MFS HIGH YIELD MUNICIPAL TRUST N-CSRS
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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM N-CSR

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF

REGISTERED MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

Investment Company Act file number 811-4992

MFS HIGH YIELD MUNICIPAL TRUST

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

500 Boylston Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

Susan S. Newton

Massachusetts Financial Services Company

500 Boylston Street

Boston, Massachusetts 02116

(Name and address of agents for service)

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

Date of fiscal year end: November 30

Date of reporting period: May 31, 2012


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ITEM 1. REPORTS TO STOCKHOLDERS.


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LOGO

 

MFS® High Yield Municipal Trust

 

LOGO

 

 

SEMIANNUAL REPORT

May 31, 2012

 

CMU-SEM


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MFS® HIGH YIELD MUNICIPAL TRUST

New York Stock Exchange Symbol: CMU

 

Letter from the Chairman and CEO     1   
Portfolio composition     2   
Portfolio managers’ profiles     4   
Other notes     4   
Portfolio of investments     5   
Statement of assets and liabilities     26   
Statement of operations     27   
Statements of changes in net assets     28   
Financial highlights     29   
Notes to financial statements     31   
Report of independent registered public accounting firm     43   
Board review of investment advisory agreement     44   
Proxy voting policies and information     44   
Quarterly portfolio disclosure     44   
Further information     44   
Contact information    back cover   

 

 

 

 

NOT FDIC INSURED Ÿ MAY LOSE VALUE Ÿ NO BANK GUARANTEE


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LOGO

 

LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN AND CEO

 

Dear Shareholders:

World financial markets remain a venue of uncertainty. The focus has shifted most recently to the eurozone, where policymakers are attempting to develop a plan that will help debt-laden countries and prevent their woes from spreading across the region. Volatility is likely to continue as investors test the resolve of European officials to make the tough decisions needed to solve the crisis.

The U.S. economy is experiencing a period of growth. However, markets have been jittery in reaction to events in Europe and ahead of the U.S. presidential election. Voters in the United States are watching the economy closely and waiting to see if Congress agrees to cut the budget and extend the Bush administration tax cuts. Failure to do so could ultimately send the U.S. economy back into recession.

Amid this global uncertainty, managing risk becomes a top priority for investors and their advisors. At MFS® our global research platform is designed to ensure the smooth functioning

of our investment process in all business climates. Through this integrated approach, our investment staff shares ideas and evaluates opportunities across geographies, across both fundamental and quantitative disciplines, and across companies’ entire capital structure. We employ this uniquely collaborative approach to build better insights for our clients.

Additionally, we have a team of quantitative analysts that measures and assesses the risk profiles of our portfolios and securities on an ongoing basis. The chief investment risk officer, who oversees the team, reports directly to the firm’s president and chief investment officer so that the risk associated with each portfolio can be assessed objectively and independently of the portfolio management team.

We, like our investors, are mindful of the many economic challenges faced at the local, national, and international levels. It is in times such as these that we want to emphasize the merits of maintaining a long-term view, adhering to basic investing principles such as asset allocation and diversification, and working closely with investment advisors to research and identify appropriate investment opportunities.

Respectfully,

 

LOGO

Robert J. Manning

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

MFS Investment Management®

July 17, 2012

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

 

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PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION

 

Portfolio structure at market value

 

LOGO

 

Top five industries reflecting equivalent exposure of derivative positions (i)  
Healthcare Revenue – Hospitals     23.4%   
Healthcare Revenue – Long Term Care     12.0%   
Universities – Colleges     6.4%   
Water & Sewer Utility Revenue     6.2%   
U.S. Treasury Securities (j)     (13.8)%   

Portfolio structure reflecting equivalent exposure of derivative positions (i)(j)

 

LOGO

 

Composition including fixed income credit quality (a)(i)  
AAA     4.2%   
AA     24.0%   
A     15.6%   
BBB     26.7%   
BB     5.0%   
B     6.0%   
CCC     0.5%   
CC     0.1%   
C     0.3%   
Not Rated (j)     3.4%   
Cash & Other     14.2%   
Portfolio facts (i)  
Average Duration (d)     12.6   
Average Effective Maturity (m)     19.4 yrs.   
 

 

(a) For all securities other than those specifically described below, ratings are assigned to underlying securities utilizing ratings from Moody’s, Fitch, and Standard & Poor’s rating agencies and applying the following hierarchy: If all three agencies provide a rating, the middle rating (after dropping the highest and lowest ratings) is assigned; if two of the three agencies rate a security, the lower of the two is assigned. Ratings are shown in the S&P and Fitch scale (e.g., AAA). All ratings are subject to change. Not Rated includes fixed income securities, including fixed income futures, which have not been rated by any rating agency. Cash & Other includes cash, other assets less liabilities, offsets to derivative positions, and short-term securities. The fund may not hold all of these instruments. The fund is not rated by these agencies.

 

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

 

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Portfolio Composition – continued

 

 

(i) For purposes of this presentation, the components include the market 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. The bond component will include any accrued interest amounts. Equivalent exposure is a calculated amount that translates the derivative position into a reasonable approximation of the amount of the underlying asset that the portfolio would have to hold at a given point in time to have the same price sensitivity that results from the portfolio’s ownership of the derivative contract. When dealing with derivatives, equivalent exposure is a more representative measure of the potential impact of a position on portfolio performance than market value. Where the fund holds convertible bonds, these are treated as part of the equity portion of the portfolio.

 

(j) For the purpose of managing the fund’s duration, the fund holds short treasury futures with a bond equivalent exposure of (13.8)%, which reduce the fund’s interest rate exposure but not its credit exposure.

 

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

Percentages are based on net assets, including the value of auction preferred shares, as of 5/31/12.

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

 

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PORTFOLIO MANAGERS’ PROFILES

 

Gary Lasman     Investment Officer of MFS; employed in the investment management area of MFS since 2002. Portfolio manager of the fund since June 2007.
Geoffrey Schechter     Investment Officer of MFS; employed in the investment management area of MFS since 1993. Portfolio manager of the fund since June 2007.

OTHER NOTES

The fund’s shares may trade at a discount or premium to net asset value. Shareholders do not have the right to cause the fund to repurchase their shares at net asset value. When fund shares trade at a premium, buyers pay more than the net asset value of underlying fund shares, and shares purchased at a premium would receive less than the amount paid for them in the event of the fund’s liquidation. As a result, the total return that is calculated based on the net asset value and New York Stock Exchange price can be different.

The fund’s monthly distributions may include a return of capital to shareholders to the extent that distributions are in excess of the fund’s 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 shareholder’s basis in his or her shares and, to the extent the return of capital exceeds such basis, will be treated as gain to the shareholder from a sale of shares. Returns of shareholder capital have the effect of reducing the fund’s assets and increasing the fund’s expense ratio.

 

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 OF INVESTMENTS

5/31/12 (unaudited)

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

 

Municipal Bonds - 153.7%                 
Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Airport Revenue - 3.1%                 
Dallas Fort Worth, TX, International Airport Rev. Improvement, “B”, AGM, 5%, 2025    $ 3,000,000      $ 3,125,400   
Houston, TX, Airport System Rev., “B”, 5%, 2026      175,000        200,197   
Houston, TX, Airport System Rev., Subordinate Lien, “A”, 5%, 2031      155,000        167,876   
Port Authority NY & NJ, Special Obligation Rev. (JFK International Air Terminal LLC), 6%, 2036      255,000        289,634   
Port Authority NY & NJ, Special Obligation Rev. (JFK International Air Terminal LLC), 6%, 2042      290,000        328,944   
    

 

 

 
             $ 4,112,051   
General Obligations - General Purpose - 4.6%                 
Chicago, IL, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District-Greater Chicago, “C”, 5%, 2030    $ 780,000      $ 903,107   
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Public Improvement, “A”, 5.5%, 2039      2,015,000        2,101,988   
Las Vegas Valley, NV, Water District, “C”, 5%, 2029      925,000        1,048,756   
Luzerne County, PA, AGM, 6.75%, 2023      455,000        537,050   
State of California, 5.25%, 2028      335,000        385,588   
State of California, 5.25%, 2030      790,000        901,635   
State of Hawaii, “DZ”, 5%, 2031      200,000        234,080   
    

 

 

 
             $ 6,112,204   
General Obligations - Improvement - 0.1%                 
Guam Government, “A”, 7%, 2039    $ 90,000      $ 99,891   
General Obligations - Schools - 2.5%                 
Beverly Hills, CA, Unified School District (Election of 2008), Capital Appreciation, 0%, 2029    $ 2,195,000      $ 1,084,923   
Beverly Hills, CA, Unified School District (Election of 2008), Capital Appreciation, 0%, 2031      275,000        121,960   
Beverly Hills, CA, Unified School District (Election of 2008), Capital Appreciation, 0%, 2032      280,000        117,617   
Beverly Hills, CA, Unified School District (Election of 2008), Capital Appreciation, 0%, 2033      560,000        222,079   
Chicago, IL, Board of Education, “A”, 5%, 2041      100,000        109,152   
Irving, TX, Independent School District, Capital Appreciation, “A”, PSF, 0%, 2016      1,000,000        969,510   
Los Angeles, CA, Unified School District, “D”, 5%, 2034      165,000        183,109   

 

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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
General Obligations - Schools - continued                 
San Jacinto, TX, Community College District, 5.125%, 2038    $ 430,000      $ 467,156   
    

 

 

 
             $ 3,275,506   
Healthcare Revenue - Hospitals - 36.1%                 
Allegheny County, PA, Hospital Development Authority Rev. (University of Pittsburgh Medical Center), “A”, 5.375%, 2029    $ 440,000      $ 489,091   
Allegheny County, PA, Hospital Development Authority Rev. (West Penn Allegheny Health), “A”, 5%, 2028      435,000        366,553   
Allegheny County, PA, Hospital Development Authority Rev. (West Penn Allegheny Health), “A”, 5.375%, 2040      625,000        512,875   
Atchison, KS, Hospital Rev. (Atchison Hospital Assn.), “A”, 6.75%, 2030      320,000        345,040   
Brunswick, GA, Hospital Authority Rev. (Glynn-Brunswick Memorial Hospital), 5.625%, 2034      170,000        186,388   
Butler County, OH, Hospital Facilities Rev. (UC Health), 5.5%, 2040      590,000        631,743   
Butler County, OH, Hospital Facilities Rev. (UC Health), 5.75%, 2040      130,000        141,452   
California Health Facilities Financing Authority Rev. (St. Joseph Health System), “A”, 5.75%, 2039      185,000        207,305   
California Health Facilities Financing Authority Rev. (Sutter Health), “A”, 5%, 2042      500,000        522,650   
California Health Facilities Financing Authority Rev. (Sutter Health), “B”, 5.875%, 2031      660,000        791,076   
California Statewide Communities Development Authority Rev. (Catholic Healthcare West), “K”, ASSD GTY, 5.5%, 2041      625,000        658,831   
California Statewide Communities Development Authority Rev. (Kaiser Permanente), “A”, 5%, 2042      360,000        390,200   
Cullman County, AL, Health Care Authority (Cullman Regional Medical Center), “A”, 6.75%, 2029      60,000        62,068   
Delaware County, PA, Authority Rev. (Mercy Health Corp.), ETM, 6%, 2016 (c)      965,000        1,084,206   
Delaware County, PA, Authority Rev. (Mercy Health Corp.), ETM, 6%, 2026 (c)      500,000        569,705   
Erie County, PA, Hospital Authority Rev. (St. Vincent’s Health), “A”, 7%, 2027      410,000        442,156   
Gallia County, OH, Hospital Facilities Rev. (Holzer Health Systems), “A”, 8%, 2042      945,000        991,522   
Harris County, TX, Health Facilities Development Corp., Hospital Rev. (Memorial Hermann Healthcare Systems), “B”, 7.25%, 2035      205,000        254,659   
Idaho Health Facilities Authority Rev. (IHC Hospitals, Inc.), ETM, 6.65%, 2021 (c)      2,750,000        3,781,608   
Illinois Finance Authority Rev. (Kewanee Hospital), 5.1%, 2031      390,000        376,997   
Illinois Finance Authority Rev. (Provena Health), “A”, 7.75%, 2034      485,000        621,106   

 

