola University Project), Convertible Capital Appreciation, 0% to 10/01/2023, 5.25% to 10/01/2046 |
345,000 | 289,496 | ||||||
New Orleans, LA, Aviation Board Gulf Opportunity Zone CFC Rev. (Consolidated Rental Car), A, 6.25%, 1/01/2030 | 185,000 | 193,236 |
21
Portfolio of Investments continued
Issuer | Shares/Par | Value ($) | ||||||
Municipal Bonds - continued | ||||||||
Louisiana - continued | ||||||||
New Orleans, LA, Sewerage Service Rev., 5%, 12/01/2040 | $ | 65,000 | $ | 73,144 | ||||
New Orleans, LA, Sewerage Service Rev., 5%, 6/01/2045 | 185,000 | 206,114 | ||||||
New Orleans, LA, Sewerage Service Rev., 5%, 12/01/2045 | 85,000 | 95,268 | ||||||
St. Charles Parish, LA, Gulf Zone Opportunity Zone Rev. (Valero Energy Corp.), 4%, 12/01/2040 (Put Date 6/01/2022) | 480,000 | 512,093 | ||||||
|
|
|||||||
$ | 2,430,458 | |||||||
Maryland - 1.3% | ||||||||
Baltimore, MD, Convention Center Hotel Rev., 5%, 9/01/2039 | $ | 100,000 | $ | 112,023 | ||||
Baltimore, MD, Convention Center Hotel Rev., 5%, 9/01/2042 | 90,000 | 100,585 | ||||||
Baltimore, MD, Convention Center Hotel Rev., 5%, 9/01/2046 | 145,000 | 161,547 | ||||||
Maryland Health & Higher Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Anne Arundel Health System, Inc.), A, 6.75%, 7/01/2039 (Prerefunded 7/01/2019) | 175,000 | 188,988 | ||||||
Maryland Health & Higher Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Charlestown Community Project), 6.25%, 1/01/2041 (Prerefunded 1/01/2021) | 190,000 | 215,791 | ||||||
Maryland Health & Higher Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Doctors Community Hospital), A, 5%, 7/01/2033 | 100,000 | 110,995 | ||||||
Maryland Health & Higher Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Doctors Community Hospital), A, 5%, 7/01/2034 | 65,000 | 71,869 | ||||||
Maryland Health & Higher Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Doctors Community Hospital), A, 5%, 7/01/2038 | 280,000 | 306,751 | ||||||
Rockville, MD, Mayor & Council Economic Development Refunding Rev. (Ingleside at King Farm Project), A-1, 5%, 11/01/2037 | 10,000 | 11,019 | ||||||
Rockville, MD, Mayor & Council Economic Development Refunding Rev. (Ingleside at King Farm Project), B, 5%, 11/01/2042 | 15,000 | 16,412 | ||||||
Rockville, MD, Mayor & Council Economic Development Refunding Rev. (Ingleside at King Farm Project), B, 5%, 11/01/2047 | 15,000 | 16,344 | ||||||
|
|
|||||||
$ | 1,312,324 | |||||||
Massachusetts - 21.1% | ||||||||
Boston, MA, Metropolitan Transit Parking Corp., Systemwide Parking Rev., 5.25%, 7/01/2036 | $ | 285,000 | $ | 317,424 | ||||
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Transportation Fund Rev. (Accelerated Bridge Program), A, 5%, 6/01/2038 | 1,000,000 | 1,109,970 | ||||||
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, Sales Tax Rev., A-1, 5.25%, 7/01/2029 | 350,000 | 442,992 | ||||||
Massachusetts College Building Authority Rev., A, 5%, 5/01/2031 | 190,000 | 216,568 | ||||||
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency Rev. (Evergreen Center, Inc.), 5%, 1/01/2024 | 250,000 | 250,305 | ||||||
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency Rev. (Milford Regional Medical Center), F, 5.75%, 7/15/2043 | 40,000 | 44,528 |
22
Portfolio of Investments continued
Issuer | Shares/Par | Value ($) | ||||||
Municipal Bonds - continued | ||||||||
Massachusetts - continued | ||||||||
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency Rev. (North Hill Communities), A, 6.5%, 11/15/2043 | $ | 100,000 | $ | 112,382 | ||||
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency Rev. (Suffolk University), 5%, 7/01/2033 | 35,000 | 40,222 | ||||||
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency Rev. (Suffolk University), 5%, 7/01/2034 | 30,000 | 34,369 | ||||||
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency Rev. (Suffolk University), 5%, 7/01/2035 | 25,000 | 28,626 | ||||||
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency Rev. (UMass Memorial Health Care Obligated Group), I, 5%, 7/01/2036 | 120,000 | 133,891 | ||||||
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency Rev. (UMass Memorial Health Care Obligated Group), K, 5%, 7/01/2038 | 80,000 | 88,734 | ||||||
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency Rev. (Williams College), P, 5%, 7/01/2043 | 1,000,000 | 1,126,000 | ||||||
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency, Resource Recovery Rev. (Covanta Energy Project), A, 4.875%, 11/01/2027 | 205,000 | 205,158 | ||||||
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency, Solid Waste Disposal Rev. (Dominion Energy Brayton), 5.75%, 12/01/2042 (Prerefunded 5/01/2019) | 70,000 | 73,998 | ||||||
Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority, Education Loan Rev, A, 4.25%, 1/01/2030 | 80,000 | 84,346 | ||||||
Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority, Education Loan Rev, A, 4.25%, 1/01/2031 | 55,000 | 57,775 | ||||||
Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority, Education Loan Rev., H, ASSD GTY, 6.35%, 1/01/2030 | 130,000 | 135,113 | ||||||
Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority, Education Loan Rev., J, 3.5%, 7/01/2033 (u) | 15,000,000 | 14,629,650 | ||||||
Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority, Education Loan Rev., J, 3.5%, 7/01/2033 | 120,000 | 117,037 | ||||||
Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority, Education Loan Rev., K, 5.25%, 7/01/2029 | 235,000 | 254,881 | ||||||
Massachusetts Health & Higher Educational Facilities Authority Refunding Bonds Rev. (Suffolk University), 6.25%, 7/01/2030 (Prerefunded 7/01/2019) | 265,000 | 284,128 | ||||||
Massachusetts Health & Higher Educational Facilities Authority Refunding Bonds Rev. (Suffolk University), 6.25%, 7/01/2030 | 150,000 | 160,658 | ||||||
Massachusetts Port Authority Rev., A, 5%, 7/01/2037 | 35,000 | 38,521 | ||||||
Massachusetts Port Authority Special Facilities Rev. (ConRAC Project), A, 5.125%, 7/01/2041 | 40,000 | 43,655 | ||||||
Massachusetts Port Authority Special Facilities Rev. (Delta Air Lines Project, Inc.), A, AMBAC, 5%, 1/01/2027 | 145,000 | 147,481 | ||||||
Massachusetts School Building Authority, Dedicated Sales Tax Rev., B, 5%, 10/15/2032 | 720,000 | 803,326 |
23
Portfolio of Investments continued
Issuer | Shares/Par | Value ($) | ||||||
Municipal Bonds - continued | ||||||||
Massachusetts - continued | ||||||||
Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, B, AGM, 5.25%, 8/01/2029 | $ | 600,000 | $ | 763,860 | ||||
|
|
|||||||
$ | 21,745,598 | |||||||
Michigan - 4.4% | ||||||||
Detroit, MI, Water & Sewerage Department, Senior Lien Sewage Disposal System Rev., A, 5.25%, 7/01/2039 | $ | 460,000 | $ | 502,283 | ||||
Detroit, MI, Water Supply System Rev., Senior Lien, A, 5%, 7/01/2036 | 25,000 | 26,613 | ||||||
Detroit, MI, Water Supply System Rev., Senior Lien, C, 5%, 7/01/2041 | 30,000 | 31,820 | ||||||
Michigan Finance Authority (City of Detroit Financial Recovery Income Tax Rev.), F, 3.875%, 10/01/2023 | 50,000 | 51,431 | ||||||
Michigan Finance Authority (City of Detroit Financial Recovery Income Tax Rev.), F, 4%, 10/01/2024 | 65,000 | 67,235 | ||||||
Michigan Finance Authority Hospital Rev. (Henry Ford Health System), 3.25%, 11/15/2042 | 570,000 | 524,058 | ||||||
Michigan Finance Authority Local Government Loan Program Rev. (Detroit Water and Sewerage Department Sewage Disposal System Rev. Refunding Second Lien Local Project), C, 5%, 7/01/2033 | 65,000 | 72,814 | ||||||
Michigan Finance Authority Local Government Loan Program Rev. (Detroit Water and Sewerage Department Sewage Disposal System Rev. Refunding Second Lien Local Project), C, 5%, 7/01/2034 | 150,000 | 166,965 | ||||||
Michigan Finance Authority Local Government Loan Program Rev. (Detroit Water and Sewerage Department Sewage Disposal System Rev. Refunding Second Lien Local Project), C, 5%, 7/01/2035 | 100,000 | 111,097 | ||||||
Michigan Finance Authority Local Government Loan Program Rev. (Detroit Water and Sewerage Department Sewage Disposal System Rev. Senior Lien Local Project), C-1, 5%, 7/01/2044 | 175,000 | 190,402 | ||||||
Michigan Finance Authority Local Government Loan Program Rev. (Detroit Water and Sewerage Department Water Supply System Rev. Refunding Second Lien Local Project), D-2, 5%, 7/01/2034 | 65,000 | 72,352 | ||||||
Michigan Finance Authority Local Government Loan Program Rev. (Detroit Water and Sewerage Department), C-2, 5%, 7/01/2044 | 135,000 | 144,609 | ||||||
Michigan Finance Authority Local Government Loan Program Rev. (Detroit Water and Sewerage Department), C-6, 5%, 7/01/2033 | 220,000 | 244,273 | ||||||
Michigan Finance Authority Rev. (Trinity Health Corp.), 5%, 12/01/2035 | 750,000 | 825,000 | ||||||
Royal Oak, MI, Hospital Finance Authority Rev. (William Beaumont Hospital), 5%, 9/01/2039 | 545,000 | 600,514 | ||||||
Royal Oak, MI, Hospital Finance Authority Rev. (William Beaumont Hospital), 8.25%, 9/01/2039 (Prerefunded 9/01/2018) | 230,000 | 241,700 | ||||||
Wayne County, MI, Airport Authority Rev. (Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport), D, AGM, 5%, 12/01/2040 | 570,000 | 654,839 | ||||||
|
|
|||||||
$ | 4,528,005 |
24
Portfolio of Investments continued
Issuer | Shares/Par | Value ($) | ||||||
Municipal Bonds - continued | ||||||||
Minnesota - 0.0% | ||||||||
Minneapolis & St. Paul, MN, Housing Authority Rev. (City Living), A-2, GNMA, 5%, 12/01/2038 | $ | 6,759 | $ | 6,769 | ||||
Mississippi - 1.0% | ||||||||
Mississippi Business Finance Corp., Pollution Control Rev. (Systems Energy Resources Project), 5.875%, 4/01/2022 | $ | 625,000 | $ | 626,806 | ||||
Mississippi Development Bank Special Obligation (City of Jackson Water and Sewer System Rev. Bond Project), AGM, 6.875%, 12/01/2040 | 90,000 | 112,409 | ||||||
University of Southern Mississippi Educational Building Corp. Rev. (Campus Facilities Project), 5.25%, 9/01/2032 (Prerefunded 9/01/2019) | 190,000 | 201,691 | ||||||
University of Southern Mississippi Educational Building Corp. Rev. (Campus Facilities Project), 5.375%, 9/01/2036 (Prerefunded 9/01/2019) | 65,000 | 69,139 | ||||||
|
|
|||||||
$ | 1,010,045 | |||||||
Missouri - 0.3% | ||||||||
Missouri Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (A.T. Still University Health Services), 5%, 10/01/2039 | $ | 55,000 | $ | 61,241 | ||||