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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
Healthcare Revenue - Hospitals - continued                 
Illinois Finance Authority Rev. (Silver Cross Hospital & Medical Centers), 6.875%, 2038    $ 485,000      $ 553,167   
Indiana Health & Educational Facilities Finance Authority Rev. (Sisters of St. Francis Health Services, Inc.), “E”, AGM, 5.25%, 2041      660,000        699,072   
Indiana Health & Educational Facilities Finance Authority, Hospital Rev. (Clarian Health), “A”, 5%, 2039      1,745,000        1,807,925   
Indiana Health & Educational Facilities Finance Authority, Hospital Rev. (Community Foundation of Northwest Indiana), 5.5%, 2037      945,000        997,646   
Indiana Health & Educational Financing Authority Rev. (Community Foundation of Northwest Indiana ), “A”, 6%, 2034      425,000        443,955   
Jefferson Parish, LA, Hospital Service District No. 2 (East Jefferson General Hospital), 6.25%, 2031      300,000        343,065   
Jefferson Parish, LA, Hospital Service District No. 2 (East Jefferson General Hospital), 6.375%, 2041      185,000        211,782   
Johnson City, TN, Health & Educational Facilities Board Hospital Rev. (Mountain States Health Alliance), “A”, 5.5%, 2031      1,120,000        1,185,542   
Johnson City, TN, Health & Educational Facilities Board Hospital Rev. (Mountain States Health Alliance), “A”, 5.5%, 2036      410,000        429,278   
Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority, Hospital Facilities Rev. (Baptist Healthcare System), “A”, 5.375%, 2024      300,000        343,641   
Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority, Hospital Facilities Rev. (Baptist Healthcare System), “A”, 5.625%, 2027      100,000        114,734   
Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority, Hospital Facilities Rev. (Owensboro Medical Health System), “A”, 6.375%, 2040      570,000        659,262   
Lake County, OH, Hospital Facilities Rev. (Lake Hospital Systems, Inc.), 5.625%, 2029      435,000        464,802   
Laramie County, WY, Hospital Rev. (Cheyenne Regional Medical Center Project), 5%, 2032      40,000        43,188   
Laramie County, WY, Hospital Rev. (Cheyenne Regional Medical Center Project), 5%, 2037      100,000        107,272   
Laramie County, WY, Hospital Rev. (Cheyenne Regional Medical Center Project), 5%, 2042      195,000        210,087   
Lebanon County, PA, Health Facilities Authority Rev. (Good Samaritan Hospital), 5.9%, 2028      210,000        211,577   
Louisiana Public Facilities Authority Hospital Rev. (Lake Charles Memorial Hospital), 6.375%, 2034      880,000        918,482   
Louisville & Jefferson County, KY, Metro Government Health Facilities Rev. (Jewish Hospital & St. Mary’s Healthcare), 6.125%, 2018 (c)      1,315,000        1,668,078   
Louisville & Jefferson County, KY, Metropolitan Government Healthcare Systems Rev. (Norton Healthcare, Inc.), 5.25%, 2036      1,265,000        1,317,940   
Lufkin, TX, Health Facilities Development Corp. Rev. (Memorial Health System), 5.5%, 2037      60,000        60,836   

 

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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
Healthcare Revenue - Hospitals - continued                 
Martin County, FL, Health Facilities Authority Rev. (Martin Memorial Medical Center), 5.5%, 2042    $ 300,000      $ 317,187   
Maryland Health & Higher Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Anne Arundel Health System, Inc.), “A”, 6.75%, 2039      735,000        888,600   
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency Rev. (Tufts Medical Center), “I”, 7.25%, 2032      445,000        536,145   
Massachusetts Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Jordan Hospital), “E”, 6.75%, 2033      250,000        255,348   
Massachusetts Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Milford-Whitinsville Hospital), “C”, 5.25%, 2018      500,000        500,195   
Massachusetts Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Saints Memorial Medical Center), “A”, 6%, 2023      260,000        254,920   
Michigan Finance Authority Rev. (Trinity Health Corp.), 5%, 2035      1,000,000        1,097,350   
Monroe County, PA, Hospital Authority Rev. (Pocono Medical Center), “A”, 5%, 2032      55,000        58,170   
Monroe County, PA, Hospital Authority Rev. (Pocono Medical Center), “A”, 5%, 2041      35,000        36,376   
Montgomery, AL, Medical Clinic Board Health Care Facility Rev. (Jackson Hospital & Clinic), 5.25%, 2031      125,000        127,624   
Montgomery, AL, Medical Clinic Board Health Care Facility Rev. (Jackson Hospital & Clinic), 5.25%, 2036      825,000        836,657   
New Hampshire Business Finance Authority Rev. (Elliot Hospital Obligated Group), “A”, 6%, 2027      585,000        657,014   
New Hampshire Health & Education Facilities Authority Rev. (Catholic Medical Center), “A”, 6.125%, 2032      25,000        25,277   
New Hampshire Health & Education Facilities Authority Rev. (Memorial Hospital at Conway), 5.25%, 2021      530,000        544,755   
New Hanover County, NC, Hospital Rev., AGM, 5.125%, 2031      895,000        979,112   
New Jersey Health Care Facilities, Financing Authority Rev. (St. Peter’s University Hospital), 5.75%, 2037      545,000        578,447   
New Mexico Hospital Equipment Loan Council, Hospital Rev. (Rehoboth McKinley Christian Hospital), “A”, 5%, 2017      245,000        241,791   
New York Dormitory Authority Rev., Non-State Supported Debt (Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center), LOC, 6.5%, 2030      190,000        228,519   
New York Dormitory Authority Rev., Non-State Supported Debt (Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center), LOC, 6.25%, 2035      115,000        133,796   
Norman, OK, Regional Hospital Authority Rev., 5%, 2027      155,000        156,480   
Norman, OK, Regional Hospital Authority Rev., 5.375%, 2029      90,000        91,301   
Norman, OK, Regional Hospital Authority Rev., 5.375%, 2036      235,000        235,818   
Norman, OK, Regional Hospital Authority Rev., 5.125%, 2037      415,000        405,488   
Olympia, WA, Healthcare Facilities Authority Rev. (Catholic Health Initiatives), “D”, 6.375%, 2036      1,095,000        1,335,221   

 

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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
Healthcare Revenue - Hospitals - continued                 
Palomar Pomerado Health Care District, CA, COP, 6.75%, 2039    $ 890,000      $ 980,727   
Philadelphia, PA, Hospitals & Higher Education Facilities Authority Rev. (Temple University Health System), “A”, 6.625%, 2023      355,000        355,675   
Rhode Island Health & Educational Building Corp. Rev., Hospital Financing (Lifespan Obligated Group), “A”, ASSD GTY, 7%, 2039      660,000        775,507   
Royal Oak, MI, Hospital Finance Authority Rev. (William Beaumont Hospital), 8.25%, 2039      485,000        624,074   
Salida, CO, Hospital District Rev., 5.25%, 2036      694,000        699,011   
Skagit County, WA, Public Hospital District No. 001 Rev. (Skagit Valley Hospital), 5.75%, 2032      90,000        94,792   
South Dakota Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Avera Health), “A”, 5%, 2042      105,000        112,096   
South Lake County, FL, Hospital District Rev. (South Lake Hospital), 6.375%, 2034      250,000        258,143   
South Lake County, FL, Hospital District Rev. (South Lake Hospital), “A”, 6%, 2029      85,000        94,628   
South Lake County, FL, Hospital District Rev. (South Lake Hospital), “A”, 6.25%, 2039      125,000        138,183   
Sullivan County, TN, Health, Educational & Housing Facilities Board Hospital Rev. (Wellmont Health Systems Project), “C”, 5.25%, 2036      1,085,000        1,123,626   
Sumner County, TN, Health, Educational & Housing Facilities Board Rev. (Sumner Regional Health Systems, Inc.), “A”, 5.5%, 2046 (a)(d)      375,000        4,688   
Tyler, TX, Health Facilities Development Corp. (East Texas Medical Center), “A”, 5.25%, 2032      230,000        233,443   
Tyler, TX, Health Facilities Development Corp. (East Texas Medical Center), “A”, 5.375%, 2037      190,000        193,690   
Virginia Small Business Financing Authority, Hospital Rev. (Wellmont Health Project), “A”, 5.25%, 2037      470,000        491,159   
Washington Health Care Facilities Authority Rev. (Multicare Health Systems), “B”, ASSD GTY, 6%, 2039      440,000        491,894   
West Contra Costa, CA, Healthcare District, AMBAC, 5.5%, 2029      105,000        108,289   
Wisconsin Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Aurora Health Care, Inc.), 6.4%, 2033      350,000        360,875   
Wisconsin Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Aurora Health Care, Inc.), “A”, 5%, 2026      200,000        222,070   
Wisconsin Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Aurora Health Care, Inc.), “A”, 5%, 2028      60,000        65,644   
Wisconsin Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Fort Healthcare, Inc.), 6.1%, 2034      750,000        798,473   
Wisconsin Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Meritor Hospital), “A”, 5.5%, 2031      725,000        802,909   

 

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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
Healthcare Revenue - Hospitals - continued                 
Wisconsin Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Meritor Hospital), “A”, 6%, 2041    $ 490,000      $ 558,855   
Wisconsin Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Wheaton Franciscan Services), 5.25%, 2034      935,000        975,990   
Wisconsin Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Wheaton Franciscan Services), “A”, 5.25%, 2025      390,000        396,930   
    

 

 

 
             $ 47,701,524   
Healthcare Revenue - Long Term Care - 18.5%                 
Abilene, TX, Health Facilities Development Corp., Retirement Facilities Rev. (Sears Methodist Retirement Systems, Inc.), “A”, 5.9%, 2025    $ 723,000      $ 553,659   
Abilene, TX, Health Facilities Development Corp., Retirement Facilities Rev. (Sears Methodist Retirement Systems, Inc.), “A”, 7%, 2033      200,000        153,202   
Bucks County, PA, Industrial Development Authority Retirement Community Rev. (Ann’s Choice, Inc.), “A”, 6.125%, 2025      500,000        505,970   
Bucks County, PA, Industrial Development Authority Rev. (Lutheran Community Telford Center), 5.75%, 2027      90,000        91,040   
Bucks County, PA, Industrial Development Authority Rev. (Lutheran Community Telford Center), 5.75%, 2037      120,000        117,674   
California Statewide Communities Development Authority Rev. (American Baptist Homes of the West), 6.25%, 2039      215,000        230,338   
Chartiers Valley, PA, Industrial & Commercial Development Authority (Friendship Village), “A”, 5.75%, 2020      1,000,000        1,002,070   
Chartiers Valley, PA, Industrial & Commercial Development Authority Rev. (Asbury Health Center), 6.375%, 2024      1,000,000        1,000,560   
Colorado Health Facilities Authority Rev. (Christian Living Communities Project), “A”, 5.75%, 2037      475,000        485,293   
Colorado Health Facilities Authority Rev. (Covenant Retirement Communities, Inc.), 5%, 2035      1,100,000        1,090,980   
Columbus, GA, Housing Authority Rev. (Calvary Community, Inc.), 7%, 2019      335,000        335,010   
Cumberland County, PA, Municipal Authority Rev. (Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries), 6.125%, 2029      695,000        769,018   
Fulton County, GA, Residential Care Facilities (Canterbury Court), “A”, 6.125%, 2026      500,000        505,450   
Hawaii Department of Budget & Finance, Special Purpose Rev. (15 Craigside Project), “A”, 9%, 2044      140,000        165,281   
Houston, TX, Health Facilities Development Corp. (Buckingham Senior Living Community), “A”, 7%, 2014 (c)      500,000        559,720   
Howard County, MD, Retirement Facilities Rev. (Vantage House Corp.), “A”, 5.25%, 2033      200,000        179,654   

 

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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
Healthcare Revenue - Long Term Care - continued                 
Illinois Finance Authority Rev. (Evangelical Retirement Homes of Greater Chicago, Inc.), 7.25%, 2045    $ 850,000      $ 904,919   
Illinois Finance Authority Rev. (Smith Village), “A”, 6.25%, 2035      1,000,000        966,580   
Illinois Health Facilities Authority Rev. (Smith Crossing), “A”, 7%, 2032      525,000        529,541   
Indiana Health Facilities Financing Authority Rev. (Hoosier Care, Inc.), “A”, 7.125%, 2034      955,000        955,048   
Iowa Finance Authority, Health Care Facilities Rev. (Care Initiatives), “B”, 5.75%, 2018      365,000        365,325   
Iowa Finance Authority, Health Care Facilities Rev. (Care Initiatives), “B”, 5.75%, 2028      1,475,000        1,475,428   
Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority Health Facilities Rev. (AHF/Kentucky-Iowa, Inc.), 8%, 2029      351,000        357,792   
La Verne, CA, COP (Brethren Hillcrest Homes), “B”, 6.625%, 2025      525,000        537,332   
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency Rev. (Adventcare), “A”, 6.75%, 2037      695,000        710,867   
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency Rev. (Alliance Health of Brockton, Inc.), “A”, 7.1%, 2032      1,020,000        1,019,847   
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency Rev. (Linden Ponds, Inc.), “A-1”, 6.25%, 2031      130,267        107,520   
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency Rev. (Linden Ponds, Inc.), “A-1”, 6.25%, 2039      31,732        24,762   
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency Rev. (Linden Ponds, Inc.), “A-2”, 5.5%, 2046      8,656        5,885   
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency Rev. (Linden Ponds, Inc.), Capital Appreciation, “B”, 0%, 2056      43,059        524   
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency Rev. (Loomis Communities, Inc.), “A”, 5.625%, 2015      155,000        155,167   
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency Rev. (Loomis Communities, Inc.), “A”, 6.9%, 2032      125,000        127,629   
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency Rev. (The Groves in Lincoln), “A”, 7.75%, 2039      80,000        60,057   
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency Rev. (The Groves in Lincoln), “A”, 7.875%, 2044      115,000        86,335   
Montgomery County, PA, Industrial Development Authority Rev. (Whitemarsh Continuing Care), 6.125%, 2028      150,000        151,647   
Montgomery County, PA, Industrial Development Authority Rev. (Whitemarsh Continuing Care), 6.25%, 2035      600,000        605,472   
New Jersey Economic Development Authority Rev. (Lions Gate), “A”, 5.75%, 2025      400,000        405,024   
New Jersey Economic Development Authority Rev. (Lions Gate), “A”, 5.875%, 2037      300,000        298,632   

 

11


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
Healthcare Revenue - Long Term Care - continued                 
New Jersey Economic Development Authority Rev. (Seabrook Village, Inc.), 5.25%, 2026    $ 500,000      $ 501,355   
New Jersey Economic Development Authority Rev. (Seabrook Village, Inc.), 5.25%, 2036      500,000        495,225   
Norfolk, VA, Redevelopment & Housing Authority Rev. (Fort Norfolk Retirement Community), “A”, 6.125%, 2035      195,000        195,696   
Pell City, AL, Special Care Facilities, Financing Authority Rev. (Noland Health Services, Inc.), 5%, 2039      175,000        182,935   
Shelby County, TN, Health, Educational & Housing Facilities Board Rev. (Germantown Village), “A”, 7.25%, 2034      225,000        226,125   
South Carolina Jobs & Economic Development Authority Rev. (Woodlands at Furman), “A”, 6%, 2032      199,626        152,077   
South Carolina Jobs & Economic Development Authority Rev. (Woodlands at Furman), “A”, 6%, 2047      185,367        131,844   
South Carolina Jobs & Economic Development Authority Rev. (Woodlands at Furman), Capital Appreciation, “B”, 0%, 2047      85,554        2,861   
South Carolina Jobs & Economic Development Authority Rev. (Woodlands at Furman), Capital Appreciation, “B”, 0%, 2047      79,443        2,657   
St. John’s County, FL, Industrial Development Authority Rev. (Presbyterian Retirement), “A”, 6%, 2045      610,000        670,097   
Tarrant County, TX, Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corp. Retirement Facility (Air Force Village), 6.125%, 2029      550,000        606,353   
Tarrant County, TX, Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corp. Retirement Facility (Air Force Village), 6.375%, 2044      415,000        450,092   
Tarrant County, TX, Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corp. Retirement Facility (Stayton at Museum Way), 8.25%, 2044      770,000        836,205   
Tempe, AZ, Industrial Development Authority Rev. (Friendship Village), “A”, 6.25%, 2042      90,000        94,396   
Tempe, AZ, Industrial Development Authority Rev. (Friendship Village), “A”, 6.25%, 2046      70,000        73,314   
Travis County, TX, Health Facilities Development Corp. Rev. (Westminster Manor Health), 7%, 2030      130,000        149,098   
Travis County, TX, Health Facilities Development Corp. Rev. (Westminster Manor Health), 7.125%, 2040      195,000        221,280   
Westmoreland County, PA, Industrial Development Authority Rev. (Redstone Retirement Community), “A”, 5.875%, 2032      600,000        592,758   
Westmoreland County, PA, Industrial Development Retirement Authority Rev. (Redstone Retirement Community), “A”, 5.75%, 2026      1,250,000        1,264,388   
    

 

 

 
             $ 24,445,008   
Healthcare Revenue - Other - 0.4%                 
Massachusetts Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Civic Investments, Inc.), “A”, 9%, 2012 (c)    $ 450,000      $ 477,446   

 

12


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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
Industrial Revenue - Airlines - 3.3%                 
Clayton County, GA, Development Authority Special Facilities Rev. (Delta Airlines, Inc.), “A”, 8.75%, 2029    $ 200,000      $ 240,276   
Clayton County, GA, Development Authority Special Facilities Rev. (Delta Airlines, Inc.), “B”, 9%, 2035      150,000        162,614   
Denver, CO, City & County Airport Rev. (United Airlines), 5.75%, 2032      355,000        363,783   
Houston, TX, Airport Systems Rev., Special Facilities (Continental Airlines, Inc.), “E”, 6.75%, 2029      155,000        155,716   
Houston, TX, Airport Systems Rev., Special Facilities (Continental Airlines, Inc.), “E”, 7%, 2029      200,000        200,960   
New Jersey Economic Development Authority, Special Facilities Rev. (Continental Airlines, Inc.), 6.25%, 2029      935,000        938,946   
New Jersey Economic Development Authority, Special Facilities Rev. (Continental Airlines, Inc.), 9%, 2033      1,250,000        1,343,888   
New York, NY, City Industrial Development Agencies Rev. (American Airlines, Inc.), 7.75%, 2031 (d)(q)      385,000        395,984   
New York, NY, City Industrial Development Agency Special Facility Rev. (American Airlines, Inc.), “B”, 8.5%, 2028 (d)(q)      500,000        511,195   
    

 

 

 
             $ 4,313,362   
Industrial Revenue - Chemicals - 0.8%                 
Brazos River, TX, Harbor Navigation District (Dow Chemical Co.), “B-2”, 4.95%, 2033    $ 400,000      $ 419,124   
Port of Bay, TX, City Authority (Hoechst Celanese Corp.), 6.5%, 2026      660,000        660,581   
    

 

 

 
             $ 1,079,705   
Industrial Revenue - Environmental Services - 0.9%                 
California Pollution Control Financing Authority, Solid Waste Disposal Rev. (Republic Services, Inc.), “B”, 5.25%, 2023 (b)    $ 135,000      $ 154,900   
California Pollution Control Financing Authority, Solid Waste Disposal Rev. (Waste Management, Inc.), “C”, 5.125%, 2023      655,000        714,775   
Maine Finance Authority Solid Waste Disposal Rev. (Casella Waste Systems, Inc.), 6.25%, 2025 (b)      360,000        363,427   
    

 

 

 
             $ 1,233,102   
Industrial Revenue - Other - 1.5%                 
Annawan, IL, Tax Increment Rev. (Patriot Renewable Fuels LLC), 5.625%, 2018    $ 280,000      $ 254,173   
California Statewide Communities Development Authority Facilities (Microgy Holdings Project), 9%, 2038 (a)(d)      50,491        505   
Gulf Coast, TX, Industrial Development Authority Rev. (CITGO Petroleum Corp.), 8%, 2028      375,000        375,281   
Houston, TX, Industrial Development Corp. (United Parcel Service, Inc.), 6%, 2023      435,000        409,357   

 

13


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
Industrial Revenue - Other - continued                 
New Jersey Economic Development Authority Rev. (GMT Realty LLC), “B”, 6.875%, 2037    $ 1,000,000      $ 996,990   
    

 

 

 
             $ 2,036,306   
Industrial Revenue - Paper - 2.8%                 
Beauregard Parish, LA (Boise Cascade Corp.), 6.8%, 2027    $ 1,000,000      $ 992,560   
Courtland, AL, Industrial Development Board Solid Waste Disposal Rev. (Champion International Corp.), 6%, 2029      1,000,000        1,004,210   
Escambia County, FL, Environmental Improvement Rev. (International Paper Co.), “A”, 5%, 2026      980,000        980,363   
Escambia County, FL, Environmental Improvement Rev. (International Paper Co.), “A”, 4.75%, 2030      290,000        290,096   
Phenix City, AL, Industrial Development Board Environmental Improvement Rev., “A” (Mead Westvaco Coated Board Project), 6.35%, 2035      400,000        401,328   
    

 

 

 
             $ 3,668,557   
Miscellaneous Revenue - Entertainment & Tourism - 1.1%                 
Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, CA, Rev., 5.6%, 2013 (n)    $ 335,000      $ 337,998   
Brooklyn, NY, Arena Local Development Corp. (Barclays Center Project), 6%, 2030      135,000        149,479   
Brooklyn, NY, Arena Local Development Corp. (Barclays Center Project), 6.25%, 2040      85,000        94,608   
Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians, OR, “C”, 5.625%, 2026 (n)      650,000        574,743   
Seminole Tribe, FL, Special Obligation Rev., “A”, 5.25%, 2027 (n)      280,000        283,086   
    

 

 

 
             $ 1,439,914   
Miscellaneous Revenue - Other - 3.2%                 
Austin, TX, Convention Center (Convention Enterprises, Inc.), “A”, SYNCORA, 5.25%, 2024    $ 305,000      $ 320,256   
Capital Trust Agency, FL (Aero Syracuse LLC), 6.75%, 2032      350,000        337,841   
Citizens Property Insurance Corp., FL, “A-1”, 5%, 2019      65,000        73,976   
Citizens Property Insurance Corp., FL, “A-1”, 5%, 2020      305,000        346,654   
Dallas, TX, Civic Center Convention Complex Rev., ASSD GTY, 5.25%, 2034      845,000        938,288   
District of Columbia Rev. (American Society Hematology), 5%, 2036      50,000        53,511   
District of Columbia Rev. (American Society Hematology), 5%, 2042      40,000        42,571   
Massachusetts Port Authority Facilities Rev. (Conrac Project), “A”, 5.125%, 2041      40,000        43,363   
New York Liberty Development Corp., Liberty Rev. (One Bryant Park LLC), 6.375%, 2049      545,000        614,324   
New York Liberty Development Corp., Liberty Rev. (World Trade Center Project), 5%, 2044      535,000        578,474   

 

14


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
Miscellaneous Revenue - Other - continued                 
Summit County, OH, Port Authority Building Rev. (Twinsburg Township), “D”, 5.125%, 2025    $ 595,000      $ 588,003   
V Lakes Utility District, MS, Water Systems Rev., 7%, 2037      300,000        289,677   
    

 

 

 
             $ 4,226,938   
Multi-Family Housing Revenue - 4.7%                 
Broward County, FL, Housing Finance Authority Rev. (Chaves Lakes Apartments Ltd.), “A”, 7.5%, 2040    $ 490,000      $ 490,132   
Capital Trust Agency, FL, Housing Rev. (Atlantic Housing Foundation), “B”, 7%, 2032 (d)(q)      625,000        278,194   
Charter Mac Equity Issuer Trust, FHLMC, 6%, 2052 (n)      1,000,000        1,114,490   
District of Columbia Housing Finance Agency (Henson Ridge), “E”, FHA, 5.1%, 2037      655,000        669,155   
Durham, NC, Durham Housing Authority Rev. (Magnolia Pointe Apartments), 5.65%, 2038      913,072        821,710   
El Paso County, TX, Housing Finance Corp. (American Housing Foundation), “C”, 8%, 2032      270,000        271,990   
El Paso County, TX, Housing Finance Corp. (American Housing Foundation), “D”, 10%, 2032      275,000        277,002   
Mississippi Home Corp., Rev. (Kirkwood Apartments), 6.8%, 2037      605,000        384,847   
MuniMae TE Bond Subsidiary LLC, 5.8%, 2049 (z)      1,000,000        715,050   
Resolution Trust Corp., Pass-Through Certificates, “1993”, 8.5%, 2016 (z)      455,481        442,892   
Wilmington, DE, Multi-Family Housing Rev. (Electra Arms Senior Associates), 6.25%, 2028      755,000        714,887   
    