Missouri Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (SSM Health Care), A, 5%, 6/01/2031 | 205,000 | 231,914 | ||||||
Missouri Health & Educational Facilities Authority, Senior Living Facilities Rev. (Lutheran Senior Services Project), A, 5%, 2/01/2036 | 35,000 | 38,488 | ||||||
|
|
|||||||
$ | 331,643 | |||||||
National - 0.7% | ||||||||
Centerline Capital Group, Inc., FHLMC, 6.3%, 10/31/2052 (n) | $ | 500,000 | $ | 530,330 | ||||
Resolution Trust Corp., Pass-Through Certificates, 1993, 9.75%, 2/01/2018 (z) | 227,741 | 227,741 | ||||||
|
|
|||||||
$ | 758,071 | |||||||
Nebraska - 0.7% | ||||||||
Douglas County, NE, Educational Facilities Rev. (Creighton University), A, 5.875%, 7/01/2040 | $ | 645,000 | $ | 713,589 | ||||
Nevada - 0.8% | ||||||||
Las Vegas Valley, NV, Water District, C, 5%, 6/01/2029 | $ | 755,000 | $ | 833,173 | ||||
New Hampshire - 0.7% | ||||||||
New Hampshire Business Finance Authority Rev. (Elliot Hospital Obligated Group), A, 6%, 10/01/2027 (Prerefunded 10/01/2019) | $ | 445,000 | $ | 479,648 | ||||
New Hampshire Health & Education Facilities Authority Rev. (Memorial Hospital), 5.5%, 6/01/2031 | 100,000 | 109,205 |
25
Portfolio of Investments continued
Issuer | Shares/Par | Value ($) | ||||||
Municipal Bonds - continued | ||||||||
New Hampshire - continued | ||||||||
New Hampshire Health & Education Facilities Authority Rev. (Memorial Hospital), 5.5%, 6/01/2036 | $ | 105,000 | $ | 112,726 | ||||
|
|
|||||||
$ | 701,579 | |||||||
New Jersey - 7.0% | ||||||||
Atlantic City, NJ, Tax Appeal Refunding Bonds (Qualified Pursuant to the Provisions of the Municipal Qualified Bond Act), B, AGM, 5%, 3/01/2032 | $ | 85,000 | $ | 97,300 | ||||
Atlantic City, NJ, Tax Appeal Refunding Bonds (Qualified Pursuant to the Provisions of the Municipal Qualified Bond Act), B, AGM, 5%, 3/01/2037 | 80,000 | 90,142 | ||||||
New Jersey Building Authority Rev., Unrefunded Balance, A, BAM, 5%, 6/15/2028 | 25,000 | 28,276 | ||||||
New Jersey Building Authority Rev., Unrefunded Balance, A, BAM, 5%, 6/15/2029 | 30,000 | 33,717 | ||||||
New Jersey Economic Development Authority Rev. (The Goethals Bridge Replacement Project), 5.5%, 1/01/2027 | 40,000 | 46,260 | ||||||
New Jersey Economic Development Authority Rev. (The Goethals Bridge Replacement Project), 5%, 1/01/2028 | 40,000 | 44,884 | ||||||
New Jersey Economic Development Authority Rev. (The Goethals Bridge Replacement Project), AGM, 5%, 1/01/2031 | 115,000 | 129,383 | ||||||
New Jersey Economic Development Authority Rev. (The Goethals Bridge Replacement Project), AGM, 5.125%, 1/01/2039 | 70,000 | 77,834 | ||||||
New Jersey Economic Development Authority Rev. (The Goethals Bridge Replacement Project), AGM, 5.125%, 7/01/2042 | 35,000 | 38,794 | ||||||
New Jersey Economic Development Authority Rev. (The Goethals Bridge Replacement Project), 5.375%, 1/01/2043 | 225,000 | 250,373 | ||||||
New Jersey Economic Development Authority Rev., School Facilities Construction, DDD, 5%, 6/15/2034 | 55,000 | 60,006 | ||||||
New Jersey Economic Development Authority Rev., School Facilities Construction, DDD, 5%, 6/15/2035 | 40,000 | 43,474 | ||||||
New Jersey Economic Development Authority Rev., School Facilities Construction, DDD, 5%, 6/15/2042 | 240,000 | 258,862 | ||||||
New Jersey Economic Development Authority, Special Facilities Rev. (Continental Airlines, Inc.), 5.25%, 9/15/2029 | 260,000 | 284,170 | ||||||
New Jersey Economic Development Authority, Special Facilities Rev. (Continental Airlines, Inc.), A, 5.625%, 11/15/2030 | 40,000 | 45,394 | ||||||
New Jersey Economic Development Authority, Special Facilities Rev. (Continental Airlines, Inc.), B, 5.625%, 11/15/2030 | 35,000 | 39,719 | ||||||
New Jersey Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (University of Medicine & Dentistry), B, 7.5%, 12/01/2032 (Prerefunded 6/01/2019) | 460,000 | 499,634 | ||||||
New Jersey Health Care Facilities, Financing Authority Rev. (University Hospital), A, AGM, 5%, 7/01/2046 | 360,000 | 401,994 |
26
Portfolio of Investments continued
Issuer | Shares/Par | Value ($) | ||||||
Municipal Bonds - continued | ||||||||
New Jersey - continued | ||||||||
New Jersey Tobacco Settlement Financing Corp., 1-A, 4.5%, 6/01/2023 | $ | 1,295,000 | $ | 1,314,360 | ||||
New Jersey Tobacco Settlement Financing Corp., 1-A, 4.75%, 6/01/2034 | 1,850,000 | 1,772,393 | ||||||
New Jersey Tobacco Settlement Financing Corp., 1-A, 5%, 6/01/2041 | 1,730,000 | 1,665,212 | ||||||
|
|
|||||||
$ | 7,222,181 | |||||||
New Mexico - 0.4% | ||||||||
Farmington, NM, Pollution Control Rev. (Public Service New Mexico), D, 5.9%, 6/01/2040 | $ | 400,000 | $ | 434,676 | ||||
New York - 12.4% | ||||||||
Brooklyn, NY, Arena Local Development Corp. (Barclays Center Project), 6%, 7/15/2030 (Prerefunded 1/15/2020) | $ | 200,000 | $ | 218,566 | ||||
Build NYC Resource Corp. Rev. (Albert Einstein School of Medicine, Inc.), 5.5%, 9/01/2045 | 310,000 | 339,509 | ||||||
Glen Cove, NY, Local Economic Assistance Corp. (Garvies Point Public Improvement Project), Capital Appreciation, B, 0%, 1/01/2045 | 120,000 | 31,921 | ||||||
Hempstead, NY, Local Development Corp. Rev. (Hofstra University Project), 5%, 7/01/2025 | 130,000 | 143,295 | ||||||
Hempstead, NY, Local Development Corp. Rev. (Hofstra University Project), 5%, 7/01/2026 | 95,000 | 104,646 | ||||||
Hudson Yards, NY, Infrastructure Corp. Rev., A, 5.75%, 2/15/2047 (Prerefunded 2/15/2021) | 210,000 | 236,492 | ||||||
Hudson Yards, NY, Infrastructure Corp. Rev., A, 5.75%, 2/15/2047 | 140,000 | 157,056 | ||||||
New York Dormitory Authority Rev., Non-State Supported Debt (Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center), LOC, 6.5%, 8/15/2030 | 165,000 | 173,969 | ||||||
New York Dormitory Authority Rev., Non-State Supported Debt (Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center), LOC, 6.25%, 2/15/2035 | 100,000 | 105,053 | ||||||
New York Environmental Facilities Corp., State Clean Water and Drinking Water Revolving Funds Rev. (New York City Municipal Water Finance Authority Projects-Second Resolution Bonds), B, 5%, 6/15/2025 | 200,000 | 222,668 | ||||||
New York Environmental Facilities Corp., State Revolving Funds Rev., C, 5%, 5/15/2041 | 255,000 | 279,911 | ||||||
New York Liberty Development Corp. Rev. (Goldman Sachs Headquarters), 5.25%, 10/01/2035 | 1,725,000 | 2,178,158 | ||||||
New York Liberty Development Corp., Liberty Rev. (3 World Trade Center Project), 2, 5.375%, 11/15/2040 | 215,000 | 236,603 | ||||||
New York Liberty Development Corp., Liberty Rev. (4 World Trade Center Project), 5%, 11/15/2031 | 200,000 | 222,018 | ||||||
New York Liberty Development Corp., Liberty Rev. (4 World Trade Center Project), 5%, 11/15/2044 | 500,000 | 545,125 |
27
Portfolio of Investments continued
Issuer | Shares/Par | Value ($) | ||||||
Municipal Bonds - continued | ||||||||
New York - continued | ||||||||
New York Liberty Development Corp., Liberty Rev. (One Bryant Park LLC), 6.375%, 7/15/2049 | $ | 435,000 | $ | 462,353 | ||||
New York Power Authority Rev., A, 5%, 11/15/2038 | 1,000,000 | 1,104,100 | ||||||
New York, NY, Municipal Water Finance Authority, Water & Sewer System Rev., AA, 5%, 6/15/2034 | 1,610,000 | 1,772,691 | ||||||
New York, NY, Municipal Water Finance Authority, Water & Sewer System Rev., CC, 5%, 6/15/2047 | 1,000,000 | 1,122,880 | ||||||
Niagara County, NY, Industrial Development Agency, Solid Waste Disposal Rev. (Covanta Energy Project), A, 5.25%, 11/01/2042 | 175,000 | 175,112 | ||||||
Port Authority of NY & NJ, Special Obligation Rev. (JFK International Air Terminal LLC), 6%, 12/01/2036 | 195,000 | 216,700 | ||||||
Port Authority of NY & NJ, Special Obligation Rev. (JFK International Air Terminal LLC), 6%, 12/01/2042 | 225,000 | 249,694 | ||||||
Triborough Bridge & Tunnel Authority Rev., NY, Capital Appreciation, A, 0%, 11/15/2029 | 1,125,000 | 787,298 | ||||||
Utility Debt Securitization Authority Restructuring Rev., NY, E, 5%, 12/15/2041 | 1,500,000 | 1,715,925 | ||||||
|
|
|||||||
$ | 12,801,743 | |||||||
North Carolina - 2.6% | ||||||||
Durham, NC, Durham Housing Authority Rev. (Magnolia Pointe Apartments), 5.65%, 2/01/2038 | $ | 345,474 | $ | 352,352 | ||||
North Carolina Turnpike Authority, Monroe Connector System State Appropriation Rev., 5%, 7/01/2036 | 2,000,000 | 2,188,600 | ||||||
University of North Carolina, Greensboro, Rev., 5%, 4/01/2039 | 105,000 | 120,331 | ||||||
|
|
|||||||
$ | 2,661,283 | |||||||
Ohio - 3.2% | ||||||||
Bowling Green, OH, Student Housing Rev. (State University Project), 6%, 6/01/2045 | $ | 285,000 | $ | 314,184 | ||||
Butler County, OH, Hospital Facilities Rev. (UC Health), 5.75%, 11/01/2040 (Prerefunded 11/01/2020) | 105,000 | 117,015 | ||||||
Cleveland-Cuyahoga County, OH, Port Authority Development Rev. (Flats East Development Project), B, 7%, 5/15/2040 | 95,000 | 103,537 | ||||||
Cuyahoga County OH, Hospital Rev. (The Metrohealth System), 4.75%, 2/15/2047 | 220,000 | 227,612 | ||||||
Cuyahoga County OH, Hospital Rev. (The Metrohealth System), 5.5%, 2/15/2052 | 50,000 | 55,437 | ||||||
Cuyahoga County OH, Hospital Rev. (The Metrohealth System), 5.5%, 2/15/2057 | 530,000 | 584,632 | ||||||
Lake County, OH, Hospital Facilities Rev., 6%, 8/15/2043 | 40,000 | 41,146 | ||||||
Ohio Tax Exempt Private Activity (Portsmouth Bypass Project), AGM, 5%, 12/31/2035 | 395,000 | 443,312 |
28
Portfolio of Investments continued
Issuer | Shares/Par | Value ($) | ||||||
Municipal Bonds - continued | ||||||||
Ohio - continued | ||||||||
Southeastern Ohio Port Authority, Hospital Facilities Improvement Rev. (Memorial Health System Obligated Group Project), 5.5%, 12/01/2029 | $ | 10,000 | $ | 10,926 | ||||
Southeastern Ohio Port Authority, Hospital Facilities Improvement Rev. (Memorial Health System Obligated Group Project), 5%, 12/01/2035 | 60,000 | 62,623 | ||||||
Southeastern Ohio Port Authority, Hospital Facilities Improvement Rev. (Memorial Health System Obligated Group Project), 5%, 12/01/2043 | 75,000 | 77,637 | ||||||
Southeastern Ohio Port Authority, Hospital Facilities Improvement Rev. (Memorial Health System Obligated Group Project), 5.5%, 12/01/2043 | 90,000 | 96,800 | ||||||
Summit County, OH, Port Authority Building Rev. (Flats East Development Recovery Zone Facility Bonds), 6.875%, 5/15/2040 | 35,000 | 37,639 | ||||||
Toledo Lucas County, OH, Authority Port Rev., Facilities (CSX, Inc. Project), 6.45%, 12/15/2021 | 1,000,000 | 1,161,380 | ||||||