 

 

 
             $ 6,180,349   
Parking - 0.3%                 
Boston, MA, Metropolitan Transit Parking Corp., Systemwide Parking Rev., 5.25%, 2036    $ 300,000      $ 334,083   
Port Revenue - 1.4%                 
Maryland Economic Development Corp. Rev. (Port America Chesapeake Terminal Project), “B”, 5.75%, 2035    $ 285,000      $ 305,130   
Port Authority NY & NJ, Cons Thirty Seventh, AGM, 5.125%, 2030      1,450,000        1,523,095   
    

 

 

 
             $ 1,828,225   
Sales & Excise Tax Revenue - 5.2%                 
Bolingbrook, IL, Sales Tax Rev., 6.25%, 2024    $ 500,000      $ 313,390   
Chicago, IL, Transit Authority Sales Tax Receipts Rev., 5.25%, 2029      165,000        189,724   
Chicago, IL, Transit Authority Sales Tax Receipts Rev., 5.25%, 2030      330,000        377,431   
Chicago, IL, Transit Authority Sales Tax Receipts Rev., 5.25%, 2031      60,000        68,363   
Chicago, IL, Transit Authority Sales Tax Receipts Rev., 5.25%, 2040      505,000        563,302   

 

15


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
Sales & Excise Tax Revenue - continued                 
Colorado Regional Transportation District, Private Activity Rev. (Denver Transportation Partners), 6%, 2034    $ 630,000      $ 714,181   
Colorado Regional Transportation District, Private Activity Rev. (Denver Transportation Partners), 6%, 2041      300,000        338,979   
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, Sales Tax Rev., “A”, 5%, 2024      1,095,000        1,377,433   
Massachusetts School Building Authority, Dedicated Sales Tax Rev., AMBAC, 4.75%, 2032      840,000        907,662   
Massachusetts School Building Authority, Dedicated Sales Tax Rev., “B”, 5%, 2032      390,000        456,359   
Metropolitan Pier & Exposition Authority, State Tax Rev., Capital Appreciation, ETM, FGIC, 0%, 2014 (c)      1,010,000        995,991   
Puerto Rico Sales Tax Financing Corp., Sales Tax Rev., “C”, 5.25%, 2041      35,000        37,339   
Puerto Rico Sales Tax Financing Corp., Sales Tax Rev., Capital Appreciation, “A”, 0% to 2016, 6.75% to 2032      460,000        470,207   
    

 

 

 
             $ 6,810,361   
Single Family Housing - Local - 1.1%                 
Minneapolis & St. Paul Housing Authority Rev. (City Living), “A-2”, GNMA, 5%, 2038    $ 371,241      $ 376,787   
Pittsburgh, PA, Urban Redevelopment Authority Rev., “C”, GNMA, 4.8%, 2028      1,000,000        1,018,370   
    

 

 

 
             $ 1,395,157   
Single Family Housing - State - 1.3%                 
California Housing Finance Agency Rev. (Home Mortgage), “G”, 5.5%, 2042    $ 290,000      $ 301,284   
Colorado Housing & Finance Authority, “A”, 5.5%, 2029      1,045,000        1,072,818   
Iowa Finance Authority, Single Family Mortgage Rev., “E”, 5.4%, 2032      270,000        271,377   
Kentucky Counties Single Family Mortgage Rev., “A”, NATL, 9%, 2016      5,000        5,001   
North Dakota Housing Finance Agency Rev., “A”, 4.85%, 2021      100,000        102,466   
    

 

 

 
             $ 1,752,946   
Solid Waste Revenue - 0.1%                 
Pennsylvania Economic Development Financing Authority, Sewer Sludge Disposal Rev. (Philadelphia Biosolids Facility), 6.25%, 2032    $ 75,000      $ 83,544   
State & Agency - Other - 0.4%                 
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico (Mepsi Campus), “A”, 6.5%, 2037    $ 500,000      $ 511,420   
State & Local Agencies - 4.4%                 
Dorchester County, SC, School District No. 2, Growth Remedy Opportunity Tax Hike, 5.25%, 2029    $ 500,000      $ 535,985   

 

16


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
State & Local Agencies - continued                 
Golden State, CA, Tobacco Securitization Corp., Tobacco Settlement Rev., Enhanced, “A”, FGIC, 5%, 2035    $ 110,000      $ 111,922   
Guam Government Department of Education (John F. Kennedy High School), “A”, COP, 6.875%, 2040      295,000        319,928   
Laurens County, SC, School District No. 55, Installment Purchase Rev., 5.25%, 2030      700,000        731,010   
New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority, “A”, 5.125%, 2029      800,000        802,504   
Newberry, SC, Investing in Children’s Education (Newberry County School District Program), 5%, 2030      400,000        416,076   
Philadelphia, PA, Municipal Authority Rev., 6.5%, 2034      135,000        147,060   
Puerto Rico Public Finance Corp., “E”, ETM, 6%, 2026 (c)      80,000        111,458   
Puerto Rico Public Finance Corp., “E”, ETM, 6%, 2026 (c)      820,000        1,166,401   
Puerto Rico Public Finance Corp., Commonwealth Appropriations, “B”, 6%, 2026      225,000        260,510   
Puerto Rico Public Finance Corp., Commonwealth Appropriations, “B”, 5.5%, 2031      325,000        349,905   
Wisconsin General Fund Annual Appropriation Rev., “A”, 5.75%, 2033 (f)      660,000        798,976   
    

 

 

 
             $ 5,751,735   
Student Loan Revenue - 1.0%                 
Iowa Student Loan Liquidity Corp., “A-2”, 5.5%, 2025    $ 200,000      $ 223,050   
Iowa Student Loan Liquidity Corp., “A-2”, 5.6%, 2026      200,000        223,090   
Iowa Student Loan Liquidity Corp., “A-2”, 5.7%, 2027      20,000        22,341   
Iowa Student Loan Liquidity Corp., “A-2”, 5.75%, 2028      370,000        412,195   
Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority, Education Loan Rev., “H”, ASSD GTY, 6.35%, 2030      410,000        452,948   
Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority, Education Loan Rev., “I-A”, 5.5%, 2022      25,000        29,113   
    

 

 

 
             $ 1,362,737   
Tax - Other - 2.0%                 
Dallas County, TX, Flood Control District, 7.25%, 2032    $ 750,000      $ 764,385   
Hudson Yards, NY, Infrastructure Corp. Rev., “A”, 5%, 2047      360,000        374,623   
Hudson Yards, NY, Infrastructure Corp. Rev., “A”, 5.75%, 2047      370,000        427,716   
New Jersey Economic Development Authority Rev., 5%, 2025      135,000        150,669   
New Jersey Economic Development Authority Rev., 5%, 2026      65,000        72,025   
New Jersey Economic Development Authority Rev., 5%, 2028      25,000        27,438   
New Jersey Economic Development Authority Rev., 5%, 2029      25,000        27,329   
New York, NY, City Transitional Finance Authority Building Aid Rev., “S-3”, 5.25%, 2039      440,000        483,446   

 

17


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
Tax - Other - continued                 
Virgin Islands Public Finance Authority Rev. (Diageo Project), “A”, 6.75%, 2037    $ 205,000      $ 237,363   
    

 

 

 
             $ 2,564,994   
Tax Assessment - 5.6%                 
Anne Arundel County, MD, Special Obligation (National Business Park-North Project), 6.1%, 2040    $ 140,000      $ 146,262   
Atlanta, GA, Tax Allocation (Eastside Project), “B”, 5.4%, 2020      500,000        542,770   
Capital Region Community Development District, FL, Capital Improvement Rev., “A”, 7%, 2039      225,000        203,821   
Celebration Community Development District, FL, “A”, 6.4%, 2034      665,000        676,844   
Chicago, IL, Tax Increment Allocation (Pilsen Redevelopment), “B”, 6.75%, 2022      310,000        323,907   
Du Page County, IL, Special Service Area No. 31 Special Tax (Monarch Landing Project), 5.625%, 2036      250,000        238,798   
Heritage Harbour North Community Development District, FL, Capital Improvement Rev., 6.375%, 2038      315,000        294,065   
Homestead, Community Development District, FL, Special Assessment, “A”, 6%, 2037      365,000        255,902   
Homestead, Community Development District, FL, Special Assessment, “B”, 5.9%, 2013 (d)      140,000        98,363   
Huntington Beach, CA, Community Facilities District, Special Tax (Grand Coast Resort), “2000-1”, 6.45%, 2031      500,000        506,090   
Lincolnshire, IL, Special Service Area No. 1 (Sedgebrook Project), 6.25%, 2034      250,000        250,440   
Main Street Community Development District, FL, “A”, 6.8%, 2038      280,000        261,304   
Oakmont Grove Community Development District, FL, “A”, 5.4%, 2038 (a)(d)      300,000        111,000   
Ohio County, WV, Commission Tax Increment Rev. (Fort Henry Centre), “A”, 5.85%, 2034      125,000        129,751   
Orlando, FL, Special Assessment Rev. (Conroy Road Interchange Project), “A”, 5.8%, 2026      275,000        275,638   
Plano, IL, Special Service Area No. 4 (Lakewood Springs Project Unit 5-B), 6%, 2035      1,435,000        1,386,540   
Sweetwater Creek Community Development District, FL, Capital Improvement Rev., “A”, 5.5%, 2038 (a)(d)      190,000        72,200   
Tolomato Community Development District, FL, Special Assessment, 6.65%, 2040 (d)(q)      585,000        260,325   
Tuscany Reserve Community Development District, FL, Special Assessment, “B”, 5.25%, 2016      185,000        168,307   
West Villages Improvement District, FL, Special Assessment Rev. (Unit of Development No. 3), 5.5%, 2037 (a)(d)      470,000        202,100   

 

18


Table of Contents

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
Tax Assessment - continued                 
Westridge, FL, Community Development District, Capital Improvement Rev., 5.8%, 2037 (a)(d)    $ 960,000      $ 364,800   
Yorba Linda, CA, Redevelopment Agency, Tax Allocation Rev., Capital Appreciation, “A”, NATL, 0%, 2024      1,325,000        678,824   
    

 

 

 
             $ 7,448,051   
Tobacco - 8.3%                 
Buckeye, OH, Tobacco Settlement Financing Authority, “A-2”, 5.125%, 2024    $ 3,270,000      $ 2,616,262   
Buckeye, OH, Tobacco Settlement Financing Authority, “A-2”, 5.875%, 2047      250,000        189,475   
Golden State, CA, Tobacco Securitization Corp., Tobacco Settlement Rev., “A-1”, 6.25%, 2013 (c)      785,000        819,571   
Golden State, CA, Tobacco Securitization Corp., Tobacco Settlement Rev., “A-1”, 5.75%, 2047      525,000        418,766   
Golden State, CA, Tobacco Securitization Corp., Tobacco Settlement Rev., Asset Backed, “A-1”, 5%, 2033      440,000        336,794   
Illinois Railsplitter Tobacco Settlement Authority, 6%, 2028      1,365,000        1,583,960   
New Jersey Tobacco Settlement Financing Corp., “1-A”, 5%, 2041      3,355,000        2,601,635   
Rhode Island Tobacco Settlement Authority, 6%, 2023      920,000        921,316   
Suffolk, NY, Tobacco Asset Securitization Corp., Tobacco Settlement, “B”, 5.25%, 2037      80,000        83,087   
Tobacco Securitization Authority, Minnesota Tobacco Settlement Rev., “B”, 5.25%, 2031      790,000        874,333   
Washington Tobacco Settlement Authority Rev., 6.625%, 2032      500,000        520,370   
    

 

 

 
             $ 10,965,569   
Toll Roads - 6.3%                 
E-470 Public Highway Authority, CO, Capital Appreciation, “B”, NATL, 0%, 2018    $ 1,500,000      $ 1,247,220   
Mid-Bay Bridge Authority, FL, Springing Lien Rev., “A”, 7.25%, 2040      445,000        519,925   
North Texas Tollway Authority Rev., 6%, 2038      765,000        884,095   
North Texas Tollway Authority Rev. (Special Projects System), “D”, 5%, 2031      1,200,000        1,364,328   
San Joaquin Hills, CA, Transportation Corridor Agency, Toll Road Rev., Capital Appreciation, “A”, NATL, 0%, 2015      3,000,000        2,726,130   
Virginia Small Business Financing Authority Rev. (Elizabeth River Crossings Opco LLC Project), 5.25%, 2032      285,000        295,830   
Virginia Small Business Financing Authority Rev. (Elizabeth River Crossings Opco LLC Project), 6%, 2037      470,000        515,792   
Virginia Small Business Financing Authority Rev. (Elizabeth River Crossings Opco LLC Project), 5.5%, 2042      755,000        788,809   
    

 

 

 
             $ 8,342,129   

 

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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
Universities - Colleges - 10.0%                 
Allegheny County, PA, Higher Education Building Authority Rev. (Chatham University), “A”, 5%, 2030    $ 80,000      $ 86,035   
Brevard County, FL, Industrial Development Rev. (TUFF Florida Tech LLC Project), 6.75%, 2039      540,000        593,654   
California Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Chapman University), 5%, 2031      145,000        157,592   
California Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (University of Southern California), “A”, 5.25%, 2038      1,270,000        1,446,721   
California Municipal Finance Authority Rev. (Biola University), 5.8%, 2028      100,000        109,805   
California State University Rev., “A”, 5%, 2037      990,000        1,089,762   
Florida Higher Educational Facilities, Financial Authority Rev. (University of Tampa Project), “A”, 5%, 2032      25,000        26,845   
Florida Higher Educational Facilities, Financial Authority Rev. (University of Tampa Project), “A”, 5.25%, 2042      210,000        227,585   
Florida State University Board of Governors, System Improvement Rev., 6.25%, 2030      1,000,000        1,196,130   
Grand Valley, MI, State University Rev., 5.5%, 2027      135,000        150,698   
Grand Valley, MI, State University Rev., 5.625%, 2029      65,000        72,173   
Harris County, TX, Cultural Education Facilities Rev. (Baylor College of Medicine), “D”, 5.625%, 2032      540,000        557,480   
Illinois Finance Authority Rev. (Illinois Institute of Technology), “A”, 5%, 2036      110,000        93,793   
Illinois Finance Authority Rev. (Roosevelt University Project), 6.25%, 2029      670,000        734,092   
Illinois Finance Authority Rev. (Roosevelt University Project), 6.5%, 2039      155,000        169,692   
Illinois Finance Authority Rev. (University of Chicago), “A”, 5%, 2051      165,000        180,142   
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency Rev. (The Broad Institute, Inc.), “A”, 5.25%, 2037      580,000        635,674   
Massachusetts Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Simmons College), “I”, 8%, 2029      255,000        303,113   
Massachusetts Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Suffolk University), “A”, 6.25%, 2030      725,000        838,608   
Massachusetts Health & Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Suffolk University), “A”, 5.75%, 2039      455,000        501,847   
Savannah, GA, Economic Development Authority Rev. (AASU Student Union LLC), ASSD GTY, 5.125%, 2039      335,000        361,140   
Texas Tech University Rev., Refunding & Improvement, “A”, 5%, 2030      195,000        225,617   
Texas Tech University Rev., Refunding & Improvement, “A”, 5%, 2031      85,000        97,904   
Texas Tech University Rev., Refunding & Improvement, “A”, 5%, 2032      80,000        91,869   
Texas Tech University Rev., Refunding & Improvement, “A”, 5%, 2037      150,000        169,694   

 

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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
Universities - Colleges - continued                 
University of Illinois Rev. (Auxiliary Facilities Systems), “A”, 5.125%, 2029    $ 1,880,000      $ 2,066,289   
University of Southern Indiana Rev. (Student Fee), “J”, ASSD GTY, 5.75%, 2028      300,000        349,995   
University of Southern Mississippi Educational Building Corp. Rev. (Campus Facilities Project), 5.25%, 2032      220,000        249,839   
University of Southern Mississippi Educational Building Corp. Rev. (Campus Facilities Project), 5.375%, 2036      80,000        90,662   
Washington Higher Education Facilities Authority Rev. (Whitworth University), 5.875%, 2034      280,000        307,801   
    

 

 

 
             $ 13,182,251   
Universities - Dormitories - 2.2%                 
Bowling Green, OH, Student Housing Rev. (State University Project), 5.75%, 2031    $ 175,000      $ 185,091   
Buffalo & Erie County, NY, Industrial Land Development Corp. Rev. (Buffalo State College), “A”, 5.375%, 2041      200,000        217,318   
California Statewide Communities Development Authority Rev. (Lancer Educational Student Housing Project), 5.625%, 2033      735,000        749,222   
Illinois Finance Authority Student Housing Rev. (Illinois State University), 6.75%, 2031      240,000        270,557   
Illinois Finance Authority Student Housing Rev. (Northern Illinois University Project), 6.625%, 2031      615,000        697,023   
Mississippi State University, Educational Building Corp., 5%, 2036      440,000        486,578   
Oregon Facilities Authority, Student Housing Rev. (Southern Oregon University), ASSD GTY, 4.7%, 2033      50,000        52,328   
Oregon Facilities Authority, Student Housing Rev. (Southern Oregon University), ASSD GTY, 5%, 2044      60,000        63,402   
Pennsylvania Higher Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Edinboro University Foundation), 5.8%, 2030      80,000        88,684   
Pennsylvania Higher Educational Facilities Authority Rev. (Edinboro University Foundation), 6%, 2043      110,000        121,374   
    

 

 

 
             $ 2,931,577   
Universities - Secondary Schools - 0.8%                 
Clifton, TX, Higher Education Finance Corp. Rev. (Idea Public Schools), 5.5%, 2031    $ 95,000      $ 103,426   
Clifton, TX, Higher Education Finance Corp. Rev. (Idea Public Schools), 5.75%, 2041      75,000        82,346   
Clifton, TX, Higher Education Finance Corp. Rev. (Uplift Education), “A”, 6.125%, 2040      215,000        238,945   
Clifton, TX, Higher Education Finance Corp. Rev. (Uplift Education), “A”, 6.25%, 2045      135,000        150,507   

 

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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
Universities - Secondary Schools - continued                 
La Vernia, TX, Higher Education Finance Corp. Rev. (KIPP, Inc.), “A”, 6.25%, 2039    $ 195,000      $ 220,750   
North Texas Education Finance Corp., Education Rev. (Uplift Education), “A”, 4.875%, 2032      70,000        71,866   
North Texas Education Finance Corp., Education Rev. (Uplift Education), “A”, 5.125%, 2042      170,000        175,843   
Philadelphia, PA, Authority for Industrial Development Rev. (MaST Charter School), 6%, 2035      50,000        53,727   
    

 

 

 
             $ 1,097,410   
Utilities - Cogeneration - 0.2%                 
Puerto Rico Industrial, Tourist, Educational, Medical & Environmental Central Facilities (Cogeneration Facilities - AES Puerto Rico Project), 6.625%, 2026    $ 320,000      $ 320,106   
Utilities - Investor Owned - 5.2%                 
Apache County, AZ, Industrial Development Authority, Pollution Control Rev. (Tucson Electric Power Co.),”A”, 4.5%, 2030    $ 325,000      $ 330,109   
Brazos River Authority, TX, Pollution Control Rev. (TXU Electric Co. LLC), “C”, 6.75%, 2038      555,000        71,950   
Bryant, IL, Pollution Control Rev. (Central Illinois Light Co.), 5.9%, 2023      975,000        978,257   
Chula Vista, CA, Industrial Development Rev. (San Diego Gas), 5.875%, 2034      245,000        286,586   
Farmington, NM, Pollution Control Rev. (Public Service New Mexico), “D”, 5.9%, 2040      500,000        543,740   
Hawaii Department of Budget & Finance Special Purpose Rev. (Hawaiian Electric Co. & Subsidiary), 6.5%, 2039      390,000        448,754   
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency, Solid Waste Disposal Rev. (Dominion Energy Brayton), 5.75%, 2042 (b)      85,000        101,882   
Matagorda County, TX, Pollution Control Rev. (Central Power & Light Co.), “A”, 6.3%, 2029      275,000        316,852   
Mississippi Business Finance Corp., Pollution Control Rev. (Systems Energy Resources Project), 5.875%, 2022      1,500,000        1,502,940   
New Hampshire Business Finance Authority, Pollution Control Rev. (Public Service of New Hampshire), “B”, NATL, 4.75%, 2021      250,000        262,423   
Owen County, KY, Waterworks System Rev. (American Water Co. Project), “A”, 6.25%, 2039      205,000        225,406   
Pennsylvania Economic Development Financing Authority (Allegheny Energy Supply Co. LLC), 7%, 2039      600,000        688,416   
Pima County, AZ, Industrial Development Authority Rev. (Tucson Electric Power Co.), 5.75%, 2029      1,015,000        1,077,280   
    

 

 

 
             $ 6,834,595   

 

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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
Utilities - Municipal Owned - 1.3%                 
Harris County, TX, Cultural Education Facilities Financial Corp., Thermal Utilities Rev. (Teco Project), “A”, 5.25%, 2035    $ 140,000      $ 156,125   
Long Island, NY, Power Authority, “A”, 5%, 2038      735,000        806,905   
Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority, Power Rev., “A”, 5%, 2042      370,000        374,662   
Sacramento, CA, Municipal Utility District, “X”, 5%, 2028      365,000        421,360   
    

 

 

 
             $ 1,759,052   
Utilities - Other - 3.5%                 
California M-S-R Energy Authority Gas Rev., “A”, 7%, 2034    $ 155,000      $ 203,279   
California M-S-R Energy Authority Gas Rev., “A”, 6.5%, 2039      335,000        414,753   
Georgia Main Street Natural Gas, Inc., Gas Project Rev., “A”, 5.5%, 2028      335,000        378,322   
Indiana Bond Bank Special Program, Gas Rev., “A”, 5.25%, 2018      230,000        266,391   
Public Authority for Colorado Energy Natural Gas Purchase Rev., 6.5%, 2038      25,000        31,460   
Salt Verde Financial Corp., AZ, Senior Gas Rev., 5%, 2037      705,000        716,224   
Tennessee Energy Acquisition Corp., Gas Rev., “A”, 5.25%, 2021      1,710,000        1,908,617   
Tennessee Energy Acquisition Corp., Gas Rev., “A”, 5.25%, 2022      270,000        296,919   
Tennessee Energy Acquisition Corp., Gas Rev., “A”, 5.25%, 2026      165,000        181,551   
Tennessee Energy Acquisition Corp., Gas Rev., “C”, 5%, 2025      240,000        254,086   
    

 

 

 
             $ 4,651,602   
Water & Sewer Utility Revenue - 9.5%                 
Atlanta, GA, Water & Wastewater Rev., “A”, 6%, 2022    $ 370,000      $ 455,637   
Birmingham, AL, Waterworks Board Water Rev., “A”, ASSD GTY, 5.125%, 2034      595,000        652,412   
California Department of Water Resources, Center Valley Project Rev., “AJ”, 5%, 2035      1,010,000        1,190,346   
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Aqueduct & Sewer Authority Rev., “A”, 5.75%, 2037      290,000        304,225   
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Aqueduct & Sewer Authority Rev., “A”, 6%, 2038      655,000        699,861   
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Aqueduct & Sewer Authority Rev., “A”, 6%, 2044      135,000        143,586   
DeKalb County, GA, Water & Sewer Rev., “A”, 5.25%, 2028      125,000        147,608   
DeKalb County, GA, Water & Sewer Rev., “A”, 5.25%, 2029      115,000        134,677   
DeKalb County, GA, Water & Sewer Rev., “A”, 5.25%, 2030      75,000        87,173   
DeKalb County, GA, Water & Sewer Rev., “A”, 5.25%, 2031      15,000        17,304   
DeKalb County, GA, Water & Sewer Rev., “A”, 5.25%, 2041      420,000        466,364   
Houston, TX, Utility System Rev., “D”, 5%, 2036      435,000        493,825   
King County, WA, Sewer Rev., 5%, 2040      1,395,000        1,554,504   
Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, “B”, 5%, 2041      275,000        310,976   