|
|
|||||||
$ | 3,333,880 | |||||||
Oklahoma - 1.0% | ||||||||
Tulsa, OK, Airport Improvement Trust Rev., A, 5%, 6/01/2045 | $ | 55,000 | $ | 59,920 | ||||
Tulsa, OK, Industrial Authority Rev. (University of Tulsa), 6%, 10/01/2027 | 535,000 | 575,350 | ||||||
Tulsa, OK, Municipal Airport Trust Rev. (American Airlines, Inc.), B, 5.5%, 6/01/2035 | 140,000 | 151,624 | ||||||
Tulsa, OK, Municipal Airport Trust Rev. (American Airlines, Inc.), B, 5.5%, 12/01/2035 | 170,000 | 184,115 | ||||||
|
|
|||||||
$ | 971,009 | |||||||
Oregon - 0.1% | ||||||||
Forest Grove, OR, Campus Improvement Rev. (Pacific University Project), A, 5%, 5/01/2036 | $ | 95,000 | $ | 104,548 | ||||
Pennsylvania - 7.2% | ||||||||
Allegheny County, PA, Higher Education Building Authority Rev. (Robert Morris University), 5%, 10/15/2037 | $ | 10,000 | $ | 11,233 | ||||
Allegheny County, PA, Higher Education Building Authority Rev. (Robert Morris University), 5%, 10/15/2047 | 35,000 | 38,761 | ||||||
Clarion County, PA, Industrial Development Authority, Student Housing Rev. (Clarion University Foundation, Inc.), 5%, 7/01/2034 | 35,000 | 37,046 | ||||||
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, State Public School Building Authority Lease Rev. (School District of Philadelphia Project), 5%, 4/01/2028 | 140,000 | 150,683 | ||||||
Cumberland County, PA, Municipal Authority Rev. (Asbury Atlantic, Inc.), 6%, 1/01/2040 | 105,000 | 109,692 |
29
Portfolio of Investments continued
Issuer | Shares/Par | Value ($) | ||||||
Municipal Bonds - continued | ||||||||
Pennsylvania - continued | ||||||||
Cumberland County, PA, Municipal Authority Rev. (Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries Project), 6.125%, 1/01/2029 (Prerefunded 1/01/2019) |
$ | 515,000 | $ | 539,560 | ||||
Cumberland County, PA, Municipal Authority Rev., Unrefunded Balance, (Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries Project), 6.125%, 1/01/2029 | 55,000 | 57,430 | ||||||
Dallas, PA, Area Municipal Authority Rev. (Misericordia University Project), 5%, 5/01/2029 | 80,000 | 87,844 | ||||||
East Hempfield Township, PA, Industrial Development Authority Rev. (Student Services, Inc., Student Housing Project at Millersville University of Pennsylvania), 5%, 7/01/2030 | 25,000 | 27,704 | ||||||
East Hempfield Township, PA, Industrial Development Authority Rev. (Student Services, Inc., Student Housing Project at Millersville University of Pennsylvania), 5%, 7/01/2035 | 35,000 | 38,174 | ||||||
East Hempfield Township, PA, Industrial Development Authority Rev. (Student Services, Inc., Student Housing Project at Millersville University of Pennsylvania), 5%, 7/01/2039 | 35,000 | 37,506 | ||||||
East Hempfield Township, PA, Industrial Development Authority Rev. (Student Services, Inc., Student Housing Project at Millersville University of Pennsylvania), 5%, 7/01/2046 | 20,000 | 21,229 | ||||||
Lehigh County, PA, Water and Sewer Authority Rev. (Allentown Concession), A, 5%, 12/01/2043 | 900,000 | 1,003,788 | ||||||
Lehigh County, PA, Water and Sewer Authority Rev. (Allentown Concession), Capital Appreciation, B, 0%, 12/01/2036 | 940,000 | 440,597 | ||||||
Luzerne County, PA, A, AGM, 5%, 11/15/2029 | 145,000 | 165,368 | ||||||
Montgomery County, PA, Industrial Development Authority Rev. (Albert Einstein Healthcare Network Issue), A, 5.25%, 1/15/2036 | 655,000 | 712,411 | ||||||
Montgomery County, PA, Industrial Development Authority Rev. (Whitemarsh Continuing Care Retirement Community Project), 5.375%, 1/01/2050 | 90,000 | 91,558 | ||||||
Pennsylvania Economic Development Financing Authority Rev. (The Pennsylvania Rapid Bridge Replacement Project), 5%, 6/30/2026 | 35,000 | 41,387 | ||||||
Pennsylvania Economic Development Financing Authority, Sewer Sludge Disposal Rev. (Philadelphia Biosolids Facility), 6.25%, 1/01/2032 | 260,000 | 277,410 | ||||||
Pennsylvania Higher Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (East Stroudsburg University), 5%, 7/01/2042 | 200,000 | 207,170 | ||||||
Pennsylvania Higher Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Edinboro University Foundation), 5.8%, 7/01/2030 (Prerefunded 7/01/2020) | 65,000 | 71,703 | ||||||
Pennsylvania Higher Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Shippensburg University Student Services), 6.25%, 10/01/2043 | 110,000 | 122,208 | ||||||
Pennsylvania Higher Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Shippensburg University Student Services), 5%, 10/01/2044 | 115,000 | 120,406 |
30
Portfolio of Investments continued
Issuer | Shares/Par | Value ($) | ||||||
Municipal Bonds - continued | ||||||||
Pennsylvania - continued | ||||||||
Philadelphia, PA, Authority for Industrial Development Rev. (Philadelphia Performing Arts Charter School Project), 6.5%, 6/15/2033 | $ | 180,000 | $ | 191,842 | ||||
Philadelphia, PA, Authority for Industrial Development Rev. (Philadelphia Performing Arts Charter School Project), 6.75%, 6/15/2043 | 140,000 | 149,211 | ||||||
Philadelphia, PA, Authority for Industrial Development Rev. (Tacony Academy Charter School Project), A-1, 7%, 6/15/2043 | 100,000 | 111,343 | ||||||
Philadelphia, PA, Authority for Industrial Development Rev. (Thomas Jefferson University), A, 5%, 9/01/2035 | 65,000 | 73,848 | ||||||
Philadelphia, PA, Authority for Industrial Development Rev. (Thomas Jefferson University), A, 5%, 9/01/2042 | 645,000 | 725,135 | ||||||
Philadelphia, PA, Municipal Authority Rev., 6.5%, 4/01/2034 | 105,000 | 111,744 | ||||||
Philadelphia, PA, Water & Wastewater Rev., A, 5%, 1/01/2036 | 1,000,000 | 1,077,840 | ||||||
Pittsburgh, PA, Urban Redevelopment Authority Rev., C, GNMA, 4.8%, 4/01/2028 | 385,000 | 386,209 | ||||||
Scranton, PA, School District, E, BAM, 4%, 12/01/2037 | 25,000 | 26,111 | ||||||
Scranton, PA, School District, E, BAM, 5%, 12/01/2032 | 20,000 | 23,132 | ||||||
Scranton, PA, School District, E, BAM, 5%, 12/01/2034 | 15,000 | 17,210 | ||||||
West Shore, PA, Area Authority Rev. (Messiah Village Project) A, 5%, 7/01/2030 | 30,000 | 32,452 | ||||||
West Shore, PA, Area Authority Rev. (Messiah Village Project) A, 5%, 7/01/2035 | 35,000 | 37,102 | ||||||
|
|
|||||||
$ | 7,374,047 | |||||||
Puerto Rico - 8.3% | ||||||||
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Aqueduct & Sewer Authority Rev., A, ASSD GTY, 5%, 7/01/2028 | $ | 150,000 | $ | 150,776 | ||||
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Highway & Transportation Authority Rev., BB, AMBAC, 5.25%, 7/01/2018 | 65,000 | 65,621 | ||||||
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Highway & Transportation Authority Rev., CC, AGM, 5.5%, 7/01/2029 | 50,000 | 56,103 | ||||||
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Highway & Transportation Authority Rev., CC, AGM, 5.25%, 7/01/2032 | 45,000 | 49,489 | ||||||
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Highway & Transportation Authority Rev., CC, AGM, 5.25%, 7/01/2033 | 135,000 | 148,153 | ||||||
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Highway & Transportation Authority Rev., CC, AGM, 5.25%, 7/01/2036 | 135,000 | 146,907 | ||||||
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Highway & Transportation Authority Rev., D, AGM, 5%, 7/01/2032 | 300,000 | 300,594 | ||||||
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Highway & Transportation Authority Rev., J, NATL, 5%, 7/01/2029 | 20,000 | 18,999 | ||||||
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Highway & Transportation Authority Rev., L, NATL, 5.25%, 7/01/2035 | 165,000 | 150,828 |
31
Portfolio of Investments continued
Issuer | Shares/Par | Value ($) | ||||||
Municipal Bonds - continued | ||||||||
Puerto Rico - continued | ||||||||
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Highway & Transportation Authority Rev., L, AMBAC, 5.25%, 7/01/2038 | $ | 990,000 | $ | 945,608 | ||||
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Highway & Transportation Authority Rev., N, AMBAC, 5.25%, 7/01/2030 | 60,000 | 58,541 | ||||||
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Highway & Transportation Authority Rev., N, AMBAC, 5.25%, 7/01/2031 | 115,000 | 111,309 | ||||||
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Highway & Transportation Authority Rev., N, NATL, 5.25%, 7/01/2033 | 145,000 | 135,057 | ||||||
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Highway & Transportation Authority Rev., N, ASSD GTY, 5.25%, 7/01/2034 | 165,000 | 180,556 | ||||||
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Highway & Transportation Authority Rev., N, ASSD GTY, 5.25%, 7/01/2036 | 380,000 | 413,493 | ||||||
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Highway & Transportation Authority Rev., N, ASSD GTY, 5.25%, 7/01/2041 | 210,000 | 229,240 | ||||||
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, A, NATL, 5.5%, 7/01/2020 | 440,000 | 456,201 | ||||||
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, A, NATL, 5.5%, 7/01/2021 | 45,000 | 46,745 | ||||||
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Public Improvement, A, AGM, 5%, 7/01/2035 | 440,000 | 448,052 | ||||||
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Public Improvement, A-4, AGM, 5.25%, 7/01/2030 | 65,000 | 68,433 | ||||||
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Public Improvement, C, AGM, 5.25%, 7/01/2027 | 25,000 | 25,217 | ||||||
Puerto Rico Convention Center District Authority, Hotel Occupancy Tax Rev., A, AMBAC, 5%, 7/01/2031 | 375,000 | 355,838 | ||||||
Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority Rev., NN, NATL, 5.25%, 7/01/2022 | 115,000 | 118,092 | ||||||
Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority Rev., NN, NATL, 4.75%, 7/01/2033 | 20,000 | 17,621 | ||||||
Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority Rev., PP, NATL, 5%, 7/01/2022 | 45,000 | 45,072 | ||||||
Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority Rev., SS, NATL, 5%, 7/01/2019 | 530,000 | 531,071 | ||||||
Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority Rev., UU, NATL, 4.5%, 7/01/2018 | 10,000 | 10,065 | ||||||
Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority Rev., UU, NATL, 5%, 7/01/2019 | 50,000 | 51,000 | ||||||
Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority Rev., UU, AGM, 5%, 7/01/2022 | 30,000 | 30,094 | ||||||
Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority Rev., VV, NATL, 5.25%, 7/01/2025 | 25,000 | 25,045 | ||||||
Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority Rev., VV, NATL, 5.25%, 7/01/2029 | 125,000 | 121,121 |
32
Portfolio of Investments continued
Issuer | Shares/Par | Value ($) | ||||||
Municipal Bonds - continued | ||||||||
Puerto Rico - continued | ||||||||
Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority Rev., VV, NATL, 5.25%, 7/01/2030 | $ | 180,000 | $ | 172,634 | ||||
Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority Rev., VV, NATL, 5.25%, 7/01/2032 | 20,000 | 18,796 | ||||||
Puerto Rico Industrial, Tourist, Educational, Medical & Environmental Control Facilities Financing Authority (Cogeneration Facilities - AES Puerto Rico Project), 6.625%, 6/01/2026 | 320,000 | 257,200 | ||||||
Puerto Rico Industrial, Tourist, Educational, Medical & Environmental Control Facilities Financing Authority, Educational Facilities Rev. (University Plaza Project), NATL, 5%, 7/01/2033 | 230,000 | 213,928 | ||||||
Puerto Rico Industrial, Tourist, Educational, Medical & Environmental Control Facilities Financing Authority, Higher Education Rev. (Ana G. Mendez University System Project), 5%, 4/01/2018 | 25,000 | 25,079 | ||||||
Puerto Rico Industrial, Tourist, Educational, Medical & Environmental Control Facilities Financing Authority, Higher Education Rev. (Ana G. Mendez University System Project), 4%, 4/01/2020 | 10,000 | 9,847 | ||||||
Puerto Rico Industrial, Tourist, Educational, Medical & Environmental Control Facilities Financing Authority, Higher Education Rev. (Ana G. Mendez University System Project), 5%, 4/01/2021 | 40,000 | 40,308 | ||||||
Puerto Rico Industrial, Tourist, Educational, Medical & Environmental Control Facilities Financing Authority, Higher Education Rev. (Ana G. Mendez University System Project), 5.375%, 12/01/2021 | 25,000 | 25,065 | ||||||
Puerto Rico Industrial, Tourist, Educational, Medical & Environmental Control Facilities Financing Authority, Higher Education Rev. (Ana G. Mendez University System Project), 5%, 4/01/2022 | 50,000 | 50,255 | ||||||
Puerto Rico Industrial, Tourist, Educational, Medical & Environmental Control Facilities Financing Authority, Higher Education Rev. (Ana G. Mendez University System Project), 5%, 3/01/2026 | 10,000 | 9,767 | ||||||
Puerto Rico Industrial, Tourist, Educational, Medical & Environmental Control Facilities Financing Authority, Higher Education Rev. (Ana G. Mendez University System Project), 5%, 4/01/2027 | 155,000 | 149,942 | ||||||
Puerto Rico Industrial, Tourist, Educational, Medical & Environmental Control Facilities Financing Authority, Higher Education Rev. (Ana G. Mendez University System Project), 5.5%, 12/01/2031 | 55,000 | 53,538 | ||||||
Puerto Rico Industrial, Tourist, Educational, Medical & Environmental Control Facilities Financing Authority, Higher Education Rev. (Ana G. Mendez University System Project), 5.125%, 4/01/2032 | 55,000 | 51,154 | ||||||
Puerto Rico Industrial, Tourist, Educational, Medical & Environmental Control Facilities Financing Authority, Higher Education Rev. (Ana G. Mendez University System Project), 5%, 3/01/2036 | 55,000 | 48,950 | ||||||
Puerto Rico Industrial, Tourist, Educational, Medical & Environmental Control Facilities Financing Authority, Higher Education Rev. (Ana G. Mendez University System Project), 5.375%, 4/01/2042 | 45,000 | 40,926 |
33
Portfolio of Investments continued
Issuer | Shares/Par | Value ($) | ||||||
Municipal Bonds - continued | ||||||||
Puerto Rico - continued | ||||||||
Puerto Rico Infrastructure Financing Authority Special Tax Rev., C, AMBAC, 5.5%, 7/01/2018 | $ | 25,000 | $ | 25,274 | ||||
Puerto Rico Infrastructure Financing Authority Special Tax Rev., C, AMBAC, 5.5%, 7/01/2023 | 220,000 | 228,204 | ||||||
Puerto Rico Infrastructure Financing Authority Special Tax Rev., C, AMBAC, 5.5%, 7/01/2024 | 140,000 | 144,662 | ||||||
Puerto Rico Infrastructure Financing Authority Special Tax Rev., C, AMBAC, 5.5%, 7/01/2027 | 400,000 | 405,316 | ||||||
Puerto Rico Infrastructure Financing Authority Special Tax Rev., C, AMBAC, 5.5%, 7/01/2028 | 60,000 | 60,330 | ||||||
Puerto Rico Municipal Finance Agency, A, AGM, 5%, 8/01/2027 | 15,000 | 15,041 | ||||||
Puerto Rico Public Buildings Authority Government Facilities Rev., M-3, NATL, 6%, 7/01/2027 | 125,000 | 125,798 | ||||||
Puerto Rico Public Buildings Authority Government Facilities Rev., M-3, NATL, 6%, 7/01/2028 | 25,000 | 25,152 | ||||||
Puerto Rico Public Buildings Authority Rev., M-2, AMBAC, 10%, 7/01/2035 | 315,000 | 330,712 | ||||||
Puerto Rico Public Buildings Authority, Government Facilities Rev., I, ASSD GTY, 5%, 7/01/2036 | 35,000 | 35,044 | ||||||
Puerto Rico Sales Tax Financing Corp., Sales Tax Rev., Capital Appreciation, A, NATL, 0%, 8/01/2042 | 350,000 | 74,928 | ||||||
Puerto Rico Sales Tax Financing Corp., Sales Tax Rev., Capital Appreciation, A, NATL, 0%, 8/01/2045 | 95,000 | 16,859 | ||||||
Puerto Rico Sales Tax Financing Corp., Sales Tax Rev., Capital Appreciation, A, NATL, 0%, 8/01/2046 | 1,940,000 | 323,417 | ||||||
Puerto Rico Sales Tax Financing Corp., Sales Tax Rev., Capital Appreciation, A, AMBAC, 0%, 8/01/2054 | 555,000 | 66,556 | ||||||
University of Puerto Rico Rev., P, NATL, 5%, 6/01/2025 | 30,000 | 29,595 | ||||||
|
|
|||||||
$ | 8,585,218 | |||||||
Rhode Island - 0.9% | ||||||||
Rhode Island Health & Educational Building Corp. Rev., Hospital Financing (Lifespan Obligated Group), A, ASSD GTY, 7%, 5/15/2039 (Prerefunded 5/15/2019) | $ | 855,000 | $ | 921,681 | ||||
South Carolina - 2.1% | ||||||||
Columbia, SC, Waterworks and Sewer System Rev., 5%, 2/01/2038 | $ | 1,000,000 | $ | 1,117,690 | ||||
South Carolina Public Service Authority Rev., A, 5.125%, 12/01/2043 | 215,000 | 237,526 | ||||||
South Carolina Public Service Authority Rev., B, 5.125%, 12/01/2043 | 515,000 | 568,957 | ||||||
South Carolina Public Service Authority Rev., C, 5%, 12/01/2036 | 260,000 | 281,359 | ||||||
|
|
|||||||
$ | 2,205,532 |
34
Portfolio of Investments continued
Issuer | Shares/Par | Value ($) | ||||||
Municipal Bonds - continued | ||||||||
Tennessee - 4.8% | ||||||||
Chattanooga, TN, Health Educational & Housing Facility Board Rev. (Catholic Health Initiatives), A, 5.25%, 1/01/2045 | $ | 820,000 | $ | 884,591 | ||||
Clarksville, TN, Water, Sewer & Gas Rev., 5%, 2/01/2038 | 1,000,000 | 1,109,010 | ||||||
Knox County, TN, Health, Educational & Housing Facility Board Knox Rev. (University Health System, Inc.), 5%, 4/01/2030 | 50,000 | 57,292 | ||||||
Knox County, TN, Health, Educational & Housing Facility Board Knox Rev. (University Health System, Inc.), 5%, 4/01/2031 | 60,000 | 68,334 | ||||||
Knox County, TN, Health, Educational & Housing Facility Board Knox Rev. (University Health System, Inc.), 5%, 4/01/2036 | 35,000 | 39,144 | ||||||
Metropolitan Government of Nashville & Davidson County, TN, Electric Rev., A, 5%, 5/15/2036 | 1,000,000 | 1,092,100 | ||||||
Metropolitan Government of Nashville & Davidson County, TN, Health & Educational Facilities Board Rev. (Vanderbilt University Medical Center), A, 5%, 7/01/2040 | 120,000 | 134,839 | ||||||
Tennessee Energy Acquisition Corp., Gas Rev., A, 5.25%, 9/01/2022 | 205,000 | 233,893 | ||||||
Tennessee Energy Acquisition Corp., Gas Rev., A, 5.25%, 9/01/2023 | 300,000 | 349,089 | ||||||
Tennessee Energy Acquisition Corp., Gas Rev., A, 5.25%, 9/01/2026 | 610,000 | 733,007 | ||||||
Tennessee Energy Acquisition Corp., Gas Rev., C, 5%, 2/01/2025 | 185,000 | 215,268 | ||||||
|
|
|||||||
$ | 4,916,567 | |||||||
Texas - 12.2% | ||||||||
Brazos River, TX, Brazoria County Environmental Rev. (Dow Chemical, Co.), A-3, 5.125%, 5/15/2033 | $ | 165,000 | $ | 168,815 | ||||
Brazos River, TX, Harbor Navigation District (Dow Chemical Co.), B-2, 4.95%, 5/15/2033 | 590,000 | 603,564 | ||||||
Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority Senior Lien Rev., A, 5%, 1/01/2045 | 100,000 | 111,451 | ||||||
Clifton, TX, Higher Education Finance Corp. Rev. (Idea Public Schools), 5%, 8/15/2042 | 330,000 | 348,035 | ||||||
Clifton, TX, Higher Education Finance Corp. Rev. (Uplift Education), A, 6.125%, 12/01/2040 (Prerefunded 12/01/2020) | 100,000 | 112,698 | ||||||
Clifton, TX, Higher Education Finance Corp. Rev. (Uplift Education), A, 6.25%, 12/01/2045 (Prerefunded 12/01/2020) | 70,000 | 79,142 | ||||||
Conroe, TX, Independent School District, Unlimited Tax School Building and Refunding, PSF, 5%, 2/15/2039 | 155,000 | 174,177 | ||||||
Dallas and Fort Worth, TX, International Airport Rev., A, 5%, 11/01/2038 | 335,000 | 359,221 | ||||||
Dallas, TX, Civic Center Convention Complex Rev., ASSD GTY, 5.25%, 8/15/2034 | 465,000 | 489,203 | ||||||
Fort Worth, TX, Independent School District, Unlimited Tax School Building, PSF, 5%, 2/15/2039 | 315,000 | 358,001 |
35
Portfolio of Investments continued
Issuer | Shares/Par | Value ($) | ||||||
Municipal Bonds - continued | ||||||||
Texas - continued | ||||||||
Gulf Coast, TX, Industrial Development Authority Rev. (CITGO Petroleum Corp.), 8%, 4/01/2028 | $ | 250,000 | $ | 252,325 | ||||
Harris County, TX, Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corp. Medical Facilities Rev. (Baylor College of Medicine), D, 5.625%, 11/15/2032 (Prerefunded 11/15/2018) | 490,000 | 509,742 | ||||||
Harris County-Houston, TX, Sports Authority Rev., C, 5%, 11/15/2031 | 90,000 | 101,633 | ||||||
Harris County-Houston, TX, Sports Authority Rev., C, 5%, 11/15/2032 | 20,000 | 22,518 | ||||||
Harris County-Houston, TX, Sports Authority Rev., C, 5%, 11/15/2033 | 40,000 | 44,876 | ||||||
Harris County-Houston, TX, Sports Authority Rev., Capital Appreciation, A, AGM, 0%, 11/15/2041 | 70,000 | 24,834 | ||||||
Harris County-Houston, TX, Sports Authority Rev., Capital Appreciation, A, AGM, 0%, 11/15/2046 | 175,000 | 48,171 | ||||||
Houston, TX, Airport System Rev., B, 5%, 7/01/2026 | 160,000 | 176,829 | ||||||
Houston, TX, Airport System Rev., Special Facilities Rev. (United Airlines, Inc. Terminal Improvement Projects), B-1, 5%, 7/15/2030 | 100,000 | 110,016 | ||||||
Houston, TX, Airport System Rev., Subordinate Lien, A, 5%, 7/01/2031 | 140,000 | 154,594 | ||||||
Houston, TX, Industrial Development Corp. (United Parcel Service, Inc.), 6%, 3/01/2023 | 225,000 | 225,414 | ||||||
La Vernia, TX, Higher Education Finance Corp. Rev. (KIPP, Inc.), A, 6.25%, 8/15/2039 (Prerefunded 8/15/2019) | 150,000 | 161,261 | ||||||