 

23


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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

Issuer    Shares/Par     Value ($)  
    
Municipal Bonds - continued                 
Water & Sewer Utility Revenue - continued                 
New York Environmental Facilities Corp., Clean Drinking Water Revolving Funds, 5%, 2024    $ 215,000      $ 260,322   
New York Environmental Facilities Corp., Clean Drinking Water Revolving Funds, 5%, 2041      685,000        765,063   
New York Environmental Facilities, “C”, 5%, 2041      945,000        1,070,099   
New York, NY, Municipal Water Finance Authority, Water & Sewer System Rev., “AA”, 5%, 2034      1,980,000        2,265,872   
New York, NY, Municipal Water Finance Authority, Water & Sewer Systems Rev., “DD”, 4.75%, 2035      790,000        851,770   
Surprise, AZ, Municipal Property Corp., 4.9%, 2032      700,000        703,535   
    

 

 

 
             $ 12,575,159   
Total Municipal Bonds (Identified Cost, $188,872,474)            $ 202,904,566   
Money Market Funds - 0.1%                 
MFS Institutional Money Market Portfolio, 0.13%,
at Cost and Net Asset Value (v)
     181,744      $ 181,744   
Total Investments (Identified Cost, $189,054,218)            $ 203,086,310   
Other Assets, Less Liabilities - 3.0%              3,963,409   
Preferred Shares (Issued by the Fund) - (56.8)%              (75,000,000
Net assets applicable to common shares - 100.0%            $ 132,049,719   

 

(a) Non-income producing security.

 

(b) Mandatory tender date is earlier than stated maturity date.

 

(c) Refunded bond.

 

(d) In default. Interest and/or scheduled principal payment(s) have been missed.

 

(f) All or a portion of the security has been segregated as collateral for open futures contracts.

 

(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 $2,310,317, representing 1.7% of net assets applicable to common shares.

 

(q) Interest received was less than stated coupon rate.

 

(v) Underlying affiliated fund that is available only to investment companies managed by MFS. The rate quoted for the MFS Institutional Money Market Portfolio is the annualized seven-day yield of the fund at period end.

 

(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

 

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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) – continued

 

  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  
MuniMae TE Bond Subsidiary LLC, 5.8%, 2049    10/14/04      $1,000,000         $715,050   
Resolution Trust Corp., Pass-Through Certificates, “1993”, 8.5%, 2016    10/17/01-1/14/02      455,481         442,892   
Total Restricted Securities            $1,157,942   
% of Net assets applicable to common shares            0.9%   

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

 

COP   Certificate of Participation
ETM   Escrowed to Maturity
LOC   Letter of Credit

 

Insurers
AGM    Assured Guaranty Municipal
AMBAC    AMBAC Indemnity Corp.
ASSD GTY    Assured Guaranty Insurance Co.
FGIC    Financial Guaranty Insurance Co.
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
SYNCORA    Syncora Guarantee Inc.

Derivative Contracts at 5/31/12

Futures Contracts Outstanding at 5/31/12

 

Description   Currency     Contracts     Value   Expiration Date     Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Liability Derivatives          
Interest Rate Futures          
U.S. Treasury Bond 30 yr (Short)     USD        22      $3,293,813     September - 2012        $(51,640
U.S. Treasury Note 10 yr (Short)     USD        188      25,180,250     September - 2012        (173,971
         

 

 

 
            $(225,611
         

 

 

 

At May 31, 2012, the fund had liquid securities with an aggregate value of $357,118 to cover any commitments for certain derivative contracts.

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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Financial Statements

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

At 5/31/12 (unaudited)

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

 

Assets         

Investments-

  

Non-affiliated issuers, at value (identified cost, $188,872,474)

     $202,904,566   
Underlying affiliated funds, at cost and value      181,744   

Total investments, at value (identified cost, $189,054,218)

     $203,086,310   

Cash

     28   

Receivables for

  

Investments sold

     892,125   

Interest

     3,221,125   

Other assets

     18,200   

Total assets

     $207,217,788   
Liabilities         

Payables for

  

Distributions on preferred shares

     $2,263   

Daily variation margin on open futures contracts

     57,813   

Payable to affiliates

  

Investment adviser

     7,563   

Transfer agent and dividend disbursing costs

     1,353   

Payable for independent Trustees’ compensation

     2,538   

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

     96,539   

Total liabilities

     $168,069   
Preferred shares         

Auction preferred shares (3,000 shares issued and outstanding at $25,000 per share) at liquidation value

     $75,000,000   

Net assets applicable to common shares

     $132,049,719   
Net assets consist of         

Paid-in capital – common shares

     $172,957,826   

Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

     13,806,481   

Accumulated net realized gain (loss) on investments

     (55,279,807

Undistributed net investment income

     565,219   

Net assets applicable to common shares

     $132,049,719   

Preferred shares, at liquidation value (3,000 shares issued and outstanding at $25,000 per share)

     75,000,000   

Net assets including preferred shares

     $207,049,719   

Common shares of beneficial interest outstanding

     28,216,306   

Net asset value per common share (net assets of
$132,049,719 / 28,216,306 shares of beneficial interest outstanding)

     $4.68   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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Financial Statements

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Six months ended 5/31/12 (unaudited)

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

 

Net investment income         

Income

  

Interest

     $5,708,125   

Dividends from underlying affiliated funds

     1,294   

Total investment income

     $5,709,419   

Expenses

  

Management fee

     $658,449   

Transfer agent and dividend disbursing costs

     23,498   

Administrative services fee

     20,331   

Independent Trustees’ compensation

     12,787   

Stock exchange fee

     12,617   

Preferred shares service fee

     38,227   

Custodian fee

     8,620   

Shareholder communications

     16,159   

Audit and tax fees

     38,231   

Legal fees

     1,873   

Miscellaneous

     20,067   

Total expenses

     $850,859   

Fees paid indirectly

     (5

Reduction of expenses by investment adviser

     (273

Net expenses

     $850,581   

Net investment income

     $4,858,838   
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments         

Realized gain (loss) (identified cost basis)

  

Investments

     $(1,287,927

Futures contracts

     (957,085

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

     $(2,245,012

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

  

Investments

     $14,707,323   

Futures contracts

     (372,204

Net unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     $14,335,119   

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     $12,090,107   

Distributions declared to preferred shareholders

     $(90,429

Change in net assets from operations

     $16,858,516   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

27


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Financial Statements

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

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

 

Change in net assets   

Six months ended

5/31/12
(unaudited)

    

Year ended

11/30/11

 
From operations                  

Net investment income

     $4,858,838         $9,910,163   

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

     (2,245,012      (5,216,349

Net unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     14,335,119         5,561,140   

Distributions declared to preferred shareholders

     (90,429      (236,327

Change in net assets from operations

     $16,858,516         $10,018,627   
Distributions declared to common shareholders                  

From net investment income

     $(4,876,681      $(10,006,832

Net asset value of shares issued to common shareholders in reinvestment of distributions

     $222,140         $461,392   

Total change in net assets

     $12,203,975         $473,187   
Net assets applicable to common shares                  

At beginning of period

     119,845,744         119,372,557   

At end of period (including undistributed net investment income of $565,219 and $673,491, respectively)

     $132,049,719         $119,845,744   

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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Financial Statements

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

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

 

   

Six months
ended
5/31/12

(unaudited)

    Years ended 11/30  
      2011     2010     2009     2008     2007  
                                 
Common Shares                                                

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $4.25        $4.25        $4.18        $3.48        $5.34        $5.98   
Income (loss) from investment operations                                           

Net investment income (d)

    $0.17        $0.35        $0.37        $0.38        $0.43        $ 0.45 (z) 

Net realized and unrealized gain
(loss) on investments

    0.43        0.02        0.06        0.67        (1.85     (0.66 )(z) 

Distributions declared to
preferred shareholders

    (0.00 )(w)      (0.01     (0.01     (0.02     (0.11     (0.12

Total from investment operations

    $0.60        $0.36        $0.42        $1.03        $(1.53     $(0.33
Less distributions declared to common shareholders                                   

From net investment income

    $(0.17     $(0.36     $(0.35     $(0.33     $(0.33     $(0.31

Net asset value, end of period (x)

    $4.68        $4.25        $4.25        $4.18        $3.48        $5.34   

Market value, end of period

    $5.00        $4.57        $4.45        $4.24        $3.04        $4.90   

Total return at market value (%) (p)

    13.52 (n)      11.82        13.69        52.58        (33.26     (13.21

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

    14.26 (n)      8.88        10.14        31.40        (29.90     (5.73
Ratios (%) (to average net assets
applicable to common shares)
and Supplemental data:
                                               

Expenses before expense
reductions (f)(p)

    1.33 (a)      1.43        1.41        1.61        1.57        1.39   

Expenses after expense reductions (f)(p)

    1.33 (a)      1.43        1.40        1.50        1.48        1.39   

Net investment income (p)

    7.61 (a)      8.49        8.57        10.17        9.02        7.87 (z) 

Portfolio turnover

    7        21        11        17        34        29   

Net assets at end of period
(000 omitted)

    $132,050        $119,846        $119,373        $116,870        $96,955        $148,439   

 

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Financial Highlights – continued

 

   

Six months
ended
5/31/12

(unaudited)

    Years ended 11/30  
      2011     2010     2009     2008     2007  
                                 
Supplemental Ratios (%):                                                

Ratio of expenses to average net assets applicable to common shares after expense reductions and excluding interest expense and fees (f)(l)(p)

    N/A        N/A        N/A        N/A        1.44        N/A   

Ratio of expenses to average net assets applicable to common shares and preferred shares after expense reductions and excluding interest expense and fees (f)(l)(p)

    0.84 (a)      0.87        0.87        0.87        0.87        0.89   

Net investment income available to
common shares

    7.47 (a)      8.29        8.32        9.68        6.66        5.78   
Senior Securities:                                                

Total preferred shares outstanding

    3,000        3,000        3,000        3,000        3,000        3,600   

Asset coverage per preferred share (k)

    $69,017        $64,949        $64,791        $63,957        $57,318        $66,233   

Involuntary liquidation preference per preferred share (m)

    $25,000        $25,000        $25,000        $25,000        $25,000        $25,000   

Average market value per preferred share (m)(u)

    $25,000        $25,000        $25,000        $25,000        $25,000        $25,000   
(a) Annualized.
(d) Per share data is based on average shares outstanding.
(f) Ratios do not reflect reductions from fees paid indirectly, if applicable.
(j) Total return at net asset value is calculated using the net asset value of the fund, not the publicly traded price and therefore may be different than the total return at market value.
(k) Calculated by subtracting the fund’s total liabilities (not including preferred shares) from the fund’s total assets and dividing this number by the number of preferred shares outstanding.
(l) Interest expense and fees relate to payments made to the holder of the floating rate certificate from trust assets.
(m) Amount excludes accrued unpaid distributions to auction preferred shareholders.
(n) Not annualized.
(p) Ratio excludes dividend payment on auction preferred shares.
(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 the fund’s liability.
(w) Per share amount was less than $0.01.
(x) The net asset values per share and total returns have been calculated on net assets which include adjustments made in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles required at period end for financial reporting purposes.
(z) The fund applied a change in estimate for amortization of premium on certain debt securities in the year ended November 30, 2007 that resulted in an increase of $0.01 per share to net investment income, a decrease of $0.01 per share to net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments, and an increase of 0.15% to the net investment income ratio. The change in estimate had no impact on net assets, net asset value per share or total return.

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

 

(1)   Business and Organization

MFS High Yield 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 closed-end management investment company.

 

(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 revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. In the preparation of these financial statements, management has evaluated subsequent events occurring after the date of the fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities through the date that the financial statements were issued. The fund invests primarily in municipal instruments. The value of municipal instruments can be affected by changes in their actual or perceived credit quality. The credit quality of municipal instruments can be affected by, among other things, the financial condition of the issuer or guarantor, the issuer’s future borrowing plans and sources of revenue, the economic feasibility of the revenue bond project or general borrowing purpose, political or economic developments in the region where the instrument is issued and the liquidity of the security. Municipal instruments generally trade in the over-the counter market. Municipal instruments backed by current and anticipated revenues from a specific project or specific assets can be negatively affected by the discontinuance of the taxation supporting the projects or assets or the inability to collect revenues for the project or from the assets. If the Internal Revenue Service determines an issuer of a municipal instrument has not complied with the applicable tax requirements, the security could decline in value, interest from the security could become taxable and the funds may be required to issue Forms 1099-DIV. 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 December 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update 2011-11, Balance Sheet (Topic 210) – Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities (“ASU 2011-11”). Effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013 and interim periods within those annual periods, ASU 2011-11 is intended to enhance disclosure requirements on the offsetting of financial assets and liabilities. Although still

 

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evaluating the potential impacts of ASU 2011-11 to the fund, management expects that the impact of the fund’s adoption will be limited to additional financial statement disclosures.

Investment Valuations – Debt instruments and floating rate loans (other than short-term instruments), including restricted debt instruments, are generally valued at an evaluated or composite bid as provided by a third-party pricing service. Short-term instruments with a maturity at issuance of 60 days or less generally are valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value. Futures contracts are generally valued at last posted settlement price as provided by a third-party pricing service on the market on which they are primarily traded. Futures contracts for which there were no trades that day for a particular position are generally valued at the closing bid quotation as provided by a third-party pricing service on the market on which such futures contracts are primarily traded. Open-end investment companies are generally valued at net asset value per share. Securities and other assets generally valued on the basis of information from a third-party pricing service may also be valued at a broker/dealer bid quotation. Values obtained from third-party pricing services can utilize both transaction data and market information such as yield, quality, coupon rate, maturity, type of issue, trading characteristics, and other market data.

The Board of Trustees has delegated primary responsibility for determining or causing to be determined the value of the fund’s investments (including any fair valuation) to the adviser pursuant to valuation policies and procedures approved by the Board. If the adviser determines that reliable market quotations are not readily available, investments are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the adviser in accordance with such procedures under the oversight of the Board of Trustees. Under the fund’s valuation policies and procedures, market quotations are not considered to be readily available for most types of debt instruments and floating rate loans and many types of derivatives. These investments are generally valued at fair value based on information from third-party pricing services. In addition, investments may be valued at fair value if the adviser determines that an investment’s value has been materially affected by events occurring after the close of the exchange or market on which the investment is principally traded (such as foreign exchange or market) and prior to the determination of the fund’s net asset value, or after the halting of trading of a specific security where trading does not resume prior to the close of the exchange or market on which the security is principally traded. The adviser generally relies on third-party pricing services or other information (such as the correlation with price movements of similar securities in the same or other markets; the type, cost and investment characteristics of the security; the business and financial condition of the issuer; and trading and other market data) to assist in determining whether to

 

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fair value and at what value to fair value an investment. The value of an investment for purposes of calculating the fund’s net asset value can differ depending on the source and method used to determine value. When fair valuation is used, the value of an investment used to determine the fund’s net asset value may differ from quoted or published prices for the same investment. There can be no assurance that the fund could obtain the fair value assigned to an investment if it were to sell the investment at the same time at which the fund determines its net asset value per share.

Various inputs are used in determining the value of the fund’s assets or liabilities. These inputs are categorized into three broad levels. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, an investment’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The fund’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and considers factors specific to the investment. Level 1 includes unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 includes other significant observable market-based inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speed, and credit risk). Level 3 includes unobservable inputs, which may include the adviser’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments. Other financial instruments are derivative instruments not reflected in total investments, such as futures contracts. The following is a summary of the levels used as of May 31, 2012 in valuing the fund’s assets or liabilities:

 

Investments at Value    Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  
Municipal Bonds      $—         $202,904,566         $—         $202,904,566   
Mutual Funds      181,744                         181,744   
Total Investments      $181,744         $202,904,566         $—         $203,086,310   
Other Financial Instruments                            
Futures Contracts      $(225,611      $—         $—         $(225,611

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

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

 

     Municipal
Bonds
 
Balance as of 11/30/11      $93,362   

Accrued discounts/premiums

     6   

Realized gain (loss)

     (118,392

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     111,925   

Liquidation proceeds

     (86,901
Balance as of 5/31/12      $—   

The net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) from investments still held as level 3 at May 31, 2012 is $0.

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

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

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

The following table presents, by major type of derivative contract, the fair value, on a gross basis, of the asset and liability components of derivatives held by the fund at May 31, 2012 as reported in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities:

 

        Fair Value (a)  
Risk   Derivative Contracts   Liability Derivatives  
Interest Rate   Interest Rate Futures     $(225,611

 

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

The following table presents, by major type of derivative contract, the realized gain (loss) on derivatives held by the fund for the six months ended May 31, 2012 as reported in the Statement of Operations:

 

Risk    Futures Contracts  
Interest Rate      $(957,085

The following table presents, by major type of derivative contract, the change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on derivatives held by the fund for the six months ended May 31, 2012 as reported in the Statement of Operations:

 

Risk    Futures Contracts  
Interest Rate      $(372,204

Derivative counterparty credit risk is managed through formal evaluation of the creditworthiness of all potential counterparties. On certain over-the-counter derivatives, the fund attempts to reduce its exposure to counterparty credit risk whenever possible by entering into an International Swaps and Derivatives Association (ISDA) Master Agreement on a bilateral basis with each of the counterparties with whom it undertakes a significant volume of transactions. The ISDA Master Agreement gives each party to the agreement the right to terminate all transactions traded under such agreement if there is a certain

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

deterioration in the credit quality of the other party. The ISDA Master Agreement gives the fund the right, upon an event of default by the applicable counterparty or a termination of the agreement, to close out all transactions traded under such agreement and to net amounts owed under each transaction to one net amount payable by one party to the other. This right to close out and net payments across all transactions traded under the ISDA Master Agreement could result in a reduction of the fund’s credit risk to such counterparty equal to any amounts payable by the fund under the applicable transactions, if any. However, absent an event of default by the counterparty or a termination of the agreement, the ISDA Master Agreement does not result in an offset of reported amounts of assets and liabilities in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities across transactions between the fund and the applicable counterparty.

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

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

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

The fund bears the risk of interest rates or securities prices moving unexpectedly, in which case, the fund may not achieve the anticipated benefits of the futures contracts and may realize a loss. While futures contracts may present less counterparty risk to the fund since the contracts are exchange traded and the

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

exchange’s clearinghouse guarantees payments to the broker, there is still counterparty credit risk due to the insolvency of the broker. The fund’s maximum risk of loss due to counterparty credit risk is equal to the margin posted by the fund to the broker plus any gains or minus any losses on the outstanding futures contracts.

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

Investment Transactions and Income – Investment transactions are recorded on the trade date. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis. All premium and discount is amortized or accreted for financial statement purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Dividend and interest payments received in additional securities are recorded on the ex-dividend or ex-interest date in an amount equal to the value of the security on such date. Debt obligations may be placed on non-accrual status or set to accrue at a rate of interest less than the contractual coupon when the collection of all or a portion of interest has become doubtful. Interest income for those debt obligations may be further reduced by the write-off of the related interest receivables when deemed uncollectible.

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

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.

Fees Paid Indirectly – The fund’s custody fee may be reduced according to an arrangement that measures the value of cash deposited with the custodian by

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

the fund. This amount, for the six months ended May 31, 2012, is shown as a reduction of total expenses on the Statement of Operations.

Tax Matters and Distributions – The fund intends to qualify as a regulated investment company, as defined under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code, and to distribute all of its taxable and tax-exempt income, including realized capital gains. As a result, no provision for federal income tax is required. The fund’s federal tax returns, when filed, will remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service for a three year period.

Distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Income and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Certain capital accounts in the financial statements are periodically adjusted for permanent differences in order to reflect their tax character. These adjustments have no impact on net assets or net asset value per share. Temporary differences which arise from recognizing certain items of income, expense, gain or loss in different periods for financial statement and tax purposes will reverse at some time in the future. Distributions in excess of net investment income or net realized gains are temporary overdistributions for financial statement purposes resulting from differences in the recognition or classification of income or distributions for financial statement and tax purposes.

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

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

 

     11/30/11  
Ordinary income (including any short-term capital gains)      $66,263   
Tax-exempt income      10,176,896   
Total distributions      $10,243,159   

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

 

As of 5/31/12       
Cost of investments      $188,463,547   
Gross appreciation      18,649,936   
Gross depreciation      (4,027,173
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)      $14,622,763   

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

 

As of 11/30/11       
Undistributed ordinary income      52,477   
Undistributed tax-exempt income      1,034,108   
Capital loss carryforwards      (52,869,206
Post-October capital loss deferral      (417,755
Other temporary differences      (413,094
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)      (276,472

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

Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010 (the “Act”), net capital losses recognized after November 30, 2011 may be carried forward indefinitely, and their character is retained as short-term and/or long-term losses. Previously, net capital losses were carried forward for eight years and treated as short-term losses. As a transition rule, the Act requires that post-enactment net capital losses be used before pre-enactment net capital losses.

As of November 30, 2011, the fund had capital loss carryforwards available to offset future realized gains. Such losses expire as follows:

 

Pre-enactment losses:   
11/30/12      $(4,060,511
11/30/14      (7,119,782
11/30/15      (11,048,097
11/30/16      (11,728,477
11/30/17      (10,848,523
11/30/18      (3,454,980
11/30/19      (4,608,836
Total      $(52,869,206

 

(3)   Transactions with Affiliates

Investment Adviser – The fund has an investment advisory agreement with MFS to provide overall investment management and related administrative services and facilities to the fund. The management fee is computed daily and paid monthly at an annual rate of 0.65% of the fund’s average daily net assets (including the value of the auction preferred shares).

The investment adviser has agreed in writing to pay a portion of the fund’s total annual operating expenses, exclusive of interest, taxes, extraordinary expenses, brokerage and transaction costs, and investment-related expenses other than preferred shares service fees, such that total annual fund operating expenses do not exceed 0.87% annually of the fund’s average daily net assets (including the value of the auction preferred shares). This written agreement will continue until modified by the fund’s Board of Trustees, but such agreement will continue at least until November 30, 2013. For the six months ended May 31, 2012, the fund’s actual operating expenses did not exceed the limit and therefore, the investment adviser did not pay any portion of the fund’s expenses related to this agreement.

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

Transfer Agent – The fund engages Computershare Trust Company, N.A. (“Computershare”) as the sole transfer agent for the fund’s 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 six months ended May 31, 2012, these fees paid to MFSC amounted to $7,614.

Administrator – MFS provides certain financial, legal, shareholder communications, compliance, and other administrative services to the fund. Under an administrative services agreement, the fund partially reimburses MFS the costs incurred to provide these services. The fund is charged an annual fixed amount of $17,500 plus a fee based on average daily net assets (including the value of the auction preferred shares). The administrative services fee incurred for the six months ended May 31, 2012 was equivalent to an annual effective rate of 0.0201% of the fund’s average daily net assets (including the value of the auction 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.

Deferred Trustee Compensation – Prior to MFS’ appointment as investment adviser to the fund, the fund’s former independent Trustees participated in a Deferred Compensation Plan (the “Former Colonial Trustees Plan” or “Plan”). The fund’s current independent Trustees are not allowed to defer compensation under the Former Colonial Trustees Plan. Amounts deferred under the Plan are invested in shares of certain non-MFS funds selected by the former independent Trustees as notional investments. Deferred amounts represent an unsecured obligation of the fund until distributed in accordance with the Plan. Included in “Other assets” and “Payable for independent Trustees’ compensation” on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities is $2,505 of deferred Trustees’ compensation. There is no current year expense associated with the Former Colonial Trustees Plan.