La Vernia, TX, Higher Education Finance Corp. Rev. (Lifeschool of Dallas), A, 7.5%, 8/15/2041 (Prerefunded 8/15/2019) | 385,000 | 421,914 | ||||||
Matagorda County, TX, Navigation District 1 (Houston Lighting), AMBAC, 5.125%, 11/01/2028 | 2,000,000 | 2,394,900 | ||||||
New Hope, TX, Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corp., Senior Living Rev. (Cardinal Bay, Inc. - Village on the Park/Carriage Inn Project), A-1, 5%, 7/01/2031 | 15,000 | 17,071 | ||||||
New Hope, TX, Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corp., Senior Living Rev. (Cardinal Bay, Inc. - Village on the Park/Carriage Inn Project), A-1, 4%, 7/01/2036 | 80,000 | 80,984 | ||||||
New Hope, TX, Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corp., Senior Living Rev. (Cardinal Bay, Inc. - Village on the Park/Carriage Inn Project), A-1, 5%, 7/01/2046 | 160,000 | 176,147 | ||||||
New Hope, TX, Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corp., Senior Living Rev. (Cardinal Bay, Inc. - Village on the Park/Carriage Inn Project), A-1, 5%, 7/01/2051 | 160,000 | 175,776 | ||||||
New Hope, TX, Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corp., Senior Living Rev. (Cardinal Bay, Inc. - Village on the Park/Carriage Inn Project), B, 4%, 7/01/2031 | 25,000 | 25,583 |
36
Portfolio of Investments continued
Issuer | Shares/Par | Value ($) | ||||||
Municipal Bonds - continued | ||||||||
Texas - continued | ||||||||
New Hope, TX, Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corp., Senior Living Rev. (Cardinal Bay, Inc. - Village on the Park/Carriage Inn Project), B, 4.25%, 7/01/2036 | $ | 35,000 | $ | 35,706 | ||||
New Hope, TX, Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corp., Senior Living Rev. (Cardinal Bay, Inc. - Village on the Park/Carriage Inn Project), B, 5%, 7/01/2046 | 100,000 | 107,572 | ||||||
New Hope, TX, Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corp., Senior Living Rev. (Cardinal Bay, Inc. - Village on the Park/Carriage Inn Project), B, 4.75%, 7/01/2051 | 90,000 | 94,125 | ||||||
New Hope, TX, Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corp., Student Housing Rev. (CHF - Collegiate Housing Stephenville III, L.L.C. - Tarleton State University Project), 5%, 4/01/2030 | 25,000 | 27,437 | ||||||
New Hope, TX, Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corp., Student Housing Rev. (CHF - Collegiate Housing Stephenville III, L.L.C. - Tarleton State University Project), 5%, 4/01/2035 | 30,000 | 32,242 | ||||||
New Hope, TX, Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corp., Student Housing Rev. (CHF - Collegiate Housing Stephenville III, L.L.C. - Tarleton State University Project), 5%, 4/01/2047 | 65,000 | 69,089 | ||||||
North Texas Education Finance Corp., Education Rev. (Uplift Education), A, 5.125%, 12/01/2042 | 150,000 | 159,537 | ||||||
North Texas Tollway Authority Rev., 6%, 1/01/2038 | 620,000 | 700,532 | ||||||
North Texas Tollway Authority Rev. (Special Projects System), D, 5%, 9/01/2031 | 1,000,000 | 1,114,490 | ||||||
Red River, TX, Education Finance Corp., Higher Education Rev. (Houston Baptist University Project), 5.5%, 10/01/2046 | 160,000 | 178,445 | ||||||
Tarrant County, TX, Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corp. Retirement Facility Rev. (Air Force Village Obligated Group Project), 6.125%, 11/15/2029 (Prerefunded 11/15/2019) | 40,000 | 43,295 | ||||||
Tarrant County, TX, Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corp. Retirement Facility Rev. (Air Force Village Obligated Group Project), 6.375%, 11/15/2044 (Prerefunded 11/15/2019) | 315,000 | 342,449 | ||||||
Tarrant County, TX, Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corp. Retirement Facility Rev. (Barton Creek Senior Living Center, Inc., Querencia Project), 5%, 11/15/2035 | 60,000 | 63,923 | ||||||
Tarrant County, TX, Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corp. Retirement Facility Rev. (Barton Creek Senior Living Center, Inc., Querencia Project), 5%, 11/15/2040 | 70,000 | 73,846 | ||||||
Tarrant County, TX, Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corp. Retirement Facility Rev. (Stayton at Museum Way), 8.25%, 11/15/2044 | 500,000 | 449,545 | ||||||
Tarrant County, TX, Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corp. Retirement Facility Rev. (Trinity Terrace Project), A-1, 5%, 10/01/2044 | 60,000 | 64,327 |
37
Portfolio of Investments continued
Issuer | Shares/Par | Value ($) | ||||||
Municipal Bonds - continued | ||||||||
Texas - continued | ||||||||
Texas Gas Acquisition & Supply Corp III., Gas Supply Rev., 5%, 12/15/2031 | $ | 135,000 | $ | 149,916 | ||||
Texas Private Activity Surface Transportation Corp. Senior Lien Rev. (NTE Mobility Partners Segments 3 LLC Segments 3A & 3B Facility), 7%, 12/31/2038 | 115,000 | 137,281 | ||||||
Texas Private Activity Surface Transportation Corp. Senior Lien Rev. (NTE Mobility Partners Segments 3 LLC Segments 3A & 3B Facility), 6.75%, 6/30/2043 | 95,000 | 111,792 | ||||||
Waco Education Finance Corp. Rev. (Baylor University), 5%, 3/01/2043 | 675,000 | 735,953 | ||||||
|
|
|||||||
$ | 12,620,397 | |||||||
Vermont - 0.2% | ||||||||
Vermont Economic Development Authority, Solid Waste Disposal Rev. (Casella Waste Systems, Inc.), 4.75%, 4/01/2036 (Put Date 4/02/2018) | $ | 195,000 | $ | 195,542 | ||||
Virginia - 0.5% | ||||||||
Embrey Mill Community Development Authority, VA, Special Assessment Rev., 7.25%, 3/01/2043 | $ | 165,000 | $ | 180,406 | ||||
Virginia Small Business Financing Authority Rev. (Elizabeth River Crossings Opco LLC Project), 5.5%, 1/01/2042 | 275,000 | 305,297 | ||||||
|
|
|||||||
$ | 485,703 | |||||||
Washington - 0.9% | ||||||||
Washington Health Care Facilities Authority Rev. (Highline Medical Center), FHA, 6.25%, 8/01/2036 (Prerefunded 8/01/2018) | $ | 695,000 | $ | 716,670 | ||||
Washington Higher Education Facilities Authority Rev. (Whitworth University), 5.875%, 10/01/2034 (Prerefunded 10/01/2019) | 225,000 | 241,803 | ||||||
|
|
|||||||
$ | 958,473 | |||||||
West Virginia - 0.4% | ||||||||
Monongalia County, WV, Building Commission Improvement Rev. (Monongalia Health System Obligated Group), 5%, 7/01/2029 | $ | 30,000 | $ | 34,231 | ||||
Monongalia County, WV, Building Commission Improvement Rev. (Monongalia Health System Obligated Group), 5%, 7/01/2030 | 85,000 | 96,552 | ||||||
West Virginia Hospital Finance Authority Hospital Rev. (Thomas Health System), 6.5%, 10/01/2038 | 285,000 | 289,634 | ||||||
|
|
|||||||
$ | 420,417 | |||||||
Wisconsin - 0.7% | ||||||||
Wisconsin Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Aurora Health Care, Inc.), A, 5%, 7/15/2026 | $ | 185,000 | $ | 202,773 | ||||
Wisconsin Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Aurora Health Care, Inc.), A, 5%, 7/15/2028 | 55,000 | 59,924 |
38
Portfolio of Investments continued
Issuer | Shares/Par | Value ($) | ||||||
Municipal Bonds - continued | ||||||||
Wisconsin - continued | ||||||||
Wisconsin Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (St. Johns Community, Inc.), B, 5%, 9/15/2037 | $ | 20,000 | $ | 21,246 | ||||
Wisconsin Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (St. Johns Community, Inc.), B, 5%, 9/15/2045 | 35,000 | 36,944 | ||||||
Wisconsin Public Finance Authority Senior Living Refunding Bonds Rev. (Marys Woods at Marylhurst Project), A, 5.25%, 5/15/2037 | 25,000 | 27,266 | ||||||
Wisconsin Public Finance Authority Senior Living Refunding Bonds Rev. (Marys Woods at Marylhurst Project), A, 5.25%, 5/15/2042 | 10,000 | 10,866 | ||||||
Wisconsin Public Finance Authority Senior Living Refunding Bonds Rev. (Marys Woods at Marylhurst Project), A, 5.25%, 5/15/2047 | 100,000 | 108,321 | ||||||
Wisconsin Public Finance Authority Senior Living Refunding Bonds Rev. (Marys Woods at Marylhurst Project), A, 5.25%, 5/15/2052 | 15,000 | 16,193 | ||||||
Wisconsin Public Finance Authority, Airport Facilities Rev. (Transportation Infrastructure Properties LLC), B, 5%, 7/01/2022 | 85,000 | 91,417 | ||||||
Wisconsin Public Finance Authority, Airport Facilities Rev. (Transportation Infrastructure Properties LLC), B, 5.25%, 7/01/2028 | 95,000 | 103,690 | ||||||
Wisconsin Public Finance Authority, Airport Facilities Rev. (Transportation Infrastructure Properties LLC), B, 5%, 7/01/2042 | 60,000 | 63,877 | ||||||
|
|
|||||||
$ | 742,517 | |||||||
Total Municipal Bonds (Identified Cost, $147,701,624) | $ | 157,184,125 | ||||||
Other Assets, Less Liabilities - (5.2)% | (5,339,799 | ) | ||||||
VMTPS, at liquidation value of $48,750,000 net of unamortized debt issuance costs of $29,740 (issued by the fund) - (47.2)% | (48,720,260 | ) | ||||||
Net assets applicable to common shares - 100.0% | $ | 103,124,066 |
(a) | Non-income producing security. |
(d) | In default. |
(n) | Securities exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be sold in the ordinary course of business in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At period end, the aggregate value of these securities was $715,197, representing 0.7% of net assets applicable to common shares. |
(u) | Underlying security deposited into special purpose trust upon creation of self-deposited inverse floaters. |
(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 | |||||||
Resolution Trust Corp., Pass-Through Certificates, 1993, 9.75%, 2/01/2018 | 8/27/93 | $227,741 | $227,741 | |||||||
% of Net assets applicable to common shares | 0.2% |
39
Portfolio of Investments continued
The following abbreviations are used in this report and are defined:
COP | Certificate of Participation |
LOC | Letter of Credit |
VMTPS | Variable Rate Municipal Term Preferred Shares |
Insurers | ||
AGM | Assured Guaranty Municipal | |
AMBAC | AMBAC Indemnity Corp. | |
ASSD GTY | Assured Guaranty Insurance Co. | |
BAM | Build America Mutual | |
BHAC | Berkshire Hathaway Assurance Corp. | |
CALHF | California Health Facility Construction Loan Insurance Program | |
FHA | Federal Housing Administration | |
FHLMC | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. | |
GNMA | Government National Mortgage Assn. | |
NATL | National Public Finance Guarantee Corp. | |
PSF | Permanent School Fund |
See Notes to Financial Statements
40
Financial Statements
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
At 11/30/17
This statement represents your funds balance sheet, which details the assets and liabilities comprising the total value of the fund.
Assets | ||||
Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value (identified cost, $147,701,624) |
$157,184,125 | |||
Cash |
600,429 | |||
Receivables for |
||||
Investments sold |
404,036 | |||
Interest |
2,463,003 | |||
Other assets |
1,908 | |||
Total assets |
$160,653,501 | |||
Liabilities | ||||
Payables for |
||||
Distributions on common shares |
$15,299 | |||
Investments purchased |
998,933 | |||
Interest expense and fees |
139,580 | |||
Payable to the holders of the floating rate certificates from trust assets |
7,500,075 | |||
Payable to affiliates |
||||
Investment adviser |
5,414 | |||
Transfer agent and dividend disbursing costs |
616 | |||
Payable for independent Trustees compensation |
41 | |||
Accrued expenses and other liabilities |
149,217 | |||
VMTPS, at liquidation value of $48,750,000 net of unamortized debt issuance costs of $29,740 |
48,720,260 | |||
Total liabilities |
$57,529,435 | |||
Net assets applicable to common shares |
$103,124,066 | |||
Net assets consist of | ||||
Paid-in capital - common shares |
$94,428,214 | |||
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) |
9,482,501 | |||
Accumulated net realized gain (loss) |
(1,218,488 | ) | ||
Undistributed net investment income |
431,839 | |||
Net assets applicable to common shares |
$103,124,066 | |||
VMTPS, at liquidation value of $48,750,000 net of unamortized debt issuance costs of $29,740 (1,950 shares of Series 2019/3 issued and outstanding at $25,000 per share) |
48,720,260 | |||
Net assets including preferred shares |
$151,844,326 | |||
Common shares of beneficial interest issued and outstanding |
9,848,913 | |||
Net asset value per common share (net assets of $103,124,066 / 9,848,913 shares of beneficial interest outstanding) |
$10.47 |
See Notes to Financial Statements
41
Financial Statements
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) | ||||
Interest income |
$8,052,627 | |||
Expenses |
||||
Management fee |
$1,080,147 | |||
Transfer agent and dividend disbursing costs |
15,386 | |||
Administrative services fee |
35,958 | |||
Independent Trustees compensation |
17,001 | |||
Stock exchange fee |
23,737 | |||
Custodian fee |
9,031 | |||
Shareholder communications |
29,271 | |||
Audit and tax fees |
80,852 | |||
Legal fees |
110,564 | |||
Common share tender costs |
181,592 | |||
Interest expense and fees and amortization of VMTPS debt issuance costs |
1,103,515 | |||
Miscellaneous |
78,416 | |||
Total expenses |
$2,765,470 | |||
Reduction of expenses by investment adviser |
(33,235 | ) | ||
Net expenses |
$2,732,235 | |||
Net investment income (loss) |
$5,320,392 | |||
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) | ||||
Realized gain (loss) (identified cost basis) |
||||
Unaffiliated issuers |
$693,106 | |||
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on unaffiliated issuers |
$3,110,084 | |||
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) |
$3,803,190 | |||
Change in net assets from operations |
$9,123,582 |
See Notes to Financial Statements
42
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 | ||||||||
11/30/17 | 11/30/16 | |||||||
Change in net assets | ||||||||
From operations | ||||||||
Net investment income (loss) |
$5,320,392 | $6,189,896 | ||||||
Net realized gain (loss) |
693,106 | 1,402,698 | ||||||
Net unrealized gain (loss) |
3,110,084 | (7,107,337 | ) | |||||
Distributions declared to shareholders of auction rate preferred shares |
| (1,405 | ) | |||||
Change in net assets from operations |
$9,123,582 | $483,852 | ||||||
Distributions declared to common shareholders | ||||||||
From net investment income |
$(5,331,159 | ) | $(5,671,815 | ) | ||||
Share transactions applicable to common and preferred shares | ||||||||
Change in net assets from the tender and repurchase of common shares of beneficial interest |
$(18,310,294 | ) | $ | |||||
Total change in net assets |
$(14,517,871 | ) | $(5,187,963 | ) | ||||
Net assets applicable to common shares | ||||||||
At beginning of period |
117,641,937 | 122,829,900 | ||||||
At end of period (including undistributed net investment income of $431,839 and $466,325, respectively) |
$103,124,066 | $117,641,937 |
See Notes to Financial Statements
43
Financial Statements
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 |
$9,123,582 | |||
Adjustments to reconcile change in net assets from operations to net cash provided by operating activities: | ||||
Purchase of investment securities |
(21,166,696 | ) | ||
Proceeds from disposition of investment securities |
39,454,275 | |||
Realized gain/loss on investments |
(693,106 | ) | ||
Unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments |
(3,110,084 | ) | ||
Net amortization/accretion of income |
(93,291 | ) | ||
Amortization of VMTPS debt issuance costs |
22,338 | |||
Decrease in interest receivable |
268,279 | |||
Increase in accrued expenses and other liabilities |
57,940 | |||
Decrease in other assets |
6,009 | |||
Increase in payable for interest expense and fees |
20,077 | |||
Net cash provided by operating activities |
$23,889,323 | |||
Cash flows from financing activities: | ||||
Cash distributions paid on common shares |
(5,333,216 | ) | ||
Tender and repurchase of common shares of beneficial interest |
(18,310,294 | ) | ||
Net cash used by financing activities |
$(23,643,510 | ) | ||
Net increase in cash |
$245,813 | |||
Cash: | ||||
Beginning of period |
$354,616 | |||
End of period |
$600,429 |
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid during the year ended November 30, 2017 for interest was $1,061,100.
See Notes to Financial Statements
44
Financial Statements
The financial highlights table is intended to help you understand the funds 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.
Common Shares | Year ended | |||||||||||||||||||
11/30/17 | 11/30/16 | 11/30/15 | 11/30/14 | 11/30/13 | ||||||||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period |
$10.15 | $10.60 | $10.58 | $9.61 | $10.96 | |||||||||||||||
Income (loss) from investment operations | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income (loss) (d) |
$0.48 | $0.53 | (c) | $0.55 | $0.55 | $0.57 | ||||||||||||||
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) |
0.29 | (0.49 | ) | (0.02 | ) | 0.95 | (1.37 | ) | ||||||||||||
Distributions declared to shareholders |
| (0.00 | )(w) | (0.00 | )(w) | (0.00 | )(w) | (0.00 | )(w) | |||||||||||
Total from investment operations |
$0.77 | $0.04 | $0.53 | $1.50 | $(0.80 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Less distributions declared to common shareholders | ||||||||||||||||||||
From net investment income |
$(0.48 | ) | $(0.49 | ) | $(0.51 | ) | $(0.53 | ) | $(0.55 | ) | ||||||||||
Net increase resulting from the tender |
$0.03 | | | | | |||||||||||||||
Net asset value, end of period (x) |
$10.47 | $10.15 | $10.60 | $10.58 | $9.61 | |||||||||||||||
Market value, end of period |
$9.70 | $9.37 | $9.70 | $9.27 | $8.30 | |||||||||||||||
Total return at market value (%) (p) |
8.64 | 1.34 | 10.39 | 18.34 | (20.20 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Total return at net asset |
8.25 | 0.46 | (c) | 5.69 | 16.65 | (7.02 | ) | |||||||||||||
Ratios (%) (to average net assets applicable to common shares) and Supplemental data: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Expenses before expense reductions (f)(p) |
2.35 | 1.82 | (c) | 1.72 | 1.77 | 1.79 | ||||||||||||||
Expenses after expense reductions (f)(p) |
2.33 | 1.79 | (c) | 1.69 | 1.74 | 1.76 | ||||||||||||||
Net investment income (loss) (p) |
4.53 | 4.89 | (c) | 5.16 | 5.42 | 5.53 | ||||||||||||||
Portfolio turnover |
13 | 18 | 11 | 15 | 19 | |||||||||||||||
Net assets at end of period (000 omitted) |
$103,124 | $117,642 | $122,830 | $122,533 | $111,399 | |||||||||||||||
Supplemental Ratios (%): | ||||||||||||||||||||
Ratio of expenses to average net assets |
1.23 | 1.10 | (c) | 1.15 | 1.18 | 1.17 | ||||||||||||||
Ratio of expenses to average net assets |
0.87 | 0.80 | (c) | 0.82 | 0.83 | 0.83 | ||||||||||||||
Net investment income available to |
4.53 | 4.89 | (c) | 5.16 | 5.42 | 5.53 |
45
Financial Highlights continued
Year ended | ||||||||||||||||||||
11/30/17 | 11/30/16 | 11/30/15 | 11/30/14 | 11/30/13 | ||||||||||||||||
Senior Securities: | ||||||||||||||||||||
ARPS |
| | 33 | 33 | 33 | |||||||||||||||
VMTPS |
1,950 | 1,950 | 1,917 | 1,917 | 1,917 | |||||||||||||||
Total preferred shares outstanding |
1,950 | 1,950 | 1,950 | 1,950 | 1,950 | |||||||||||||||
Asset coverage per preferred share (k) |
$77,869 | $85,302 | $87,990 | $87,837 | $82,128 | |||||||||||||||
Involuntary liquidation preference per |
$25,000 | $25,000 | $25,000 | $25,000 | $25,000 | |||||||||||||||
Average market value per preferred |
$25,000 | $25,000 | $25,000 | $25,000 | $25,000 |
(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 funds total liabilities (not including liquidation preference of preferred shares) from the funds total assets and dividing this number by the total number of preferred shares outstanding. |
(l) | Interest expense and fees relate to payments made to the holders of the floating rate certificates from trust assets, interest expense paid to shareholders of VMTPS and amortization of VMTPS debt issuance costs, as applicable. For the year ended November 30, 2016 the expense ratio also excludes fees and expenses related to redemption of the funds auction rate preferred shares (ARPS). For the year ended November 30, 2017, the expense ratio also excludes fees and expenses related to the tender and repurchase of a portion of the funds common shares of beneficial interest. For periods prior to November 30, 2016, the expense ratio includes amortization of VMTPS debt issuance costs. |
(m) | Amount excludes accrued unpaid distributions and/or accrued interest on preferred shares. |
(p) | Ratio excludes dividend payments on auction rate preferred shares, if applicable. |
(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. |
(u) | Average market value represents the approximate fair value of each of the funds preferred shares. |
(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
46
(1) Business and Organization
MFS Investment Grade Municipal 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 funds Statement of Assets and Liabilities through the date that the financial statements were issued. The fund invests primarily in municipal instruments. The value of municipal instruments can be affected by changes in their actual or perceived credit quality. The credit quality of municipal instruments can be affected by, among other things, the financial condition of the issuer or guarantor, the issuers future borrowing plans and sources of revenue, the economic feasibility of the revenue bond project or general borrowing purpose, and political or economic developments in the region where the instrument is issued. Municipal instruments generally trade in the over-the-counter market. Municipal instruments backed by current and anticipated revenues from a specific project or specific assets can be negatively affected by the discontinuance of the taxation supporting the projects or assets or the inability to collect revenues for the project or from the assets. If the Internal Revenue Service determines an issuer of a municipal instrument has not complied with the applicable tax requirements, interest from the security could become taxable, the security could decline in value, and distributions made by the fund could be taxable to shareholders. The fund invests in high-yield securities rated below investment grade. Investments in high-yield securities involve greater degrees of credit and market risk than investments in higher-rated securities and tend to be more sensitive to economic conditions.
In 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 Rules Regulation S-X amendments and believes that the funds 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
47
Notes to Financial Statements continued
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 funds adoption will be limited to the reclassification of restricted cash on the funds 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.
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 funds overall financial position or its overall results of operations.
Balance Sheet Offsetting The funds 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 funds 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 funds Significant Accounting Policies note under the captions for each of the funds in-scope financial instruments and transactions.
Investment Valuations Debt instruments and floating rate loans, including restricted debt instruments, are generally valued at an evaluated or composite bid as provided by a third-party pricing service. Short-term instruments with a maturity at issuance of 60 days or less may be valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value. Securities and other assets generally valued on the basis of information from a third-party pricing service may also be valued at a broker/dealer bid quotation. Values obtained from third-party pricing services can utilize both transaction data and market information such as yield, quality, coupon rate, maturity, type of issue, trading characteristics, and other market data.
The Board of Trustees has delegated primary responsibility for determining or causing to be determined the value of the funds 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 funds 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
48
Notes to Financial Statements continued
from third-party pricing services. In addition, investments may be valued at fair value if the adviser determines that an investments 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 funds 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 funds 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 funds 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 funds 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 investments level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The funds 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 advisers own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments. The following is a summary of the levels used as of November 30, 2017 in valuing the funds assets or liabilities:
Financial Instruments | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | ||||||||||||
Municipal Bonds | $ | $157,184,125 | $ | $157,184,125 |
For further information regarding security characteristics, see the Portfolio of Investments.
Inverse Floaters The fund invests in municipal inverse floating rate securities which are structured by the issuer (known as primary market inverse floating rate securities) or by the fund utilizing the funds municipal bonds which have already been issued (known as self-deposited secondary market inverse floating rate securities) to have variable rates of interest which typically move in the opposite direction of short-term interest rates. A self-deposited secondary market inverse floating rate security is created when the fund transfers a fixed rate municipal bond to a special purpose trust (the trust), and causes the trust to (a) issue floating rate certificates to third parties, in an amount equal to a fraction of the par amount of the deposited bonds (these certificates usually pay tax-exempt interest at short-term interest rates that typically reset weekly; and the certificate holders typically, on seven days notice, have the option
49
Notes to Financial Statements continued
to tender their certificates to the trust or another party for redemption at par plus accrued interest), and (b) issue inverse floating rate certificates (sometimes referred to as inverse floaters) which are held by the fund. Such self-deposited inverse floaters held by the fund are accounted for as secured borrowings, with the municipal bonds reflected in the investments of the fund and amounts owed to the holders of the floating rate certificates under the provisions of the trust, which amounts are paid solely from the assets of the trust, reflected as liabilities of the fund in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities under the caption, Payable to the holders of the floating rate certificates from trust assets. The carrying value of the funds payable to the holders of the floating rate certificates from trust assets as reported in the funds Statement of Assets and Liabilities approximates its fair value. The value of the payable to the holders of the floating rate certificates from trust assets as of the reporting date is considered level 2 under the fair value hierarchy disclosure. At November 30, 2017, the funds payable to the holders of the floating rate certificates from trust assets was $7,500,075 and the weighted average interest rate on the floating rate certificates issued by the trust was 1.22%. For the year ended November 30, 2017, the average payable to the holders of the floating rate certificates from trust assets was $7,500,056 at a weighted average interest rate of 1.06 %. Interest expense and fees relate to interest payments made to the holders of certain floating rate certificates and associated fees, both of which are made from trust assets. Interest expense and fees are recorded as incurred. For the year ended November 30, 2017, interest expense and fees related to self-deposited inverse floaters amounted to $128,451 and are included in Interest expense and fees and amortization of VMTPS debt issuance costs in the Statement of Operations.