Other – This fund and certain other funds managed by MFS (the funds) have entered into services agreements (the Agreements) which provide for payment of fees by the funds to Tarantino LLC and Griffin Compliance LLC in return for the provision of services of an Independent Chief Compliance Officer (ICCO) and Assistant ICCO, respectively, for the funds. The ICCO and Assistant ICCO are officers of the funds and the sole members of Tarantino LLC and Griffin Compliance LLC, respectively. The funds can terminate the Agreements with Tarantino LLC and Griffin Compliance LLC at any time under the terms of the

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

Agreements. For the six months ended May 31, 2012, the aggregate fees paid by the fund to Tarantino LLC and Griffin Compliance LLC were $777 and are included in “Miscellaneous” expense on the Statement of Operations. MFS has agreed to reimburse the fund for a portion of the payments made by the fund in the amount of $273, which is shown as a reduction of total expenses in the Statement of Operations. Additionally, MFS has agreed to bear all expenses associated with office space, other administrative support, and supplies provided to the ICCO and Assistant ICCO.

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

 

(4)   Portfolio Securities

Purchases and sales of investments, other than U.S. Government securities, purchased option transactions, and short-term obligations, aggregated $14,346,839 and $15,022,470, respectively.

 

(5)   Shares of Beneficial Interest

The fund’s Declaration of Trust permits the Trustees to issue an unlimited number of full and fractional shares of beneficial interest. The fund reserves the right to repurchase shares of beneficial interest of the fund subject to Trustee approval. During the six months ended May 31, 2012 and the year ended November 30, 2011, the fund did not repurchase any shares. Transactions in fund shares were as follows:

    

Six months ended

5/31/12

    

Year ended

11/30/11

 
     Shares      Amount      Shares      Amount  
Shares issued to shareholders in
reinvestment of distributions
     47,554         $222,140         110,639         $461,392   

 

(6)   Line of Credit

The fund and certain other funds managed by MFS participate in a $1.1 billion unsecured committed line of credit, subject to a $1 billion sublimit, provided by a syndication of banks under a credit agreement. Borrowings may be made for temporary financing needs. Interest is charged to each fund, based on its borrowings, generally at a rate equal to the higher of the Federal Reserve funds rate or one month LIBOR plus an agreed upon spread. A commitment fee, based on the average daily, unused portion of the committed line of credit, is allocated among the participating funds at the end of each calendar quarter. In addition, the fund and other funds managed by MFS have established unsecured uncommitted borrowing arrangements with certain banks for temporary financing needs. Interest is charged to each fund, based on its borrowings, at a rate equal to the Federal Reserve funds rate plus an agreed

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

upon spread. For the six months ended May 31, 2012, the fund’s commitment fee and interest expense were $439 and $0, respectively, and are included in “Miscellaneous” expense on the Statement of Operations.

 

(7)   Transactions in Underlying Affiliated Funds-Affiliated Issuers

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

 

Underlying Affiliated Fund    Beginning
Shares/Par
Amount
     Acquisitions
Shares/Par
Amount
     Dispositions
Shares/Par
Amount
     Ending
Shares/Par
Amount
 
MFS Institutional Money
Market Portfolio
     1,406,065         17,475,926         (18,700,247      181,744   
Underlying Affiliated Fund    Realized
Gain (Loss)
     Capital Gain
Distributions
     Dividend
Income
     Ending
Value
 
MFS Institutional Money
Market Portfolio
     $—         $—         $1,294         $181,744   

 

(8)   Auction Preferred Shares

The fund has 3,000 shares issued and outstanding of Auction Preferred Shares (APS), series F. Dividends are cumulative at a rate that is reset every seven days through an auction process. If the APS are unable to be remarketed on a remarketing date as part of the auction process, the fund would be required to pay the maximum applicable rate on APS to holders of such shares for successive dividend periods until such time when the shares are successfully remarketed. The maximum rate on APS rated aa3/AA- or better is equal to 110% of the higher of (i) the Taxable Equivalent of the Short-Term Municipal Bond Rate or (ii) the “AA” Composite Commercial Paper Rate.

Since February 2008, regularly scheduled auctions for APS issued by closed end funds, including this fund, have consistently failed because of insufficient demand (bids to buy shares) to meet the supply (shares offered for sale) at each auction. In a failed auction, APS holders cannot sell their shares tendered for sale. While repeated auction failures have affected the liquidity for APS, they do not constitute a default or automatically alter the credit quality of the APS, and APS holders have continued to receive dividends at the previously defined “maximum rate”. During the six months ended May 31, 2012, the APS dividend rates ranged from 0.11% to 0.40%. For the six months ended May 31, 2012, the average dividend rate was 0. 24%. These developments with respect to APS do not affect the management or investment policies of the fund. However, one implication of these auction failures for common shareholders is that the fund’s cost of leverage will be higher than it otherwise would have been had the auctions continued to be successful. As a result, the fund’s future common

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) – continued

 

share earnings may be lower than they otherwise would have been. To the extent that investments are purchased with the issuance of preferred shares, the fund’s net asset value will increase or decrease at a greater rate than a comparable unleveraged fund.

The fund pays an annual service fee to broker-dealers with customers who are beneficial owners of the preferred shares. The service fee is equivalent to 0.25% of the applicable preferred share liquidation value while the preferred share auctions are successful or to 0.15% or less, varying by broker-dealer, while the auctions are failing. The APS are redeemable at the option of the fund in whole or in part at the redemption price equal to $25,000 per share, plus accumulated and unpaid dividends. The APS are also subject to mandatory redemption if certain requirements relating to its asset maintenance coverage are not satisfied. The fund is required to maintain certain asset coverage with respect to the APS as defined in the fund’s By-Laws and the Investment Company Act of 1940 and, as such is not permitted to declare common share dividends unless the fund’s APS have a minimum asset coverage ratio of 200% after declaration of the common share dividends.

 

(9)   Subsequent Event

On July 6, 2012, the fund announced that its Board of Trustees authorized the fund to conduct a voluntary tender offer for up to 100% of its outstanding auction rate preferred shares (ARPS) at a price equal to 95% of the ARPS’ per share liquidation preference of $25,000, or $23,750 per share, plus any unpaid dividends accrued through the expiration date of the tender offer. The fund’s tender offer will be conditioned upon there being validly tendered and not withdrawn at least 70% of its outstanding ARPS, the successful private placement of new preferred shares (Variable Rate Municipal Term Preferred shares or VMTP), the ARPS shareholders’ approval of an amendment to the fund’s bylaws to replace Standard & Poor’s with Fitch as a rating agency for the ARPS, and certain other conditions as will be set forth in the fund’s offer to purchase and related letter of transmittal. Additional terms of the tender offer will be included in the fund’s tender offer materials sent to ARPS shareholders. It is expected that the VMTP shares, if successfully placed, will allow the fund to replace the leverage currently obtained through ARPS that are tendered with VMTP shares. VMTP shares will be preferred shares of the fund. As to the distribution of assets of the fund, VMTP will rank on parity with ARPS that remain outstanding after the tender offer and will be senior in priority to the fund’s outstanding common shares.

On July 12, 2012, Moody’s Investors Service announced that it downgraded its ratings of the fund’s ARPS from Aaa to Aa2 pursuant to a revised ratings methodology.

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Trustees and Shareholders of the MFS High Yield Municipal Trust:

We have reviewed the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of the MFS High Yield Municipal Trust (the Fund), including the portfolio of investments, as of May 31, 2012, and the related statements of operations, changes in net assets, and financial highlights for the six-month period ended May 31, 2012. These interim financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Fund’s management.

We conducted our review in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

Based on our review, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the accompanying interim financial statements and financial highlights for them to be in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We have previously audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the statement of changes in net assets for the year ended November 30, 2011, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period ended November 30, 2011, and in our report dated January 13, 2012, we expressed an unqualified opinion on such statement of changes in net assets and financial highlights.

 

LOGO

Boston, Massachusetts

July 17, 2012

 

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BOARD REVIEW OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT

A discussion regarding the Board’s most recent review and renewal of the fund’s Investment Advisory Agreement with MFS is available by clicking on the fund’s name under “Closed End Funds” in the “Products and Performance” section of the MFS Web site (mfs.com).

PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND INFORMATION

A general description of the MFS funds’ proxy voting policies and procedures is available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-225-2606, by visiting the Proxy Voting section of mfs.com or by visiting the SEC’s Web site at http://www.sec.gov.

Information regarding how the fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the twelve-month period ended June 30, 2011 is available without charge by visiting the Proxy Voting section of mfs.com or by visiting the SEC’s Web site at http://www.sec.gov.

QUARTERLY PORTFOLIO DISCLOSURE

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

Public Reference Room

Securities and Exchange Commission

100 F Street, NE, Room 1580

Washington, D.C. 20549

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

FURTHER INFORMATION

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

 

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CONTACT US

Transfer agent, Registrar, and

Dividend Disbursing Agent

Call

1-800-637-2304

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

Write

Computershare Trust Company, N.A.

P.O. Box 43078

Providence, RI 02940-3078

 

New York Stock Exchange Symbol: CMU

 

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ITEM 2. CODE OF ETHICS.

During the period covered by this report, the Registrant has not amended any provision in its Code of Ethics (the “Code”) that relates to an element of the Code’s definitions enumerated in paragraph (b) of Item 2 of this Form N-CSR. During the period covered by this report, the Registrant did not grant a waiver, including an implicit waiver, from any provision of the Code.

 

ITEM 3. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT.

Not applicable for semi-annual reports.

 

ITEM 4. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.

Not applicable for semi-annual reports.

 

ITEM 5. AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS.

Not applicable for semi-annual reports.

 

ITEM 6. SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS.

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

 

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

Not applicable for semi-annual reports.

 

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

There were no changes during this period.


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

MFS High Yield 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
 

12/01/11-12/31/11

     0         N/A         0         2,807,701   

1/01/12-1/31/12

     0         N/A         0         2,807,701   

2/01/12-2/28/12

     0         N/A         0         2,807,701   

3/01/12-3/31/12

     0         N/A         0         2,818,507   

4/01/12-4/30/12

     0         N/A         0         2,818,507   

5/01/12-5/31/12

     0         N/A         0         2,818,507   
  

 

 

       

 

 

    

Total

     0            0      
  

 

 

       

 

 

    

Note: The Board of Trustees approves procedures to repurchase shares annually. The notification to shareholders of the program is part of the semi-annual and annual reports sent to shareholders. These annual programs begin on March 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 (March 1 through the following February 28) to 10% of the Registrant’s outstanding shares as of the first day of the plan year (March 1). The aggregate number of shares available for purchase for the March 1, 2012 plan year is 2,818,507.

 

ITEM 10. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.

There were no material changes to the procedures by which shareholders may send recommendations to the Board for nominees to the Registrant’s Board since the Registrant last provided disclosure as to such procedures in response to the requirements of Item 407 (c)(2)(iv) of Regulation S-K or this Item.

 

ITEM 11. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

 

(a) Based upon their evaluation of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Act”)) as conducted within 90 days of the filing date of this Form N-CSR, the registrant’s principal financial officer and principal executive officer have concluded that those disclosure controls and procedures provide reasonable assurance that the material information required to be disclosed by the registrant on this report is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.

 

(b) There were no changes in the registrant’s internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Act) that occurred during the second fiscal quarter covered by the report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.


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ITEM 12. EXHIBITS.

 

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

 

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

 

  (2) A separate certification for each principal executive officer and principal financial officer of the registrant as required by Rule 30a-2(a) under the Act (17 CFR 270.30a-2): Attached hereto.

 

(b) If the report is filed under Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, provide the certifications required by Rule 30a-2(b) under the Act (17 CFR 270.30a-2(b)), Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13a-14(b) or 240.15d-14(b)) and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code (18 U.S.C. 1350) as an exhibit. A certification furnished pursuant to this paragraph will not be deemed “filed” for the purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act (15 U.S.C. 78r), or otherwise subject to the liability of that section. Such certification will not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Exchange Act, except to the extent that the registrant specifically incorporates it by reference: Attached hereto.


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Notice

A copy of the 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.


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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

Registrant MFS HIGH YIELD MUNICIPAL TRUST

 

By (Signature and Title)*    JOHN M. CORCORAN
  John M. Corcoran, President

Date: July 17, 2012

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

 

By (Signature and Title)*    JOHN M. CORCORAN
  John M. Corcoran, President (Principal Executive Officer)

Date: July 17, 2012

 

By (Signature and Title)*    DAVID L. DILORENZO
 

David L. DiLorenzo, Treasurer

(Principal Financial Officer and Accounting Officer)

Date: July 17, 2012

 

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