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 funds 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 funds 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 funds maximum exposure under these agreements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against the fund that have not yet occurred.
Investment Transactions and Income Investment transactions are recorded on the trade date. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis. All premium and discount is amortized or accreted for financial statement purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Interest payments received in additional securities are recorded on the ex-interest date in an amount equal to the value of the security on such date. Debt obligations may be placed on non-accrual status or set to accrue at a rate of interest less than the contractual coupon when the collection of all or a portion of interest has become doubtful. Interest income for those debt obligations may be further reduced by the write-off of the related interest receivables when deemed uncollectible.
50
Notes to Financial Statements continued
The fund may receive proceeds from litigation settlements. Any proceeds received from litigation involving portfolio holdings are reflected in the Statement of Operations in realized gain/loss if the security has been disposed of by the fund or in unrealized gain/loss if the security is still held by the fund. Any other proceeds from litigation not related to portfolio holdings are reflected as other income in the Statement of Operations.
Legal fees and other related expenses incurred to preserve and protect the value of a security owned are added to the cost of the security; other legal fees are expensed. Capital infusions made directly to the security issuer, which are generally non-recurring, incurred to protect or enhance the value of high-yield debt securities, are reported as additions to the cost basis of the security. Costs that are incurred to negotiate the terms or conditions of capital infusions or that are expected to result in a plan of reorganization are reported as realized losses. Ongoing costs incurred to protect or enhance an investment, or costs incurred to pursue other claims or legal actions, are expensed.
Tax Matters and Distributions The fund intends to qualify as a regulated investment company, as defined under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code, and to distribute all of its taxable and tax-exempt income, including realized capital gains. As a result, no provision for federal income tax is required. The funds federal tax returns, when filed, will remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service for a three year period. Management has analyzed the funds tax positions taken on federal and state tax returns for all open tax years and does not believe that there are any uncertain tax positions that require recognition of a tax liability.
Distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Income and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Certain capital accounts in the financial statements are periodically adjusted for permanent differences in order to reflect their tax character. These adjustments have no impact on net assets or net asset value per share. Temporary differences which arise from recognizing certain items of income, expense, gain or loss in different periods for financial statement and tax purposes will reverse at some time in the future. Distributions in excess of net investment income or net realized gains are temporary overdistributions for financial statement purposes resulting from differences in the recognition or classification of income or distributions for financial statement and tax purposes.
Book/tax differences primarily relate to defaulted bonds, expiration of capital loss carryforwards, amortization and accretion of debt securities, and non-deductible expenses that result from the treatment of Variable Rate Municipal Term Preferred Shares (VMTPS) as equity for tax purposes.
51
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) | $37,725 | $36,408 | ||||||
Tax-exempt income | 6,246,160 | 6,386,660 | ||||||
Total distributions | $6,283,885 | $6,423,068 |
The federal tax cost and the tax basis components of distributable earnings were as follows:
As of 11/30/17 | ||||
Cost of investments | $139,183,707 | |||
Gross appreciation | 11,544,716 | |||
Gross depreciation | (1,044,373 | ) | ||
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) | $10,500,343 | |||
Undistributed ordinary income | 98,250 | |||
Undistributed tax-exempt income | 671,418 | |||
Capital loss carryforwards | (2,475,290 | ) | ||
Other temporary differences | (98,869 | ) |
Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010 (the Act), net capital losses recognized for fund fiscal years beginning after November 30, 2011 may be carried forward indefinitely, and their character is retained as short-term and/or long-term losses (post-enactment losses). Previously, net capital losses were carried forward for eight years and treated as short-term losses (pre-enactment losses). As a transition rule, the Act requires that all post-enactment net capital losses be used before pre-enactment net capital losses.
As of November 30, 2017, the fund had capital loss carryforwards available to offset future realized gains. Such pre-enactment losses expire as follows:
11/30/18 | $(2,208,465 | ) | ||
11/30/19 | (266,825 | ) | ||
Total | $(2,475,290 | ) |
(3) Transactions with Affiliates
Investment Adviser The fund has an investment advisory agreement with MFS to provide overall investment management and related administrative services and facilities to the fund. The management fee is computed daily and paid monthly at an annual rate of 0.65% of the funds average daily net assets (including the value of preferred shares).
The investment adviser has agreed in writing to reduce its management fee to 0.63% of the funds average daily net assets (including the value of preferred shares). This written agreement will continue until modified by the funds Board of Trustees, but such agreement will continue at least until November 30, 2018. For the year ended November 30, 2017, this management fee reduction amounted to $33,235, which is
52
Notes to Financial Statements continued
included in the reduction of total expenses in the Statement of Operations. The management fee incurred for the year ended November 30, 2017 was equivalent to an annual effective rate of 0.63% of the funds average daily net assets (including the value of preferred shares).
The investment adviser has agreed in writing to pay a portion of the funds total annual operating expenses, excluding interest expense on VMTPS, amortization of debt issuance costs on VMTPS, taxes, extraordinary expenses, brokerage and transaction costs, other interest expense, and investment-related expenses (including interest expense and fees associated with investments in inverse floating rate instruments), such that total fund operating expenses do not exceed 0.89% annually of the funds average daily net assets (including the value of preferred shares). This written agreement will continue until modified by the funds Board of Trustees, but such agreement will continue at least until November 30, 2018. For the year ended November 30, 2017, the funds actual operating expenses did not exceed the limit and therefore, the investment adviser did not pay any portion of the funds expenses related to this agreement.
Transfer Agent The fund engages Computershare Trust Company, N.A. (Computershare) as the sole transfer agent for the funds common shares. 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 $3,710.
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 (including the value of preferred shares). The administrative services fee incurred for the year ended November 30, 2017 was equivalent to an annual effective rate of 0.0216% of the funds average daily net assets (including the value of preferred shares).
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.
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 $226 and is included in Miscellaneous expense in the
53
Notes to Financial Statements continued
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 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 $1,130,502. The sales transactions resulted in net realized gains of $22,858.
(4) Portfolio Securities
For the year ended November 30, 2017, purchases and sales of investments, other than short-term obligations, aggregated $20,443,747 and $38,019,832, respectively.
(5) Shares of Beneficial Interest
The funds Declaration of Trust permits the Trustees to issue an unlimited number of full and fractional shares of beneficial interest. The fund reserves the right to repurchase shares of beneficial interest of the fund subject to Trustee approval. On August 8, 2017, the fund commenced a cash tender offer for up to 15% of the funds outstanding common shares at a price per share equal to 98% of the funds net asset value per share calculated as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange on the expiration date of the offer (the Initial Tender Offer). The Initial Tender Offer expired on September 6, 2017, at which time the offer was oversubscribed. The fund purchased the maximum number of shares offered in the Initial Tender Offer (1,738,044 common shares representing 15% of the funds then outstanding common shares). The purchase price of properly tendered shares was equal to $10.535 per share for an aggregate purchase price of $18,310,294. As a result of the Initial Tender Offer, payment was made by the fund on September 11, 2017, at which time 1,738,044 common shares outstanding were retired. During the years ended November 30, 2017 and November 30, 2016 the fund did not repurchase any additional shares other than through the Initial Tender Offer and there were no other transactions in fund shares.
The Trustees have also authorized the fund to conduct an additional cash tender offer (the Conditional Tender Offer) approximately six months after the close of the Initial Tender Offer for up to 7.5% of the funds then outstanding common shares at a price per share equal to 98% of the funds NAV per share as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange on the date the Conditional Tender Offer expires, provided that the Conditional Tender Offer will take place only if the average trading discount of the funds outstanding common shares to NAV is greater than 6% during the period that begins 90 calendar days and ends 180 calendar days after the completion of the Initial Tender Offer (December 9, 2017 March 10, 2018). The terms and conditions of the Conditional Tender Offer, if it should occur, would be set forth in the Issuer Tender Offer Statement and related Letters of Transmittal that would be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Shareholders should read these documents when they are available because they would contain important information.
54
Notes to Financial Statements continued
(6) Line of Credit
The fund and certain other funds managed by MFS participate in a $1.25 billion unsecured committed line of credit, subject to a $1 billion sublimit, provided by a syndication of banks under a credit agreement. Borrowings may be made for temporary financing needs. Interest is charged to each fund, based on its borrowings, generally at a rate equal to the higher of the Overnight Federal Reserve funds rate or daily one month LIBOR plus an agreed upon spread. A commitment fee, based on the average daily, unused portion of the committed line of credit, is allocated among the participating funds at the end of each calendar quarter. In addition, the fund and other funds managed by MFS have established unsecured uncommitted borrowing arrangements with certain banks for temporary financing needs. Interest is charged to each fund, based on its borrowings, at a rate equal to the Overnight Federal Reserve funds rate plus an agreed upon spread. For the year ended November 30, 2017, the funds commitment fee and interest expense were $846 and $0, respectively, and are included in Miscellaneous expense in the Statement of Operations.
(7) Preferred Shares
The fund has 1,950 shares issued and outstanding of VMTPS, series 2019/3. The outstanding VMTPS are redeemable at the option of the fund in whole or in part at the liquidation preference of $25,000 per share, plus accumulated and unpaid dividends, but generally solely for the purpose of decreasing the leverage of the fund. The VMTPS are subject to a mandatory term redemption date of March 31, 2019 unless extended through negotiation with the private holders of the VMTPS. There is no assurance that the term of the VMTPS will be extended or that the VMTPS will be replaced with any other preferred shares or other form of leverage upon the redemption of the VMTPS. Six months prior to the term redemption date of the VMTPS, the fund is required to begin to segregate liquid assets with the funds custodian to fund the redemption. Dividends on the VMTPS are cumulative and are reset weekly to a fixed spread against the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA) Municipal Swap Index. During the year ended November 30, 2017, the VMTPS dividend rates ranged from 1.71% to 2.12%. For the year ended November 30, 2017, the average dividend rate was 1.95%.
In the funds Statement of Assets and Liabilities, the VMTPS aggregate liquidation preference is shown as a liability since they have a stated mandatory redemption date. Dividends paid to the VMTPS are treated as interest expense and recorded as incurred. For the year ended November 30, 2017, interest expense related to the dividends paid to VMTPS amounted to $952,726 and is included in Interest expense and fees and amortization of VMTPS debt issuance costs in the Statement of Operations. Costs directly related to the issuance of the VMTPS are considered debt issuance costs. Debt issuance costs are presented as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the related debt liability and are being amortized into interest expense over the life of the VMTPS. The period-end carrying value for the VMTPS in the funds Statement of Assets and Liabilities is its liquidation value less any unamortized debt issuance costs, which approximates its fair value. Its fair value would be considered level 2 under the fair value hierarchy.
Under the terms of a purchase agreement between the fund and the investor in the VMTPS, the fund is subject to various investment restrictions. These investment-related
55
Notes to Financial Statements continued
requirements are in various respects more restrictive than those to which the fund is otherwise subject in accordance with its investment objectives and policies. In addition, the fund is subject to certain restrictions on its investments imposed by guidelines of the rating agencies that rate the VMTPS, which guidelines may be changed by the applicable rating agency, in its sole discretion, from time to time. These guidelines may impose asset coverage or portfolio composition requirements that are more stringent than those imposed on the fund by the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the 1940 Act).
The fund is required to maintain certain asset coverage with respect to the VMTPS as defined in the funds governing documents and the 1940 Act. One of a number of asset coverage-related requirements is that the fund is not permitted to declare or pay common share dividends unless immediately thereafter the fund has a minimum asset coverage ratio of 200% with respect to the VMTPS after deducting the amount of such common share dividends.
The 1940 Act requires that the preferred shareholders of the fund, voting as a separate class, have the right to elect at least two trustees at all times, and elect a majority of the trustees at any time when dividends on the preferred shares are unpaid for two full years. Unless otherwise required by law or under the terms of the preferred shares, each preferred share is entitled to one vote and preferred shareholders will vote together with common shareholders as a single class.
Leverage involves risks and special considerations for the funds common shareholders. To the extent that investments are purchased by the fund with proceeds from the issuance of preferred shares, the funds net asset value will increase or decrease at a greater rate than a comparable unleveraged fund. Changes in the value of the funds portfolio will be borne entirely by the common shareholders. It is possible that the fund will be required to sell assets at a time when it may be disadvantageous to do so in order to redeem preferred shares to comply with asset coverage or other restrictions including those imposed by the 1940 Act and the rating agencies that rate the preferred shares. There is no assurance that the funds leveraging strategy will be successful.
56
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Trustees and Shareholders of MFS Investment Grade Municipal Trust:
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the portfolio of investments, of MFS Investment Grade Municipal 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 Funds 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 Funds 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 Funds 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 Investment Grade Municipal 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.
Boston, Massachusetts
January 16, 2018
57
RESULTS OF SHAREHOLDER MEETING
(unaudited)
At the annual meeting of shareholders of of MFS Investment Grade Municipal Trust, which was held on October 5, 2017, the following actions were taken:
Item 1: To elect the following individuals as Trustees, elected by the holders of common and preferred shares together:
Number of Shares | ||||||||
Nominee |
For | Withheld Authority |
||||||
Steven E. Buller | 10,150,186.470 | 452,963.771 | ||||||
Michael Hegarty | 10,109,772.680 | 493,377.561 |
Item 2: To elect the following individuals as Trustees, elected by the holders of preferred shares only:
Number of Shares | ||||||||
Nominee |
For | Withheld Authority |
||||||
John P. Kavanaugh | 1,950 | 0 | ||||||
Laurie J. Thomsen | 1,950 | 0 |
58
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) with Fund |
Trustee/ Since (h) |
Term Expiring |
Number of MFS Funds overseen by the Trustee |
Principal the Past Five Years |
Other Directorships | ||||||
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 | 2018 | 137 | Private investor | N/A |
59
Trustees and Officers continued
Name, Age |
Position(s) with Fund |
Trustee/ Since (h) |
Term Expiring |
Number of MFS Funds overseen by the Trustee |
Principal the Past Five Years |
Other Directorships | ||||||
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) |
60
Trustees and Officers continued
Name, Age |
Position(s) with Fund |
Trustee/ Since (h) |
Term Expiring |
Number of MFS Funds overseen by the Trustee |
Principal the Past Five Years |
Other Directorships | ||||||
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 | 2018 | 137 | Private investor | The Travelers Companies, Director; Dycom Industries, Inc., Director (since 2015) |
Name, Age |
Position(s) with Fund |
Trustee/Officer Since (h) |
Term Expiring |
Number of |
Principal 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) with Fund |
Trustee/Officer Since (h) |
Term Expiring |
Number of |
Principal 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 Treasurers 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) |
62
Trustees and Officers continued
Name, Age |
Position(s) with Fund |
Trustee/Officer Since (h) |
Term Expiring |
Number of |
Principal 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) with Fund |
Trustee/Officer Since (h) |
Term Expiring |
Number of |
Principal 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. Two Trustees, each holding a term of one year, are elected annually by holders of the Trusts preferred shares. The remaining Trustees are 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 Trustees 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 Boards 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 Trusts Audit Committee.
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 | |
Michael Dawson | Ernst & Young LLP | |
Geoffrey Schechter | 200 Clarendon Street | |
Boston, MA 02116 |
64
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 Funds 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 Funds 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 Funds 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
65
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 Funds 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 Funds 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 Funds common shares ranked 40th out of a total of 61 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 Funds common shares ranked 24th out of a total of 61 funds for the one-year period and 17th out of a total of 56 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 other funds in its Lipper performance universe, the Trustees also reviewed the Funds performance in comparison to the Bloomberg Barclays Municipal Bond Index. The Fund outperformed the Barclays Municipal Bond Index for each of the one-, three-, and five-year periods ended December 31, 2016 (one-year: 0.6% total return for the Fund versus 0.2% total return for the benchmark; three-year: 7.9% total return for the Fund versus 4.1% total return for the benchmark; five-year: 6.9% total return for the Fund versus 3.3% 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 Funds performance. After reviewing these and related factors, the Trustees concluded, within the context of their overall conclusions
66
Board Review of Investment Advisory Agreement continued
regarding the investment advisory agreement, that they were satisfied with MFS responses and efforts relating to investment performance.
In assessing the reasonableness of the Funds advisory fee, the Trustees considered, among other information, the Funds advisory fee and the total expense ratio of the Funds common shares as a percentage of average daily net assets (including the value of preferred shares) and the advisory fee and total expense ratios of peer groups of funds based on information provided by Broadridge. The Trustees considered that MFS has agreed in writing to reduce its advisory fee, and that MFS currently observes an expense limitation for the Fund, each of which may not be changed without the Trustees approval. The Trustees also considered that, according to the data provided by Broadridge (which takes into account any fee reductions or expense limitations that were in effect during the Funds last fiscal year), the Funds effective advisory fee rate and total expense ratio were each higher 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 Funds 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 a material increase in the market value of the Funds 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.
67
Board Review of Investment Advisory Agreement continued
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 certain other services MFS performs or arranges for on the Funds 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 Funds 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 Funds investment advisory agreement with MFS should be continued for an additional one-year period, commencing August 1, 2017.
68
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 SECs 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 SECs 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 funds Form N-Q is also available on the EDGAR database on the Commissions 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 Funds 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.
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 funds name.
Additional information about the fund (e.g. performance, dividends and the funds price history) is also available by clicking on the funds 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 Trusts By-Laws, 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. The following information is provided pursuant to provisions of the Internal Revenue Code.
Of the dividends paid from net investment income during the fiscal year, 99.40% is designated as exempt interest dividends for federal income tax purposes. If the fund has earned income on private activity bonds, a portion of the dividends paid may be considered a tax preference item for purposes of computing a shareholders alternative minimum tax.
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rev. 3/16
FACTS
|
WHAT DOES MFS DO WITH YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION? |
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 dont share | ||
For joint marketing with other financial companies |
No | We dont share | ||
For our affiliates everyday business purposes information about your transactions and experiences |
No | We dont share | ||
For our affiliates everyday business purposes information about your creditworthiness |
No | We dont share | ||
For nonaffiliates to market to you | No | We dont 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 cant 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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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: CXH
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 Registrants 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 Codes 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 Funds 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).
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 Investment Grade Municipal Trust |
58,340 | 56,664 |
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 Investment Grade Municipal Trust |
11,358 | 11,027 | 10,102 | 9,953 | 1,042 | 1,048 | ||||||||||||||||||
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 Investment Grade Municipal 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 Investment Grade Municipal Trust, MFS and MFS Related Entities# |
1,859,935 | 1,676,150 |
* | 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. |
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 Registrants Audit Committee has considered whether the provision by a Registrants 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 Registrants 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.
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.
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.
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 boards 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 meetings 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 directors 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).
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, managements 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 companys 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 companys 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 proponents rationale for seeking Proxy Access.
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 Poors 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 companys shareholders. We believe that the election of an issuers 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 companys 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
companys 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 issuers 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 officers annual compensation that is not determined in MFS judgment to be excessive.
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 companys 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 companys 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 companys 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.
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 issuers outstanding stock to call a special meeting. MFS also supports proposals requesting the right for shareholders to act by written consent.
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 boards selection of an auditor for the company. Some shareholder groups have submitted proposals to limit the non-audit activities of a companys audit firm or prohibit any non-audit services by a companys 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 companys 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 companys 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 meetings agenda. MFS generally votes against proposals to adjourn a meeting if we do not support the other ballot items on the meetings agenda.
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Issues
MFS believes that a companys ESG practices may have an impact on the companys 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 companys 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 companys use of collateral in derivatives trading. MFS typically
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 companys shareholders.
MFS generally supports proposals that request disclosure on the impact of environmental issues on the companys 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 companys operations, sales and capital investments, or (iii) the proposal seeks a level of disclosure that exceeds that provided by the companys 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 companys 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 companys shareholders. Generally, MFS will support shareholder proposals that (i) seek to amend a companys equal employment opportunity policy to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity; and (ii) request additional disclosure regarding a companys 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 companys 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
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 Kingdoms 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 companys executive compensation practices are excessive, considering such factors as the specific markets 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.
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 issuers 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; |
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. |
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 issuers 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.
Except as described in the MFS Funds 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 funds 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 clients 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 issuers 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 Administrators 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 Administrators on-line system. The Proxy Administrator then reconciles a list of all MFS accounts that hold shares of a companys stock and the number of shares held on the record date by these accounts with the Proxy Administrators list of any upcoming shareholders 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.
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. |
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 meetings 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 companys 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
of the MFS Proxy Voting Committee in advance of the companys 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 Administrators system as to proxies processed, including the dates when proxy ballots were received and submitted, and the votes on each companys 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 managements 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.
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.
ITEM 8. | PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES. |
Portfolio Manager(s)
Information regarding the portfolio manager(s) of the MFS Investment Grade Municipal 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 | |||
Michael Dawson | Portfolio Manager | 2007 | Investment Officer of MFS; employed in the investment area of MFS since 1998. | |||
Geoffrey Schechter | Portfolio Manager | 2007 | Investment Officer of MFS; employed in the investment management area of MFS since 1993. |
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.
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 managers performance for the Fund:
Fund |
Portfolio Manager |
Benchmark(s) | ||
MFS Investment Grade Municipal Trust | Michael Dawson | Bloomberg Barclays Municipal Bond Index | ||
Geoffrey Schechter | Bloomberg Barclays Municipal Bond 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 managements 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.
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 managers compensation depends upon the length of the individuals 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 Funds portfolio manager(s) as of the Funds 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 | |
Michael Dawson |
N | |
Geoffrey Schechter |
N |
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 Funds fiscal year ended November 30, 2017:
Registered Investment Companies* | Other Pooled Investment Vehicles |
Other Accounts | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Name |
Number of |
Total Assets | Number of |
Total Assets | Number of |
Total Assets |
||||||||||||||||||
Michael Dawson |
17 | $ | 2.9 billion | 0 | N/A | 0 | N/A | |||||||||||||||||
Geoffrey Schechter |
15 | $ | 18.9 billion | 3 | $ | 650.4 million | 0 | N/A |
* | 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 managers 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 Funds portfolio as well as for accounts of MFS or its subsidiaries with similar investment objectives. The Funds trade allocation policies may give rise to conflicts of interest if the Funds 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 Funds 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.
ITEM 9. | PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS. |
MFS Investment Grade Municipal 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 |
0 | N/A | 0 | 1,158,695 | ||||||||||||
1/01/17-1/31/17 |
0 | N/A | 0 | 1,158,695 | ||||||||||||
2/01/17-2/28/17 |
0 | N/A | 0 | 1,158,695 | ||||||||||||
3/01/17-3/31/17 |
0 | N/A | 0 | 1,158,695 | ||||||||||||
4/01/17-4/30/17 |
0 | N/A | 0 | 1,158,695 | ||||||||||||
5/01/17-5/31/17 |
0 | N/A | 0 | 1,158,695 | ||||||||||||
6/01/17-6/30/17 |
0 | N/A | 0 | 1,158,695 | ||||||||||||
7/01/17-7/31/17 |
0 | N/A | 0 | 1,158,695 | ||||||||||||
8/01/17-8/31/17 |
0 | N/A | 0 | 1,158,695 | ||||||||||||
9/1/17-9/30/17 |
1,738,044 | 1 | 10.535 | 1,738,044 | 1,158,695 | |||||||||||
10/1/17-10/31/17 |
0 | N/A | 0 | 984,891 | ||||||||||||
11/1/17-11/30/17 |
0 | N/A | 0 | 984,891 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Total |
0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
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 Registrants 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 984,891.
1 | The 1,738,044 shares purchased were purchased pursuant to a tender offer. |
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 Registrants Board since the Registrant last provided disclosure as to such procedures in response to the requirements of Item 407 (c)(2)(iv) of Regulation S-K or this Item.
ITEM 11. | CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES. |
(a) | Based upon their evaluation of the registrants 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 registrants 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 Commissions rules and forms. |
(b) | There were no changes in the registrants 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 registrants 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.
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) | Any written solicitation to purchase securities under Rule 23c-1 under the Act sent or given during the period covered by the report by or on behalf of the Registrant to 10 or more persons. Not applicable. |
(b) | If the report is filed under Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, provide the certifications required by Rule 30a-2(b) under the Act (17 CFR 270.30a-2(b)), Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13a-14(b) or 240.15d-14(b)) and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code (18 U.S.C. 1350) as an exhibit. A certification furnished pursuant to this paragraph will not be deemed filed for the purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act (15 U.S.C. 78r), or otherwise subject to the liability of that section. Such certification will not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Exchange Act, except to the extent that the registrant specifically incorporates it by reference: Attached hereto. |
Notice
A copy of the Agreement and Declaration of Trust, as amended, of the Registrant is on file with the Secretary of State of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and notice is hereby given that this instrument is executed on behalf of the Registrant by an officer of the Registrant as an officer and not individually and the obligations of or arising out of this instrument are not binding upon any of the Trustees or shareholders individually, but are binding only upon the assets and property of the respective constituent series of the Registrant.
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 INVESTMENT GRADE MUNICIPAL 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. |